The Band Guestbook, March 2001

Posted on Sat Mar 31 22:47:03 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-005.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.5)

Peter Viney

I just drifted over to the computer from the TV - where Ronnie Wood and Rod Stewart were performing "Maggie May" live. The studio band was good but Ron was just waiting to do his two solos. It was a little weak after the great "Walk On By" music history series (part 3) which had just shown film clips of Muddy, Leadbelly, Elvis, Hank Williams, Jimmy Rodgers, Louis Jordan, Bessie Smith and Son House. But "Long Player" was a good album, with a sleeve that's among the best ever.

Posted on Sat Mar 31 22:24:09 CEST 2001 from m198214178014.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.178.14)

pehr

I'm with Crabby on cellphone use near me unless all conversation is Band-related. I disagree with Crabby on Britney however, and must object to the immoral non band related things on all other websites, beginning with Ilkka's and Norbert's websites! Freedom of speech really only works when it is Band-Related.

Its been cold and messy for weeks in texas weather, kind of like the cover for the Brown album. in contrast, today is bright, sunny and springlike, like Dylan's painting was originally on the Big Pink cover (before the ted turner colorized re issue). I hope we hve a nice sunset by the lake tonight like the "Islands" cover.

Carmen, you get the job to produce that Danko record!

Posted on Sat Mar 31 22:19:00 CEST 2001 from host-209-214-117-6.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.117.6)

BWNWITennessee

See, anything we talk about here has a Band connection, because it's been posted by people who have purchased music by The Band, hence, a connection! But as for me, to quote Lyle Lovett, I don't like hippies, I don't like cornbread, and I don't like much.

Wow, for anyone who hasn't seen the picture Mr. Helm sent to Norbert, I suggest you click on his link. It's kind of an eye-opening look into the man's true personality. Just make sure you read the attached e-mail. THAT'S really disturbing. Thanks for sharing, it must have been a hard decision on whether or not to post it.

Posted on Sat Mar 31 21:51:26 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp241.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.241)

Diamond Lil

My, but what a cold place this would be if discussion was limited to The Band's music. Yes, this a guestbook about the Band...which is what brought us all here together in the first place...but aren't all the everyday life things what the music's about in the first place? Family...kids.. the trials and tribulations of love, friendship, the daily grind? This love for the music is only a small part of each of us here..and I for one really like learning about other little parts of the folks here. Granted, I'm probably more guilty than anyone when it comes to posting "non-Band related" stuff...but somehow I think it all connects somehow. Anyone agree..or is this just another one of those non-Band related posts? :-)

Brien SZ: Loved your post... Had to open a window! :-)

Have a good day everyone. Hug Jan.

Posted on Sat Mar 31 21:38:28 CEST 2001 from (209.32.131.99)

Pete Rivard

Dang it, Brien, now you made me get my computer all sticky with that last post.

Arnie, the chord progression on the verses to The Weight are nearly identical to Van Morrison's Tupelo Honey, as well and are close, though not exact to Curtis Mayfield's People Get Ready. In any given key, there are only so many chords that naturally fit the notes on the scale, and inevitably, chord progressions that have been heard and stored by a songwriter are likely to come back up with slightly modified melody lines.

Posted on Sat Mar 31 21:27:45 CEST 2001 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (213.51.109.69)

Norbert

....belated famous people thread.....some of you know that I mail with Levon Helm (thanx again Butch!)......Levon sent me a pic and a little note just a few month ago......after a long time of doubt......and a lot of discussion, my GB-friends encouraged me to share this with all the GBers...... I think they are right......if you want to see it, just click on the web page above......

Posted on Sat Mar 31 21:19:39 CEST 2001 from spider-wk072.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.182)

Tommy

Let's talk about RONNIE LANE!!!!!!

(And by the way, I was joking about people getting mad when you dont talk here exclusively about The Band.I mean, I have read people complain at times, but I dont care either way..Im gonna talk about what I like and find interesting.

See,like I said, it's hard to TYPE sarcasm....)

Posted on Sat Mar 31 20:31:16 CEST 2001 from proxy3-external.union1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.87)

Brien Sz

Fists clench, bodies spoon to the pounding beat of the music. A drip of salty sweat slides down an exposed neck as the head sways to and fro. The music.., oh the music is grooving; a free hand finds flesh and ever so lightly caresses a curve. Oh.., the music is making the floor boards bend. Bodies merge, lips gape near an ear and the hot breath of sensuality brings on a long cool smile; she turns to her partner and her eyes invite him to press closer. The music pounds louder, the groove gets tighter, the singing clings to the walls and the room becomes possessed. You are now a slave to it. You can't stop moving and you never want it to end. Ohhhh.., the music! That pounding, sensual groove..., that's what it's all about.

The Barn Burners tore the joint up last night at the Stone Pony. Hell, if they could put that music in a pill - Viagra would be outta business. Thanks for the GREAT TIME.

Posted on Sat Mar 31 20:14:23 CEST 2001 from ti09a62-0249.dialup.online.no (130.67.58.121)

arnie

Is it just me, or are the structure and chords in Dylan's "One Too Many Mornings" and The Band's "The Weight" too similar to be a coincidence? Also, thanks to my countryman Mr. Høiberg for creating this wonderful web site. (and my apologies for any "broken English". I speak German way better.)

Posted on Sat Mar 31 20:11:06 CEST 2001 from 209-130-151-170.nas3.mon.gblx.net (209.130.151.170)

Lars

This is hard. Very hard. But I don't want to tick off Crabgrass, so I will grudgingly go along with his demands. I will refrain from talking about the EXCELLENT shows the Gurus are doing; the refreshing quality of David Gray's "White Ladder," the hardship of not being able to make the last few Barnburner's gigs (which has to end: I'll be at their next show); no more ducks; no more flys, tulips, sunsets, nozzler partion bullets, or gardening stories.

As for the Band, they were great. And then they "moved on to something else" as Randy said to me one night, trying to explain why they're not all still together playing music from "Big Pink." All these musicians who play the music that we love are NOT going to stay the same. We should enjoy these guys while we can, because someday things will shift again. The only thing that you can count on staying the same is the recorded music that we play.

Posted on Sat Mar 31 20:04:42 CEST 2001 from st-catherines-ppp112429.sympatico.ca (216.209.140.58)

Richard Patterson

Is anybody here familiar with the TAMI show ? A TV special from 1964 put together by the director who later did the Elvis '68 Comeback Special? WOW! This is one kick-ass compilation of pop talent... James Brown, Rolling Stones, Chuck Berry, Beach Boys, Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, etc. all doing knockout live performances in front of a real audience (no lip sinking here)... Anyways, in the middle of this crazy video is a song by the BARBARIANS (hey, I thought that was the name of Ron Wood's band). Does anybody know if this is the same group that had the Hawks playing as session guys on their Nuggets era recordings? The drummer seems to be hitting the skins with a left hook...

CRABGRASS: Please stop talking about Richard Thompson. At least Britney has a well established link with the Band, through Illka's dog's website : ).

Posted on Sat Mar 31 19:21:00 CEST 2001 from 3cust41.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.138.41)

Crabgrass

I like only The Band, Richard Thompson, and Britney Spears and would prefer if others only discussed these artists. Thanks for your cooperation in this matter. I also don't like others using cell phones near me so if you run into me please don't do it!

Posted on Sat Mar 31 19:13:08 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-ta023.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.28)

Bayou Sam

I always thought Ron Wood fit perfectly in with the Stones, and complimented Keef as well as anyone. People forget also that he played bass with a pretty good guitar player named Jeff Beck, and that band featured Rod Stewart of course. Go get Beck's "Truth" cd if you don't have it.

I don't want to start a rucuss here, but why do some of you feel that you must apologise for bringing up artists other than The Band every once and a while? Does anyone like ONLY The Band to the exclusion of all other music? It often has a Band connection, and it always comes back to the Band eventually..I just had to get that off my chest (fever).

...how ya doin' Witt - long time no chat.

Posted on Sat Mar 31 18:44:40 CEST 2001 from empb-port31.net.mcmaster.ca (130.113.192.110)

Manrico Erasmi

Tommy, You're not kidding about Ron Wood. His playing is not emphasized so much with the Stones. And I always thought that he was a great songwriter, too. He certainly had a great sense of American blues and country (fantastic slide player). His work on Rod's solo stuff is also excellent. As far as connections to The Band, the great Glyn Johns produced "A Nod's As Good As a Wink" and mixed (partially, at least) "Stage Fright". Anyway, I could talk about the Faces for days...so, I'll end it here.

Posted on Sat Mar 31 17:13:49 CEST 2001 from 157.philadelphia-16-17rs.pa.dial-access.att.net (12.78.214.157)

carmen

Blind Willie, I was going to say just play Rick Danko # 1 then I gave it some thought. Here is a bakers dozen for a "Best Of" taken from his 4 official releases;

New Mexico - #1

Java Blues -#1

Small Town Talk -#1

Sweet Romance -#1

Once Upon A Time -#1

Sip the Wine - Breeze Hill

Twilight - Breeze Hill

Ripple- TLT

Times Like These - TLT

Book Faded Brown-TLT

Chain Gang - TLT

You Can Go Home - TLT

It Makes No Difference-In Concert

Posted on Sat Mar 31 16:50:37 CEST 2001 from spider-we031.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.31)

Mike

Joe - Clint Eastwood played the character Rowdy Yates in Rawhide, not Wagon Train. Rawhide was the show with the trail boss Gil Favor and the cook named Wishbone. :)

Posted on Sat Mar 31 16:26:13 CEST 2001 from spider-wl062.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.47)

Rick S.

Linn and Patrik- in May, how about showing us a picture of Hudson, Fjeld, Andersen and Hoiberg?

Posted on Sat Mar 31 14:17:19 CEST 2001 from (203.59.153.201)

Nancy

Bashful Bill: The Bob Dylan concert was amazing. I got back to work two days after seeing and hearing him live for the first time, and had to slap myself to get those amazing images out of my mind. He played for two hours, 18 songs, of which about half were his best known stuff. Maybe I am imagining this, and maybe I will raise Ben's blood pressure by presuming to have an opinion, but it seemed that he was striving to please and satisfy his fans. Towards the end of the concert during the last 5 or 6 songs he appeared to become more relaxed, and smiled on and off during the screaming and yahooing of an audience clearly overwhelmed with his performance.

Since the opening act consisted of some excellent Aussie talent, namely Paul Kelly and Linda and Vika Bull, the concert ticket was such good value at $75.00!!!

Posted on Sat Mar 31 11:35:07 CEST 2001 from spider-tp044.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.194)

Tommy...again

Oh yeah...

...Bobby Keyes played horns on the Faces' album 'Long Player'...another BAND connection ( I know there is more, I just cant think of any right now.I'm only putting these Band connection facts here so people on the GB that complain when you dont talk about The Band cant complain too much.).

Goodnight..or rather, good morning.It's 4:26 in the A.M. ..I gotta get some sleep now...

Posted on Sat Mar 31 10:26:54 CEST 2001 from spider-tp074.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.209)

Tommy

Hello ...

Are there any 'FACES' fans here...they're such a GREAT band!Ronnie Lane is such a fantastic songwriter...one that doesn't get ,in my opinion, the credit/praise/recognition he deserves.Of course the "BAND connection" with The Faces is Ron Wood..who I think did his best guitar work with this band.I'm talking about the Rod Stewart line-up ,not the Steve Marriot-included 'Small Faces'...this line up also includes Kenny Jones on drums,who would later play with The Who,and Ian McLagan on piano/organ who played with EVERYONE, basically.Any one here a fan of them/familiar with them other than 'Stay with Me',their big "radio hit"?Let's discuss...

Posted on Sat Mar 31 09:26:34 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tb014.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.24)

Joe

The western with the character "Chester", was called "Gunsmoke". Chester was played by actor Dennis Weaver. Clint Eastwood played a character called Rowdy Yates in the western called "Wagon Train".

Posted on Sat Mar 31 08:41:36 CEST 2001 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Don't Look Back (1965) van D.A. Pennebaker, vannacht van 1.00 tot 2.35, VPRO-tv, Nederland 3.

Van hoe Bobby door Engeland toerde, nog net voordat-ie met onze jongens ging spelen.

Posted on Sat Mar 31 07:05:41 CEST 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

Blind Willie McTell

I want to make a cd of Rick Danko solo songs. If you could have a best of Rick cd outside of The Band .... which songs would you include?

Posted on Sat Mar 31 04:51:26 CEST 2001 from 1cust189.tnt2.levittown2.pa.da.uu.net (63.29.142.189)

patti

The Band was great. I still enjoy their music today. The Last Waltz was a fine tribute to an enormously talented group. You could see the love and admiration for them from all of their guests. Rest in peace Richard and Rick.

Posted on Sat Mar 31 04:46:42 CEST 2001 from 1cust189.tnt2.levittown2.pa.da.uu.net (63.29.142.189)

patti

The Band was great. I still enjoy their music today. The Last Waltz was a fine tribute to an enormously talented group. I was impressed with all of their guests. They were truly loved by their fellow musicians and that concert showed that to the world. Rest in peace Richard and Rick.

Posted on Sat Mar 31 04:38:16 CEST 2001 from spider-wj021.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.26)

Tommy

Tom Waits;he is fantastic..a TRUE original!!! I've been talking about him here for months now...I mentioned the John Hammond collaboration a while back.Is it finally out??? I haven't seen it in any stores yet.I gotta get it!someone let me know if it's available already.Thanks, friends.

Oh yeah, on the radio today, I heard an announcement for a Barnburners' show in Jersey.Great!It's good to hear SOMETHING about these shows other than on this site.It's good to know the word is being spread!

Later folks...

Posted on Sat Mar 31 02:18:58 CEST 2001 from 1cust100.tnt33.bos2.da.uu.net (63.48.91.100)

jack meserve

I love the music The Band made. It's become a part of who I am. I'm a singer/guitarist and this music means alot to me.I think this site is great.

Posted on Fri Mar 30 23:07:24 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp93.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.93)

Diamond Lil

" D. Piddy Doo Dah??" :-) God I need a vacation...

DaveZ: I'm fine here...haven't had a need for an ice cream or chocolate tranquilizer yet. Just reading silently awhile.

Have a good night everyone..and to the achy and sneezy one...feel better..and remember..beer is _not_ a juice! :-)

Posted on Fri Mar 30 22:57:52 CEST 2001 from slip-32-100-73-249.ga.us.prserv.net (32.100.73.249)

Don Pugatch

For all you Nappy-ites, great live version of the Weight, with Levon, John Hiatt, and Radney Foster. Another great live cut, Eric Clapton with Povaratti, doing Holy Mother, brings tears to this ones eyes.

Hey Joe F. email, me, your email is not working

Posted on Fri Mar 30 22:19:05 CEST 2001 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Speaking of playing "Misty", I saw Errol Garner's OLDER (!) brother, Linton, playing solo piano in a club in Vancouver BC last month. And yes, he did play his brother's classic. I went up to him after the set to say hello for a mutual friend, singer Big John Little, who I've had occasion to mention a couple of times in this guestbook due to his connection to ex-Hawk Sandy Konikoff.

As for Eastwood / Band connections, wasn't there a Crazy Chester in that old shoot-em-up western TV show gave Clint his start in the early '60s?

Posted on Fri Mar 30 21:59:55 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-096.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.96)

Peter Viney

Thanks for the pointers to ‘Play Misty for Me’ – good to have a reason to watch it again.

Hi, Ben. Not to continue a fruitless and minor disagreement too far, but if you seriously think that as a Dylan fan you are “oppressed” by Sony/Columbia (which is I guess what you mean by an absurd and oppressive established institution), can I suggest a visit to some countries (or indeed areas of your own country) where people suffer genuine oppression? Try women in Aghanistan. The Rrom in Eastern Europe. Kurds in Iraq. Try Leonard Peltier. But Sony? People dream sweetly of being “oppressed” by Sony. Just to get this into perspective. And it’s one n.

Posted on Fri Mar 30 21:35:17 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tg061.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.176)

Donna

This is not Band related, but I remember last month Lil, mentioned David Gray. While I was playing Mom's Taxi service today, WXPN played "Babylon." Then announced that David Gray will be coming to Phila., next month. If anyone is interested, when they announce when and where, I will post it in here.

Well, I am off to see The Gurus tonight, at the Pattenburg House. Should be a great show, and Randy and Jim, are under a lot of pressure to play, "Willie and the Hand Jive," for a closer.

Wishing everyone a great weekend!

Posted on Fri Mar 30 21:28:03 CEST 2001 from spider-wc034.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.34)

bob wigp

At which point David could title his first release "Doo Dah".

Posted on Fri Mar 30 20:48:39 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

David Powell: Ro Ro was the old name. It has been changed to R. Ribby, which is one of the reasons Puffy wanted to change his name to P. Diddy. If you like, we can call you D. Piddy?

Does anyone here own Gene Clark's This Byrd Has Flown? Does Rick play on it? Which track?

Posted on Fri Mar 30 19:08:39 CEST 2001 from ptldme-cmt4-c3-66-30-24-240.maine.rr.com (66.30.24.240)

mattk

Interesting that Pat brings up the myth of Dylan's wild days in Denver (obviously looking to co-opt the Neil Cassiday/Kerouac tales of bumming around Larimer street).

Of course Tom Waits DID hang out on Larimer in Denver, frequenting the Terminal Bar near the train station, which was also a fixture in Kerouac's days. I understand that Tom was embracing his Beat sensibilities at the time.

Larimer Street has changed significantly since Tom's days, and certainly since Neil and Jack's days. When I left Denver, some eight years ago, the Terminal Bar had become the Billabong (more of a sports/darts/billiards joint for white collar types). The bar where Neil and Jack met also still stood, but was arguably even more rough and tumble.

I don't know if either the Billabong or the other bar are still there - that part of Denver is where the new stadium and arena were built, and I know those neighborhoods were overhauled. Most of the Larimer haunts that Neil and Jack and even Tom frequented, by the late 70s, had been converted into an old towne shopping district. The site of Neil's favorite brothel is now the spot of a large boutique-oriented retail "mall," ironically.

Denver depresses me. It's the poster child for American cities that trade in their architecture, culture and uniqueness for a blander vision, overrun first by the 70s oil boom, and again the 90s tech boom. Denver is no more distinct than any other glass city in the west these days. Other than the accent, you probably can't tell it from Houston or Dallas these days.

Posted on Fri Mar 30 18:58:22 CEST 2001 from ptldme-cmt4-c3-66-30-24-240.maine.rr.com (66.30.24.240)

mattk

Bashful Bill, that was indeed the Johnny Otis Show at Monterey in "Play Misty For Me." As the movie was released in 1971, it's probably safe to assume that the set was taped at the 1970 festival (if we assume principal filming was completed somewhat prior to release), and is the same set found on the Epic/Legacy release. I'll have to rent the film and compare it to the recording to see for sure. I've not seen that film in years, though I remember it has some incredible performances in the Monterey Fest scene - particularly excerpts from a sizzling Cannonball Adderly set (Roland Kirk is in the film as well, if I recall).

Posted on Fri Mar 30 18:45:01 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

"John's [Hammond] particular dialect in music is that of Charley Patton's shoe size and Skip James' watch chain. He has a blacksmith's rhythm and precision it takes to cut diamonds or to handle snakes."
--Tom Waits quote from Rosebud Agency promo material for "Wicked Grin"

I couldn't agree more with Mr. Cassarino -- "Wicked Grin" is a rare delight. Mr. Hammond's strong vocals & tasty guitar licks put Mr. Waits' lyrics into crystalline focus, carving diamonds on the windshield from the coal beneath the road. Augmenting Mr. Waits' production, occasional guitar & vocal support is a crackerjack backup group consisting of Larry Taylor, Augie Meyers, Stephen Hodges and Charlie Musselwhite. It is interesting to note that Mr. Hammond first worked with Mr. Musselwhite on the 1964 sessions for Hammond's great "So Many Roads" album that also featured Levon Helm, Garth Hudson, Robbie Robertson and Michael Bloomfield.

"Wicked Grin" features 12 Waits songs and one traditional gospel number. The rousing rendition of the latter, "I Know I've Been Changed", featuring a verse sung by Mr. Waits, is an appropriate closing for this fine album. Mr. Hammond's collaboration with Mr. Waits worked out so well during the recording that Mr. Waits was inspired to write, with his wife Kathleen Brennan, a new song, "Fannin Street", for the project.

With Mr. Hammond's strong, clear & pure interpretations of these songs, one can truly realize just how gifted Mr. Waits is as a songwriter. John Hammond puts his own distinctive brand on the material while adding new dimensions of nuance to the songs. You owe it to yourself to give "Wicked Grin" a listen.

Posted on Fri Mar 30 18:13:34 CEST 2001 from spider-we072.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.52)

Dave Z

Hey Diamond Lil: Where you been hiding all week?... Not trying to kick this GB habit on your own are ya?... That would be very dangerous... I just advance ordered the Band reissues myself from CDNOW... Opps, wrong thing to say?... I hope Jan doesn't have to send over Ilkka's dog to check on you... we don't want to find a strung out lady engulfed in ice cream and chocolate with Java Blues playing in the background, do we?...

Posted on Fri Mar 30 17:42:29 CEST 2001 from corr5.doc.state.vt.us (159.105.102.25)

John Cassarino

Just wanted to say that John Hammond's new album Wicked Grin is something all Band fans should look into John is covering 12 Tom Waits songs great blues album very different than most of Hammond's albums. I saw John Hammond perform a solo acoustic blues show at The Town Creier in Pawling NY on 2-2-01 great show. When the show was over I got a chance to talk to him and told him what a great blues band Levon Helm has got. I told him about the Barnburners John Hammond had great things to say about all the guys in the Band. Wouldn't a blues show with Levon Helm & Barnburners, Jim Weider Honky Tonk Gurus, The Cromatix, and John Hammond be a show for the ages.... What great music long live The Band great to see the guys all still jammin.... Levon get that Barnburners CD out I can't wait much longer!!!!

Posted on Fri Mar 30 17:18:50 CEST 2001 from anon-proxy7.free.anonymizer.com (216.34.244.74)

Edgar Allen Poe

quoth the Raven, "never Gore!"

Posted on Fri Mar 30 15:37:30 CEST 2001 from spider-tl021.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.181)

bob wigo

Damn Ben, is it a hemorrhoid ?

Let's call it Pike's Pique.

Posted on Fri Mar 30 11:26:32 CEST 2001 from 1cust25.tnt2.hba1.da.uu.net (63.34.233.25)

Christopher

\Saw Dylan in Adelaide - was great played Wheels On Fire & I Shall Be Released - fine form and played great lead .

Posted on Fri Mar 30 10:01:45 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tb033.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.33)

Ben Pike

The point of the "Dylan" story, was Columbia dumping on Dylan's fans, not on Bob, who I would be the first to admit can look after himself. Vinney, it seems to me that teacher did effect his intended messege: to terrorize you suficently at an early ages so you will never question the legitmacy of our established institutions, no matter how absurd or oppresive. The story of Bob taking his fans backstage is somewhat less than convincing,if it's true he was probably birddoging some babe. Oh yes, I met a bartender in New York once who claimed he had heard The Band do "Rags and Bones" live. Just wanted to insert some meaningless triva to give my post legitmacy.

Posted on Fri Mar 30 08:31:22 CEST 2001 from (203.103.135.138)

Michael

Caught Bob in concert 23/3, he in great voice, but if a band was ever screaming for a lead guitarist this one was, acoustic sets were fine but electric was just too busy, def needed a GE Smith. regards

Posted on Fri Mar 30 07:42:19 CEST 2001 from du184-3.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.3.184)

Ilkka

May I present some boring statistics:
The alt. Band website has been visited 566 times but the "Britney naked" page has been visited only 324 times. Can we came to any conclusions of this fact?

Posted on Fri Mar 30 05:54:07 CEST 2001 from user-33qt8a0.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.161.64)

Pat Brennan

Shoot, Dylan told more tall tales at the beginning of his career than anytime since. Working the wild scene in Denver, his "dead" parents, where he got his version of "House of the Rising Sun," man it goes on and on. I don't know about this near-death thing influencing him musically much since the Never-ending tour started back in 86 or so. His latest band is getting raves, but I thought those GE Smith shows were incredible. Whatever the case, there's no doubt that Bob's been killing it for some years now on stage, and his recent recorded output rivals other high points. We'll probably never see Blonde On Blonde or BOTT or....but TOOM is awfully good.

BTW, Rob Stoner played bass on the Rolling Thunder review. And if you liked It Ain't Me Babe from the new live thing, seek out the Columbia EP from Reynaldo & Clara which includes Isis. Kind of a perfect companion piece to Hard Rain, the third greatest live Dylan album.

Posted on Fri Mar 30 05:42:36 CEST 2001 from spider-wk064.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.179)

Bayou Sam

I bet we're seeing the most stripped down - honest - non "image" - no toying - the real deal, Bob Dylan EVER.

Hey - how come the folk purists in '66 were OK with Zimmy having a (gasp!) phoney name?....."I don't Beleive in Zimmerman...."

Posted on Fri Mar 30 05:26:53 CEST 2001 from spider-te021.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.181)

Tommy

Sorry for any confusion ,it's hard to TYPE sarcasm.

Posted on Fri Mar 30 05:09:19 CEST 2001 from 24-pool2.ras11.inind.agisdial.net (206.148.233.24)

Jon

Just stuck in "Coal Miner's Daughter". Never saw it before. Fair amount of Levon in it. If you have never seen it, it is very good. Levon does a fine job, and is just being Levon. Glad this website is here, never knew he was in it. Thanks!!!!

Posted on Fri Mar 30 05:03:58 CEST 2001 from a010-0051.blgs.splitrock.net (209.254.61.51)

Jack Straw

Dylan fans: a great story on Dylanology in the current Rolling Stone, RS866. Suggested (required?) reading for those heretics amongst us:)

Posted on Fri Mar 30 02:58:40 CEST 2001 from host-209-214-125-114.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.125.114)

Back with no wife in Tennessee

Actually, I heard that RR's going by "J. Ro," a reference to Jaime. Apparently he ran into some trouble with people expecting Jennifer Lopez while on a recent visit to Chinatown.

I liked the soundtrack to Jim Jarmusch's "Ghost Dog." And I also liked the way the music was used in "Hannibal," it really created an atmosphere.

Posted on Fri Mar 30 02:24:30 CEST 2001 from spider-tr063.proxy.aol.com (152.163.201.203)

Bashful Bill

Matt & Peter-in the movie Play Misty For Me, there are a few lengthy scenes filmed at the Monterey Jazz Festival circa 70 or 71. One is of a band playing Hand Jive.Would that possibly be your Johnny Otis? I love this movie, Clint Eastwood's directorial debut, and a good debut at that.(Is there a Clint/Band connection I wonder?) But I especially love it as I lived in Monterey 73-75, spent a lot of time in Big Sur and recognize so much of the scenery. And, speaking of Hand Jive-our own G-Man(the Guru's #1 fan) and his lady Donna talked the Guru's into playing it for an encore at the Turning Point last month. For the record, the G-Man, wisely no doubt, declined their invitation to step up on the stage and sing it. And Nancy, my Aussie friend, how about filling us in on the Dylan show. I recall you exitedly looking forward to it months ago.

Posted on Fri Mar 30 02:19:46 CEST 2001 from styx.belo.com (147.136.249.254)

csiron

Today is the first day the next batch of reissues is available to pre-order on amazon.com.

Try using one of the following discount coupons: AMZNMSNSPRNG (free U.S. shipping), 5DLLRS35PCHS ($5 off) or AMZNTENPRCNT (10 percent off)

As usual, some restrictions apply, and the last two expire on March 31.

Posted on Fri Mar 30 01:33:27 CEST 2001 from mat-9-37.enter.net (207.16.156.185)

Little Brøther

I've tried to check out the Dylan speech download Pat Brennan kindly provided, but on both home and work PCs the download slammed shut with the message that the correct video decompression file wasn't found. Both systems default to the Windows Media Player. Has anyone else run into this?

I'd appreciate any tips on which player might work, or how I could download a file that might do it.

Now I know how Lil felt when her preview screen deviewed.

Thanks much.

Posted on Fri Mar 30 00:43:09 CEST 2001 from csiewert.student.princeton.edu (140.180.130.73)

Cam

Wow. This is classic "Bob Dylan is a traitor" banter, eh? Sound familiar, all you Hawks fans? The only difference here is that I don't think he was really trying to make a statement in his acceptance speech. Come on, you guys, what was he supposed to say? It's just a few words to accept a stupid Oscar which probably doesn't mean all that much anyway. Cheers to him for shining on and, as ever, continuing to change.

People are crazy and times are strange
I'm locked in tight and I'm out of range
I used to care, but things have changed.

Posted on Fri Mar 30 00:16:58 CEST 2001 from ptldme-cmt4-c3-66-30-24-240.maine.rr.com (66.30.24.240)

MattK

Peter, if you don't already have it, check out "The Johnny Otis Show Live in Monterey!." It's been re-released by Epic/Legacy as part of their "Roots and Blues Masters" series. The CD comes from the 1970 Monterey Jazz Festival, and must have featured a similair line up as the one you saw a couple years later.

The CD opens with a killer version of "Hand Jive" and then proceeds through a literal "who's who" of 1950s R-n-B, including Eddie "Cleanhead" Vinson, Roy Brown, Little Esther, Delmar Evans, Big Joe Turner, Roy Milton and Pee Wee Clayton.

Great stuff. Highly recommend it.

Matt

Posted on Thu Mar 29 22:46:52 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-170.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.170)

Peter Viney

Matt: thanks for the info on Shuggie Otis. I saw Shuggie Otis with the Johnny Otis Show circa 1971 or 1972. He was very young, and probably over-influenced by Hendrix at the time, and apologies to the Band, but that was a truly great Willie & the Hand Jive which has stuck in my memory. I suspect the best version I ever saw was The Flying Burritos around the same time.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 22:23:37 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tb072.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.52)

Dave Z

Elly: I always liked Girl From The North Country...

David P: Any chance we might see Ro Ro do some hip hop?... I know that the thought of Madonna with guitar might make some blow chow, but it could be interesting... he he he...

Posted on Thu Mar 29 22:06:22 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Speaking of Dylan -- Bob Irwin & the fine folks at Sundazed have just released a 180-gram vinyl version of "Bringing It All Back Home". The LP, with original artwork, is an all-analog remastering from the original MONO master! Word is that Sundazed will be releasing some more Dylan albums on vinyl in the near future, including "Blonde On Blonde" from the original mono masters. Can't wait to hear them.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 21:41:07 CEST 2001 from (209.73.251.26)

Mike from Boston

Wow, thought I stumbled upon the Dylan web site for a minute there...or maybe the Oscar Gripe Line. That having been said...has anyone heard the new Dylan Live CD, or is this old news? The Band stuff is great, though not "new"...I have to say I think it works. Grand Coulee Dam live from Woody Guthrie's Mem COncert has always been a fav or mine - Rick and Levon's backup superb! and Robbie's raucus leads on a miked up acoustic?!?!?! This is the sound track to the now famous B&W photo, found elsewhere on this site. My favorite cut here is the "It Aint Me Babe" from Renaldo and Clara. The interplay of 3 guitars ( ?Rob Stoner one?)is inspiring, and Dylan is just into it!I have had a audience tape of this cut , credited to Providence RI during Rolling Thunder Tour. I am glad to get the stage recording. It gets my vote for best cut on the album - turn it up to 11! Too bad I can't read Japanese so I can see some credits...and $33 is a stretch for me but they knew who would cough it up when they came up with this idea. The "Wade in the Water" and "Handsome Molly" cuts tell me there exists more high quality versions of stuff that has been around for 30 years in very scratchy quality...more albums to come I am sure. Ka-ching Ka-ching! Any news on a "Barnburner" CD anyone?

Posted on Thu Mar 29 21:39:56 CEST 2001 from (209.32.129.14)

Pete Rivard

When you Awake on kpig.com right now

Posted on Thu Mar 29 21:33:17 CEST 2001 from (206.187.219.43)

Elly

Thanks to everyone for posting references about Bob Dylan! Direct inspiration to get me writing again, as he was my ultimate rock literary reach! Rave on Bob Dylan, Rave on! "In the glimpse of the hour The Power Fuse Of his words Reign over me like a golden ARROW Feather lightly Sweet Emotion Passion's Mine With deepest devotion One fav song: What is a sweetheart like me doing in a dump like this? Love, Elly.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 21:30:46 CEST 2001 from ptldme-cmt4-c3-66-30-24-240.maine.rr.com (66.30.24.240)

mattk

I heard the Shuggie Otis piece on NPR as well. Nice to hear a deserving musician get wider recognition.

Shuggie is the son of band leader, Johnny Otis, who was rather famous in his day and is one of the guys, like Roy Milton, Roy Brown, Big Joe Turner, and Johnny Guitar Watson who transformed jump swing into early rhythm and blues (and by extension to rock and roll).

Johnny is akin to a guy like Don Robey - part impresario, part talent scout, part composer, part performer (Johnny reputedly "discovered" Etta James and Big Mama Thornton - and there's dispute as to crediting him for "Hound Dog"). His shows featured an impressive array of talent and stars that would come out and do one or two numbers before giving way to the next act. I believe Shuggie was essentially the musical director of the group that would back up each artist.

Shuggie got his start playing guitar in his father's band at the age of 16 and continued to play with his father, as well as lead his own groups into the 1970s. Shuggie is a great blues guitarist and a fine singer. These days, I understand, he has a band that plays around Northern California and still does gigs with his dad.

The curious should nab Shuggie's first recordings are compiled on Epic/Legacy on a record called "Shuggie Otis Plays the Blues" and features production credits by Al Kooper, Don "Sugarcane" Harris, as well as dear old dad.

Of interest to us Zappa fans (you out there Sundog?) - Shuggie plays bass on Hot Rats (and has the obvious Mothers connection via Sugarcane).

"Inspiration and Information," is a great record that reflects the wide range of styles he was exposed to as a teenager in his dad's band. It kind of reminds me of an Al Green record of the same era - or maybe Al Green meets Taj Mahal.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 21:05:55 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Any truth to the rumor that Robbie Robertson has adopted the moniker "Ro Ro", following the latest trend among hip-hop artists?

Posted on Thu Mar 29 21:04:41 CEST 2001 from spider-wi044.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.39)

butch

Just a reminder,,,,,, friday,,, 30 march,,,,,

Levon Helm & The Barn Burners w/o bobby keys,,,,

The Stone Pony,,,,,,, Asbury Park, N.J.,,,,

all of ya'll noot @ the GURUS,,, come paaaaaaahty w/us,,, plenty of blues to go round,,,,,,,,,,,

oh & mr viney is correct ,, thats the finest cut, on a great Nod To Bob,,, T-Bone Wolk also steals the track with his accordian playing,, & Guy's vocal is grrrreat,,, greg brown, john gorka, rosalie sorrels, & others make a fine record,,, FYI,,,,

Posted on Thu Mar 29 20:53:00 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Peter Viney: Thanks for the Dylan tribute info! That sounds great! May is going to be a great month for Band fans. Isn't it great that in the year 2001 we are still looking forward to NEW Band material.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 20:24:48 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-077.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.77)

Peter Viney

Just spotted: The “A Nod to Bob Dylan” tribute album comes out on May 8th. According to Record Collector, “standouts include Guy Davis backed by the Band’s Levon Helm and Van Morrison guitarist John Platania (on “ASweetheart Like You”)”. Latest UK info on The Band remasters is May 7th and all the RoA bonus material has been mixed by Robbie Robertson.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 20:17:29 CEST 2001 from (209.195.208.10)

bassmanlee

Bob Dylan on the AA's...good to see him loved the Vincent Price look, the song was ok but not memorable, performance a bit ragged, but what time was it Down Under? Hasn't Mr. D earned the right to do whatever the hell he pleases at this point? He has given us 40 years of mostly engaging, sometimes brilliant, sometimes mediocre music. And he hasn't OD'd himself or run for office.

The rest of the show was the usual shite. Randy Newman's song was not his best either, and Susanna Hoffs sure ain't no jazz singer. Can't help wondering what Mr. & Mrs. Middle America made of Bjork. And it turns out Sting got no Swing!

Coincidentally on the second disc of Biograph right now, about to finish the D section of my alphabetical review of the CD collection, so I've heard a bit o' Bob in the last few days. Sorry, maybe I'm a tasteless slob, but I LIKE Under the Red Sky. It's his music, his career, his life. It's his perogative to play it, sell it, use it, or spend it as he sees fit. (Doesn't Buddukan prove he can and will destroy his own material at will?) Judge not lest, ye...etc...

Basement Tapes are listed as "Bob Dylan and the Band", so it was in the D's. First listen since discovering this site and reading all the commentary about it. IMO, The Band tunes in general are far better. I would side with those who see this as pivotal period in Band's development, but really not essential to Dylan, and some of his tunes and performances sound like throw-aways.

Recently had my first experience in a recording studio. Very interesting. I now know what a producer does, as we did not have one, and have little to show for our efforts! Making records is harder than just making music. Be thankful we have the performaces we do, no matter how the were packaged or represented, and try to bear in mind the trials and tribulations the artist(s) may have had to go through to get themselves there and get them on tape.

Heard an NPR piece on a Shuggie Otis record that has been recently released on CD. "Inspiration and Information"? Anyone remember this LP? What became of Shuggie?

Til next time, Peace to all...

Posted on Thu Mar 29 18:10:23 CEST 2001 from 56k-la-01-00.dial.qnet.com (209.221.212.63)

Dave the Phone Guy

Someone tell us about Schenectady 04/27.

Spring is starting to shape up pretty good out here in the west. I've got plans for Delbert McClinton at Sparks, Nv. April 13 & 14. Los Lobos at the same place May 11 & 12. The Sons of Champlin are playin' again after two years in late May/early June. AND THEN! Levon Helm and The Barnburners back in NorCal June 9th at a beautiful outdoor venue in the Redwoods!

Hey Bill W. in Reno, you ought to consider the Delbert and Lobos shows. That's right in your back yard. Also, you won't be disappointed if you make the drive to Piercy, Ca. for The Barnburners.

Support live music It's good for you

Posted on Thu Mar 29 17:18:31 CEST 2001 from spider-wo082.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.57)

Donna

Peter Viney: I could not agree with you more on Dylan! Your last post said it all, very well put. I tip my hat to Bob Dylan.

I will be going to see, The Gurus tomorrow night, at the Pattenburg House, New Jersey! I could not be any happier with The Gurus, coming out with a cd. Garth's new cd soon to be released, "Sea to the North," and of course The BarnBurner's cd, coming soon. Much to look forward too!

Posted on Thu Mar 29 16:45:07 CEST 2001 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

Hey, Dylan's kewl!! However, we got a short performance from him at the RRHOF!! Now in about 36 hours-BAND FANS- the Gurus will be playin at the Pattenburg House!!! Now that's goin be a long show, featuring great music!! Plus--rumor has it, the crew will be featurin some of the songs from their new Cd!!

Posted on Thu Mar 29 16:41:10 CEST 2001 from garco.cpe.newsouth.net (64.90.4.86)

Mike Carrico

There's no doubt that the Academy Awards show (or any awards show for that matter) is your basic crock; but the award itself is another matter. At some level it is recognition by your peers of excellence at your craft. And to accept this recognition gracefully is a sign of maturity. Little Bobby Dylan has grown up, for better or worse. But he is nothing if not mercurial, and I would expect to see many more versions of the man before this trip is over.

Hollywood is not really his turf though, and it's as if he were a special guest at a party he's not normally invited to. It would be bad form to piss in the punchbowl, although Subterranean Homesick Blues Bob might have done just that. Not the case with Things Have Changed Bob...

Posted on Thu Mar 29 16:38:50 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-107.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.107)

Peter Viney

Coincidentally, Michelle Shocked, chatting to the audience on Sunday, suddenly yelled “Judas!” just to see how many got the reference. Bob’s reply, between “Judas” and “Play F••cking loud” is “I don’t believe you … you’re a liar.” If you read back over old Dylan interviews, I don’t think you’ll often be able to decide what he means or whether it was sincere. What’s he supposed to do? Stand up and say “F**k Columbia?” When someone has been closely associated with a label for nearly forty years, there’ll be bad bits (spitefully releasing the 73 Dylan album, and even worse allowing him to release utter crap like “Saved” at all) and good bits (arranging to do ‘Blonde on Blonde’ in Nashville etc). There’ll be great people who worked with him at Columbia, and total swine who worked with him. Big company. Forty years. In the whole span of his career, Columbia must have done some things right. Given his long relationship, in spite of his brief extra-marital fling with Asylum, there must be some things he genuinely appreciates. And on such occasions “Thank you” is sensible and appropriate. I saw an old schoolteacher of mine, now extremely ancient of days and feeble, in the supermarket, and being right in front of him in the line, greeted him. We talked for ten minutes. I do recall he had been an aggressive bastard forty years ago, and I recall him hitting me around the ear so hard that I was deaf for a week, but that was not appropriate to mention in the circumstances … things have changed. I’m sure Dylan felt similar about Columbia.

On the generally awful “Dylan” album from 1973 (?) there is actually one track I like very much, “The Ballad of Ira Hayes” which neatly unites the Dylan / Awards thread with the Native American / Awards thread. But I like Self-Portrait too.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 16:27:25 CEST 2001 from proxy1-external.blfld1.ct.home.com (24.4.252.36)

AHROOO!!

Judas! Go home Bob Dylan!! BOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! BOOOOOO!!!

Oh wait, it's 2001, not 1966! What made me think that?

AHROOO!!

Posted on Thu Mar 29 15:52:27 CEST 2001 from (203.59.210.3)

Nancy

John Donabie mentioned how Bob Dylan appears to "play" with people, and others have noted that he also seems to have changed in his personal style yet again. This reminded me of a local news story in relation to his Aussie tour, which I read with interest since it was about his Perth concert which I was lucky enough to see.

OK, so the story was about a group of 10 or so fans who waited near a back entrance to the concert venue in the hope that they could get his autograph. After a wait of several hours they saw The Man, waylaid him to make their request, and were then invited by him to come backstage with him to mix and mingle with all the people backstage during soundchecks and whatever. I found the story hard to believe, and would like to repeat the article word for word for accuracy, but can't as I no longer have it. The fan responsible for telling the story said that he and his friends were in Dylan's company for around an hour while he did whatever it is that megastars do before a concert. He chatted to them, and they chatted back to him , even while they felt somewhat awestruck and left wondering what they had done to be so lucky.

And yes, I was GREEN with envy when I read the story, 'cos I only saw him from block J!!!!!!!!!!

Posted on Thu Mar 29 15:30:28 CEST 2001 from cl3030709-b.mdsn1.wi.home.com (24.183.0.216)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

*LONG LIVE THE MASTER OF POETRY* BOB DYLAN DOES IT BETTER THAN ANY OTHER SINGLE ARTIST (IMO).

Posted on Thu Mar 29 14:50:44 CEST 2001 from 24.68.33.158.on.wave.home.com (24.68.33.158)

J Donabie

BILL W........No I didn't miss the point. I don't believe I misrepresented the point either. It was my feeble attempt at a little sarcastic humour. Anyway.

There are aspects of Dylan's life (which belongs to him and no other) that bother the fan. That was my point. You were bothered by the speech. Others hated him for turning electric. I had a little problem when he started selling some of his songs for bank commercials. I think it comes down to believing that somehow this "folksy protest singer" who would never give into the "man" has changed. I can only speak for myself that the "image" that "I" have built up in my mind of him has somehow changed over the years. I believe it's natural to feel that way when you have a passion for someone. The fact that he thanked the record company people and the movie people is reality. Many preferred the obnoxious prick identity of "Don't Look Back." Dylan has never, I repeat, never stayed the same. He is not the Mona Lisa destined to smile on forever. The fact that the man changes has always bummed out the Dylan fan. When I first met him on Tour ’74 he was aloof; but polite. I don’t know, as a fan, if I could have handled the “Dylan of tour ’66. Personally I have always felt that Bobby enjoys playing with folks, intentionally or not. God Bless Him. "There's too much confusion, I can't get no relief. Businessmen, they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth, none of them along the line know what any of it is worth."

Posted on Thu Mar 29 10:18:30 CEST 2001 from cf3k-3.paradise.net.nz (203.96.152.183)

ajr

Now I'm waiting for someone to say "PLAY F*CKIN' LOUD!!!"

Harry Smith won a Grammy, did he not? I was just reading quite an interesting article that likens the Anthology of American Folk Music to Gangsta rap. Seriously, check it out. I put the link in the webpage under my email address.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 09:23:17 CEST 2001 from spider-tq063.proxy.aol.com (152.163.201.73)

Ben Pike

Judas.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 09:10:21 CEST 2001 from ip157.sbynxr2.ras.tele.dk (195.249.149.157)

Tom Holis

Hi there Just wanted to mention that Bob Dylan and Neil Young(without Pearl Jam) will be playing at this years Roskilde festival in Denmark this summer.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 07:47:36 CEST 2001 from port71.phl.netdoor.com (208.148.216.135)

Deb

Dave, I used Native American issues as an example because it's something I'm familiar with. I was referring mainly to the previous mention of Marlon Brando. Actually, Robbie has done more than just talk. His recent work has brought a lot of attention to some fine Native American artists who've been around and unnoticed by the mainstream audience for years and if I'm not mistaken, he was instrumental in the efforts to establish the Native American music category at the Grammys. Besides, the "not Marc Rich enough" comment was understated. He said it, moved on, and didn't shift the focus away from the winners. I still maintain that turning public acceptance of an award into an occasion for empty political posturing is more self-serving than anything else, but that's not really what he did.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 07:32:00 CEST 2001 from spider-wm054.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.174)

Bayou Sam

You know what I saw (and see) in this Dylan now? I see an old guy that has seen alot of life, and not too long ago was very sick to the point that he may have thought about his own mortality like he never has before. Maybe he's got a slightly different take on things and he's more "thankful" for not only being alive - but for being acknowledged. Bob Dylan is a-changin'. BFD. He's not doing rap music for crying out loud. He just said "thanks". I'm wating for one of you to scream "Judas".

Posted on Thu Mar 29 07:22:46 CEST 2001 from proxy-1311.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.220.140)

Bill W.

John Donabie...you miss the point! Dylan's music wasn't the "sellout", it was his ass kissing speech. Shame on you sir, for either missing the point or, worse yet, misrepresenting the point.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 07:03:38 CEST 2001 from spider-tk031.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.186)

Ben Pike

A few, I promise, final thoughts. Vinney, in either contex your "finaly" is pretty hard to take: it suggests Dylan has had a long and distinguished record of contributing songs to movies, a concept as absurd as suggesting he hasn't gotten enough awards in general. The exchanges in the guestbook reveal that some of us Dylan fans are caught in the middle of the banal and cynical(what do these people see in even the worst of Bob?) and the blindly whorshipful. There are some pillers of sixties idealism still crumbling like the set of "Intolerance" on Sunset and Hollywood in the early thirties. MAD magazine decides to take advertising. Bob whores himself before the corperate elite. I never suggested it was earth shattering news; what grated was Dylan's apparent self delusion. But do you remember: 74. Dylan skips to Asluym records. As a way of getting back at DYLAN, Columbia releases a collection of terrible Self Portrait out-takes under that name. Sitting on a fan's goldmine of great stuff, Columbia pisses garbage on the public, to what end,to hurt BOB? So every fan in America who loved Dylan got stuck with a completely awful record, ON PURPOSE. On Oscar night, Dylan waxed grateful to this wonderful company, by gones long since passed, for all they had done for him. Well Zimmy, I'm still waiting for my thank you, and I never even bought the piece of crap.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 07:02:34 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tc053.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.173)

Dave Z

Maybe you are right Deb & Elly... but I thought what Robbie said at the Grammys was right on... and I wonder what would happen if like 10-20 winners all came with a common message of protest?... especially if the issue was a personal one to them all?...

Posted on Thu Mar 29 06:45:07 CEST 2001 from 24.68.33.158.on.wave.home.com (24.68.33.158)

J Donabie

I can't get the grin off my face for those saying that Dylan was a "sell out" at the Oscars. Wasn't the term "sell out" screamed by an audience member on tour 66; just before "Like A Rolling Stone." Seems that those who thought Bob sold out the other night would be the same people that would resent him having The Hawks back him up in making an electrical storm. Just a thought.

David Powell continues to educate and inform me. Thank you David.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 06:12:04 CEST 2001 from montreal-ppp47788.qc.sympatico.ca (209.226.140.37)

Richard Patterson

Bob Dylan has been making money off his back catalog for years now... (same as the Band and the Stones and the Beatles for that matter)... and it makes good sense for Bob to thank the people who help him get that money...

The heartening thing about the Oscar win is that it is for "new" music. In retrospect, the 90's were a pretty fine decade for Bob Dylan music... The 2 acoustic covers CDs were outstanding... the Jimmy Rodgers song ("My Blue Eyed Jane") canny... 'Albert Hall 1966' essential, and both 'Under the Red Sky' and 'Time Out of Mind' subterranean... "Things Have Changed" is more proof that Dylan is still hitting us right upside our heads with his current/unique talent... a talent big enough to be appreciated by the hardest hearts in Hollywood...

Congrats Bob!

Posted on Thu Mar 29 05:16:33 CEST 2001 from user-33qt9qb.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.167.75)

Pat Brennan

Tommy, why do you think Dylan's song is "silly"? I thought it was pretty okay.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 02:25:26 CEST 2001 from host-209-214-124-78.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.124.78)

BWNWITennessee

So let me get this straight - Bob Dylan is being accused of selling out for what? For being gracious in his acceptance speech? I mean, he didn't have anything to do with the song getting nominated, he didn't even bother to take a break from his tour to go to the ceremony. What else could he have possibly done, other than doing an Eddie Vedder, "I don't know what this really means" speech? And at Bob Dylan's age and stature, I would feel pretty embarrassed for him if he did that. Sometimes it's a sign a humility and dignity to accept something you don't really care too much about in a polite and gracious manner. It's a talent that can take some people a long time to learn.

All of those awards shows are bogus anyway in that they pick one winner in each category. If they truly wanted to honor achievement, they would just give awards to people who created true quality work. But with the way it is, in one year there can be three or four really excellent works, and only one is picked as the "winner," while in the next year everything might be crap. But something is still picked to be the winner that year, even though it might be worse than all of the "losers" from a previous year.

Hank, the song sounds like (happily, I think) an outtake from "Time Out Of Mind." It's kind of dark, like some of the the ballads on that album, but a bit more uptempo.

I don't know if y'all have heard, but there's a small label in town, Music City Records, that says it has created a CD that you cannot burn copies of or rip MP3s from. We'll have to see if it really works. Those computer geeks are pretty talented at finding ways around stuff like that. Of course, you could always record it onto a tape, then make a wav file from that, I suppose. Anyway, if it works, probably the majors will find some legal way to make a slight variation and rip Music City off. The first release is going to be a Charley Pride CD. There's some pretty good songs on it...

The new Black Crowes single is available in streaming audio at their website. It sounds pretty different from anything they've done before, kind of like a hard rock Sly Stone. You have to admire a band that is willing to completely reinvent their sound. It sounds like it has about zero commercial possibilities, too. They're also supposedly going to offer free downloads of every show from their summer tour if you buy their new CD. Nice to see a band use the internet to both their and their fans' advantage.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 02:06:42 CEST 2001 from proxy3-external.union1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.87)

Brien Sz

Being a fan of Oscar, though not always agreeing with whom the honors get doled out too - I am surprised Randy Newman hasn't picked up one but he will eventually - and it will probably be for something average, like Paul Newman won for in The Color of Money.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 01:45:49 CEST 2001 from (206.187.219.39)

Elly

Deb-Bravo for your posting on only "applauding" when there is change made after hearing statements made public on award shows and such. To speak on behalf of helping Native American awareness on these shows and be in a position to help and not do anything more than just speak about it as an attribute to political correctness is a waste of everyone's time. Another glamourous attempt at public credibility seemingly based on nothingness. Not the MILLENNIA way at all. To Amanda: lovely words indeed about Bob Dylan. I could not have spoken them more concisely or better. Very touching. And to the person who posted awards given to credible artists in the movie categories-I have to petition for a LONG OVERDO award for Randy Newman--one of the greatest treasured writers in the whole industry! We should celebrate his talent. has anyone ever heard the beautiful song, "MARIE"?????? And to Billy B.-love the gear! "Have you ever had it bleu?" (Style Council song)--another really talented guy never given enough time on our airwaves: Paul Weller! I would love to hear his music in the movie categories as well. Anyone a Joe Jackson fan out there as well? Isn't it interesting that some of these artists having "arisen" out of the "punk" era, have become some of the most talented long term experimental artists for over 20 years now? Nad to think that these guys were thought of in the beginning as just a trend to overlook when the era changed! How wrong could some of the music industry honchos have been! Best, Elly

Posted on Thu Mar 29 00:53:47 CEST 2001 from port07.phl.netdoor.com (208.148.216.71)

Deb

Nice point, Matt. "Whorefest" is a term that likely applies to most major awards, and I seriously doubt if that's limited to the arts. It didn't just get that way, either. Still, good work deserves recognition and sometimes gets it and recognition from ones peers is gratifying.

I don't know about the rest of you folks, but if there's anyone here who's made it to adulthood without compromising something,somewhere, you certainly have my congratulations. Most of us are fortunate enough not to have to do our "selling out" in front of millions of crictics.

Personally, I don't find the folks who use award shows to make political statements particularly admirable, either, even when I agree with their politics. It's usually a pretty self-serving, "ain't I a politically aware good guy" gesture. What do we remember about Sacheen Littlefeather's accepting the award on Brando's behalf? Not the issue at hand, but the fact that Brando "made a statement." When that kind of behavior improves housing and unemployment on reservations, solves water rights and land use disputes, provides funds for tribal language reclamation or preservation efforts, or otherwise improves life in Indian Country, I'll applaud. Until then, it's just more posturing from the rich and famous.

Granted, it does raise some awareness of the issues, but not in a way that affects change. I know that there are artists who put lots of money and personal effort in behind-the-scenes work and I respect that, but that's a different issue. They are doing something that has the potential to make a difference and doing it out of the public eye.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 00:16:39 CEST 2001 from www-cache-external.vuw.ac.nz (130.195.196.201)

ajr

Nothing we discuss here matters if you take a big picture view. No discussion on a music related internet forum is going to result in an end to world hunger or a cure for cancer. But I don't see why we shouldn't pass some time exchanging views. Its better than committing crimes on the street.

Re High Fidelity: I think it was Smiths singles not Smith singles John Cusak mentioned collectors being after. I don’t have a clear memory of that particular scene but the film High Fidelity was based on a British book and most of the music references in it are to 80s British vaguely alternative pop music like Elvis Costello and the Smiths. It’s a good film & a very true reflection of the record collector/fan subculture.

Posted on Thu Mar 29 00:08:48 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Brando's Oscar ruse -- so the joke was on who? In one of his earlier Oscar-nominated roles in Kazan's "Viva Zapata" Mr. Brando's portrayal emphasized the Mexican outlaw hero's Indian ancestry. Years later he also caused another controversy with his anti-Semitic remarks concerning Hollywood. Yes, always the method actor, one can never be sure of his politics. The words "terminate with extreme prejudice" behind Martin Sheen's motivation in "Apocalypse Now" take on a new meaning.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 23:58:38 CEST 2001 from empf-port23.net.mcmaster.ca (130.113.193.127)

Steve Tasker

Are you guys hooked up to Napster (or one of its cousins). If so, check out the Black Crowes covers of "Dixie" and "the Weight". Great versions, although the recording of Dixie I heard seems a little slow, as if the tape slowed down. Also, check out the link above to vote in "Music Survivor". You're supposed to vote for the band you want eliminated. The Band seems to be getting picked on, so they need rescuing. Cheers

Posted on Wed Mar 28 23:33:03 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-004.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.4)

Peter Viney

Dunno, Ben, I’ve got a cabinet full of lame guest book awards and am getting tired of polishing them daily. I think ‘Knocking on Heaven’s Door’ was a pretty decent song, on a par with “Things Have Changed” perhaps, but not on a par with “Visions of Johanna.”. You go in for “best original song” not ‘best original song by a guy who also acted in the movie.” I don’t suppose”Heaven’s Door” was ever up for one though. I did mean ACADEMY award, the big one, not Hibbing High School Talent Contest (Honourable Mention) J Anyhow, when you’ve just been watching a documentary on the Eurovision Song Contest, awards for songs seem irrelevant except as comic relief (as I’m sure Jan, Illka and Ragtime will all confirm). I was mildly pleased to see that Dylan won, just as I was mildly pleased to see my old college do well on a TV quiz show.

You see, awards have three values. One is mutual back-slapping by the established, which is completely harmless, usually entertaining and I have no objection to (R&R Hall of Fame take a bow). Two is genuinely choosing the best thing. Which happens sometimes. Even sometimes on purpose. But third and most importantly is recognizing new talent and nurturing it. For the new people in the race, it matters, which is not to say that the established should carry a handicap in the voting. But it’s not that big a deal for them.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 23:31:49 CEST 2001 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Butch: I'm not sure we had the PC term way back then, but in any case I believe that a high percentage of the ancestry of most Mexicans, including the ones who migrated northwards to California and Texas, could be classed as Native North American. Brando was smart enough to find an actor too! And, to tie this back to David Powell's post, isn't Emilio "Martin Sheen" Estevez of Mexican descent?

Posted on Wed Mar 28 23:31:40 CEST 2001 from dialup-209.244.79.37.denver1.level3.net (209.244.79.37)

seth brigham

check out my sit and An Open Letter to Bob Dylan. Does he have the balls to talk with an underground television producer when in Boulder, April 18th??????????????????

Posted on Wed Mar 28 23:26:06 CEST 2001 from ptldme-cmt4-c3-66-30-25-155.maine.rr.com (66.30.25.155)

mattk

It's not like Dylan is the first otherwise respectable musician to win that award. Here's a short list of nominees for the same category over the years:

Neil Young (Philadelphia)
Bruce Springsteen (won for Philadelphia, shoulda won for Dead Man Walking)
Aimee Mann (Magnolia)
Randy Newman (about a billion nominations, no wins, though)
Elliot Smith (Good Will Hunting)
Prince (Purple Rain - yeah, yeah, but your wrong. Dude is brilliant)
Kris Kristofferson (Songwriter)
Stevie Wonder (Woman in Red)
Willie Nelson (Honeysuckle Rose)
Paul McCartney (Live and Let Die)

Sure many of these guys are industry suck ups. What made you think Dylan wasn't? Musically, the guy has been producing some vital stuff and even seemed to get something back the last 10 years. But Dylan has been an industry dog nearly 40 years now, folks. Get over it.

Incidentally, how many of the people ragging on Dylan today watched the Grammys last month and yelled "sellout!" when Fagen and Becker picked up their best album award? You think the Grammy's are less of a whorefest than the Oscars? Excuse me?

I don't watch the AA's anymore. I watched out of idle curiousity for a long time, but after Titanic was deemed best picture, I just couldn't do it anymore (I'm also the only guy on the planet who thinks Letterman was freaking brilliant as host - "uma. ophrah. oprah. uma" was awesome").

Needless to say, I don't really care if Dylan or JS Bach wins, so it doesn't matter to me if they choose to accept their award or not. Honorable people and slime bags win Oscars every year. The fact that winning pleases them, to me, says nothing about their character.

Besides, the day I start backing off from musicians, actors, artists, etc who are full of themselves, is the day my CD collection shrinks faster than a .com market valuation. They're not my friends, I just love their work (mostly).

Hey, at least Bob wrote a good song. Beats the hell out of the crap they usually hand that award out for - no Celine Dion, Lionel Ritchie, Elton John, Phil Collins, Whitney Houston syrup to clog the pancreas this time around.

It's spring. I can see the grass in my yard. I'm feeling uppity.

Cheers

Matt

Posted on Wed Mar 28 22:57:16 CEST 2001 from spider-wc081.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.56)

butch

In 1972 Marlon Brando refused to accept the best actor Oscar for his role in "The Godfather" and used to opportunity to make a political statement by sending a Native American in his place to turn down the award in protest to Hollywood's treatment of Native Americans.

F.Y.I. ----------- It later turned out that the " native american " was a mexican-american actor that Brando hired,,,, the joke was on the academy, the P.C.'s & everyone else,,,,, way to go Marlon,, goof on them all,,,,,,,,

Posted on Wed Mar 28 22:23:15 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

In 1970 George C. Scott became the first person to refuse to accept an Oscar when he won as best actor for his role in "Patton". He had gone on record previously, calling the awards a self-serving meat market and refused to even attend.

In 1972 Marlon Brando refused to accept the best actor Oscar for his role in "The Godfather" and used to opportunity to make a political statement by sending a Native American in his place to turn down the award in protest to Hollywood's treatment of Native Americans. Brando had previously won an Oscar in 1955 for his role in Elia Kazan's "On The Waterfront", which he accepted.

Mr. Kazan, the legendary director, himself would later be the subject of another Oscar controversy in 1999 when he received a liftime achievement award. Many in Hollywood refused to forgive Mr. Kazan for "naming names" back in the '50s when he testified during the McCarthy, communist witch hunt hearings before Congress. As a result, many who refused to cooperate were blacklisted and unable to work in the entertainment industry.

While many in attendance at the 1999 Academy Awards refused to applaud & stand when Mr. Kazan received his award, it was none other than Martin Scorsese, along with Robert DeNiro, who presented him with the Oscar.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 21:19:12 CEST 2001 from spider-tl044.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.194)

Tommy

Bob Wigo and Dave Hopkins...You guys made my point..Wigo even said it better/clearer than me!Haha.Thanks for gettin what I was sayin,even if you said it without refering to me (which you probably did).As far as this whole GB Dylan/Hollywood/sellout/silly award show "controversey"..Dylan has said it himself in his "silly" Oscar winning song...

"I used to care,but things have changed."

Posted on Wed Mar 28 20:49:19 CEST 2001 from user-33qt979.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.164.233)

Pat Brennan

There's two things at play here. One is how silly (or not) award shows are, and the other is one's culpability for accepting these sorts of awards. Concerning the latter, it's pretty much up to the recipient to make that decision, but people are certainly free to comment on it. I repeat my previous point that George C. Scott gained immortality by turning the AA down and allowing the Native American a bully pulpit. Who won it the year before or the year after? Quick now, without using references. My point exactly.

As far as the first point goes, well, it's already been beaten around pretty good. But Clinton? Given dubya's sophmoric performance so far (complete with Clintonesque waffling on the environment), I'd tread lightly. And, I apologise, both in advance for the political nod and for the Paul Revere reference. Never again....

Posted on Wed Mar 28 20:37:29 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

This seems to be a ridiculous thread. Bob Dylan (and The Band for that matter) has been writing music for films for almost 30 years. He gets honored in 2001 for a good song which fit very well with a good movie (critically speaking that is). What's wrong with that! In classic GB fashion, I noticed somebody blamed Dylan's recent foray into Hollywood on Robbie Robertson. Dylan was acting in Hollywood films before Robbie had ever even teamed up with Martin Scorsese.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 20:24:17 CEST 2001 from spider-wl043.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.38)

Amanda J.

I love Bob Dylan's music. His work absolutely touches my soul. I don't care anything about Oscars. I don't know him...he doesn't know me. I'm sure he knows his good fortune, just like I know mine. I hope he is around for many years to come. His music makes the world a better place to many people.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 19:13:06 CEST 2001 from (205.232.50.25)

Dave Hopkins

Are award shows silly, meaningless exercises in ego-gratification, industry-shilling, and (usually) rewarding commercial success over actual artistic achievement? Absolutely. Having said that, would I rather see the deserving win out over the less deserving (or completely undeserving)? Sure. It's somewhat strange to dismiss award shows for routinely failing to recognize true achievement (which they do), and then, in the rare cases when they get it right (maybe there were better songs written for movies out there last year, but Bob's was clearly the best of the nominees) criticize them again for doing *that*, and call Dylan a sellout for accepting it.

Bob Dylan has done pretty much whatever the hell he wanted for the last 40 years, and he's taken an awful lot of criticism over that time, especially from his fans and so-called fans, for doing just that. I'm not saying that his stubbornness and devotion to personal whim is always a good thing- he's clearly made more than his share of bad artistic choices, especially during the 1980s when much of his released material was far inferior to the stuff left in the vault. But that's part of what makes Dylan Dylan. And I'm willing to tolerate the bad (or mediocre) in exchange for the good- which is as good as music gets.

Though I sympathize with those who see the Oscars as a fairly worthless (if not harmful) event, I guess I'm a little mystified by the criticism directed at Dylan for his gracious acceptance. I'm very skeptical at best about the whole Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame thing too, but I don't fault Paul Simon, Steely Dan, etc. (or the Band, either, some years back) for showing up, playing some tunes, and accepting what they're given.

P. S. Peter V- absolutely right on the O Brother soundtrack. I wish they had found some way to honor it.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 18:33:57 CEST 2001 from proxy52.anonymizer.com (216.34.244.63)

The Lone Rider of Santa Fe

Are those the same Hollywood suits who so generously financed Bill and Hill?

Posted on Wed Mar 28 18:27:13 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

My, my, it seems the mention of Dylan & the Oscars provokes some bitterness. Although I've tried, I can't forget just how bad the films "Band of the Hand" and "Hearts of Fire" were, but that's just my opinion. Yes, Dylan did pen a song for "Easy Rider" but McGuinn put the finnishing touches on it before recording it with his group. Around that same time Dylan wrote "Lay, Lady Lay" for the movie "Midnight Cowboy" but it wasn't used for the film. Depending on your source, Dylan either didn't meet the deadline for submission, or director John Schlesinger just preferred Nilsson's version of Fred Neil's "Everybody's Talkin".

Regarding Dylan's honorary degree from Princeton -- it seems Dylan & The Band share a Princeton connection. That is Jonathan Taplin, who in between working as a road manager for both, managed to earn a real degree from that Ivy League university. Mr. Taplin, of course went on to a successful career of producing movies (working with Scorsese & Wim Wenders among others), handling mergers & acquisitions at Merrill Lynch and, more recently, starting a company that provides on-demand videos & films via broadband. It would seem to many that Mr. Taplin has even managed to "out-Hollywood" Mr. Robertson.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 17:53:00 CEST 2001 from garco.cpe.newsouth.net (64.90.4.86)

Holly Martins

Harry Lime you old s.o.b., I thought you had bought it down in that sewer! - But I'm glad to see that you have not only survived, but have done so with your delicate sense of humor intact. And your analysis of old Hollywood vs. new Hollywood and the relative merits of their product is right on. As for Bob, his song was clearly the best of those nominated, though that may be damning him with faint praise. If only it were half as good as your theme song; which was so good it was deemed worthy of covering on record by the boys in The Band.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 17:41:42 CEST 2001 from (205.245.52.66)

Carmen

Sounds like some Idiot Wind Blowing through the pages of this Guest Book. What is so wrong about being successful. I guess I don't get it!

Regards!

Posted on Wed Mar 28 17:06:49 CEST 2001 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

I'd say that Bob Dylan was far better at the Oscars better than he was the last time I saw him on TV - as half of a loutish duo with Keith Richards towards the end of the Live Aid show in '85. At least he didn't use this year's occasion to try to direct food OUT of the mouths of starving Africans. Frankly, I've never witnessed a more revolting statement by a famous person in my entire life. But, luckily, that was then and this is now.

Now, I'd say it's hardly clear cut that he "sold out" to the Oscars. He probably didn't nominate himself, he probably didn't lobby for himself and he probably didn't even have the right to vote for himself. Plus, he didn't cancel his Australian gigs so that he could be in the big room and hug all the other stars. None of this has to mean he's a nice guy or anything ..., but the winning song sounded good when I saw the movie - though I promptly forgot it, and no doubt will again by the weekend.

Speaking of movies, I finally got around to seeing "High Fidelity". The record collectors, the store personnel, the hero - all so true, so true. One question for this bunch, since we talked about Smith a while ago: when John Cusack mentions collectors coming to his store looking for ... singles, was it Smith singles or Smiths singles? Thank you.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 16:26:05 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-te061.proxy.aol.com (64.12.103.176)

bob wigo

Alright Pat Brennan, I'm drawing a line in the sand. Don't go dragging Paul Revere and the Raiders into the morass!

By the way.....IT DOESN'T MATTER. For many here this will constitute blasphemy but I couldn't give a rat's ass about Bob Dylan's awards or attaching any meaning to his words. Really folks, how relevant is Dylan's perspective on our world ? He is a mega-wealthy megalomaniac for whom now it has to be entirely impossible to relate to the daily struggles of the commoners he once extolled. That is not intended to sound as acidic as it may read. Those are merely the facts as I see them. I know I certainly am not capable of relating to his insular, exclusive world. I have enjoyed the fruits of his talents for a long time and I'm grateful for the music but that is where it begins and ends.

As for the Academy Awards -- why concern yourselves with such nonsense? Go to the movies, have some popcorn, laugh a little, cry a little. At the end of the film, if you liked it, clap your hands.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 15:14:12 CEST 2001 from cl3030709-b.mdsn1.wi.home.com (24.183.0.216)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

'Lets face it all you good folks,,,Bob Dylan, the name speaks for itself. You either love 'em or hate 'em!!! I love him :)

Posted on Wed Mar 28 13:20:11 CEST 2001 from dialup-119.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.119)

HANK

I must say, it's wonderful to see Bob Dylan pissing people off. He's REALLY good at that, y'know.

I really love Bob Dylans work.....I love sitting down with a guitar or with other musicians and teaching myself one of his songs....it's great fun and very satisfying for me 'cos I really enjoy hearing his songs and hearing him or other people perform them. When you come to Cork and you wanna hear "Tangled Up in Blue" or "Hurricane" or "Absolutlely Sweet Marie" et al...then I'm yer man (There IS another guy here in Cork , Ricky Lynch, who knows even MORE than me....he does "Not Dark Yet" at his gigs!!).....

BUT I HAVE NEVER HEARD THE SONG THAT WON THE OSCAR.........Well, maybe he played at The Point in Dublin last year but I can't hum it, I dunno any of the words and I dunno if it's fast, slow or wha? I'm sorry folks, I must admit this...........Maybe it's MY fault for not being vigilant and buying it somewhere but it's NOT been on the radio here.... and even the more fanatic of my Dylan fan friends have'nt come up to me and said "Oh MAAAAAN, dude.....you GOTTTTTTTTA hear the new Dylan song , MAAAAAAAAN" ( I'm sure all GB readers have friends like that...or maybe IS someone like that or HAVE BEEN someone like that...me included).......So, what I'm trying to say is, I'm mildly surprised at all the fuss.......I guess I'll just have to go out and buy it or, at least, source it from a friend and check it out........which is the ULTIMATE aim of the Academy Awards anyway....to get poor schmoes like me Stuck inside of Cork with The Ballydehob Blues again to go and check out what Hollywood Central sez is cool and happening according to them

Posted on Wed Mar 28 07:07:16 CEST 2001 from user-33qtajp.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.170.121)

Pat Brennan

Tommy, that type of thinking can be applied to render any discussion meaningless, unless, of course, a member of the Band or someone here has killed somebody. Since I'm fairly sure that hasn't happened, I'll opt to find relevence in the various threads that circle through here.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 06:53:08 CEST 2001 from proxy-1331.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.220.156)

Bill W.

Wake up folks. Bobby D. is simply repeating history; following Robbie's lead. The Band, because of Robbie, had the guts to lead Bobby's electric assault. Now Bobby is following Robbie into the ultra-schlocky, money grabbing, ass kissing world of Hollywood. They will always be icons of music, but in the present world, they SUCK!!!

Posted on Wed Mar 28 05:34:16 CEST 2001 from spider-wm063.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.178)

Tommy

Ben Pike and all concerned...my point was that the Oscars are not important as far as success...ALOT of great movies arent even mentioned/nominated ,much less WIn Oscars! But I'm sure it was a treat for Dylan, his first Oscar,and that there was no reason for him to "shun" his recognition..however slight or petty his "hard core" fans think it is.Selling out? C'mon...he didnt kill anyone and he didnt write a shitty,undeserving song...so,what's the big deal?It hasnt changed,my life, your lives or Dylan's life.They all go on.

And just so you people know, Im not a hard-core Dylan fan like some that post here on the GB...I like him and think hes a good songwriter, but Im not biased to him.Im not just saying this stuff cause I feel like Dylan can do no wrong.Just lettin' ya know...

Posted on Wed Mar 28 04:24:41 CEST 2001 from dial1480.acns.fsu.edu (146.201.38.195)

Adam

Hey GB,

Just got back from a killer Rumor Staff Retreat in the Big Easy! Went to a great record store called Magic Bus Records where this cool guy that worked there said he was a "Major" Band fan. We talked for awhile, and he mentioned Levon & the Barnburners, and also knew of this site! There was a Storyville poster there and an autographed Robbie interview disc. We were pumped. Also caught some other great music and listened to the brown album reissue on the way home.

Also, I wanted to get some opinions on the Band Live at the New Orleans Jazz Fest DVD. I know it has been mentioned before, but I must have missed it. I caught the DVD bug awhile ago, and have been floored by some of the other music related DVD's on the market...Neil Young Friends and Relatives, Classic Albums: The Who and The Band, Criterion Collection Gimme Shelter, NY Year of the Horse, NY Silver & Gold, etc.

Also many other great movies...most recently Almost Famous and Wonder Boys.

Well, enough of my thoughts, what are some of yours?

Thanks for the input!

Posted on Wed Mar 28 04:06:23 CEST 2001 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

Consider: It is not likely that Bob Dylan 'sold out' to anyone! Is it possible that the Academy of Motion Patronage and Scandal finally realized that Bob Dylan was a 'good sell'.......? ;0)

Let it all Shine On!

Posted on Wed Mar 28 03:51:43 CEST 2001 from user-33qt82a.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.160.74)

Pat Brennan

For those of you who didn't see it (me included), here's the big moment: http://www.expectingrain.com/dok/film/oscars2001/speech.mov

Funniest moment: he thanked Tommy Mottola. Second funniest moment: the Hollywood Orchestra's version of the song makes it sound like Cherokee Nation by Paul Revere and The Raiders.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 02:55:17 CEST 2001 from cf3k-3.paradise.net.nz (203.96.152.183)

ajr

Crouching Tiger didn't win?! That sucks! And no I didn't watch the Academy Awards. I agree with some parts of Ben Pikes comments but I just wanted to note that I think Bob Dylan made it clear awhile ago he wasn't going to be limited by the expectations of others that he would not "sell out." Wasn't the whole Hawks thing viewed as selling out at the time? Aren't we all glad old Bob just went ahead and followed his muse anyway even if the folk/protest movement did lose a figure-head?

I'm reminded of an interview I read with Mick Jones from the Clash who also began their careers on the wave of a protest movement. When castigated for his non appearance at some political rally for not providing leadership & for selling out he said "you shouldn't be looking to me for leadership…" Fair enough too. One can have too much of proselytizing movie and rock stars. If I want to find out about Amazon rain forests I'll read some scholarly journals. I don't really need to know what Sting thinks.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 02:51:33 CEST 2001 from user-33qt86k.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.160.212)

Pat Brennan

I find very few movies, especially those deemed worthy by The Academy, representing any part of our culture. They certainly are not part of any tradition I hold dear. The last time I even watched the thing was to see how many statues the movie Glory would win. Anyway, when I think of the speech the black actress from Gone With The Wind had to read, when I think of the blacklisting in the 50's, when I think of the massive ammounts of crap Hollywood has dished out, I have trouble seeing any honor in winning one of these awards.

Now, if Levon had won for Coal Miner's Daughter.....

Posted on Wed Mar 28 02:46:57 CEST 2001 from (206.187.219.39)

Lauren

Read about Bob Dylan, didn't have a chance to see him on the show. As a longtime ardent TRUE fan and loving his work enough to have started writing a song in tribute entitled "Lunch With Bob Dylan" years ago ( a dream--what an education it would be for me!)--I hardly can believe that people don't have the best praise for the man...He deserves the best. Whatever reasons people seem disgruntled about his appearance and such--just remember the amazing literary ability of a HUMAN BEING gifted with immense talent and intensity to cut through so much grey matter and go into the black and white. PURE UNUSUAL TALENT!!! Anyone who can write "Shelter From The Storm", "Simple Twist of Fate" and "Sarah" in simplicity and yet complexity at the same time, and be intelligent while bare and exposed with HEARTFELT ARTICULATION --give him a break. He's one of the last bastions of TRUE TALENTED people that still keeps coming out with unbelievably talented work all of the time. A rarity in this disposable low quality world, unfortunately. He always reminds me that one always needs to reach for their highest ability. One of the greatest gifts to our CULTURE in our era. LET US LOOK AT THIS AND NOT FORGET A SINGLE MOMENT OF HIS TALENT. Let's not criticize such a gift and only stick to those defaults and aim that only at those who deserve that kind of criticism. Also, don't forget who backed up this incredible man. Like minds think alike...I go for quality. Skip the rest.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 02:41:31 CEST 2001 from spider-wl023.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.28)

Dave Z

So when does Bob Dylan become HBO talk show host?... I can't wait... I'm not sure what Bob was supposed to say after receiving his Oscar... but I didn't care for his voice this time while singing... however I enjoyed the music well enough... that my wife told me to stop bouncing the bed... SNL should do a skit on Survivor that has contestants like Stevie Wonder, Bob Dylan, Keith Richards, etc,... so we can figure out who the stars would vote off the island... and why?... Oh well, too much wine... and it's time for Entertainment Tonight...

Posted on Wed Mar 28 02:17:50 CEST 2001 from 1cust203.tnt6.har1.da.uu.net (63.22.229.203)

King Whistle

Let us not take Uncle Bobby too too seriously at any media event, shall we? Remember his speech at the lifetime Grammy, after a shambling (some say drunken) performance of "Masters of War" (and during Desert Storm)[from my memory]: "My father was a simple man..a simple man...and he didn't leave me too much.. but what he did say...he said, 'son....[extended silence]..he said so many things, ya know..[laughter]..he said it is possible to become so defiled in this world that your parents won't even recognize you, but God will always believe in your own ability to mend your own ways [sic]. Thank you.'" Those of you who are taking apart Bob's word's are falling into the same trap that people have since before the science student in "Don't Look Back."

Thanks Jan for this forum, which is the best I have seen on the net.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 01:30:35 CEST 2001 from proxy3-external.union1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.87)

Brien Sz

Ben: Bob was workin the room. He was doin what he needs to do - As far as letting his guard down- he's a performer, an entertainer and they ALL have ego's -some keep it in check better than others and i never got the impression that he was obnoxiously blowing his own horn. If he can plug his film a little more so it draws interest -he's doin' his job.

As far as would i make crappy art to make a buck - you're damn right - I have done it - and i will continue to do it. I can seperate what i consider as being true to my art and being a businessman. If my perceived fine art crosses that line with commercial success- then all the better.

let's see...., bomb 12 year old third world country kids or make them work in a sweat shop - since i'm a dreaded Republican -i guess it's a coin toss.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 01:30:39 CEST 2001 from cl3030709-b.mdsn1.wi.home.com (24.183.0.216)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Butch,,,thank you for clearing that up for me,,,I must say your the best!!!

Posted on Wed Mar 28 01:29:46 CEST 2001 from pool0071.cvx5-bradley.dialup.earthlink.net (209.178.152.71)

Harry Lime

Hello, there, Ben Pike, Ole' Chap. I'm glad to see you're using my old argument from the Ferris Wheel sequence against all these niave folks; the scene in which I state, "Look down there. Would you really feel any pity if one of those dots stopped moving - forever? If I said you could have twenty thousand pounds for every dot that stops, would you really, old man, tell me to keep my money - without hesitation? Or would you calculate how many dots you could afford to spare? Free of income tax, old man. Free of income tax. It's the only way to save nowadays." But come now, ol' chap, you're being a bit too hard on my friend, Bob. The latest appearance on the Oscars isn't too much of a surprise from a fellow whose done more than his share of "selling out". And in fairness, I read before the Oscars that Bob didn't care enough to interrupt his tour in Australia to play for the Oscars. The bizarre telecast was a compromise. Sure, we'd all like to see someone stand up on a live telecast and say, "You're all a bunch of creeps and this statuette isn't worth the dildo value that I'm going to use it for." But unfortunately, it isn't going to be Bob at this point in his life. Hollywood is an insecure town and everyone lives in a constant state of paranoia. It's strange that even the most countercultured and finacially secure don't display the least bit of courage in criticizing. Who can explain that? Certainly not me. However, people see through it now, are bored by it, and turn away (this show was the lowest rated in history). I don't think that Dylan should've performed nor does he deserve anymore awards, but it's unfortunate that we can't even remotely romanticize the most iconoclastic of our heroes today. I don't know what I'm writing anymore. I just wanted to use this quote from THE THIRD MAN and encourage everyone to get on Napster and download that rare Beatles performance of the my theme song. After all, like the old man said, "In Hollywood for 50 years under the Mayers and the Zanucks they had warfare, terror, murder, and bloodshed, but they produced Welles, Hitchcock, and the The New Wave. In Switzerland they had brotherly love - they had 500 years of democracy and peace, and what did that produce? Brendan Fraser.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 00:45:48 CEST 2001 from spider-tn044.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.64)

Ben Pike

I just bounced on to see if my entry got posted(sometimes for some reason they don't) , and I've got to say, Peter Vinney, that entry has to win the "most lame guestbook entry award." Glad to see Dylan get an award ..."at last?". Funny, I seem to remember him getting a best record Grammy, a lifetime Grammy, a deserved early induction in the R and R Hall of fame, he's probably got every award the recording industry can dole out and has been recognized by the Pope. While he was still counter culture, he got an honorary degree from Princeton. His Oscar, not counting the uncredited co authorship of "Balled Of Easy Rider" is the SECOND song he has written for a movie, not counting "Billy The Kid" where his "acting" cancels out his music. And I doubt he expected a nominated for BAND OF THE HAND!(does anyone even admit that "Hearts of Fire" exsists?) Peter, this utter lazyness is very much in keeping with your "you're just jealous" tone, pretty lackluster all around.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 00:17:09 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-041.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.41)

Peter Viney

Ah, awards are great when you get 'em, but bullshit when you don't. Though I was delighted to see the Zimmer (frame)- man get one at last, I believe T-Bone Burnett's work on "O Brother where art thou" was really the best OST of the year though it wouldn't really qualify, having few (if any) original songs. I have and enjoy the Hidden Tiger OST too.

Posted on Wed Mar 28 00:14:24 CEST 2001 from spider-tn044.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.64)

Ben Pike

Fair enough, but of course the question becomes, what would you do for that truck full of money? Would you drop Napalm on children in the third world? Or maybe just stick them in sweat shops for 12 hours a day? Would you make Art that you knew was crappy just because you knew it would sell? At least of SOME of Dylan's great art went to the heart of questions like this. Being a Dylan fan is, as with most things that matter, an endless alturnation of the bitter and the sweet. Here's why Dylan was a sellout on Oscar night: He used his breif moment with the ear of the world to thank the people who really matter: the record company who made him a kajillionare. If money doesn't talk, it swears, Bob kept up with the obsenity: he made a big deal about the director of the movie who obviously streamlined the deal, trying to get the cross marketing "synergy" going on "Wonder Boys." The film, a too painfully cute story about how a supposedly great writer learns to embrace middle class values, tanked at the box office twice, but they made a little back on the CD. In a way that was allmost touchingly defensive, Dylan closed by prasing his own song, and the director's good taste in using it. The foot of pride had come down. As Elvis Costello once observed, "it' not a matter of life or death, but what is?" If Dylan's slavishly uncritical fans had held sway, I'm sure we would have about 12 diferent "Under The Red Skys" by now, instead of the sometimes inspired work he's done since then. So I stay on the old man's case. Dylan has showed an admirable ability over the years to resist the temptations of vanity. On Oscar night, he let his gaurd down in a big way. That's what happens when you "relax". Your true fans are way passed pretending this is but a joke.

Posted on Tue Mar 27 23:45:23 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

"This place ain't doing me any good
I'm in the wrong town, I should be in Hollywood..."
--from Bob Dylan's "Things Have Changed"

Watching Dylan perform & receive an Oscar the other night reminded me of another award that he received back in 1970. In June of that year, he was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in music from Princeton University. Dylan attended Princeton's graduation ceremonies where he was presented with the award. Evidently it was not a rather pleasant experience for him. His discomfort on that humid day also coincided with emergence of a variety of circadas that appear every 17 years, which added their noisy chorus to the background of the proceedings that day.

Dylan would immortalize this significant occasion in the song "Day Of The Locusts" which he recorded shortly thereafter for his "New Morning" album. Last Sunday night, the bizarre sight of Dylan's performance, projected on a big screen onstage at the Academy Awards ceremony, as the camera panned across the fashionably dressed, and often undressed, denizens of Hollywood, I was reminded of "Day Of The Locusts". The irony is that Dylan's song not only referred to that plague of locusts on that June day in Princeton, but also alluded to the classic novel by Nathaniel West, "The Day Of The Locusts". Mr. West's novel was a scathing portrait of that motion picture Babylon called Hollywood. Not much has really changed about that place since the 1930s in which Mr. West set his novel. Maybe the times have changed, but the place remains the same, only a lot more grotesque.

"And the locusts sang, yeah, it gave me a chill
Oh, the locusts sang such a sweet melody
Oh, the locusts sang their high whining trill
Yeah, the locusts sang and they were singing for me"

Posted on Tue Mar 27 23:28:59 CEST 2001 from proxy3-external.union1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.87)

Brien Sz

Please Ben - enlighten me what a sell out is - Commercial Success? Then drive that truck of money on my lawn and call me what you will!

As for the silliness factor of the AA - well at one time it was considered high honor - i still believe to a degree it is, though it involves more politicing, shaking hands than ever, etc.., And to boot it makes a ton of revenue for the networks but why shouldn't networks make a buck - that's what capitalism is all about - Plus the Oscar is part of our culture - its tradition - no matter what one may think of it -I did happen to think this years telecast was flat AND Crouching Tiger should have won Best Picture - Gladiator was an above average film at best (IMO) but i picked it in my pool.

Posted on Tue Mar 27 23:03:08 CEST 2001 from user-33qt87o.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.160.248)

Pat Brennan

As someone who finds Hollywood finally deciding to "honor" Bob Dylan decidedly silly, I wonder why Tommy argues one side of the question then tells the proponents of the other side to "relax" as it really doesn't matter. It does matter. George C. Scott is a Best Actor winner who everyone will always remember simply because he took a stand against the absurdly commercial exercise that is the Academy Awards. And if the competition was so lame--as it no doubt is year after year-- what kind of honor is this award anyway? Gee, he beat Sting who has ragged his own participation in a Disney production.

The only reason they have this stupid show is to stoke revenue. I guess it won't help much this year since I read it was the worst rated AA show ever.

As far as Dylan enjoying himself, he's been doing that onstage for, oh, some forty years now. Given his propensity for the surreal, Dylan might have simply been adopting another absurd persona. However, I don't pretend to know what he was thinking.

Posted on Tue Mar 27 22:20:49 CEST 2001 from 1cust203.tnt10.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.61.39.203)

Hi

What did someone suggest Dylan sold out or changed? mercy!

Posted on Tue Mar 27 22:14:44 CEST 2001 from spider-wm022.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.157)

Tpmmy

Ben Pike; Maybe Dylan has relaxed with all the self-important philosophy and ,in his older age, is learning to actually ENJOY the recognition and have a good time at this stage in his life.Do you think getting an Oscar has changed his outlook towards the world?...Or towards himself? I dont think so...It's just nice to be recognized,he had a right to be happy,regardless of the "phoniness" of awards shows.And him winning Sunday night was a far cry better than any of those other songs winning.At least his was GOOD!...And that's why he got the award...not for selling out,but for having a good song.

Relax, man...it aint gonna change the world either way.

Posted on Tue Mar 27 21:55:10 CEST 2001 from (206.187.219.39)

Lauren

Inspired by the song: "For Someone Special" By The Dobbie Brother's (From "Takin' It To The Streets") A spur of a moment's thought: When you look in the eyes of those that relieve... Then disappears the pain from those that deceive When you tremble from the courage Bright lights of amorous display Then you disregard discouragement That lacked valor and hope in their day Love at last abounding in mercy Love at last sealed in synergy Love at last reaping it's glory The SUN of MILLENIA shown Now before me......

Posted on Tue Mar 27 21:39:23 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

I just purchased Gene Clark's This Byrd Has Flown cd. Which track(s) does Rick play on? His name is NOT mentioned in the credits. Is this like that whole Levon on Ringo's Rotogravure record? It's a nice cd, but I would not have gotten it without thinking Rick was on it.

Posted on Tue Mar 27 21:32:50 CEST 2001 from spider-wo083.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.58)

Ben Pike

HHHmmmm..... well, I once got a basketball trophy, does that entitle me to state the obvious? If your not SURE that Dylan's best music belies that corporate self love fest, I would suggest you never listened to it.... and the only pleasure you took in Dylan getting recognized was the cynical charge some people get watching a sell out get brought on board.

Posted on Tue Mar 27 20:56:47 CEST 2001 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

Well, Well, Well--Mr. Dener speaks the truth re. Gurus!! So how bout a GBers road trip to see the crew at the Pattenburg House? Get to hear some of the newest cuts, their great version of "Hand Jive", and see the tightest group goin!!!!!!Last GBer in the door buys!!! Do I hear this is goin to be the breakout Cd we all been waitin for?????

Posted on Tue Mar 27 20:13:58 CEST 2001 from proxy3-external.union1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.87)

Brien Sz

Having worked in various capacities in the entertainment industry and having picked up a couple nice awards along the way - I have always found it amazing that the folks who mock awards and such are the ones who have garnered none!

I was glad to see Bob honored - would the young Dylan have been gracious/pompous (whatever your interpretation) possibly not-but Bob isn't young anymore and those days of lore are just that -

By the way - I'm going to try to make it to the Stone Pony Friday night and see Levon and the BB's(got ice stormed out of the last one) if any other GBer's want to hook up and knock down a couple beers, e-mail me.

Posted on Tue Mar 27 19:58:57 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

I have been enjoying Shawn Colvin's fine new album, "Whole New You" (Columbia), which was officially released today. It is a strong follow-up to her previous CD, the Grammy award winning "A Few Small Repairs". Once again Ms. Colvin collaborates with John Leventhal, who produced, played many of the instruments and co-wrote all of the songs with Ms. Colvin (one song, Roger Wilco was written by Colvin, Leventhal & Edie Brickell).

Ms. Colvin will be appearing tonight on NBC TV's "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno".

Like many of the other songs on "Whole New You", "Mr. Levon" is hauntingly atmospheric music. Whatever it is about -- your guess is as good as mine. I've always found Ms. Colvin's music to be refreshingly original & tasteful. In these times where a lot of other artists sound the same, she sings and writes beautifully of matters of the heart & soul from a unique perspective.

"Find a nail to hang your hat on
Go on and get yourself a chair
If there's a little hope to fathom
Mr. Levon left it there
Don't imagine you can lose him
Just take the ribbons from your hair
Give your resistance to the darkness"
--from "Mr. Levon" by Shawn Colvin & John Leventhal

Posted on Tue Mar 27 18:16:01 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-081.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.81)

Peter Viney

Shaun Colvin/Band links. She memorably covered Twilight on “Cover Girl” in 1994. She says on the sleeve notes:

“I know a lot of songs done by the Band and I decided on this one after a live version of ‘Acadian Driftwood’ had to be scrapped due to such excessive enthusiasm on my part that, as Stewart Smith would say, it sounds like I took out about 40 foot of guard rail. I only really became aware of (Twilight) after hearing Rick Danko do it. I was sure it was an old Civil War song. I don’t even touch his rendition, but there you go.”

She appears on Eric Andersen’s “Stages” as do Rick and Garth. Her cover of “Viva Las Vegas” graces the Doc Pomus tribute album, as does The Band’s “Young Blood.”

Posted on Tue Mar 27 18:04:42 CEST 2001 from gw2.mcgraw-hill.com (198.45.19.20)

Runfast

I was wondering if David Bromberg played in Texas or in the south. i have tons of friends who are tryin to get to see him. They are willing to come to NY but I would love it if I could find a place closer to them. Like New Orleans. Please Respond if anyone knows anything to runfast@musclemail.com

Posted on Tue Mar 27 17:54:41 CEST 2001 from bess-proxy.remc7.k12.mi.us (207.74.24.8)

tanya

i love your band. i am a huge fan.

Posted on Tue Mar 27 17:38:59 CEST 2001 from spider-wi062.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.47)

butch

OK, today,, my Honky Tonk Guru hat is on,, & i wanna give you MUSIC LOVERS a heads up,,

Rando & Jimmy Weider , are back in the studio ( a beautiful new complex in Rhinebeck, Dutchess County,,,run by ENGINEERING GURU paul antonell,,, )laying down new tracks with Mal "solid gold" & J-LO baum on keyboards,,,

yesterday,special guest,MERLE SAUNDERS, organ player DE-LUXE !!!!!! was up to JAM with the GURUS,,,, great stuff,,,, Merle even got a verse on their re-working of The Weight,,,, if anyone has the right to do this,, it's randy & jimmy, ey ????? talk about payin yo' dues,, puttin in the time,,, these men are road dogs & show dogs,,, their live shows are gaining in legend & to watch them in the studio, ( aptly named The Clubhouse), is an education, in & of itself,,,,,,,,

GO GURUS,,, JAM ON,,, you fellas make MUSIC,,,,,,

I CANT WAIT FOR THIS RECORD,,,,,,,

Posted on Tue Mar 27 17:07:53 CEST 2001 from spider-tq012.proxy.aol.com (152.163.201.47)

Ben Pike

Allthough I would say "Rocky" is one of the BETTER movies ever to win the Academy Award, otherwise I am with Pat. In addition, I would say it is FAR more cynical to celebrate Bob being hauled out as a badge of honor by the corperate crap factory(hollywood) than to lament it. For years now, Dylan has been yanked out at these Award shows and benifits; it was fun for awhile mostly because he would act weird or play awful. On the Oscars, however, Bob was self congradulatory and pompous. What would the kid reading "Last Thoughts On Woody Guthrie" thought of that self satisfied legend, praising the integrity of his own song to the delight of the movietown brothel? It made sense only in the contex of the arch, humorless born again Bob, as the inevitable flip side of hypocracy we could have seen comming. The fact that the song was the best part of the mediocre(do they make any other kind now?) movie doesn't help much.

Posted on Tue Mar 27 17:01:17 CEST 2001 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

RR Hall--was GREAT to see Amy backin up Steely/Dan!! Wish Mr. Burton, Johnson, Richards and Robbie would have been able to jam; just those 4!!!

Posted on Tue Mar 27 16:58:25 CEST 2001 from (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

Bill: damn that was fast! Neil Young did play electric guitar on a couple of sessions with the Monkees--including one song with Davy Jones singing!?! OK, the other guy didn't make the final cut of the movie, but can be heard playing guitar on THE COMPLETE LAST WALTZ: Stephen Stills, who actually auditioned for the Monkees but was rejected because of bad teeth (his pal Peter Torkelson was acccepted, of course). Other fine musicians who played on Monkees records include James Burton, Glen Campbell, Jim Gordon and the late, great Clarence White...

Posted on Tue Mar 27 16:42:58 CEST 2001 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Charlie: I can't think of anyone other than Neils Diamond and Young.

Posted on Tue Mar 27 14:34:56 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-te024.proxy.aol.com (64.12.103.159)

Kevin T.

I was listening to my local station WYEP 91.3 and heard a cut from the new Shaun (sp?)Colvin album called Mr. Levon. The song was kind of a long slow rumination and didn't seem to really be about Mr. Helm,then at the end the refrain was "Mr. Levon done took it all". This is straight out of an old interview with Ronnie Hawkins during which he descibed his and Levon's visit to a local house of ill repute. I want to know if Ms. Colvin is that big of a fan or this is just a coincidence? Has any of you other GBer's heard the song and what do ya think?

Posted on Tue Mar 27 05:51:16 CEST 2001 from spider-wl052.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.42)

Bayou Sam

I'm with you Hank. It makes sense to me.

Hey, I had one of those thoughts today too. I have a feeling that Maggie's brother - who ask's you with a grin if you're havin' a good time - is the same guy that grinned, shook his hand, and said "no" to Levon in Cripple Creek..... back me up Hank.

Posted on Tue Mar 27 04:55:22 CEST 2001 from (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

If anyone's up for another round of that "six degrees of Kevin Bacon" business, here's a question: what two performers onstage at THE LAST WALTZ also were present at recording sessions several years earlier with the Monkees? Clue: Neil Diamond is NOT one of the guys (he's too obvious).

Posted on Tue Mar 27 04:20:33 CEST 2001 from dialup-317.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.61)

HANK

I could be wrong but I've got a hunch that the "Fanny" in "The Weight is NOT the same girl mentioned in the Queen song "Fat-Bottomed Girls".....

What would happen, I wonder, if you took a load off Short Fat Fanny.....for free?

I'm sorry folks, but I heard, really LOUD, in a bar tonight, "Fat-Bottomed Girls" by Queen......

However, I STILL think Richard woulda sang "Don't Stop Me Now" GREAT!!!.....

or howabout Richard singing the first part.........

"Tonight, I'm gonna have myself a real gooood time....I'm come a-LI-ah-ah-IVE......"

And Rick and Levon doing the rocking second part

"I'm a rocketship on my way to Mars..."

RR playing scratchy Chuck licks behind the rocking bits...

Garth doing a sax solo where Brian Mays solo is...or a wiggy wurlitzer organ sound solo....I dunno....

What'cha reckon, folks?...Can ya just hear it?......No?

But Hark! I SAW the UNEDITED VH-1 special.... and that's exactly what RR and Brian May were talking about....how Queen were tryin to sound like The Band

I have a feeling NONE of you believe me........

Posted on Tue Mar 27 03:53:40 CEST 2001 from cl3030709-b.mdsn1.wi.home.com (24.183.0.216)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Merl was a close friend of Rick Danko,,,therefore,,,with *The Band* too. I'm in the process of putting my SUNDOG SUMMER SHAKEDOWN festival together,,,and I'm planning on having Merl perform at it. He stays in contact with me,,,and e-me this date after he just got off his tour,,,and said hes up there helping with their CD, as for me to define what Merl meant by "The Band",,,I would say your guess is as good as mine! http://zappening.freeservers.com/ PS,,I'm me! What I do is in those web sites.

Posted on Tue Mar 27 01:59:50 CEST 2001 from modem-177-25-60-62.vip.uk.com (62.60.25.177)

union man

Peter Viney. Who is this man?

Posted on Tue Mar 27 01:49:17 CEST 2001 from spider-tj071.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.206)

Ghost Rider

SUNDOG

Merl Saunders is in Woodstock helping with The Band's new CD????? Please define "The Band."

Posted on Tue Mar 27 01:09:53 CEST 2001 from cl3030709-b.mdsn1.wi.home.com (24.183.0.216)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Tommy,,,I agree with you! ssssssssssshhhhh! I hear that good 'ol *Merl Saunders* is up in Woodstock helping out with "The Bands" new CD!

Posted on Tue Mar 27 00:28:26 CEST 2001 from spider-wk011.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.151)

Tommy (again...)

'Wonder Boys' is a great movie too...I just got in on DVD a few days ago...SEE IT PEOPLE!!! (And see 'Almost Famous' if you haven't already)

Later folks!

Posted on Tue Mar 27 00:25:52 CEST 2001 from spider-wk011.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.151)

Tommy

I am extremely glad that Dylan won for 'Things Have Changed'...the other songs (besides Bjork's..which was odd enough to be interestingly good)were such run-of-the-mill, lame JUNK! And I'm a Sting and Randy Newman fan!!!Their songs had nothing of substance ,in my opinion.Booooring.

Also on the Oscar front, I'm SO happy that Cameron Crowe won best screenplay for 'Almost Famous'...it's such a sweet,honest,REAL movie.One of my favorites! there should be more movies of that calibre about rock&roll..instead we get those cheesy bio-pics,wherein the music that's supposed to sound like it's being played live sounds like over produced RECORDINGS!That 'Backbeat' movie about the early Beatles was a good one though...

And speaking of movies and Beatles..anyone hear about this McCartney/Wings documentary that's slated to come out in the Spring (which, I guess,is now)? I know it's being released with a related 40 song CD set.Anyone know anything about it? Let us KNOW!!!

Also, Levon should be in more movies...that'd be cool!MORE LEVON!!!!!!hahaha.

Posted on Mon Mar 26 23:15:25 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-091.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.91)

Peter Viney

Michelle Shocked: Garth & Levon backed her on The Letterman show in 1992 according to my notes. Her show is even better in retrospect and they were selling a “dub” version of her next album too. Strange venue. It was a huge medieval church (St Edmund’s) converted into an arts centre, as Salisbury has a plethora of beautiful medieval churches, including the Cathedral, the tallest medieval building in Europe. Michelle kept calling the venue a “cathedral” which was about half a mile wrong. It seemed as if the venue genuinely affected her. There are more churches in the city than you’d be able to fill if the Last Trump were to be announced on the ten o’clock news, and this is good use for one of them. It was strange seeing picnic tables in the churchyard among the marble flat topped tombs, which looked like somewhat grander picnic tables. She was playing facing a huge medieval window. She announced that the bass player had done all the sightseeing in the afternoon. As Jan will confirm this intellectual and cultural interest is a hallmark of most bass players worldwide. I was fascinated by how she managed to convert “The L & N Don’t Stop Here Anymore” into a spontaneous rap on Foot & Mouth disease. OK, it sounds weird when you say it, but Salisbury is the centre of a farming area, and lives on tourism. She managed to make genuine points about how far something like this could kill a town, just as the coal trains ceasing to stop killed the town in her song. and it was localized. Brilliant. I do have all her albums, but this gig confirmed that I’ll buy all that appear in future.

It’s not so much whether Levon always did The Weight, but whether he gave it his full attention when he did it, which on my memory of tapes, he did.

Posted on Mon Mar 26 22:33:46 CEST 2001 from 222.good.net (209.54.25.222)

mattk

Longtime readers (ok, only in the last 2 1/2 years) may recall I'm a HUGE Michelle Shocked fan. Her show here in Portland, ME was the best show, bar none, I've seen in years (same band as Peter Viney saw, except she had a drummer with her).

I'm not sure as to when Garth and Levon backed Michelle, but there was a show at Toad's Place (New Haven, CT) in 1991 that included many of the Arkansas Traveler sidemen, including Levon as well as Taj Mahal. This show was one of the first on the AT tour after the album's release. Does anyone know if this is the show with Garth as well as Levon, or was there another show altogether?

Incidentally, Michelle Shocked has a pretty good fan site that's worth checking out. It's not as interactive or inclusive as Jan's site (name me another site that IS this comprehensive - Jan, you rule, and a belated happy anniversary on this fine site).

Folks interested in checking out Michelle Shocked's fan site, which includes a good collection of articles, performance/set list histories, "what's new" and a comprehensive discography, can visit it via the "web page" link with this message or by pasting this into your browser:

http://members.nbci.com/g_limbo/

Posted on Mon Mar 26 21:31:11 CEST 2001 from dialup-080.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.80)

HANK

In 1986, I was living in NYC and used to frequent the "Open Mike" night at The Speakeasy on MacDougal Street...it was hosted by the late Tom Intondi who was friendly with Rick Danko, if my memory serves me well.....anyway, at one of these nights I met Michelle Shocked, was very impressed with her and asked her out to dinner the very next night (a Mexican place in The Village) and ended up jamming songs with her in Washington Square Park...she told me she was heading to The UK and I gave her some names in Cork to look up if she got to Ireland....she made to The UK alright and got pretty famous w/ "The Texas Campfire Tapes".......I've never met her since....and I doubt if she remembers but hey!....she was really nice and I dug her music ALOT......I always liked that song "Don't mess with my little Sister"

I forgot about that during the "brush with greatness" scare here on The GB a week or so ago.........

Congratulations, Bob Dylan!!!!!!

Posted on Mon Mar 26 21:17:51 CEST 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Elly: Robbie did not present an award at the Hall of Fame Dinner this year. He was there at a table with Keith Richards and Jann Wenner. He and Keith got up at the end of the evening to play a blues jam with other guitar greats such as James Burton, Brian May and Joe Perry. That was the second to last song. They stayed up there for the ending which was Solomon Burke's "Everybody Needs Somebody to Love". Unfortunately, VH-1 edited most of it.

Butch: "Black Friday" won out on the replay, and it sounded great! Better on TV than live, but I don't want to start that whole remixing live songs (Last Waltz) issue again. The only problem at the show with that song was the mixing, for you could not hear Donald's voice on that song.

Posted on Mon Mar 26 20:58:01 CEST 2001 from ti34a64-0341.dialup.online.no (130.67.76.85)

Groan Alone

Michelle Shocked, yes she is worth checking out! I did sound for a show where she shared the bill with Danko, and she got up on stage and sang with Rick. Cambridge, Ma. 1988. Give me some time and I´ll remember what song it was... P.S. I think she hitchiked to the gig ,,,

Posted on Mon Mar 26 19:36:36 CEST 2001 from plum.alltel.com (198.133.100.195)

Kevin Gilbertson

Peter,

I did see the reunited Band a few years back (96?) They opened for Little Feat and they did NOT do The Weight. It looked like a spur of the moment thing on Levon's part. I was close enough to see Rick turn and say 'The Weight', to the rest of group. Looked like Levon shook him off and, with members of Little Feat sitting in, did a killer version of 'Hand Jive'. The crowd did not seem to mind.

You mention Michelle Shocked. I loved Arkansas Traveller but confess to not knowing her other work. Do you remember what the show was where Levon and Garth backed her?

Posted on Mon Mar 26 19:00:44 CEST 2001 from (206.224.31.10)

Little Brøther

I share Pat's aversion to decadent hype-bloated saturnalia like the AAs, but I'm sorry I missed Bob's stooping to accept the bauble, and especially the song performance.

I also skimmed through the Rutles-fallout piece, though it was a little too involved for my Idle curiosity. For all of us who've wallowed in Feudal matters, pro, con, or transcendental, there's a bittersweet irony in discovering a situation where a good-natured put-on eventually spawns bitterness and foul play.

Perhaps there's a Rutles Guestbook somewhere where Idlistas and Innesistas flay each other, complete with peacemakers who interrupt them to proclaim, "Hey, everybody-- it's about the PARODY!"

Posted on Mon Mar 26 18:42:50 CEST 2001 from host-172.subnet-79.med.umich.edu (141.214.79.172)

Steve Knowlton

Here's a question for astute listeners: On the studio recording of "When You Awake", does Richard Manuel play an instrument? On earphones, I only hear drums, bass, organ and guitar.

Posted on Mon Mar 26 18:00:17 CEST 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

It was great last night to get to see Dylan not only win a Grammy but perform the song "live" with his excellent band via the satellite feed. The movie "Wonder Boys" was recently released on DVD. Among the additional features included on the disc is an interview with director Curtis Hanson in which he discusses the music he chose for the film and how he ended up getting Dylan to contribute the song "Things Have Changed". This is the first time that Dylan has written a song specifically for a movie in which he doesn't appear. As Mr. Hanson mentions in his interview, he provided clips from the film to Dylan in order to give him an idea about the nature of the movie. Another added bonus on the DVD is a music video of Dylan performing "Things Have Changed" that was directed by Curtis Hanson and features scenes & characters from the film. The soundtrack for "Wonder Boys" also includes three other "needle-drop" (previously recorded) Dylan songs, "Buckets of Rain", "Not Dark Yet" and "Shooting Star".

Posted on Mon Mar 26 17:51:37 CEST 2001 from spider-to065.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.29)

Dave Z

Crabby: I thought it was more of a cool Vincent Price look myself... I also caught the HOF rerun this time with Black Sunday... Great performance!!! Glad they fought for the change... I was routing for Kate Hudson cause I really liked Almost Famous... especially that scene where the tour bus leaves a band member in the head at a gas station... and on his way out he says... that's OK I'm only the leeead singer.... Hilarious movie...

Posted on Mon Mar 26 17:43:45 CEST 2001 from spider-tl012.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.177)

bob wigo

I'm shocked.

One human being screwing over another for fame and fortune. I never imagined this could go on.

Posted on Mon Mar 26 17:41:46 CEST 2001 from garco.cpe.newsouth.net (64.90.4.86)

Mike Carrico

Sunday afternoon between mowing of grass and grading of paper, my wife and I watched "Talk Of The Town" on TCM...about halfway through the film Ronald Colman ditches professorial beard for his trademark pencil mustache. Several hours later and half a world away same mustache reappears atop the upper lip of one Robert Zimmerman. A long strange trip indeed!

Congrats Bob; another world conquered!

Posted on Mon Mar 26 14:45:49 CEST 2001 from du-tele3-124.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.124)

Peter Viney

Neil Innes is still performing. I saw an ad for his solo show yesterday in Salisbury. I saw the Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band about three times in the sixties. At university they were one of the regular repeat bookings. The Bonzos would never get away with their hugely politically incorrect act nowadays! The usual opening act was a semi-pro local group, featuring Joe Cocker.

I was in Salisbury to see Michelle Shocked. (Band relevance: Arkansas Traveller + Garth and Levon backed her on TV). If you get a chance, don’t miss her. Tremendous performance (two hours forty minutes AND she started on time). Her excellent 4 piece band was herself on rhythm guitar, plus the lead guitarist from Hothouse Flowers, pedal steel doubling on bass, trumpet doubling on bass. You could see she called what she wanted when she wanted, by the rapid change over of who was playing bass after she’d started each song. Someone called for Graffitti Limbo, and she did it, to the surprise of her band, but they coped. It’s a reminder of how hard a drummerless band can rock, and she’s certainly eclectic. Material from her forthcoming album was stunningly good – up there with “Short Sharp Shocked”.

When she took the inevitable request for ‘Anchorage’ the bass player pretended to wind her up like a mechanical toy and she started like a marionette, which was OK, but generally I don’t think it’s too clever to crap on your meal ticket. For sure, everyone there wanted to hear it. On the recent ‘Inside Job Live’ DVD, Don Henley does a trombone version of Hotel California which showed a positive way of dealing with the same problem. The Band never threw ‘The Weight’ away live, but I always think Rick Danko did. It was four fifths not his lead vocal anyway, which set him a problem which Robbie also had in performing it at Seville and Agrigento. Robbie’s solution was to add other great singers, give them a verse each… and to define the guitar part and to get the words right. Levon had something to say on doing ‘The Weight’ for thirty years somewhere. Can’t find the reference but it was along the lines of how you had to appreciate the audience’s need to hear it, be grateful and give it your best. And the man is of course totally correct.

The much heralded Universal 10 CD set “Back to Black 1900-99” came out today – all 24 bit remastered and claiming to be the definitive compilation of “Black music” by which they mean African-American plus a few Jamaican. It’s a tribute to licensing acumen, and it’s good to hear the rival schools of Motown, Atlantic and Stax alternating on the same CDs. The licenses they failed to get are glaringly obvious. Only one Bob Marley, and that’s “One drop” not “No woman No Cry” or “Stir It Up.” One solo Wacko Jacko, and that’s “One Day in My life” not “Beat It” or “Billie Jean.” No Prince at all, which I think was dumb on Prince’s part. No Taj Mahal. Otherwise the team of selectors did a very good job – they whittled down a list of 2000 “wanted” tracks to 220. I’d argue that Otis Redding’s “Respect” should have been there instead of (or even as well as) Aretha Franklin’s version. He gets Try A Little Tenderness and Dock of The Bay. At a glance, Marvin Gaye seems the best represented with four tracks, but they are genuinely essential.

Posted on Mon Mar 26 08:01:11 CEST 2001 from spider-wm063.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.178)

Bayou Sam

Lil = it was the L.I.E. as Charlie Young points out. I beleive he was driving a V.W. Rabbit. That IS an eerie story you told.

Elly = The Rutles, "a legend that will last a lunchtime". What a great movie. I got my copy of the video at the Beatlefest one year. I think they have a website and you might find the video there. Try searching under BEATLEFEST. Eric Idle was funny in it - but you have to give credit to Neil Innis who wrote the spoof tunes. Actually the songs stand up pretty damn good on their own even though they are take-offs on Beatle tunes. BTW Elly, I'm a Long Islander too, dispite my "deep south" nickname in here.

Nancy = I guess Harry Chapin's music did stretch around the world. I was curious. Thanks.

Dylan looked pretty good huh. I think Michael Douglas was happier than Zimmy himself.

Posted on Mon Mar 26 07:42:32 CEST 2001 from (209.32.133.72)

Pete Rivard

In 1973 or '74 I was writing for the LaSalle College (now University) student newspaper, and was invited to interview Harry Chapin with two other college writers at a local radio station.

My journalism professor always said the greatest sin a writer could commit was to show up at an interview unprepared. So I spent the next day frantically combing the campus borrowing Harry Chapin albums from whoever, and stayed up all night listening and scribbling notes. Got to the interview the next day, crazy on caffeine, and Harry didn't want to talk about his songs, but devoted the entire 20 minutes to world hunger issues.

Then we all went out on the lawn in front of the station and heaved a football around. Chapin could launch that pigskin.

Posted on Mon Mar 26 07:29:50 CEST 2001 from spider-wj081.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.56)

Tommy

Dylan...nice.

Posted on Mon Mar 26 07:28:32 CEST 2001 from user-33qt8od.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.163.13)

Pat Brennan

Ahh the cynic in me arises....Hollywood salutes Dylan? Please. The Academy Awards is a self-congratulatory commercial for tripe. "Rocky" once won best picture. Enough said.

And while I'm feeling good, Eric Idle is an execrable human being. Check out this Rutles link. http://home.earthlink.net/~wyuen/rutlesstory.htm

Posted on Mon Mar 26 07:25:08 CEST 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

......"any minute now I'm expecting all hell to break loose....
people are crazy and times are strange.......
I used to care but.....things have changed.....
I hurt easy
I just don't show it
You can hurt someone and not even know it......
the next sixty seconds could be an eternity.....
I used to care but.....things have changed"
Writer, Guitar and Vocals: Bob Dylan "Things Have Changed"
Bass: Tony Garnier
Guitars: Larry Campbell and Charlie Sexton
Drums: David Kemper
You can call him Bobby or Zimmy.....but tonight we'll call Dylan Lucky!!!!

Thanks also to the Sjako! fan from the Lowlands who reminded me how to single space in the guestbook.

Posted on Mon Mar 26 07:09:18 CEST 2001 from 3cust109.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.135.109)

Crabgrass

I couldn't help noticing that Bob Dylan failed to thank The Hawks in his Academy Award acceptance speech without whom he would still be NOWHERE today! And the Academy show producers could've at least had the decency to ask a seasoned award presenter like Robbie to introduce Bob instead of that ex-girlfriend of Puff Daddy. I did like Bob's new snake oil salesman style moustache though.

Posted on Mon Mar 26 06:37:31 CEST 2001 from ts001d44.roc-ny.concentric.net (207.155.139.56)

Liz

Bobby does it again ! wow I remember when I posted about the " Wonder boys" movie, now~ a Grammy and very well deserved academy award...: ) LALA -love you Bobby ! Congrats, amazing and happy daze..............miss you all, Play on keep listening...

Posted on Mon Mar 26 06:35:21 CEST 2001 from spider-wd054.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.174)

Lori

Way to go Bob! Congratulations...it's about time!

Posted on Mon Mar 26 06:27:37 CEST 2001 from du225-249.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.249.225)

Meadowlark & Ilkka

Congratulations BOB! Nobel Prize next . . .

Posted on Mon Mar 26 06:14:32 CEST 2001 from cl3030709-b.mdsn1.wi.home.com (24.183.0.216)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

Congrates Bob Dylan!!!

Posted on Mon Mar 26 04:54:51 CEST 2001 from (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

Elly: "The Rutles" video was just reissued on DVD with bonus material.

Lil: it was the Long Island Expressway where Harry Chapin died. I was living there at the time, though I was always more of a fan of his younger brother Tom Chapin...

Posted on Mon Mar 26 03:53:46 CEST 2001 from akcf2.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.200)

Rod

The crowd over dubs on Back To Memphis and Endless Highway actually date back to the To Kingdom Come compilation (still the best Band collection). The liner notes actually say that the intro is from WG but the performance was not. My guess is that these songs were probably prepared for a Band live album - though why I don't know.

Posted on Mon Mar 26 02:52:28 CEST 2001 from dub.iinet.net.au (203.59.210.3)

Nancy

Bayou Sam: My younger brother was a big Harry Chapin fan back at a time when all of us were a lot younger!!

As a wild lad of 18 - 20 he got a kick out of outrunning the local police force around the city, and maybe that was with Harry singing at "ear bleeding" volume!!

I read somewhere recently that the city in which we lived, Perth, is the world's most remote city, so that should help with your question about how far away Chapin was adored.

Posted on Sun Mar 25 23:11:09 CEST 2001 from (206.187.219.43)

Elly

Hi Diamond Lil! I loved the poetic thoughts on music! I feel the same way! I love all types of music-- songs off the top of my head today like, "Home on The Range" and "Love Can Make You Happy" By Mercy "Where Would I Be Without You?" Edgar Winter "With a Little Help From My Friends" The Beatles-- "Lucky" and "Time and Love" Laura Nyro and "Refuge Of The Roads" Joni Mitchell. If you are a Beatles Fan, I was wondering if you have ever seen (or anyone else on this posting board) the great spoof, "THE RUTLES"..I was wondering if anybody out there has and if they know where I can get a copy. Eric Idle was beyond funny. Did Robbie Robertson present anything at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? What music was played for the end jam? Can we get him out to any of our Pow Wows this summer???? Best to all, Elly.

Posted on Sun Mar 25 22:32:50 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp33.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.33)

Lil Again

..or maybe it was the LI Expressway....? Weird.. I remember the accident so well..yet I'm not sure of the road. Do you know Sam? I think it was around exit 42..it that helps.

Posted on Sun Mar 25 22:16:15 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp33.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.33)

Diamond Lil

Bayou Sam: Thanks for your nice words. I've always loved Harry Chapin's music. In fact, I have an eerie Harry Chapin story for you.

I was supposed to be seeing him at Eisenhower park on Long Island one night. Had driven with my mom up to Mamaronack..and hit alot of traffic coming back on the Southern State Pkwy. I was in a bit of a panic, because I knew I had to make it to his show. Turns out, the traffic jam was a very bad car accident. We passed it and I remember seeing a person covered with a blanket in the road and a very badly smahed-up Volkswagon (if my memory serves). I didn't know until I got home and heard on the radio that the accident we passed was the one Mr. Chapin died in. I'll never forget that day.

Thanks for listening. Have a nice night everyone. Thanks Jan..and hug :-)

Posted on Sun Mar 25 19:42:05 CEST 2001 from spider-mtc-tc064.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.179)

Bayou Sam

Lil = beautifully put. I've dabbled with songwriting, and one that I wrote talks about music being a freind - and as hokey as it may sound, I've never had any use for drugs(I'm 41 and have never smoked pot)- but music is my drug. If the world is weighing heavy on me I like to listen to Clapton's "Give Me Strength", if I want to get stoked there's nothing like "Brown Sugar" cranked to ear bleeding volume. When I want to just feel comfortable - like I'm sitting with an old freind - The Weight, and The Band in general does it for me......I hope that wasn't too mushy, but Lil's post just hit a chord.

Hey, I was listening to the late Harry Chapin yesterday - a great song called "Taxi" - and I was wondering how far his music reached. He was a local Long Island guy, so he was always in the news here. He was very active in fighting world hunger. His big hit was "Cats in the Cradle". Anyway, I was wondering if you folks far away have heard of him. I'd think you'd like him.

Posted on Sun Mar 25 14:48:35 CEST 2001 from nrwl-sh3-port39.snet.net (204.60.216.39)

quentin ryan

If any of the guestbook people have had trouble with our ordering software, please except my apologies and would you please e-mail me with a description of the problem. my programmers have been working with the shopping cart people and the credit card people to fix any glitches. Of course they're blaming each other.

On a brighter subject Garth is winding things up on SEA TO THE NORTH. Which is BTW the most beautiful peace of work I've ever heard any where.

Thanks for all of your support!

Quentin Ryan

Posted on Sun Mar 25 14:25:15 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp159.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.159)

Note to Jan:

It's safe to read your e-mail now :-) Thanks for your patience...Hug.

Posted on Sun Mar 25 14:20:55 CEST 2001 from grmn-105ppp159.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.159)

Diamond Lil

Anyone ever think of the music as a dear friend..someone who you can always count on to be there..to make you smile.. to touch things inside you that nothing else can touch? Kind of the way I'm feeling now. Perhaps pathetically sentimental here this morning, but realizing that some things are irreplaceable in life...such as music.. and trust...and love...people and things that touch our souls. Coming out of a rough week..I feel lucky to have these things.

Thanks for listening to me.. and never stop listening to the music.

Posted on Sun Mar 25 11:44:29 CEST 2001 from 1cust41.tnt3.jacksonville.fl.da.uu.net (63.10.28.41)

Tim

What was it that killed Rick Danko? Does anyone have any information about his death? Peace Love & Understanding

Posted on Sun Mar 25 09:52:42 CEST 2001 from spider-to022.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.52)

Ben Pike

That is wild about how "Wakins Glen" is a hoax of an CD, last time I played it I was surprised how good I thought it was. If they were digging out the rainstorm, why didn't they just use the rest of it? Oh well, as I have weighed in here often enough, I consider the offical, "corrupted" Basement tapes one of rocks great masterpieces. And for that matter, I like the Monkees. Maybe this has been mentioned, but I have been able to use Napster in getting some of the pre Big Pink tracks, "Stones I Throw", and "Leave Me Alone." Never heard them before.....

Posted on Sun Mar 25 06:30:00 CEST 2001 from mplsdslgw10poolb84.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.41.84)

P.S. 2001

I've got some BIG Garth Hudson news on his new solo album. Check out my site and the sign the guestbook while your there! Thanks!

Posted on Sun Mar 25 06:05:42 CEST 2001 from webcache2.gw.uiuc.edu (128.174.0.218)

Travis Rojakovick

I had some questions on the Band. One is who sings along with Richard Manuel during the refrain of "The Shape Im In"? Number two is is the DCC version of "Stage Fright" with the different mixes appreciably better. Is it worth hunting down? Lastly, Ive heard that "WS Walcott Medicine Show" is a critique of the hollowness/phoniness of the music business, but in the Last Waltz and This Wheels on Fire Levon Helm seems to have nothing but fondness for these sorts of shows, so I was curious what people thought about the juxtaposition between the fondness for the shows and the darker theme of the song dealing with them. Thanks.

Posted on Sun Mar 25 04:45:54 CEST 2001 from 1cust60.tnt7.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.15.112.60)

HI

Hey Butch and Donald were right. Black Friday was great...just saw it on the VH1 revised version..tonight....score one for the good side.

Posted on Sun Mar 25 00:04:47 CET 2001 from grmn-105ppp200.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.200)

Diamond Lil

Have spent a little time re-visiting some of the funnier posts in the gb archives here. Needed a smile.. and found several. Thanks.

Have a good night everyone. Heellloooo down there Jan. Hug :-)

Posted on Sat Mar 24 20:02:36 CET 2001 from ti09a63-0050.dialup.online.no (130.67.54.50)

jh

Sybille S. from Germany: I can't find your e-mail address here. Please resend. Thanks.

Posted on Sat Mar 24 05:56:08 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-ta011.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.21)

Bayou Sam

Chad = don't let the door hit you in the ass.

Posted on Sat Mar 24 04:06:25 CET 2001 from host-216-76-151-124.bna.bellsouth.net (216.76.151.124)

BWNWITennessee

Hank - you should have slapped that drummer with a pie that smells.

Posted on Sat Mar 24 02:56:09 CET 2001 from jaxn3t01-du99.onewest.net (199.104.80.99)

jhwygirl

Norbert, thanks for that 'fun' link. It's nice to see the how and what of what goes on behind the scenes. Peace!

Posted on Sat Mar 24 01:08:36 CET 2001 from m20677150207.austin.cc.tx.us (206.77.150.207)

pehr

chad probably have spelling broplemm to. Sorry have good email address for chad. won millyun websites oot ther soe hee poest neg stuf onn dix un.

Posted on Sat Mar 24 00:12:30 CET 2001 from spider-wk023.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.158)

Rick S.

Professor Louie and Miss Marie are participating in Songwriter Circle at Bodles Opera House, 39 Main St., Chester, N.Y. (Orange Co.) on Friday March 30th 8 PM. $10. 845-469-4595 (www.bodles.com)

Posted on Fri Mar 23 23:01:47 CET 2001 from spider-wa031.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.31)

Tommy

Bones...thanks for the John Deacon info.Hope he is doing OK now...

As far as Queen goes, they were(and are I guess) my FIRST favorite band...the one that got me playing guitar!Brian May sings on average one to two songs on all the albums from the 70s,including the 1980 album 'The Game'.For some reason never explained in any book about Queen that I've ever read,Brian May and Queen's other vocalist ,drummer Roger Taylor stopped having cuts on the albums wherein they sang lead like they did in the 70s.Odd.They all still wrote songs though...Anyone know why this is?

And yes, Brian May is ALWAYS under-rated as far as "best guitarists" lists go.

Posted on Fri Mar 23 22:37:25 CET 2001 from spider-tk041.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.191)

bob wigo

Chad,

Can you say "syntax" ?

Posted on Fri Mar 23 20:45:07 CET 2001 from (12.34.17.217)

Johnny Flippo

WAY TO GO CHAD!!!

Always a pleasure to have someone as erudite as yourself posting. Vaya con Dios.

On another note, are we absolutely sure that "Goin' Back to Memphis" & "Endless Highway" are __studio__ outtakes? I guess I'm gonna have to believe the true experts among you on this one, but (and call me the rube that I am) I'll still be anxious to hear the tracks to see if this is true.

By the way, I agree with MattK (as usual). Nicky Love _is_ Divynles, only with a better wardrobe. And, IMHO, that ain't necessarily bad. Peace.

Posted on Fri Mar 23 20:36:11 CET 2001 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

Butch: Thanks for the Donald Fagan story. Even though "Do It Again" came off better at the actual event (you could not hear Donald's great voice on "Black Friday"), if the boys take time off to go back and mix it then that is the number they should have used. I agree with you. Also, the media reports I read after the show all talked about the guitar blues jam with Robbie and Keith being a highlight, and they showed 20 seconds of it.

Posted on Fri Mar 23 18:25:31 CET 2001 from pallisersd.ab.ca (199.216.197.7)

chad roest

this place suck the big one

Posted on Fri Mar 23 17:57:05 CET 2001 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (213.51.109.69)

Norbert

attn: THE BAND DISCIPLES

COMMENTS:
GBers if you want to get an impression of the boatload of work it is maintaining this site, click on the web page above......
CRITICISM:
Patrik......that motorcycle......oops!......now take into consideration...... a CBR900RR for fast corners......or better a Ducati 996R, just for the sound.......(if your dad helps ya out here)......
ENCOURAGEMENT:
LINN and PATRIK......keep up the good work!......it is much appreciated!!!......

Posted on Fri Mar 23 15:04:44 CET 2001 from 64-208-176-239.nas1.mon.gblx.net (64.208.176.239)

Michael Power

Anybody notice the background singer standing behind Donald Fagen at R'n'R Hall of Fame Show? - It was Amy Helm!

Posted on Fri Mar 23 14:40:51 CET 2001 from spider-wc081.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.56)

bob wigo

The latest article posted in the "What's New" section written by Nick Logan describes Rick Danko as "bland and inscrutable".

An interesting choice of words to describe one of the most personable, animated and accessible human beings I have ever had the pleasure to meet. I can't believe Rick could have been much different back in 1971.

Posted on Fri Mar 23 12:36:14 CET 2001 from grmn-105ppp207.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.207)

Diamond Lil

All this talk about the upcoming Hudson/Fjeld/Anderson shows in Norway gave me the urge to pull out the DFA cd's again. They've been difficult to listen to since Rick's death. It saddens me to listen, yet it makes it smile at the same time. I never got the chance to hear Rick do "Your Eyes" live..and I never will. Is there any chance that anyone out there has a live DFA tape with that tune on it? I'd appreciate it more than you know... Thanks.

Have a good day everyone.

Posted on Fri Mar 23 11:41:14 CET 2001 from dialup-260.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.4)

HANK

Last night, I was talking to a guitarist and a drummer I gig with regularly. I casually mentioned how "Back to Memphis" is, apparently, a studio out-take.....and they both put their hands over their ears, started shouting obscenities and walked away from me..............

Posted on Fri Mar 23 11:41:26 CET 2001 from bess.ysgolccc.org.uk (193.132.109.252)

gl

hey, i'm a kid from wales, and have recently got into the band. i have music from big pink and the band, but don't really know what to get next. i've tried to get the video of the last waltz, but it's impossible to find over here. can anyone help?

Posted on Fri Mar 23 08:03:25 CET 2001 from zorg195.revealed.net (208.243.237.195)

Mike

In response to the recent few posts about the Watkins Glen cd, I agree. The only parts on the disc that are from the actual concert are the introduction, the organ solo and the jam. Back To Memphis and Endless Highway are from the Moondog sessions (applause overdubbed). Don't Ya Tell Henry sounds like it's from Woodstock. The tone of the drums and guitar sound very similar! The Rumor, Time To Kill, I Shall Be Released, Loving you and Cripple Creek are Rock Of Ages outtakes for sure! Okay, it's a sham. No need to prove that :) Look at Jimi Hendrix's 1994 Woodstock cd which was heavily edited, had fake applause added and the running order was switched around. That was a pathetic release. But in 1999 the complete Woodstock set was released in the correct running order (without any fake applause), warts and all. Okay, it wasn't his best performance ever but hardly his worst. It carries a historical significance that surpasses the performance. The complete Watkins Glen concert is sitting in the vaults somewhere and if intelligence were to prevail, it might be released someday in it's entirety and undoctored. I'm certainly hoping for that. It's been said that it wasn't a great Band show but it does have a historical value that I know all or most of us GB'ers would appreciate. What do you think? Peace. Mike

Posted on Fri Mar 23 06:14:27 CET 2001 from host-209-214-119-31.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.119.31)

BWNWITennessee

Now don't go blaming this whole Little Nicky fiasco on Robbie. You will notice that her album is called Honeyvision, so it seems that maybe Garth had a hand in it. Either that, or that dastardly Robertson stole the title of Garth's new album.

Posted on Fri Mar 23 05:58:08 CET 2001 from user-33qt896.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.161.38)

Pat Brennan

That Nicky Love is some terrifyingly bad sh*t. And I mean bad as in not good.

Someone raked Nelly Furtudo here recently, but I think her CD is very good. I have no idea what RR's involvement is with it.

Posted on Fri Mar 23 04:33:26 CET 2001 from 1cust8.tnt6.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.11.190.8)

Crabgrass

I believe that the Nicky Love site is off-limits to those under 25 years of age - but try clicking the "Web page" just one more time to make sure and if you can't access it e-mail Dreamworks and complain. Anyway, those over 25 should have no problem. Enjoy!!

Incidentally, I was disappointed that Robbie didn't bring Nicky along to sing back-up alongside Amy. Maybe next year.

Posted on Fri Mar 23 03:44:11 CET 2001 from proxy1-external.blfld1.ct.home.com (24.4.252.36)

AHROOO!!

More ramblings from myself about the RRHOF. (Hey, I gotta catch these posts before another subject takes its place in a day or so). Aerosmith did a really good job of rocking the night. You've got to love a bunch of guys who cleaned up their act and can still play with the zest of life. I liked what Joe Perry said about the band being "brother's by choice." Sweet of them to acknowledge John Philips too. Keith is who he is, ever so lovable and humble in a sort of way. I love his sense of fashion. Still drums to the beat of his own drums. Bono still enthralls me with his speeches.

I think a big problem that happens at the RRHOF sometime or another is that the wrong presenters induct certain artists. What was the Hall Of Fame foundation thinking when they paired up Moby with Steely Dan? Now who's going to induct Brian Eno when his time comes? I thought Moby would be perfect for that! Oh well, what's next year, Britney Spears inducting the long overdue Black Sabbath??

Talking about Queen makes me want to take out my entire collection and just listen to them all. Brian May did sing a few songs here and there. He did a tremendous job singing "Too Much Love Will Kill You" during the tribute to Freddie Mercury in '92. Incredible concert too! Oops! Wait, this isn't a Queen guestbook. Okay, well......

I was really disappointed they didn't show "Johnnie's Jam" with all of those guitarists. I so wanted to see Robbie, Brian May, and Joe Perry all on the same stage. I guess that lasted for all but a few minutes until they foolishly cut it.

AHROOO!!

Posted on Fri Mar 23 02:51:19 CET 2001 from taz-devil.wn.com.au (203.10.1.26)

Bruce Varley

Guys, I'm just starting up my 4th band, at the age of 52. You've been the greatest musical influence in my life ever since I was blown away by your concer in Perth with Bob Dylan. Keep playing

Posted on Fri Mar 23 02:42:09 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-ti052.proxy.aol.com (64.12.101.172)

Bayou Sam

I heard that John Deacon was absent because he has a "new" life outside of music and had no interest in going.

I haven't seen anyone mention this, but I thought that the Flamingo's were fantastic.

It WAS Robbie doing all the narration on the little video biographyies on each inductee before they were introduced wasn't it? I noticed RR got a credit at the end for "cunsultant something or other".

wasn't it strange the way Dion ambled out to join Paul Simon like it was a spur of the moment thing. I loved it. A Bronx, and Queens guy up there rockin' in Manhattan.

I'll say it again - Brian May is one of the greatest guitarists - and most people kind of forget him when they're talking guitar players. I didn't know he sang at all.

Aeorosmith really gets mixed reviews in here. I love them. You can always count on straight ahead - right in your face rock and roll with them. It's incredible that they have ALL the original guys together after all this time. They look great since cleaning up thier acts. I just wish that that clown Kid Rock hadn't sung, and added that rap twist to Sweet Emotion.... I also love the set of drums that Joey Kramer was playing.

Keith Richards was just, pure Keef. Ya gotta love him.

I also loved Johnnie Johnson's speech. I wonder if Chuck Berry was watching.

and how about Paul Simon's line about Art Garfunkel?

BTW - I also agree that the editing was awful.

Posted on Fri Mar 23 02:20:00 CET 2001 from user-33qt91o.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.164.56)

Pat Brennan

Although I'm repeating myself, you'll find that most--if not all--of the other Watkins Glen performances will be the outtakes from Rock of Ages.

Posted on Thu Mar 22 23:26:34 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-ti041.proxy.aol.com (64.12.101.166)

Dave Z

Well said Peter and Butch... The future looks real exciting in this fan's opinion too... and as far as the VH1 R&R HOF telecast... as I get older I like Keith Richards more and more... he seems respectful to his elders... even if it does look like a gang of punk rockers pushed him into a stand of lures at a local bait shop... as far as Aerosmith, I don't mind hearing them on the radio in my car every once in a while but I don't go out of my way to hunt down bootlegs of their live shows... I also enjoyed Amy's appearance ... she comes off well but different than I imagined... moving on TV... than in the still shots on this site... anyway count me among those disappointed to miss two extra guitar solos during the jam session...

Posted on Thu Mar 22 23:16:33 CET 2001 from spider-wd072.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.182)

butch

a fellow fan writes,,,, I was dissapointed with the VH-1 edit show last night. A couple of incredible things they missed: Solomon Burke's hot version of "Cry To Me", Paul Simon's "Stll Crazy After All These Years", Steely Dan's "Black Friday", and ,most importantly, Robbie and Keith's solos on the blues jam at the end.

-------------------------------------------------------

according to donald fagen,,,,Black Friday was what steely dan wanted for the vh-1 show,, they went & helped mix it, so it would sound right,,,,,,,,,,,cause steely dan cares !!!!!

but in their "wisdom" vh-1 & the HOF frigged it up,,,

donald & walter were LIVID last night after the show,, & Friday's re-broadcast may be re-edited WITH BLACK FRIDAY !!!!!!!!!!!!!

check it out & see if artistic integrity can win ONE,,,,,

or if the whores win,,,,

Posted on Thu Mar 22 22:41:34 CET 2001 from du-tele3-046.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.46)

Peter Viney

Just in case RR should ever browse this site – Hank has always been extremely warm in his praise for you. I think "best songwriter ever" might be a quote, also "genius". Sign him up!

Posted on Thu Mar 22 22:25:10 CET 2001 from du-tele3-035.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.35)

Peter Viney

Just to add to Jan’s point to “Sorry.” And Robbie Robertson must be due for something new soon too. Add Jim Weider and Randy Ciarlante in the Gurus. The old music does live on, which is why (for example) there are so many Beatles websites and books even though the group broke up thirty years ago, and John’s been gone for twenty years. I more and more believe that the picture of a “group” or “band” is more often created by publicity and fans’ fond hopes than reality. The Band would use a horn section, or add a violin player or even a drummer (Billy Mundi on Moondog). Band members sat in with other people. The outside observer seems to want the five (or in the 90s, six) against the world, united, never doing anything else. The reality was always different with musicians. Look at the credits of any 90s Band album. Bands are looser amalgamations than we like to think. With this band there are still three originals out there doing things, and my interest extends to Jim and Randy as well. I may be wrong, but the album credits towards the end suggest that Richard Bell was a kind of “touring member” but if he comes up with a solo album, put my name down for one as well .

Posted on Thu Mar 22 22:10:58 CET 2001 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (213.51.109.69)

Norbert

Jocke.........rest in peace...........your last gig was a masterpiece..........you will keep on posting, as a heavenly messenger now..........I'm sure!

.......now some Band jargon........"Ilkka you BASTARD!!!" ....... (quote from This Dog's On Fire)........... ;-)

Posted on Thu Mar 22 21:29:40 CET 2001 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

Tommy: John Deacon was ill, and did not attend at the last moment.

Butch: Thanks for correcting me about Maria's daughter singing with Miss Amy. From where I was sitting, I thought it was Libby Titus. Needless to say, I wasn't sitting in the same zip code as Robbie and Keith.

I was dissapointed with the VH-1 edit show last night. A couple of incredible things they missed: Solomon Burke's hot version of "Cry To Me", Paul Simon's "Stll Crazy After All These Years", Steely Dan's "Black Friday", and ,most importantly, Robbie and Keith's solos on the blues jam at the end.

Posted on Thu Mar 22 20:48:22 CET 2001 from spider-wb041.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.166)

Tommy again...

Crabgrass..everytime I try and get to the Nicky Love webpage, a banner appears saying that the pages dont exsist.Any ideas why?

I wanna see a half naked girl just like the rest!!!

Posted on Thu Mar 22 20:44:50 CET 2001 from spider-wb041.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.166)

Tommy

Hey, does anyone know where QUEEN bassist John Deacon was during the R&RHOF? Did they make mention of his absence on last night's show? I didn't catch the show last night, but a friend taped it for me.HE reported that Deacon wasn't there with Brian May and Roger Taylor (we're BIG Queen fans).Anyone know the deal??? That's it for now...thanks.

Posted on Thu Mar 22 20:28:50 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Hank raises an interesting point regarding the Live At Watkins Glen CD -- Should the deceptive presentation detract from the actual music itself? Pat Brennan previously posted an excellent article here which thoroughly deals with this release and the dilemma it presents. As Pat pointed out, Capitol is solely responsible for this ruse. Long after The Band left the label, the powers to be at Capitol have control over the recordings in their vaults. We can't blame Levon, Garth or Rick for "the Watkins Glen deception" (what a great song title that would be). Since Robertson still maintained an affilation with the folks at "Hollywood and Vine", one can only guess as to whether or not the suits ran the idea for the release by him before they issued it. I tend to agree with Pat Brennan, however, when it comes to the actual music -- I don't care what cloak that Capitol dressed it in, it's still great music!

Posted on Thu Mar 22 20:01:34 CET 2001 from spider-wd072.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.182)

butch

Great to see Amy Helm singing background on Steely Dan's "Do it again" at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction; she sounded and looked terrific! writes Eddie Hodel,,,,

well, to further the Woodstock connection,,, that was Jenny Muldaur (maria's daughter ) singing with BARNBURNER Amy Helm,,,,,, yeah !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Johnnie Johnson was the class of the class,,, Keith did a great job with his speech,,,for James & Johnnie,,,

i HATE AEROSMITH,, they SUCK !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BIG TIME,,, undeserving posers,,,,& they are assholes,,,,,IMO,,,,

But Solomon Burke,, & "the sidemen " YEAH !!!!!!!!!!

Posted on Thu Mar 22 19:38:22 CET 2001 from async-89.ts2.pouch.com (209.51.167.238)

Eddie Hodel

Great to see Amy Helm singing background on Steely Dan's "Do it again" at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction; she sounded and looked terrific!

Posted on Thu Mar 22 19:09:21 CET 2001 from du105-4.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.4.105)

Ilkka

About song... err.. web site writing credits. - Thank you NORBERT for the original idea and inspiration to the alt. The Band web site. No "feud" here, no sir!

Posted on Thu Mar 22 19:06:37 CET 2001 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Goeienavend saam...

Ilkka's dog... you louzy excuse for a quadruped! What did you do to the rabbits and deers that once, in those past happy Banddays, were the trademark of your master? Did you eat them? Or did you give them foot-and-mouth disease?

And what about this Britney Spears girl? I must admit, I liked her pix on your website quite a lot, but your master obviously has had no say in all this... he would have chosen dear Agnetha, wouldn't he?

And now for something completely different: ben ik dan soms de enige die de Walcott Medicine Show gezien heeft? Norbert?

Posted on Thu Mar 22 16:09:53 CET 2001 from sjiassoc16.erols.com (208.58.12.144)

Jon Lyness

Jan, I hope you enjoy those "HFA" shows...they should be amazing. Perhaps I speak for the group when I say my knowledge of Norwegian geography is woefully deficient...but how many of those May shows will you be able to attend?

Selfishly, I sure hope Garth, Eric & Jonas take their act over to the US this summer. A perfect song for them to perform together would be Soul of My Song...it's from Eric's Stages album, written by Jonas & backed by Garth on accordian. It's simply one of the best love songs I've ever heard, and a live performance would be magical...to steal Levon's great phrase, I'd stay up all night drinking goddamn dirty water for a chance to hear that. :)

Posted on Thu Mar 22 15:09:16 CET 2001 from levon.hiof.no (158.36.51.54)

jh

You're right, "Sorry." I'll stop looking forward to Garth's solo album and the new Levon & the Barn Burners CD right away. Not to mention Garth's Norwegian tour in May with Jonas and Eric, and the upcoming Danko/ Fjeld/ Andersen live CD. Thanks.

Posted on Thu Mar 22 15:02:05 CET 2001 from revlukup2.clr.com (164.57.254.209)

Sorry

The Band is dead. Their music lives on, but there is nothing new to look forward to.

Posted on Thu Mar 22 14:24:58 CET 2001 from dialup-357.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.101)

Hank

Mike Covers line about when genius meets genius (X5) was a pretty good assessment of The Band and The Feud, I thought....let's just enjoy what they gave us, folks.......

Dreamworks, eh?....... The following is true.....two nights ago I got a call from a woman in Dublin who said she was scouting for Dreamworks and that she wanted to know would I send her tracks from the next Hank Wedel and Open Kitchen album....I immediately asked her if she knew RR...and she balked and sorta acted like she knew the name....but I KNOW she did'nt....she said "I THINK he has done some work for Dreamworks" and it transpired she's an independent A&R scout doing some work for people with connections to Dreamworks.......that's cool.....I sent her two tracks anyway!!.....what'cha reckon, folks?....d'y'think RR will hear our tracks? D'y'think he'll want to sign us?....will we have to pose half-naked like Nicky Love? Robbie...if yer reading this, can we pose half-naked WITH Nicky Love, Nelly Furtado and Britney Spears?......while they're MOSTLY naked?......

Of course, I guess I'll be in the height of trouble if RR DOES read this GB....

.....speaking of trouble....this "Back to Memphis" revelation....ie the WG live cut is actually a "Moondog Matinee" out-take.......does that mean I can't love it anymore?.....If so, ....bummer.....I went ot a drummers house yesterday morning...got him outta bed and put that on loud to wake him up.....and it worked!!!!......if I have to start disliking that cut now I'm a gonna be very pissed off......I mean, what will be the official GB stance on this?

A recent post here is from one Maurice Colgan......it's a poem about Elvis, Scotty and Bill. The guy posted his phone number...it's a Dublin number....so I just rang him and asked why did he post a poem about Elvis on The Band Web-Site.....not that there's anything wrong with that........just interested. Well, it turns out he's like Irelands greatest Elvis fan.....got letters from the King in 1961...... The media here made him a minor celeb back in 1997 and he's been to Memphis, Tupelo and all that. He said he's on the Band Web-Site because of something to do with a link to a web-page on Scotty Moore.......I'm not too clear on this, but he sez no matter where he links up to he leaves messages about Elvis on post-boards and Guest-Books.......I asked him what did he think of Peter Guralnicks books on Elvis and he said he enjoyed "Last Train to Memphis" but felt that Guralnick was a bit hard on Elvis in "Careless Love"........I tried to defend Guralnicks writing by saying it was great how the music was the focus in both those books but, as is the way w/ die hard fans, they DON'T want to read or know the sordid truth.......It was pleasant conversation, tho',...... I told him how Levon Helm used to go see Elvis, Scotty and Bill in Arkansas....and how I was rehearsing "One-Sided Love Affair" and "My Baby Left Me" w/ the bass-player in my band last night.........Elvis was a spectral presence in the world, folks........between the still-born twin brother and the ties to his mother and being dirt-poor and picking up on gospel and blues and having that voice and rythmn........Spooky......It' funny 'cos for the past two weeks my car music has been an Elvis '56 collection and Gillian Welch (anyone here dig her?....she's magic!) and now here I am writing about him........

PS Robbie, if you ARE reading this and you DO hear our tracks.....you really DON'T wanna sell us with pictures of us even quarter naked, believe me..............

Posted on Thu Mar 22 10:13:14 CET 2001 from p743.as1.exs.dublin.eircom.net (159.134.226.231)

Maurice Colgan

Scotty, Bill, and Elvis, In a beat-up Cadillac, Roared down to Shreveport, To play their latest track. Scotty played the Guitar, A genius with the strings, And the sound he made in '54, Gave the music wings. Bill played a mean Bass, Plucking out the beat, With all the kids clapping, And dancing in the street. Elvis sang with all his heart, And with all his soul, He sang most everything, But chiefly Rock n Roll. Their story now is history, And the writing's on the wall, Thanks for the great music!!! Scotty, Bill and Elvis, Had themselves a ball. C.1999 Maurice Colgan.

Posted on Thu Mar 22 08:23:02 CET 2001 from ptldme-cmt4-c3-66-30-24-243.maine.rr.com (66.30.24.243)

mattk

Actually, I think Ms. Love sounds like she's borrowing heavily from the Divinyls. Or perhaps Divinyls meet No Doubt. I suppose the latter is where the whole confessional lyric thing kicks in. Minus the pseudo-angst, I could file it under "well produced pop" (like that other tune from the other Australian soap actress turned singer). Unfortunately, the attempts at being Anne Sexton leave me smirking and feeling like she's a bit silly.

Posted on Thu Mar 22 08:08:55 CET 2001 from styx.belo.com (147.136.249.254)

csiron

Wow! This isn't available in the article excerpts posted in the Ice newsletter's Web site, but we finally have some definitive information on the fraud that was the Watkins Glen live CD.

The Band site has a good article that basically proved -- via a careful A-B comparison with a bootleg -- that this was not the Watkins Glen set, but now we're getting down to how dishonest it really was:

This is from Page 10 of the Ice article in the March issue. Check it out:

The Moondog Matinee reissue includes studio outtakes of Back to Memphis and Endless Highway. "Some fans will recognize 'Back to Memphis' and 'Endless Highway' as the same versions appropriated for 1994's somewhat controversial Live at Watkins Glen. That CD was a purported document of their legendary 1973 big-festival appearance, but turned out to be culled partly from other sources. [Cheryl] Pawelski [director of A&R for EMI-Capitol Music Special Markets and Catalog] says AUDIENCE APPLAUSE WAS OVERDUBBED ONTO THE STUDIO TRACKS for Watkins Glen, but the two can be heard in their original form for the first time on the new Moondog."

Posted on Thu Mar 22 07:49:19 CET 2001 from 1cust227.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.134.227)

Crabgrass

Gee, it's good to hear that Robbie took a day off from his important job at Dreamworks to jam at the R&RHOF awards show. I guess now it's back to Hollywood to promote his great recent talent discovery Nicky Love and check the rushes from her current video shoot. I hope nothing went askew while RR was away. The old tele is safely back in it's glass case in Robbie's office by now until he returns to NYC next year. Those who haven't yet checked Nicky's site - what the heck are you waiting for? (Click on "Web page" above.) Cool pix and good music aplenty!! And some of Nicky's vocals are reminiscent of Robbie's unique whispery style.

I read somewhere way back that Brian May and his dad did indeed build that guitar of his in the basement workshop - it was described as being a semi-hollow body somewhat like a Les Paul.

Re: the New Band Website - I admit I clicked on the "Britney Spears Naked" button twice and just wanna make it clear that if more clicks appear should the register be made public by the Webdogmaster that my cat Rusty is responsible as I left my computer briefly to answer the doorbell (Jehovah's Witnesses) and caught him tapping the mouse when I returned.

Posted on Thu Mar 22 06:22:19 CET 2001 from empb-port23.net.mcmaster.ca (130.113.192.102)

Steve Tasker

The Band is still alive in the Music Survivor. It's week eight and there are plenty bands that should go before our boys. Go vote -- it's linked above. You can vote (for who you want eliminated) every couple hours, so bookmark it. Cheers - Happy 5th anniversary

Posted on Thu Mar 22 06:08:03 CET 2001 from 24.68.33.158.on.wave.home.com (24.68.33.158)

John Donabie

Well Bones the RRHOF show might have been great live; but for the 2nd time I am very disappointed with the TV version. The editing is terrible. I waited until 11:20 pm to catch James Burton and saw him do about 10 seconds worth. Sleepy Dan was a treat and seeing Ms. Amy Helm and her mother Libby Titus up there was great. Aerosmith and what's left of Queen was equally wonderful. It's great to see musicians who haved aged......not lose their passion.

Posted on Thu Mar 22 05:10:33 CET 2001 from (209.32.133.6)

Pete Rivard

Mr. Ahrooo,

The story I've heard Brian May relate in a radio interview is that his family had no money to afford a guitar, but his dad being somewhat of a jack-of-all-trades handyman, salvaged all the materials for the guitar from various scrap heaps and junk yards, including the wood from some discarded furniture and some of the electrical from a junked motorcycle engine, and built the guitar from plans drawn up by measuring some friends' guitars.

One of those stories that you want to be true. Somebody told me that the body of the guitar is not solid, but laminated layers, due to having to work with what they could find, and that contributes to the unique sound. Also, the pickups are supposedly his dad's make. If it's true, his dad could give the Professor on Gilligan's Island lessons on working with found materials.

Posted on Thu Mar 22 04:41:24 CET 2001 from proxy1-external.blfld1.ct.home.com (24.4.252.36)

AHROOO!!

While watching the RRHOF on VH-1, I really hope somebody can answer this for me or try to. I know we have some serious musicians who know their instruments and well, we've even gotten a lesson of Robbie's guitar playing dynamics. My question is (although not Band related) "How does Brian May of Queen get his guitar to sound like that?" I've heard that "Big Red" isn't a telecaster, nor is it a stratocaster. What makes a guitar like his sound so.....I don't know....prominent among other players. I've heard that "Big Red" is a homemade guitar so we won't be hearing that sound from other artists anytime soon. I just had to bring this up. Any guitar afficianados out in Bandland? I have to say that May's guitar playing sure did compliment Steely Dan.

AHROOO!!

Posted on Thu Mar 22 03:03:27 CET 2001 from cf3k-3.paradise.net.nz (203.96.152.183)

Can cats post here?

I checked out the web-site of Ms Love, Robbie Robertson's newest find, & was saddened to read she feels she has been underestimated and stereotyped as party girl. One notes she was so distracted by suffering she even forgot to finish dressing before the photographer arrived. And on top of everything now the poor thing has had snide comments made about her by Crabgrass. One hopes that she may be able to triumph and turn this most recent ordeal into art- a song, or perhaps a tastefully posed series of photos…

Posted on Thu Mar 22 01:23:55 CET 2001 from slip-32-101-209-202.dc.us.prserv.net (32.101.209.202)

Marcel St.john

What a treat finding the sight. I'm a bit of a dinosaur/luddite. Been a Band/Hawks fan since '65. Last saw Levon and the late Rick here a few yrs. back,front row seats. Was up in Woodstock, New York three-fours years back,looking for signs of the boys and Mr. D. This was a few years after driving to Hibbing,Minnesota checking out Bob's old haunts. Looking forward to seeing Levon if/when he plays close to D.C.,USA

Posted on Wed Mar 21 22:42:12 CET 2001 from ch8as01-65-156-186.cw-visp.com (212.137.156.186)

Mick Cover

Loved the web site loads of info have to say there is something of a J R Robertson verses Levon Helm feeling about some of the articles.Just accept that when genius meets genius [x5] sometimes it happens and sometimes it dont .Just revel in the times it happened and forget the politics.

Posted on Wed Mar 21 21:56:09 CET 2001 from du-tele3-120.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.120)

Peter Viney

Well, Illka, Saturday afternoon at Anfield will be High Noon - the ultimate decider on this alt guestbook scene (and no one in North America will know what we’re talking about here). I know that even if we win it’s going to be put down to our Swedish manager rather than our ability. Ah, well. It’s only a game. I checked back to see if you’d really put Britney in the buff on your site yet, but no luck. Will check hourly. Don’t tell anyone how many times I’ve checked.

Posted on Wed Mar 21 21:43:05 CET 2001 from spider-wa054.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.44)

Tommy

The dog has a nice site.Good job.Maybe I'll be making a little visit to Big Pink when the weather gets a little nicer...I think it's HAILING outside now!!!

Posted on Wed Mar 21 20:52:23 CET 2001 from grmn-105ppp212.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.212)

Lil Again

Note to Garth: I am posting to a dog here. Please get your cd out soon so I can really have something to talk about :-)

Posted on Wed Mar 21 20:51:25 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

There is a Band connection regarding the late Paul Griffin. According to Al Kooper, Mr. Griffin played the incredible piano part on Dylan's "One Of Us Must Know (Sooner or Later)". This recording from the New York sessions for "Blonde On Blonde" also reportedly includes Kooper on organ along with Robbie Robertson on guitar and Rick Danko on bass.

Posted on Wed Mar 21 20:48:35 CET 2001 from grmn-105ppp212.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.212)

Diamond Lil

Ilkkas Dog: Loved your website..and was tremendously impressed that a canine could have such an ability to create a website to rival that of our own master Hoiberg (insert the o-slash thing in your mind..I forget how to do it).
I would like to mention however that any similarities between yours truly and your 'Lily' is purely coincidental.

Have a good night everyone. Hug Doggy..err.. Jan :-)

Posted on Wed Mar 21 20:17:46 CET 2001 from user-33qt9d8.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.165.168)

Pat Brennan

The original version of Idiot Wind from the New York sessions had Paul Griffin playing an absolutely incredible Hammond organ part which, for some strange reason, was missing from the Columbia Bootleg release. Even odder was the mention of Griffin's work on the song in the bootleg liner notes even though his performance was missing from the track. It's been discussed here earlier whether Griffin's track was an overdub or not. Whatever the case, it's an amazing track.

Posted on Wed Mar 21 20:00:29 CET 2001 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

I know David Powell and John Donabie will be jealous, for I had my picture taken with James Burton last Monday night at the Hall of Fame dinner. WOW! What a show! I don't really know where to begin......

For Levon fans: Amy Helm and her mother, Libby Titus, performed backing vocals for Steely Dan on two numbers ("Black Friday" and "Do It Again"). Amy and Libby looked great!

For Robbie fans: He played on two numbers during the final jam session. One was a blues guitar jam where Johnnie Johnson started it off, then James Burton took a solo, then Robbie, then Keith, and Keith was followed by Brian May and Joe Perry. Robbie and Keith also played on the final number which was Soloman Burke's "Everybody Needs Somebody To Love". Robbie and Keith sat at the same table, and they seemed to enjoy "catching up". Keith's wife, Patti, is gorgeous. Robbie did the voice-overs for the video as he has before.

I will be interested to see it tonight on VH-1. I'll be back to tell you what they cut out.

Posted on Wed Mar 21 18:46:51 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Amen brother Donabie. James Burton rules! From cousin Dale Hawkins to Ricky Nelson to Elvis to Gram Parsons & Emmylou Harris and beyond, his fretwork is always astounding.

VH-1 will be airing their edited coverage of the R&R Hall of Fame induction ceremonies tonight at 9:00 p.m. ET and repeated immediately afterwards at 11:30.

"I never bought a Ricky Nelson record. I bought a James Burton record." -- Keith Richards

Posted on Wed Mar 21 17:39:32 CET 2001 from proxy3-external.union1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.87)

Brien Sz

Carmen: Garth could only help on Idiot Wind - I love the cd -but for some reason I always thought that was a whiny song that went on too long. I believe the way RR integrats his guitar work now in songs would definately give Big Girl Now an interesting twist or tweek. By the way I bought Essentail Bob Dylan not too long ago and to me it is by far the best of the Best Of's from Dylan. Come Sunday, Bob may be walking home with an Oscar!

Posted on Wed Mar 21 16:59:21 CET 2001 from ptldme-cmt4-c3-66-30-24-213.maine.rr.com (66.30.24.213)

mattk

Ilkka's dog - Everyone knows that Baxter "Big Mouth" Boethius is the most underrated and moralistic r-n-r sax player...sheesh.

Posted on Wed Mar 21 16:26:32 CET 2001 from 56k-la-01-39.dial.qnet.com (209.221.212.102)

Dave the Phone Guy

VH-1 has the R&R Hall of Fame on tonight at 9 pm.(don't know which time zone)

James Burton and Johnnie Johnson were sitting in with Paul Schaeffer's band on Letterman last night. What great players! Yeah, man! Although Letterman kept referring to James as James Burk.

Posted on Wed Mar 21 15:50:23 CET 2001 from 24.68.33.158.on.wave.home.com (24.68.33.158)

John Donabie

Does anyone know if the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame show is on tonight and is it on VH-1? I just want to see James Burton play anything........could be Mary Had A Little Lamb.....I don't care. You notice the way that RR and KR are looking at Burton in the pic that Jan sent us. James is the KING!

Posted on Wed Mar 21 14:42:51 CET 2001 from (205.245.52.66)

carmen

Happy Spring to all! I have put Blood On The Tracks back into my playlist. I love this CD. Being a BAND fan I can't help but wonder if they could have helped make it even better. I am interested in all comments. I know the attitude of Dylan purests is that the BAND just got in the way. I think RR on "Your A Big Girl" and "Garth on Idiot Wind" would be great.

Posted on Wed Mar 21 14:09:38 CET 2001 from du-tele3-180.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.180)

Peter Viney

I KNEW when I clicked on "See Britney Spears naked" on the Illka alt.site that I wasn't going to see anything. Come on Illka, print a register of how many of us tried it. (Fresh Garbage on the Rock Machine Turns You on Vol 1 was in fact the fifth take. Thought everyone knew that).

Posted on Wed Mar 21 12:31:32 CET 2001 from dialup-286.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.30)

Hank

Illkas Dogs GB.......sez it all, really!! Well done!!!!!

It's weird......I've played up in Scandanavia loadsa times and all they ever want me to sing in their Irish Bars is.....

(shout it)

.....WHISKEY IN THE YAR!!!!!!!.........

(Yes, "YAR")......how could it be that there are such Band fanatics up there........?

Where were YOU when I played "The Weight" in Stockholm......."Twilight" in Trondheim........"It makes no Difference" in Gallivare....."Stagefright" in Oslo........or "Up on Cripple Creek" in Marieham?................

Posted on Wed Mar 21 10:41:47 CET 2001 from ulab33.med.gu.se (130.241.86.163)

Markku (Quos)

Way to go, Ilkka's dog! Jan's site needs some competition, and you seem to be the man, sorry, the dog for the task.
(seriously, the Guestbook made me laugh out loud, all regulars here should check it out if you haven't already).

Danko/ Fjeld/ Andersen reissue with extras sounds great. As do Garth's visit to Norway. Keep the dates posted.

Robbie's new protegees (Nelly and Nicky), well..., hmm..., at least they _look_ like they have something in common. No comments on how they sound as I haven't heard Nicky yet.

jps: "bra NRBQ pa jobbet" translates roughly to "good NRBQ-tunes to listen at work" (I think).

Posted on Wed Mar 21 09:13:05 CET 2001 from du48-250.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.250.48)

Ilkka's dog

To celebrate the 5th anniversary of this great site I have published my own THE BAND WEBSITE. You'll find there directions to Big Pink, a surprise for all the guys and - of course - the guestbook. I'd like to thank all the eminent and wellknown contributors who have already signed it. Welcome! (Click Web page)

Posted on Wed Mar 21 06:25:36 CET 2001 from proxy3-external.union1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.87)

Brien Sz

Jan, congrats! Great job! You help keep the spirit of the Band alive and well!

As far as these business insights - it's always the bottom line - if artistic integrity meets that line, fine. I really don't believe the music industry does anything different now as it did then (name a date) Artists still claim they are being ripped off - years after the fact of course -When was the last time a successful star claimed they were getting ripped off? It's about the Hits, man!! Sorry to sound so cynical - Find the bands you think can make your company the most bucks and sign them - if the Public wants pre-programmed music with tepid vanilla Lyrics and the same ol generic hook then fine, it's their money

Posted on Wed Mar 21 04:33:04 CET 2001 from proxy3-external.vron1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.86)

Rose

Congrats Jan. This is by far the best site on the web. I'm new to this site, but since discovering it in Feb I've been checking it out everyday. Keep up the good work. Peace, Rose

Posted on Wed Mar 21 04:29:51 CET 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

Blind Willie McTell

Jan, congrats on the GB 5th. I believe that the Band Pages started back in late 1994 or early 1995. When did they actually start?

Posted on Wed Mar 21 01:48:52 CET 2001 from ts1-25.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.25)

Cupid

Crabgrass: I do hope Miss Love is better than the last of Robbie's "Finds" the awful[IMHO] Nelly Furtado. This 20 something singer/writer who hails from my neck of the woods has been getting a huge push [to the point where Elton John is now endorsing her...Jeez Reg first Eminem and now Nelly Furtado, me thinks your wigs on a bit tight]and at this years Juno awards they handed her 4 of the damn things.When they gave her the award for best songwriter I turned the channel in disgust. Like we don't have enough light weights cluttering up the air waves RR has to go out and find more! Hurrumph Cupid

Posted on Tue Mar 20 22:50:56 CET 2001 from dialup-090.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.90)

Hank

Happy Birthday GB!!!!........All Hail Jan for his tireless efforts!!!....I only found out about this place after Ricks passing in Dec. 1999......Since then, as my wife sez, this site and GB is like my personal therapist.......The Band are sooooo inspiring to any music lover and since they don't functiuon anymore, this site is where they exist....Thank you, Jan!!!!

Posted on Tue Mar 20 21:50:21 CET 2001 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Congrats to Jan for maintaining this gb for 5 years now: the best venue in cybertown, the place where it's always fun to hang out and where I met so many dear friends and some of my dearest enemies... Well, we have one thing in common and that's our love for the greatest BAND ever. I'll drink to that, Jan!

Posted on Tue Mar 20 21:10:08 CET 2001 from du-tele3-035.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.35)

Peter Viney

Big record company gets it right: “What’s Going On” (De Luxe edition) was added to my original vinyl, the earlier CD and last year’s remaster CD. And it’s worth it. You get the original album; plus a complete earlier mix of the whole album, which has greater separation and less smoothing out, then add a bonus disc with the whole album live a year after its release plus all the original mono single mixes. The price is of a normal single album. Wow! If the Band were to have done that … Interesting to read the musician credits (which I’d forgotten) – James Jamerson at his best, George Benson, Earl Van Dyke, Gaye on piano.

Tiny record company gets it right. About eighteen months ago, British DJ Terry Wogan started playing an amazingly obscure “Best of …” entitled “Songbird” by the late Eve Cassidy from Washington DC. It was released on a tiny label called Didgeridoo in Brighton, UK. It started to cause a groundswell of interest, and went into the easy listening chart. The original albums gradually filtered out from a home operation, packing up CDs in their living room. Then a single of “Over the Rainbow”, and this week that album finally hit #2 on the main chart. The latest release from the vaults is with Chuck Brown and features ‘You Don’t Know Me’ and ‘Let The Good Times Roll” (with Band associations). She’s interesting because she’s purely an interpreter, not a writer, and has a beautiful voice. Anyway, that’s what one DJ managed to do.

Posted on Tue Mar 20 21:10:39 CET 2001 from (206.224.31.10)

Little Brøther

Happy Anniversary & kudos, Jan! Five years? ONLY five years? Doesn't it seem more like five DECADES sometimes?

Crabby, haven't you learned yet that sarcasm is a crutch of the weak? Or even that nobody likes a smartass? Especially a smartass on crutches!

Having just perused the Nicky Love site, I'm shocked and disappointed that you would make snide remarks about a woman who appears to have no nipples. I strained my eyes until lacy purple afterimages began to dance around the room. No wonder Robbie has taken her under his wing. And, after all, taste is in the cornea of the beholder.

Posted on Tue Mar 20 21:01:37 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Pat makes a good point regarding the conglomerates. A good case in point is Time Warner which recently merged with AOL. Following the merger there's been a big shake-up in the Turner organization down here in Atlanta. Several years ago Time Warner acquired the Turner empire which includes CNN, several other cable stations and the Atlanta baseball, basketball and hockey teams. Now there's been a change in the leadership and the shots are being called by a new group of execs whose main concern is the bottom line. This is the same type of corporate mentality that is now running the music industry.

Around 1995, there was a big shake-up in the management of the Warner Bros./Reprise music label group. This one time proud force in music that nutured the careers of a great roster of artists was taken over by execs with their eyes on the bottom line. The respected team of Mo Ostin and Lenny Waronker, who ran the music division for years, packed up their bags and left to run the SKG/Dreamworks music division, along with Ostin's son Michael.

Posted on Tue Mar 20 20:58:24 CET 2001 from m198214176126.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.176.126)

Pehr

Congrats to jan. Many thanks for my favorite place on the web!

I appreciate the views expressed here today on the sterile, dysfunctional musical powers that be. I want a revolution and man it's coming!

Support your local musicians by going to see them and buy their records. even the music world is run by those who choose to show up!

Saw a fantastic talent in a great old bar in the country between two railroad tracks. A fella named Stretch Williams, a guy about mid to late 40's, I reckon, redhaired and bearded and about 6 foot 7 inches tall. My buddy was a friend of his that brung me. He knew him 'cos he played with the late great bass player Keith Ferguson, who played with the T-Birds and was a friend and mentor to SRV when he was comin'up.

Well this guy Stretch is a solid dude with no 'tude: Hes got a day-gig that does him fine and I enjoyed his company briefly when we first came in.

Then he commenced to play and blow my mind and everone in this lil ol out o' the way joint. He sang something like Clapton in a weathered seen -it- all voice and played the guitar in the old "Louisiana Hayride" style I associate with the best of the best. The last set he played with a beer bottle in hand, starting with some Elmore James and took it to it. His beer bottle slide was as rambunctious and crazy as any Johnny Winter solo I ever heard.

at the end of the night he an my pal sat up and went over the old days. A kind, soft spoken southern gentleman who happens to be one of the most amazing guitar players I'll ever see. For those of you in central Texas, check out this guy. He played Rileys tavern outside New Braunfels just off the highway.

with all the crappy music, it's nice to be reminded that there are other great artists out there to discover and enjoy. thats all...

Posted on Tue Mar 20 19:55:20 CET 2001 from 3cust105.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.138.105)

Crabgrass

Fortunately, for every mediocrity championing James Stroud at Dreamworks Nashville there's a steadfast proponent of quality music at Dreamworks Hollywood - like Robbie Robertson. I'm referring specifically, of course, to Mr. Robertson's recent discovery of the sensational Australian singing-songwriting diva Nicky Love (no relation to Courtney, Darlene, or Mike) who's debut album Honeyvision is soon to be released. The detailed and emotionally moving bio on her Dreamworks web pages describes Nicky as "a strong resourceful woman who has emerged triumphantly from a particularly dark period of her life." She's currently shooting the video for her debut single "They Don't Understand Me" a true modern masterpiece in my opinion and anthem for the new younger and much misunderstood music buying generation which I was able to hear in it's entirety on the website one more time than I actually wanted to due to some technical glitch. All I can say is "Wow - I'm getting ready to chuck all my Joni Mitchell albums in the trashcan!! Hey, but why take Crabgrass' word for it? Check it out for yourselves by clicking on the above "Web page" and downloading FLASH if necessary.

PLEASE NOTE: Any resemblance between the Nicky Love site and a Calvin Klein or Victoria's Secret magazine ad is purely coincidental. Also of interest - Nicky's putting together a band for her tour later this year and there's a rumor that RR's gonna be in it playin' his tele and wearing an Armani suit. Look out Cleveland!!

Posted on Tue Mar 20 18:48:05 CET 2001 from (209.195.208.10)

bassmanlee

Pat - You've hit my two most wanted new releases right on the head. I don't know who the ultimate distributor of New West is, but local Best Buy has many copies of Delbert's new release. I have not yet seen Mr. Crowell's. (Now all I need is the money to pay for them!)

Rodney may be a very good sidebar to the recent discussion of the state of country music. His classic self-titled LP has never been released on CD, although it contains songs that were hits for others. His turn to formulaic radio-friendly Nashville country in the 80's and 90's brought him his largest sales, but the music was largely disposable. All reports so far put the new disc as a return to form.

Delbert on the other hand has seen his back catalog chopped up and released on many different collections, with only about two albums available in their original form. (Don't let that stop you from buying a few - most are quite good!) His recent releases have been on fairly small labels (CURB, and some other) and not as widely distributed. If you are fortunate enough to be in his touring zone (which does NOT include the Northeast USA) go see him! He puts on a fine show and has a crack band of long standing which includes at least one former member of the old So-Rock band "Wet Willie".

My take on current "Country" music? "It's not Country, it's Rural Rock" and/or "Hunks with Hats". (Why does it seem that most of the artists with more than a 2-dimensional personality are women?)

Posted on Tue Mar 20 18:18:22 CET 2001 from (199.44.161.72)

Brent

Thought you all might be interested in checking out the Pat Puckett Band on mp3.com by clicking the link above. True Americana, definitely inspired by our boys- sometimes Pat sounds a bit like Danko. I think you folks will dig it.

Brent

Posted on Tue Mar 20 17:53:02 CET 2001 from 222.good.net (209.54.25.222)

mattk

Bob R, you are right, that is Robbie. You can check out a pic with him at last night's induction here:

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/p/ap/20010320/en/rock_hall_i55.html

(you can also hit my webpagelink above).

Usually, a couple of GB regulars have gone to the show itself. Looking forward to hearing about the festivities in total before we get the really really shortened version on VH1 next month.

Posted on Tue Mar 20 17:47:03 CET 2001 from (205.230.10.2)

Bob R

Saw a picture from last nights Rock n' Roll hall of fame-- must have been the jam session at the end..James Burton & Keith Richards playing away and it sure looked like ol' Robbie Robertson between them with his guitar too ! anyone know if RR was there last night ?

Posted on Tue Mar 20 17:44:45 CET 2001 from user-33qt9ju.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.166.126)

Pat Brennan

The record companies might as well be selling toilet paper--actually, in most cases they are. But consider this: these companies are part of huge media conglomerates. These monstrosities own TV stations, radio stations, record companies, booking agencies, performance sites--and, they've paid huge ammounts of money to acquire them. So what are they gonna do, sign Delbert and sell a couple of thousand units or do a casting call for a new boy band? It's more like Television programming now than anything else.

Most of us here recall a time when the business side of music had no idea what the music side was doing...and didn't really care. They knew that people were buying this new kind of music and they went out and signed as many people as they could who were playing it. Clive Davis was a rare bird who actually like the stuff. Now the record company people think they know much more than the silly musicians. As a result, we live in a world of Boy band, fantasy girls, and one-hit-wonders.

It's an old saw, but could The Band get a major label contract today? Doubt it. Just be thankful they came up at a time when there was magic in the air. Remember too that there's a whole world of Phish-like jam bands and alt-country types who couldn't give a damn about the major labels. It's unfortunate that they don't have access to the big media outlets, but in this high-priced world, that's just the way it goes.

Five years, huh? How did I use my free time before that? Many thanks, Jan, for better or for worse...

Posted on Tue Mar 20 16:58:19 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Congratulations Jan on the 5th anniversary and thanks once again for all your hard work. You've created a place where people from all over the globe can come to discuss the great music that's been handed down to us by the members of a group once called The Band. It's a fine forum for talking about, listening to samples and sharing insights about other music. I'm sure this labour of love often becomes more of a labour, but thanks again Jan.

Following my diatribe yesterday, let me just mention that two veteran artists, bucking current trends of the music industry, have recently released some of their finest work in years on indie-labels. Delbert McClinton's "Nothing Personal" on New West provides further proof that he posseses one of the best voices in the business, singing a batch of wonderful original songs rooted in many diverse styles. Rodney Crowell's "The Houston Kid" on Sugar Hill is a deeply intense personal portrait of what it was like growing up in Houston's East End. This moving song cycle from a very gifted singer & songwriter presents a series of subjects growing up on the wrong side of the Houston Ship Channel, where families from the rural south came to find work in the oil ship yards against the backdrop of poverty and domestic violence.

Both of these fine artists are examples of what's wrong the music industry today, where talented musicians get lost in the shuffle of the major labels because their unique music does fit the current formulas of what the powers to be deem marketable. Both Mr. McClinton and Mr. Crowell paid to record their latest albums out of their own pockets and found indie labels that they liked, who were only too glad to accomodate the wishes of the artists. With this arrangement they were both able to retain total artistic control, rather than have to bend to the demands of clueless label execs and producers.

Posted on Tue Mar 20 12:38:01 CET 2001 from grmn-105ppp52.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.52)

Diamond Lil

Wow! 5 years Jan, hm? Congratulations! Nice to see that all this time with all of us hasn't affected you at all. (The drooling and constant muttering of things like htmlidiotslevonrobbiegeneraljohnwayneilkkasdogsergevineylil dates back to _before_ the gb I assume :-)

Thanks for everything Jan. Hug.

Posted on Tue Mar 20 09:40:32 CET 2001 from spider-wk032.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.162)

Tommy

Hello friends..I haven't been here in a while, so I'm gonna ramble a bit...Here goes...

I just got back from a bar, where I did some karaoke singing and discussed music with my brother and two friends...this is always a touchy subject,because,ultimately,good music is what YOU like,right? Well, we we're talking about "modern rock" (ie;Matchbox 20,3rd Eye Blind,Creed and other "fruit rock" bands) and my buddy Paul, who himself is a recording and music major at college, was saying that some of these bands had "Good songs".Ok, fine.My arguement was that even their good songs aren't GREAT songs.These bands are mediocre AT BEST!!! Now, i'm a young guy, and unfortunately, these bands (and others) provide the music of MY generation.I am SO dissapointed!Standards for a "good song" are obviously so LOW. The radio stations play such CRAP! There are so many good bands/artists out there and we'll never get to hear them on "modern rock" stations, cause the dont fit the mold...

And the Classic rock stations are no better!There's four decades worth of "classic rock" yet we still only hear the same 50 songs on a "classic rock" station.WHAT IS THIS CRAP??? We are in a sorry state people.But what can we do? I know there is a place for crappy pop music like N'sync and shit...but these "rock" bands are the WORST! They should at least TRY and do something different....and if not something different, something GOOD!!!WHERE'S THE ROCK & ROLL??? Aw, man...I'm ranting ...sorry.Ya'll get the point.Marketing is ruining music.It's fucked up when MUSIC is the least important thing in music.Any suggestions how we could change things?

I got Clapton tickets for the Garden...NICE!!!Is it true that this is gonna be his last tour? I also picked up his new album today.It's really good! EC's voice has never sounded better.And it's a return to a more soulful/bluesy style of songs (as opposed to the 'Pilgrim'album, which had great songs that sounded a little odd with the hip-hop infused production).Pick it up folks! Tommy recommends!haha.

Oh yeah, for those that haven't seen the movie 'Almost Famous' yet...SEE IT!!! It's available to rent now and it's GREAT! Those of you that know about early 70s rock music will get a kick out of the "cameos"...like Allman Bros. road manager RED DOG and EmmyLou Harris and Gram Parsons(I believe) singing harmony together in a "famous" hotel's lobby.Good movie, good music...and all based on a true story.Enjoy!!!

Posted on Tue Mar 20 09:02:10 CET 2001 from coretel-184-188.charm.net (162.33.184.188)

Tiny Montgomery

Someone mentioned Bill Payne of Little Feat on this board a while back. I just got a recording of Phil Lesh and Friends from last summer and Payne's playing is brilliant - lovely Garth-like fills on Dark Star - beautiful stuff.

Posted on Tue Mar 20 08:51:03 CET 2001 from levon.hiof.no (158.36.51.54)

jh

Dave Z,
You're right, yesterday marked the 5th anniversary of this guestbook. The web site came on-line more than a year earlier. Thanks for reminding me, and thanks to all of you for making this place what it is, for better and for worse...

Posted on Tue Mar 20 05:50:10 CET 2001 from proxy3-external.lndn1.on.wave.home.com (24.112.158.247)

Grady Kelneck

Levon's the man.

Posted on Tue Mar 20 05:20:05 CET 2001 from spider-to023.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.53)

Dave Z

Jan: Is 3/19/01 a 5 year anniversary date for this GB?... Or is that just how long you have been archiving the GB?... In any case, congrats for putting up with us?... I know in the short time I have been following this GB I have met some really nice folks and learned a lot too...

I recently picked up the Danko bass video... and have been really enjoying watching it with my kids... funny though, I don't play anything... maybe I'll hit pause on the VCR one day, snap a photo... and then work out a drawing or something... I'm having fun though... just listening to that voice and the pounding bass scales during the dinner hour is real relaxing... Too late for this ole dog but maybe something will rub off on the kin...

By the way, isn't the VH1 R&R HOF Induction Ceremony this Wednesday in U.S.?...

And finally here's a little something for those of you who have spouses tired of listening to the Band... this past weekend while doing some heavy duty house work with my wife... I told her I needed to hear something different from REM for a while... and she said if you are gonna put on something of yours... please nothing Band or Robbie Robertson related... we then finished our cleaning with ocassional dance breaks with the boys... and afterwards, she said... what's that we were listening too... you can play that more often... I said it was a group called the Hawks...

Posted on Tue Mar 20 04:47:56 CET 2001 from host-209-214-116-94.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.116.94)

BWNWITennessee

Well, I guess it's not officially payola if they're not paying to play the songs, but just to have the DJs say what the songs were. Record labels still pay tons of money for airplay, in semi-legit ways, that may be legal but certainly not tremendously ethical. And I know firsthand that doing people favors is also a big factor in getting airplay, a you-scratch-my-back-and-I'll-scratch-yours kind of thing, which also favors labels with lots of money, power and connections. Think about it - if a label is trying to push a new artist, what avenues are there to get some exposure? Getting on a tour with a larger band, getting some print reviews, but by far and away the biggest way to get exposure is to get airplay, on radio and MTV, so people can hear the music. Radio is basically essential to a big record label trying to sell a lot of units. And when these big radio conglomerates only play an extremely limited kind of music, labels aren't going to spend money pushing someone that doesn't fit into their mold.

These radio station corporate owners are spending millions, maybe billions of dollars doing market research to find out what is going to get the most listeners. And once they decide that, they're not going to accept something doesn't fit in with all that research. The problem is that radio is selling a product that is manufactured by another industry. It's kind of like if McDonald's decided to sell hamburgers, but they couldn't make them. They would say, "Okay, we want to sell hamburgers that weigh this much, are shaped like this, have one tomato, two pickles, no onions, and only catsup. Now, if you companies that sell hamburgers don't make them exactly like that, we'll get them from one of the other 500 places that will. Oh, and you can make Chicken McNuggets, but they have to be this size and shape, and fish sandwiches, but they can only have tarter sauce and lettuce on them." Now, if you made hamburgers, are you going to make them like that and sell them to McDonald's, or are you going to make them really good, and sell them to a Mom 'n Pop store that sells 1/200th of what McDonald's does? Record labels aren't saying, "These are the hamburgers we make, pick which kind you like best." And it's not totally black and white, record labels are partly to blame, and MTV, but these big radio companies have the real power. It's not the local stations, or the DJs, but the big programming directors who decide what 200 stations across the country are going to play. And if the media says they want another 17-year-old blonde with big t**s who can't sing, are you going to offer them John Popper (even though he might have big t**s)?

But don't take my word for it, the whole Tony Brown/Nashville music article is on the web page link under my e-mail address.

Posted on Tue Mar 20 03:57:09 CET 2001 from m198214181105.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.181.105)

Pehr

here's to Fjeld/Anderson/Hudson! what a nice piece of band news to close out a long day... I can't wait!

Posted on Tue Mar 20 02:59:43 CET 2001 from ts1-21.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.21)

Cupid

" The Standard has gone up to the point were there is no mediocrity" James Stroud President Dreamworks Nashville....Jim...buddy...Turn on your radio! my god mediocrity is the order of the day. Where is all this great music? It ain't on the radio, it ain't on MTV. If there is so much of it explain to me why I heard Limp Bizkit's new single Three(3) times today in a 7 hour shift.Personnally I'm thinking of taking up a collection and buying the radio station some more CD's becouse they only have about 10 and have to keep playing them over and over and over and over again.If the mediocrity doesn't get ya the repetition will. Jim, in short, give your head a shake. Now go out and sign some real bands and stop packaging up pretty boys and no talent bimbo's and fobing them off as artists! you'll feel better if you do....Peace Doug

Posted on Tue Mar 20 02:25:33 CET 2001 from ts1-16.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.16)

Cupid

Just a quick bow of the head to Papa John Phillips who passed yesterday...thanx for the music rest easy ...Peace Cupid

Posted on Tue Mar 20 01:59:22 CET 2001 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

BWNWITennessee...re: Radio stations asking for $ to back-sell a new tune. Hmmmmmn, didn't they used to call that 'PAYOLA?'

In 38 years in the Canadian Music Industry the most I ever received from Record Company's or musicians was a couple of bottles of beer and on one occassion a bottle of champagne when we announced the birth of Levon.

For shame the champagne came from the Hawk...and God love him. Could it be that video really did kill the radio star?

Keep Shining On!

Posted on Tue Mar 20 01:34:14 CET 2001 from host-209-214-116-170.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.116.170)

BWNWITennessee

As for music from Nashv'lle sucking, based on my limited experience, part of the problem is that a lot of the people here, believe it or not, don't even like country music particularly. I was at a TV taping of some big-name singer, and during the commercial breaks the band was jamming and messing around on different songs, and they were actually playing Metallica and Led Zeppelin. Then they did SRV's "Pride and Joy." The band was mostly these kids, basically, and they just reminded me of all the snotty kids I knew in the '80s who were into Steve Vai and Joe Satriani and the like. A lot of musicians come here for the sole reason that it's easier to get into than in LA or New York. And it's not just the musicians, the majority of the entry-level type people that I work with don't even like country music. They just decided that Music Business would be a cool degree to get back when they were 18 or 19, and once they graduated just got jobs here because that's where they live. And some of these people are going to end up being high-level people in the country music industry, who don't like or listen to country music. I mean, like A&R people who decide what's good and who to sign. No wonder the music is getting more and more watered down. There are still a lot of people here who really love and understand country music, but there are also an amazing number who don't. Desmond Childs, the man responsible for such Aerosmith atrocities as "Crazy" and "Angel" and whatnot, is moving in here. And I heard a story once, whether it's really true I don't know, about some label head that moved here from New York. This was about the early '90s. Someone was playing some music, and he said, "Who is that?" The other guy said, "Patsy Cline," and the label head went, "She's great - is she signed?"

I think the biggest problem facing commercial music today is radio. I think Brown and Lewis even mention that in the "Tennessean" article - labels are making this crappy music in an attempt to get radio to play it. The largest radio conglomerate in the country, I forget who, just announced that they are going to start charging labels for back announcing - saying, "That was so-and-so's new song, 'blank'." I think Lewis said that they spent $1.5 million pitching Shania's first song to radio. Now, when the labels are forced into having to spend that much money to market one song, they're understandably not going to do it on anything that is slightly unique or different. One of the heads suggested that the labels need to join together in order to form some kind of resistance against radio, to make radio pay to get new music rather than the other way around. Fat chance.

But not all the music in Nashville sucks - I'm playing The Band right now.

Posted on Tue Mar 20 01:11:58 CET 2001 from (206.187.219.41)

Dare to Be Different

Hey Des! Songs sound great! Great music! Take my advice--don't make mountains out of molehills.... JUSTICE1

Posted on Tue Mar 20 01:08:58 CET 2001 from (206.187.219.41)

Elly

Happy belated St. Pats! This is a great website! What a Dream it would be to Work with some of these great and talented musicians on this website... I'd love to even sing back-up for some of these talented people! Best, Elly

Posted on Mon Mar 19 22:40:43 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Carmen: I wasn't using the manufacturing cost for CDs as an arguement in support of Napster. I was merely stating that the major labels have over-priced their product to the point that many consumers can no longer afford to buy as much music as they'd like. This latest price hike came on the heels of several labels reaching an agreement to discontinue pressure tactics against retailers who advertise prices below the suggested retail. The real reason that the major labels are fighting Napster is that they too plan on distributing more & more of their product digitally through the internet in the future, for a significant fee of course. This will allow them to cut out the middlemen, the brick & mortar retailers, and increase their profits. I wouldn't count on the artists seeing any more money out of this deal.

Posted on Mon Mar 19 21:52:38 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-tg034.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.164)

Mike

Regarding James Stroud's quote...The sad thing is, he probably WASN'T smoking anything more powerful than a Camel. Like most of the people who control the music industry, his thinking processes are the result of a malady known as rectal-cranial inversion...

Posted on Mon Mar 19 21:48:09 CET 2001 from (205.245.52.66)

carmen

David Powel - I do not think "the cost to manufature a CD argument" to support Napster is valid. It is not the cost of the cd manufacturing, but rather the market value of the intellectual capital at question.

Posted on Mon Mar 19 21:15:15 CET 2001 from ptldme-cmt4-c3-66-30-24-8.maine.rr.com (66.30.24.8)

mattk

Actually, I don't know if David Stroud is smoking crack. I hope he doesn't sue me for getting the name wrong. JAMES Stroud, however, has clearly been smoking something powerful.

Posted on Mon Mar 19 21:13:31 CET 2001 from ptldme-cmt4-c3-66-30-24-8.maine.rr.com (66.30.24.8)

mattk

Thanks for sharing, David. Man, David Stroud is smoking crack. That's the most denial I've seen at one sitting since Xmas dinner.

Posted on Mon Mar 19 18:16:03 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

This past week the annual South by Southwest music conference commenced in Austin, Texas. During a seminar, several country music label chiefs offered some candid opinions regarding the declining state of country music. Two label heads pointed their fingers at contemporary country radio as contributing to the problem. Here are some of their comments:

"For me, in Nashville our music is totally boring, and I'm partly responsible...I think we've let ourselves be manipulated too much by radio...[Country music, like pop] has become a producer's forum, not an artists'forum."
--Tony Brown, president of MCA Nashville

"If you were to poll label heads on Music Row, the ones who didn't lie to you would tell you they don't listen to country radio. How sad is that?"
--Luke Lewis, chairman of Mercury Nashville (whose top artist, incidentally, is Shania Twain, who has sold 50 million albums in the past five years)

"The reason we suck right now is because our music is bland and boring...If I keep making the same records that are out now, I'm not going to be doing this for long, and nobody's going to care."
--Mike Dungan, president of Capitol Nashville

"We're making great music down here..It's just that we're not making bad music anymore, and the great music sounds the same. The standard of quality has gone up to the point where there is no mediocrity."
--James Stroud, president of Dreamworks Nashville

I think these problems are not unique to country music, but can be applied to other forms of popular music as well. As large conglomerates have taken over the music labels, radio stations and concert promotion business, every effort is focused on producing a mega-selling product, rather than nurturing the careers of the artists. The artists have become an easily disposed commodity with a short shelf life if they don't produce the hit songs that fit into the bland, cookie-cutter mold of programmed radio.

Even amidst evidence of price-fixing in the industry, the major labels have still had the audacity to raise the retail price of CDs (which cost about 50 cents each to make) to the $18-$19 level in the U.S. So now we have to pay more for a product that even some label heads admit is inferior. No wonder more and more music lovers are turning to on-line music sites like Napster as their main source for music. Evidence admitted during the recent Napster trial, shows that, according to a survey by Soundscan, retail sales at music stores near college campuses have shown a significant decline, as more and more of this key segment of consumers have turned to alternative sources of music distribution. The one lesson the industry should learn from Napster, is that discriminating music lovers want the freedom to chose what they want to listen to and don't want an inferior product forced upon them at a grossly inflated price.

Posted on Mon Mar 19 13:04:16 CET 2001 from (205.245.52.66)

Carmen

Donna, thanks for the notice.

Rod, I think Between Trains is one of the 5 Best Band/Band Related songs going just like it is. I always thought a RR / Richard sesion is out there somewhere. Wouldn't that be nice.

Is Between Trains on CD anywhere?

Posted on Mon Mar 19 11:11:39 CET 2001 from cf3k-3.paradise.net.nz (203.96.152.183)

ajr

The industrial relations aspects of King Harvest intrigue me too…I think King Harvest is talking about membership in a Farmer's Union rather than an urban industrial union. It seems to me the farmer is still working the land at the time the song is set.

The link in webpage above goes to a time line of the History of American farm organisations. If you check it out you will see that a Farmers Union started in 1902 and that in 1932-33 the Farmers' Holiday movement staged strikes and blocked farm sales. It is possible that this is the event that is meant by "if they don't give us what we like, that’s when we've got to go on strike." I guess locating it within that timeframe would fit in with the general Steinbeck-y Grapes of Wrath feel but I'm just guessing. Would any historians out there care to comment?

Posted on Mon Mar 19 06:53:29 CET 2001 from proxy.pth.iprimus.net.au (203.134.17.8)

tom marshman

Hi I have been following this guestbook for 2 years now and finally decided to contribute.I just bought the reissue of the brown album.In the liner notes regarding King harvest Robbie said it was about the pride a fellow could get from joining the union and i interpreted that to mean the farmer goes to the city to get a job and joins the union at the factory.I am just wondering if there was actually in the 1920s and 1930s a farmers union for poor sharecroppers in the deep south?Can anyone help me out here?

Posted on Mon Mar 19 05:48:42 CET 2001 from spider-wa044.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.39)

Bayou Sam

Hank = thanks for backing me up on "looney thinking"

thanks to all who gave me feedback on the new Clapton CD. I got it today and will check it out tommorrow.

thanks for the birthday thoughts

....and so ends my "thank you" post

and now, back to the music

Posted on Mon Mar 19 02:44:56 CET 2001 from grmn-105ppp177.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.177)

Diamond Lil

My my...but the educational advantages of reading this guestbook just continue to boggle the mind. Is _that_ what 'Bollocks' are?? I learn something new everyday... :-)

Jan: Very interesting (although not at all surprising) about 'the dream concert'. Could you translate that part of the article for us please? Thanks.

Anyone like the idea of a Band website field trip to Norway to hear the upcoming concert by Fjeld/Anderson/Hudson? Perhaps we can get a group rate...

Have a good night everyone. Hug Jan.

Posted on Mon Mar 19 02:22:28 CET 2001 from akcf2.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.200)

Rod

An out that I wish existed: Richard taking the lead on Between Trains.

Posted on Mon Mar 19 02:11:37 CET 2001 from host-209-214-116-174.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.116.174)

BWNWITennessee

Actually, I was referring to the actress Sandra and some of her family members. But it's all jive anyway.

Posted on Mon Mar 19 01:28:11 CET 2001 from spider-tj061.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.201)

Kevin

So Hoskyns thinks Hank Stram coached the Vikings to the Super Bowl? Well it did happen in the states way back in 1970, so it's understandable how he could be confused.

Posted on Mon Mar 19 01:06:53 CET 2001 from cl3030709-b.mdsn1.wi.home.com (24.183.0.216)

Tim(SUNDOG)Corcoran

All the leaves are brown,, and the sky is gray...Rest in Peace John Philps,,,Mama's and The Papa's :(...

Posted on Sun Mar 18 23:24:09 CET 2001 from cache.d-n-a.net (194.46.8.23)

beefus

I named my son Jamie after the great man(I know the spelling is wrong). On checking this web site to get the chords of "Dixie" I swore the lyric was "I built tent...Richmond had fell" - only to discover the lyric was "On May tenth". My Birthday. Happy St. Pats ... to the greatest set of songs ever made.

Posted on Sun Mar 18 21:41:07 CET 2001 from du-tele3-112.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.112)

Peter Viney

While Websters has bollocks = bullocks, Oxford gives the normal British / Irish meaning of bollocks as "testicles' with the secondary maning of "nonsense, a mess, a muddle'. We also have different meanings of fanny, of which I think the Band were aware.

Posted on Sun Mar 18 20:25:28 CET 2001 from spider-tf084.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.214)

Donna

I just heard that WMGK 102.9, a Philadelphia based radio station, will be airing, an vintage interview from 1993, with "The Band". This will air on Wednesday, 3/21 at 11:30pm.

Posted on Sun Mar 18 20:06:44 CET 2001 from dialup-119.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.119)

HANK

Imagine Rick Danko strolling out on stage waving an Irish Flag and relating the story of how the last time The Band played in Dublin was in 1966 w/ Bob Dylan.....and it was the night Admiral Nelsons Pillar was blown up by proto-IRA types....yep, it happened....I was there in The Olympia Theatre in 1996......I'm sure he did it to mollify the crowd because the night before, Levon had growled how it was "great to be back in London" !!! Anyway.....belated Happy St. Patricks Day, folks! Puts me in mind of how, when The Who played in Dublin in '66, John Entwistle got stick for wearing a British Union Jack suit on stage....apparently, a word was had in his (not-yet-deaf) ear....... Ya gotta hand it to the Ox, tho'...'cos he went and got a Dublin tailor to make him up a suit made up of Green, White and Orange.....and he wore THAT on stage the next night............

BWNWin Tenn..........it's not BULLOCKS.....it's BOLLOCKS....and here in Cork, it's BOLLIX.....w/ an emphasis on the IX.... say it...... Boll-IX..... as in, " What that fella needs is a good kick in the .............." I'm sure Peter Viney will have a more lucid explanation, as "bollocks" is a quintessential English word....as in "Nevermind The......" .....or maybe Funk from Funk and Wagnall will come to the rescue and give a full definition and origin of the word.

Belated Happy Birthday BAYOU SAM!!!....re: The Rev. No. 9/Garth idea....I must say that I'm happy to know that there are people in the world just as loopy as me in thinking these things.......Do you ever find yerself thinking that Garth was to The Band what George Martin was to The Beatles....except The Band were hip enuff to give Garth a live gig.......?

Posted on Sun Mar 18 18:58:12 CET 2001 from spider-tk033.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.188)

Donna

I just picked up a copy of the April edition of "Blues Revue". Hubert Sumlin is on the cover, there is a very nice article on Mr. Sumlin promoting his new album, "Muddy Changes Everything". The album has many superstar guests, such as Eric Clapton, Keith Richards, and Levon Helm. The article on Hubert Sumlin, made for some very interesting reading. Looks like I'll be making another visit to the record store.

Bayou Sam: Hope you had a very Happy Birthday!

Posted on Sun Mar 18 07:34:22 CET 2001 from ip10-007.dial.tpo.fi (212.246.177.7)

Jari Peltonen

Hi, Greetings from Finland.

Posted on Sun Mar 18 06:16:30 CET 2001 from spider-wl062.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.47)

Bayou Sam

Bill W = give us a kiss

Posted on Sun Mar 18 05:40:04 CET 2001 from c5300-4-ip241.albany.thebiz.net (216.238.227.241)

miwa

KRISTEN- Which album?

Posted on Sun Mar 18 05:33:35 CET 2001 from proxy-1331.public.svc.webtv.net (209.240.220.156)

Bill W.

Happy St. Paddy's to all the knowledgeable posters in here!!! Many thanks for the education. To Bayou Sam, a happy birthday to you sir; your age finally passed your I.Q. No wonder you don't mind dyin'.... :-))

Posted on Sun Mar 18 04:21:59 CET 2001 from c5300-4-ip241.albany.thebiz.net (216.238.227.241)

miwa

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY TO EACH OF YOU WHO READ THIS!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO BAYOU SAM! Have lots of fun!

HAPPY 18th BIRTHDAY TO PVT MIKAEL UNRUH! We love you very much!!!

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NOW LARGER JONES FAMILY! HOW WONDERFUL! Hope you feel better and get well quick!

JAN- CONGRATULATIONS ON THE BBC AWARD! You deserve it. Please keep this site alive forever. Can't live without it. Thank you!!!

Posted on Sun Mar 18 04:20:42 CET 2001 from cllk-01-058.dialup.netins.net (206.72.4.59)

Kristen

When will this album be on CD?!?!?! I love it!!

Posted on Sun Mar 18 02:28:50 CET 2001 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (213.51.109.69)

Norbert

Hey Sam........happy birthday!......(old man.....)

Posted on Sun Mar 18 01:34:51 CET 2001 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

Happy St. Paddy's Day

Put on Van the Man from the Last Waltz & TURN IT UP LOUD!

Shine On & Be Green!

Posted on Sun Mar 18 01:29:55 CET 2001 from spider-tm053.proxy.aol.com (152.163.197.68)

Bayou Sam

Happy St. Paddy's Day.....BTW, it's my birthday - OPPs did I let that slip out........"I turned 41, I don't mind dyin'"

Posted on Sun Mar 18 00:32:42 CET 2001 from acaf3adc.ipt.aol.com (172.175.58.220)

www.geocities.com/paulg85/bobjake.html

www.geocities.com/paulg85/bobjake.html

Posted on Sun Mar 18 00:19:19 CET 2001 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (213.51.109.69)

Norbert

Harry de Winter........geweldig dat je Salman Rushdie die Sjako! cd gaf!......klasse!!! (ik weet zeker dat die gozer dit leest!.......)

Posted on Sat Mar 17 20:50:01 CET 2001 from 1cust203.tnt9.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.128.203)

Crabgrass

Drat!! No Michael J. Pollard albums listed anywhere on the web. Our only hope is that a bootleg version will emerge. I read somewhere way back that Don Knotts did backing vocals on a few tunes and look forward to more info regarding this matter being divulged here in the GB.

Gram Parsons deserved to appear at the Grand Ol' Opry as he was mainly responsible for the Byrds' "country rock" venture (okay, Hillman too) but I see nothing wrong with the Opry existing essentially as a showcase for Nashville's musical traditions. Should it be a catch-all for every kind of music under the sun like the R&RHOF is? Although I was a Byrds fan, in the long run they seem comparitively ephemeral when stacked up against The Band or The Flying Burrito Brothers.

Posted on Sat Mar 17 20:50:04 CET 2001 from host-209-214-117-189.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.117.189)

Back with no wife in Tennessee

I don't get it - isn't DVD audio also digital? BTW, I always thought the idea that vinyl sounds better than CD was bullocks. Analog is better than digital, okay, but vinyl is just too fuzzy and hissy.

Posted on Sat Mar 17 17:33:56 CET 2001 from 1cust206.tnt9.poughkeepsie.ny.da.uu.net (63.10.13.206)

HI

Picking up the Michael J. Pollard thread and brushes with the famous, I was picked up hitchhiking in Woodstock in the Summer of 1970 0r 1971 . I never heard of him doing anything musical though.

Posted on Sat Mar 17 16:37:50 CET 2001 from dialin-63.poughkeepsie.bestweb.net (216.179.15.94)

Gene

I was wondering about Michael J. Pollard, too. I saw him once, in the late 60's, walking around in NYC. Amazingly, last night I caught an Andy Griffith rerun that I have never seen before. Michael J. played Barney's brother!

Posted on Sat Mar 17 16:24:15 CET 2001 from svcr-adsl-216-37-220-133.epix.net (216.37.220.133)

Kevin Gilbertson

Anyone have information on a Rick Danko show in Washington DC on 8/12/87 at a venue called Dylan's Cafe?

Posted on Sat Mar 17 15:41:54 CET 2001 from (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

On Monday March 19th, at one o'clock in the afternoon (USA Eastern time), Comedy Central will supposedly air the January 1992 SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE program on which Robbie Robertson was the musical guest. Bruce Hornsby also appears, playing piano with Robbie.

Speaking of Hornsby (and Peter's mention of the "Jericho" outtakes reminded me of this as well): does anyone have a good CD-R copy of Levon and The Band's early 1990's studio performance of Hornsby's song, "The Tide Will Rise?" Please e-mail privately if you'd like to trade one for a CD-R copy of something I have.

Posted on Sat Mar 17 11:01:28 CET 2001 from du-tele3-080.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.80)

Peter Viney

We shall be unreleased – the depths of the Band / solo catalogues are said to have been lost to two fires, but most musicians have a lot of unfinished / rejected work on tape. I’d never thought about the other ‘half’ of American Son, but it’s unlikely that there was only one copy. Among other stuff in the vaults are 1990s demos with Jules Shear, the Jericho demos (which may or may not be remnants of the Sony album), the Robbie sessions with Gary Busey around the time of Carny, tracks of Levon with Los Lobos, and various Robbie outtakes. I found an intriguing one in Record Collector. They had a column called “25 years Ago This Month’ with old press snippets, and one from 1971 said that “Band bassist Rick Danko was producing an album for Michael J. Pollard’’ Actor Pollard was one of the four leads in Bonnie & Clyde. Whatever happened to that?

On the other hand, stuff is usually rejected for a reason, and even when stuff emerges on artists box sets, it’s rare to find a truly great track. Dylan is the exception, because he often rejected good stuff in favour of weak stuff. It all feeds the industry. On Monday morning I’ll be buying my fifth copy of “What’s Going On” (I have vinyl, replacement vinyl for worn out copy, CD, Digital remaster CD). The new one is the de-luxe edition with added mono mixes and reject versions. Reading about the imminent release of ‘Rumours’ and ‘Surf’s up’ remixed on 5.1 Audio-DVD (with Dolby Digital and DTS versions on the discs too for backward compatability) I suppose it’ll all happen again. Especially as in the article Neil Young, that long-time detractor of CD, says that at last DVD-Audio offers the real sound. The 24-bit remaster of ‘Surf’s Up’ came out less than a year ago too, so maybe The Band remasters will soon be followed by DVD Audio 5.1 mixes …

Posted on Sat Mar 17 10:46:42 CET 2001 from spider-te034.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.189)

Joe

Hey there JPS.....I believe NRBQ stands for "New Rhythm and Blues Quartet". I first saw them play with Levon Helm and the Crowmatix in Dec. of 1997 in Tarrytown, NY. and found them to be very good. Their antics on stage are very entertaining and really get the crowd going. They will be appearing Saturday May 12th, 2001 at the "Turning Point" here in Piermont, NY for anybody local that wants to catch their act. BTW: How does JPS translate?

Posted on Sat Mar 17 09:58:45 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-te042.proxy.aol.com (64.12.103.167)

Bob W

Unreleased tracks: didn't the 90s Band record an entire album for Sony that was never released? I think I have a Rick Danko interview on MiniDisc, and he says something about an album with Sony. Anyone know anything about this?

Posted on Sat Mar 17 09:06:44 CET 2001 from 1cust91.tnt12.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.136.91)

Crabgrass

Congrats to Puffy!!

Posted on Sat Mar 17 08:50:42 CET 2001 from spider-te034.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.189)

Bayou Sam

.......how about un-released Richard recordings - like Country Boy. I wonder if there's any more of that around. I bet Garth knows. Garth?

Posted on Sat Mar 17 08:13:20 CET 2001 from du85-249.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.249.85)

Ilkka

Our friend Lennart "Turkey Scratch" Persson is not so good in English. He refers to the words of Levon's manager on the article: "It's a bunch of s**t". - "What does it mean", asks Lennart.

Posted on Sat Mar 17 07:34:05 CET 2001 from pool-63.52.231.183.ipls.grid.net (63.52.231.183)

Bobby Jones

Hey Gang

First, I want to say thank you for all the warm wishes and thoughts.

Tonite I was reading the liner notes from the "American Son" cd by Levon. In the liner notes he states there were twenty tracks recorded, yet only ten made the record. Does anybody have any knowledge as to what the other ten tracks were and what happened to them? This got me thinking, Could there be more recorded stuff from Rick or Levon in some companys vaults. Does anyody know how many tracks were recorded for Ricks first record? The release has 10 tracks. The ten missing tracks Levon recorded would have been in a studio named "Bradley's Barn" located in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee.

B.T.W. this album was re-mixed in good old Nashville.

Is it common place to record extra songs or ones not used at all?

Gotta go, My two year old son is calling for his Daddy. Time to snuggle !

Posted on Sat Mar 17 06:38:21 CET 2001 from spider-tp044.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.194)

Ariel Williams

I'm really happy to have found this website. Robbie is a great voice for all native people. I am a musician and part native, one day I hope I get to work with him, what an honor that would be!! Take care everyone, blessings....

Posted on Sat Mar 17 03:47:09 CET 2001 from nas-133-137.nyc-t.navipath.net (64.20.133.137)

jps

The group most likely to come to mind when I think of The Band is NRBQ. They have been "the band" for Carl Perkins, John Sebastian (saw them live in DC), and Skeeter Davis (She Sings They Play), Johnnie Johnson. If you ever catch them live you are in for a real treat! I see that David Powell mentioned them here earlier today, then the Web Page on Markku's first post leads me to a Dutch page where a click on the top left box gives me a page where The Band is listed in a box just above NRBQ. How does "bra NRBQ pa jobbet" translate. Anyway, it always gets my attention when NRBQ is mentioned on this site.

Posted on Sat Mar 17 00:27:04 CET 2001 from sdu164-244.ppp.algonet.se (195.163.244.164)

Vinga

I have a tape from The Band in Stockholm 28 may 1971. Anyone interrested?

Posted on Fri Mar 16 23:27:00 CET 2001 from spider-we011.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.21)

Bayou Sam

.........So I'm sitting in rush hour traffic today when the thought hits me - I wonder how Revolution #9 would have sounded if the Beatles bought Garth in to add some "noises" to the track. It would have sounded even more far out....is it normal to have this thought while driving?

Posted on Fri Mar 16 17:31:44 CET 2001 from ulab33.med.gu.se (130.241.86.163)

Markku (Quos)

forgot, anyone got a good quality copy of Danko/Fjeld/Andersen in Buffalo, NY, June 5 -91 (or should that read May 6?). If you have it and want to trade please drop me a note.

Posted on Fri Mar 16 17:29:48 CET 2001 from ulab33.med.gu.se (130.241.86.163)

Markku (Quos)

Our friend Lennart at the Swedish Feber-site has a new article out, titled "Impossible dreams", where he admits the "Road From Turkey Scratch" is not true (or, at least that is how I read the piece, but then again my Swedish is getting a bit rusty). The link above leads to the article. The leading The Band-website is mentioned, as well as Levon's (colourful) comments on the subject.

BTW, Hi Lennart!

Posted on Fri Mar 16 16:13:15 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

The other day there was a discussion about Nashville and The Band. I've been reading a very interesting book by John Einarson entitled "Desperados -- The Roots of Country Rock" (Cooper Square Press). The Band is not one of the focus subjects of the book, but Mr. Einarson does mention the group in passing by noting the country influences such as vocal harmonies & instrumentation that they incorporated in their music.

Of course the Byrds are featured at great length in the book. In turns out that yesterday was the anniversary of the Byrds' appearance at the Grand Ole Opry on March 15, 1968. They were in the middle of recording the "Sweethearts Of The Rodeo" album in Nashville when, according to Mr. Einarson, "Columbia Records pulled some strings" to allow them to become "the first rock & roll group ever to grace the Opry stage".

Appearing on Tompall Glaser's segment of the Opry, the Byrds received a rather lukewarm reception. Veteran Nashville A-list pedal steel player Lloyd Green "had the guts to get up and play with us", as Chris Hillman recounts in the book. Mr. Glaser, however, got pissed-off at Gram Parsons when Gram, at the last minute, deviated from the set list by inserting a spontaneous performance of "Hickory Wind", which he dedicated to his grandmother. Ironically, Tompall Glaser would later become known as one of Nashville's "outlaws", along with Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson, but in 1968 he was still just another Nashville self-possessed star who yelled at some young & hungry punk for playing a song for his grandma.

As Chris Hillman recounted to Mr. Einarson, Opry regular, singer Skeeter Davis, was really nice to them that night, saying "Don't woory about these people. They don't understand". Ms. Davis, incidentally, has also been known as a maverick herself. Although she was once married to country DJ Ralph Emery, she later married Joey Spampanito of NRBQ.

Posted on Fri Mar 16 15:55:01 CET 2001 from slip-32-103-117-22.ga.us.prserv.net (32.103.117.22)

Don Pugatch

Sorry for the delay, busy on nappy, Last Sat night was once again magical. Live music, nothing in the world like it to cure what ailes you. Mr. John Hiatt, solo and accoustical, if you can call solo, 5 different guitars, keyboard, harp , whistling, solo. About a 2000 seat old movie theater, totally sold out, standing against the walls, all there to see John and he did not disappoint anyone. Old favorites, Have a little Faith, Like your Dad did, etc, some new stuff, My Dog and me, and the best news is that JH will be touring this summer with his old band, "The Goners", featuring Sonny Landreth on slide. The "Group" will be part of the BB King Blues Review, along with Buddy Guy and one other artist. Check pollstar for the summer schedule, and if you have a chance to catch John solo, don't delay. To give you an idea how large of a following he has, his show last weekend had no advertising, no box office sales, just a 3 line note in the Friday paper about 6 weeks prior to the show, and the only place to purchase tickets was ticketmonster. Another reason to avoid those $150.00 mega shows, or the ridiculousness of going to a 70,000 seat stadium to hear echos and reverberation and watch some distorted big screen. (sorry DMB)

Posted on Fri Mar 16 14:14:17 CET 2001 from dialup-277.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.21)

HANK

Bobby Jones and Kelly....may you both recover your good health soon......I've never met either of you, but there's a certain vibe about this place that makes you feel you know people.....God Bless The Band for making the music that brings us here...and God Bless you both on the road to recovery....

Posted on Fri Mar 16 12:22:39 CET 2001 from grmn-105ppp182.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.182)

Diamond Lil

Bobby Jones: Congratulations on the news about becoming a daddy again! That's wonderful... And thoughts are with you for a complete recovery.....

Just thought I'd mention that as the snow finally starts to melt here, I'm seeing little bits of (gulp!) crabgrass on the front lawn. Yikes! :-)

Sorry..nothing Band related today, but I am listening to Islands here as I type this. Does that count?

Have a good day everyone. Hug Jan.

Posted on Fri Mar 16 09:58:45 CET 2001 from du-tele3-136.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.136)

Peter Viney

The latest firm date I've seen on the new releases in the UK is May 8th. The first batch were about two weeks later in the UK than USA (leading me to imports!). Though several mail order outlets have been listing them for several weeks, I guess this is wishful thinking / an attempt to get the orders in. It's a pity because they're getting little write-ups now in magazines, which is too early for a May 8th date.

Posted on Fri Mar 16 08:12:53 CET 2001 from (206.217.212.3)

Steven Barnett

Hey everybody, I'm a new guy here, but I've got a burning question to ask...what happened to the second batch of remastered CDs that were supposed to come out a couple days ago (from "Rock of Ages" to "Islands")? I've checked three different stores, and finally had somebody check their computer, which didn't register a release date. Has it been pushed back? Canceled? Any replies would be appreciated. Thanks.

Posted on Fri Mar 16 06:42:00 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-tc023.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.158)

Bayou Sam

Bobby Jones - congratulations, and Godspeed.

Posted on Fri Mar 16 04:39:28 CET 2001 from parachute3-156-40-62-57.net.nih.gov (156.40.62.57)

Jonathan Katz

Good luck, Bobby Jones.

Posted on Fri Mar 16 03:49:01 CET 2001 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

Just watched an A&E Biography with Loretta Lynn. No I never met her. She still sings like an angel and I would surely love to see her live.

A short time after seeing the Coal Miners Daughter I called Diamond & Mrs. Helm in Arkansas looking for Levon hoping to do an interview.

It seemed like the perfect opportunity to tell Mrs. Helm how great an actor her son is. Her reply was straight forward and simply wonderful. "Oh Paul, Lavon wasn't acting...we really were that poor!"

BTW a few days before Julia and I had taken in a sneak preview of the movie and we were nearly ejected from the theatre.

When they got to the part where Levon was in the Coffin and all, you will recall they started into "Amazing Grace". The combination of seeing Levon with his hands crossed on his chest and hearing him sing at his own funeral put Julia and I into fits of laughter. The usher came running down the aisle with his flashlight putting us in the spotlight and told us to settle down or he would ask us to leave. Somehow the whole thing seemed to fit so well with Levon's sense of humour. There are days when I still have to grin.

Shine On!

Posted on Fri Mar 16 02:39:23 CET 2001 from dialin-75.poughkeepsie.bestweb.net (216.179.15.106)

Gene

Hoy mates! I gots a feeling we're in for a "coolest job" thread, now.

Posted on Fri Mar 16 01:43:48 CET 2001 from host-209-214-125-58.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.125.58)

BWNWITennessee

David Powell from Atlanta, just what do you think you're doing? Don't be trying to steal my peoples away from me. :-) NASHVILLE's got Bob Dylan, the Wallflowers, Black Crowes, Steve Earle and Lucinda Williams at RIVERSTAGES, May 4-6. Well, okay, so you've got Little Feat and Al Green, but we've got John Prine, Joan Osborne and Dickey Betts. And our festival's only $35 for all three days. Personally, I think everyone from the Guestbook should take a three day weekend that weekend and do the Southern Festival circuit, Nashville, Atlanta and Memphis. A lot of the bands play all three. Everyone can stay at my apartment - I've got a sofa bed. Last year at RiverStages I got to hear "The Weight" three times, by Travis, Shannon Curfman, and someone I don't remember.

Wow, I can't believe Carmen worked in a toll both. That's like the coolest job ever. When I was a kid I used to think they had a tunnel under the highway so they could get to their booths without getting run over. I also wondered how they went to the bathroom.

Posted on Fri Mar 16 00:38:16 CET 2001 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Mike Nomad

Bashful: I'm slowly moving in that direction. (Yes, it was published.) Perhaps another nudge . . . . Lemme think about it.

Posted on Thu Mar 15 22:06:05 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

"Counting the crooks on the Pennsylvania Turnpike
They've all gone to look for America..."

Sorry Carmen, I just couldn't help it.

Posted on Thu Mar 15 22:01:03 CET 2001 from dhcp58111.sunyocc.edu (204.168.58.111)

FRED FUNK

I once had the pleasure and thrill to make the acquintance of the "great SREDNI VOLLMER". It was at Mikes house and they were cookin out in the backyrad on this teeney little grill. Mike lives in Kingston and hangs with a jovial fellow named FERNE who has been lookin to get into the Sweet Corn business for goin on 10 years. Here we all are sittin around Jaw Bonin in the backyard gettin kinda jiggy before a Band Show in Kingston and guess who shows up? Yupper, your right, SREDNI himself wherein his best tails and bibbin-tucker. Tells us hes probably goin to be asked to take the stage and play that meaningful harp of his. (hes real excited)."Gonna be like old times; me and Rick up on that big stage again". But first he had to prime the old pump so to speak and thats why he came to see the Funk. Dr. FUNK!!. Quick as a wink we got old sredni back in the pink and just before sendin him on his way I made him eat one of Mikes wifes cheeseburgers made with hamburger helper no doubt. Kind of aq bad joke to pull on someone feelin so good at that point (He didn't finish it). Brushes with geatness? Can anyone out there really truly beat the SREDSTER.. I do not think so!

Posted on Thu Mar 15 21:48:27 CET 2001 from (205.245.52.66)

carmen

Brushes with greatness-I once met Mother Theresa. Talk about being humbled.

The only other famous person I came close to was Richard Nixon in the late 80's. I was working on the PA Turnpike as summer help, when we got order to shut down one of the toll booth lanes because Nixon was coming through. I did not meet him, however, was part of the blockade. His car was lead and trailed by secret service and I was able to make out his profile as he drove past me.

Posted on Thu Mar 15 21:31:58 CET 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

There has been a repackaging of the Last Waltz on CD recently. It has already been released as two single cds, and released in one of those thick double cd packages. I now notice that it has been released as two cds in a single cd case. Everything else is the same.

Posted on Thu Mar 15 20:25:34 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

I've also been enjoying the new Clapton album. With "Reptile" Eric strikes a nice balance between his harder-edged blues roots and his more melodic, pop sensibilities. Billy Preston appears on several songs, playing piano, organ & harmonica(!)

Posted on Thu Mar 15 20:06:52 CET 2001 from spider-tn071.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.76)

Dave

Bayou Sam & Tommy~ Thanks for your kind replies regarding "The Beak", as Richard was fondly called. Yes, it is a "bittersweet" memory for me. I'm so grateful that I was able to interact with Richard before he went to the great beyond.

Sam~ The new Clapton CD, "Reptile", is a nice follow-up to "Ridin' With the King". Two thing I really like about it personally: He covers "Traveling Light" (one of my favorite songs by J.J. Cale) and Paul Carrick contributes some tasty keyboards and backing vocals. The title track is an insturmental that proves "Slowhand" can play Jazz with the best of 'em. Pick it up, it's a keeper.

Posted on Thu Mar 15 19:52:34 CET 2001 from spider-wd041.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.166)

Bashful Bill

Mike Nomad- was your long ago reporter work published?Though it makes you wince,why don't you send your old interview of the elder Hudson's to Jan to be placed in the interwiew section? I'm certain there are a lot of GB folks who would love to read it and wince along with you.

Posted on Thu Mar 15 19:13:47 CET 2001 from spider-wm072.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.182)

Tommy

Dave...GREAT story about Richard.Real cool!

Posted on Thu Mar 15 19:01:18 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

The line-up for the upcoming Midtown Music Festival in Atlanta (May 4-6) looks impressive, even to a jaded old fart like me. There's Dylan, Wallflowers, the Rev. Al Green, Little Feat, Black Crowes, Lucinda Williams, Steve Earle and too many more to list here. Hot 'Lana will be jumping -- now, if we could only get Levon & the Barn Burners added to the list, it would be complete.

Posted on Thu Mar 15 17:00:04 CET 2001 from spider-wi073.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.53)

bob wigo

I caught a "Collective Soul" concert on a local cable station last night and was quite impressed. Any fans here? I would be interested in hearing from someone who has seen them live.

Posted on Thu Mar 15 15:47:35 CET 2001 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Mike's email prompted the memory that I once called Garth Hudson's father shortly before Christmas. I was hoping that Mr Hudson, senior, would be able to tell me that Garth would be visiting - and I'd be able to talk to him about the good old days. (As it turned out, Garth was not expected.) I remember thinking how nice the father was, just chatting away with some young doink who'd called out of the blue. Like many people back then, in the days when long-distance calls were not the norm, he was impressed that I'd called all the way from Toronto!

Posted on Thu Mar 15 15:08:38 CET 2001 from spider-tk074.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.209)

bob wigo

For anyone have difficulty locating The Band's SNL performance on Burly Bear: Click on SNL and when you get to their page click on Archives. Scroll down to Richard's photo and click there. It's wonderful.

P.S. There's other great stuff there as well. Enjoy.

Posted on Thu Mar 15 05:37:28 CET 2001 from pool-63.52.228.154.ipls.grid.net (63.52.228.154)

Bobby Jones

Brushes with famous folk. I have met the following members of the Band in all its forms :Levon, Rick, Garth, Richard, Earl Cate, Ernie Cate, Ron Eoff, Terry Cagle, Stan Szelest, Jimmy Weider, Randy Ciarlante and at shows I've met & spoken too: Larry Packard, Bob Dylan(bought him a $12.00 shot at the Lone Star), Artie Traum, Happy Traum, Wavy Gravy, Ramblin Jack Elliot, Gatemouth Brown, Steve Winwood, Max Weinberg, Bonnie Raitt(at Caldwell College - Richard was telling everybody to watch her right hand), Buddy Cage, Jerry Garcia( trying to hide from some really stoned fans), Bob Weir, Billy Critzman, Blondie Chapman, Bruce Springsteen.

I was once at a 3 day Folk festival you could camp at. The first night we got a camp fire going and got feeling pretty good, alot of wine - no cheese. Someone started to sing Dylans, "You aint goin nowhere" and soon we were attracting people from other camp sites to our little sing along. A woman with a guitar came over and asked if she could play. We started with a very drunken Rocky Racoon from the Beatles went thru Dylan, The Dead, The Band, and after about 4 hours she asked if she could sing one of hers. The night ended with a song called "Candles in the Rain". The woman was Melanie.

I spoke to Jane Fonda on the phone once.

I once met Faye Dunaway at Logan Airport in Boston. I had just accepted a new postion and was moving there. I had priority checkin and my rental car was waiting for me, well Mrz. Dunaway was pissed because "HER PEOPLE" had made a reservation for her car and the rental car company did not have it. On the Bus to the rental area she starts to throw a hissy fit. The bus driver(a middle aged colored woman)stopped the bus and said "I'm not moving the bus until you relax and apologize" Faye said, "But you don't understand I'm a actress". The bus driver said, "I ain't never heard of you so you can't be that good and your a guest on my bus and I expect you to behave". Well good old Faye said she was sorry and we finished our trip to the rental office. I got in my rental and laughed my butt off.

On a personal note - I just found out I'm going to be a daddy again (Yeah) and I have to get cancer surgery on the 20th of the month. The reason I am sharing this is, every day I check in here to see what's going on and read the posts. I love the knowledge and stories that is shared here. This group has offered a smile every day and a laugh or two along the way.

I just wanted to say Thanks

Posted on Thu Mar 15 05:03:50 CET 2001 from host-216-76-150-36.bna.bellsouth.net (216.76.150.36)

BWNWITennessee

For all you pirates, there's a copy of Trey Anastasio doing a bloodless version of "It Makes No Diff." on nugs.net. And for all you oil tycoons, you can buy Jimi Hendrix's guitar on e-bay, item # 1416375103. It's currently $130,000.

Posted on Thu Mar 15 03:59:47 CET 2001 from dialup-273.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.17)

Hank

It's been great to read all the Nashville/Band posts....I found myself wondering about it..and it's cool to read about it here, Thanks JAN!! Thanks Folks!!......Howsabout a top ten Country set by The Band .....like if they HAD got a gig at The Ryman...not the place that's about 20 miles outta Nashville.....

1 Evangeline

2 Dixie

3 The Weight

and on and on

Next Week: The Jazz set......The Definitive Rock'n'Roll top Ten......Love Songs?

Any Takers?

Goodnight

Posted on Thu Mar 15 02:26:18 CET 2001 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Mike Nomad

Note to Paul Godfrey: Thanx, I'll think about it.

Posted on Thu Mar 15 01:36:32 CET 2001 from spider-wl041.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.36)

Bayou Sam

oh yeah........I was listening to Levon's "American Son" album today, and I was struck by the guitar playing. It was not only very good but it was reminiscent of Robbie. I looked at the liner notes and it's Fred Carter on most of it. I realized that I was not hearing a guy that sounded like RR - I was listening to a sound that RR was influenced BY. Nice album.

Posted on Thu Mar 15 01:29:59 CET 2001 from spider-wl041.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.36)

Bayou Sam

Dave = loved that story about Richard sitting down next to you at the bar. How bittersweet. That must be a hell of a memory for you.

All this country music talk got me wondering again about a question I asked in here once before. Have Levon/The Band ever crossed paths with Jerry Reed. I love cranking the Alabama Wildman, and I always thought that if he and Levon ever got together, some real good butt-kickin' music would result. I went and saw Jerry at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut last year. I got his autograph and told him that he ought to come up and play in the Northeast more often - then he said, in his Southern drawl, "I like coming here, I'm the only one who talks normal".

BTW, I couldn't find the SNL stuff on Burly Bear either.

Hey - anyone pick up Clapton's new one yet? I heard one tune on the radio. Sounds good.

Posted on Thu Mar 15 01:07:25 CET 2001 from host-209-214-124-4.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.124.4)

BWNWITennessee

And Mary Martin, who introducted the Hawks to Bob Dylan, is now a plugger down here. Scotty Moore, who played with the boys on "Deuce and a Cadillac," and who really needs to do a local show so I can have the chance to see him play, lives here; and did Ronnie Hawkins record his Hank Williams record here? And I seem to recall The Band playing here sometime in the mid '90s, maybe even at the Ryman. Sounds like a Butch question to me.

Posted on Thu Mar 15 00:02:57 CET 2001 from proxy.lfpress.com (204.101.153.10)

Mike Nomad

This may be more of interest to Donna and Jerry of T.O. and Sandy from Muskoka. I first laid eyes on the Band when they were still associated with Ronnie Hawkins during 1960-61. I was a university student in London, Ont. (sorry) And the Hawks, I discovered, were just too good to be true. I'd see them everytime they blew into town, about every 3-4 months, as I recall. Also travelled to Toronto to catch them. Later, as a greenhorn reporter, I was sent out to interview Garth Hudson's parents the night they appeared on the Ed Sullivan show (when was that? 1968?) In any event, I wince whenever I reread the story I wrote. Since then, I've tried to catch the Band, in whatever configuration, whenever I could. The reunited Band at the Stratford (Ont.) Festival in, I believe, 1985 was a welcome treat. More recently, my wife and I and a couple of old friends travelled to Buffalo, N.Y., to catch the Barn Burners. My wife got Levon to autograph his book. It's been fun.

Posted on Wed Mar 14 23:24:38 CET 2001 from bukwv.p110.neumedia.net (208.192.16.175)

Barbara Collins

For those of you who love southern rock music ... and who are fans of Lynyrd Skynyd, please help me get them in for consideration for the Rock-nRoll Hall Of Fame. You can do so by signing my petition for them at : www.petitiononline.com/rvz/petition.html

Posted on Wed Mar 14 22:27:42 CET 2001 from mplsdslgw10poola208.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.40.208)

P.S.2001

Whats up with The Band reissues being delayed till May 8th. Why didn't Capitol records announce this before the original release date?! I was looking foward to "Rock Of Ages" and "Northern Lights.." Two more damn months. Ahhhhh!

Posted on Wed Mar 14 21:19:45 CET 2001 from plum.alltel.com (198.133.100.195)

Kevin Gilbertson

Pat - thanks for the info on SNL!

Posted on Wed Mar 14 21:05:17 CET 2001 from (205.245.52.66)

carmen

What am I missing? I can not find the SNL stuf on Burly Bear. Looking for a little help.

Thanks Krispy.

Posted on Wed Mar 14 20:58:00 CET 2001 from (205.150.219.193)

Sandy McLennan

After reading these posts, I recall meeting Levon in the early 80's, around the time of Coalminer's Daughter, at an upstairs Yonge Street bar (Nickelodeon?) where he was playing with others I don't recall. He was friendly and we chatted about the handheld mic he was using for his harp. It was a cheap Sony F96 (I believe that's the model. I associate mine with my Sony TC105 reel to reel). It was fun to see him use that familiar mic, and put it to such good use!

Posted on Wed Mar 14 20:33:21 CET 2001 from (205.150.219.193)

Sandy McLennan

I've just enjoyed several hours browsing your excellent site. I found it after using AskJeeves to query why Band members were not on the Bobfest cd (I have a partial tape of it, without any notes. Now I know they were there).

The Band is the first record I ever bought (around age 12). My brother recommended it because these Canadian guys were well-received in a Time Magazine review. I still love the music and the feeling of that back-cover photo of instruments, equipment and people gathered to jam.

I'm glad I got to see The Band (minus Robbie) at Wonderland, north of Toronto in June '84(?). I remember the mc wondering aloud who would start the show "The Band or the band?"

Continued success with your site. It all makes me want to get back to playing music regularly, and introduce my 10-year old to lots of music.

Posted on Wed Mar 14 20:31:07 CET 2001 from user-33qt8op.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.163.25)

pat Brennan

Kevin, on SNL the Band performed three songs in a row: Carnival, Dixie, and Stage Fright. At the end of the show they returned to do Georgia. The reason so many people have Carnival and Dixie in one form or another is that those were the only two songs included in that particular SNL episode after the inevitable editing that occurs when a show goes into syndication and shrinks from an hour and a half to an hour. Dixie is also edited with the disappearance of the dramatic walkdown that separates the final two choruses.

Posted on Wed Mar 14 20:02:24 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-tj073.proxy.aol.com (64.12.106.53)

Dave

CORRECTION~ The host of Nashville Now is Ralph Emery, not Ralph Edwards. Thanks David Powell.

Posted on Wed Mar 14 19:29:17 CET 2001 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

There is an English pop quintet named Wood. They said they got their name from "'70s type sounding records, whether it was the Band or the Eagles. They all had a woody feeling to them." This quote came from Billboard magazine.

Posted on Wed Mar 14 19:12:12 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

"Well, there's 16,821 mothers from Nashville
And their kids play music and they ain't uptight if one of their kids will
Because it's custom made for any mother's son to be a guitar picker in Nashville
And I sure am glad I had a chance to say a word about the music and the mothers in Nashville"
(from Nashville Cats by John Sebastian)

The Nashville establishment has never been known to embrace musical innovators. Even Hank Williams (Sr.) and Elvis were initially rebuked by the Grand Ole Opry. They were both later welcomed by the competitor Louisiana Hay Ride, where their electrifying live performances helped to gain them wider attention. Ironically, the Music City establishment figures Roy Acuff & Fred Rose would go on to make a fortune off the publishing rights to Hank Williams' music.

It's true that the Byrds received a hostile reaction when they played on the Grand Ole Opry. They retaliated by recording the song "Drug Store Truck Drivin' Man", which took a shot at the Nashville establishment by specifically taking aim at Ralph Emery. Mr. Emery, the legendary country music D.J., was particularly unkind in his remarks about the Byrds. This is the same guy who would later host the Nashville Now show on TNN. Mr. Emery, however, later welcomed former-Byrd, Chris Hillman and his band, Desert Rose, on his Nashville Now show.

It should be noted that Levon's old friend, the late Conway Twitty, achieved his greatist success after he switched from rock to country music. Conway became the most successful artist in the history of popular music with 55 number one hits! His duets with Loretta Lynn were equally popular. It was an amazing twist of fate that Conway's old neighbor, Levon, would later portray Loretta's father in "Coal Miner's Daughter".

And don't forget former Hawk, Fred Carter, Jr., who left the life of touring in a rock 'n roll band to become a successful session musician in Nashville.

Then there's the late Hank Snow, a member of the Country Music Hall of Fame and longtime regular on the Grand Ole Opry. Mr. Snow was a country boy from that other country, Canada, Nova Scotia to be exact. I'm sure he would have welcomed The Band on stage in Nashville, maybe joining them to perform his hit "I'm Movin' On".

Posted on Wed Mar 14 18:43:38 CET 2001 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Jens M: I'd say that more North Americans know Roy Harper from LedZep's "Hats Off To Harper" than know him from his own music. There are two LPs that I kick myself for having gotten sold off (in '81 to fund world travels): Roy's brilliant "Folkjokeopus" and Dino Valenti's sorta similar solo LP on Epic.

Peter V: The one Yonge Street bar band that did record "High Heel Sneakers" in the '60s was Jackie Shane with Frank Motley and the Hitch-Hikers. (Jerry T mentioned Jackie Shane in his recent Concord remeniscence.)

Posted on Wed Mar 14 18:28:24 CET 2001 from spider-to063.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.73)

Dave

I remember seeing The Band on TNN (The Nashville Network) back in '93. They were on a show called "Nashville Now", hosted by Ralph Edwards. After their performance, Levon was interviewed and played a little mandolin from the guest chair. I think Nashville would have "embraced" our boys...I'm just not sure if it's the direction they wanted to go.

Re: the brushes with greatness thread,,, I'll keep it Band related. I first met The Band (minus Robbie of course) in 1985 at a now defunct club called "Graffitti". I was sitting at the bar waiting for the concert hall doors to open and who sits down next to me and orders a Molson and dinner....Richard Manuel. I don't know what prompted me to do this but I turned to him and sang: "There was a chill that night". His face just lit up, and he answered, "in the hobo jungle" and stuck out his hand. We talked and drank a couple beers together. The conversation centered around music because he knew I was a musician and a singer too but Richard was quite homesick from being out on the road for a long stretch. He told me about his daughter and his home in Stratford. (Six weeks later, I was driving in my car listening to the radio and heard the news that he hanged himself in his Florida motel room. That was a sad day.)

That night the show was incredible as always. I had a front row seat in this intimate hall. When the show was over, I just went downstairs and walked into the dressing room. I was no stranger there because my band , The Bridge had used it many times. The boys couldn't have been more cordial. Butch was not their Tour Mgr. back then. Levon introduced their current Tour Mgr. as Serge and said that he played drums on "We Gotta Get You a Woman, by Todd Rungren. (I'm not sure if that was Serge Daniloff, who is so prominent in the photo archives. If anyone knows please respond).

Over the next ten years, I had the honor of opening for The Band and members of The Band in a duo setting. The member I spent the most time with and made me feel like an old friend was,,,,you guessed it, Brother Lee. It's no coincidence that his name appears over & over in this GB as a down to earth friendly gentleman. He really is. Levon invited me down to his houseboat in Ark. but things never materialized. I wish I could have taken him up on that offer.

The Barnburners played a little club called Moondog's back in the fall of 2000. On a break, Levon stepped away from the drumkit. I was standing there, waiting for him. I began to re-introduce myself to him when he said "hey Dave", how you been Bubba ? I hadn't seen him in over three years. That made me feel really good. Yessir...Levon is quite a guy.

Posted on Wed Mar 14 16:39:37 CET 2001 from plum.alltel.com (198.133.100.195)

Kevin Gilbertson

Excellent version of "Georgia" on the RealAudio stream.

Question: There are 4 songs listed (in the tape archive) from SNL. I've only ever seen artists perform 2 songs on that show. I believe I have a tape of Buck Henry introducing the Band and they perform Life is a Carnival immediately followed by Dixie. Were the other 2 songs also broadcast? Or were they done during commercials?

Jan - congratulations on the latest award.

Posted on Wed Mar 14 16:31:55 CET 2001 from spider-wd074.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.184)

Bashful Bill

Bob Wigo's memory of Band music heard faintly on a jukebox in a movie reminded me-several years ago Mrs. Bashful Bill & I went to a movie, one of those movies that is awful yet entertaining for that very reason, titled Whispers In The Dark. There was a scene in a bar, and very faintly I could have sworn I heard Robbie's Broken Arrow. I'm one of those people who has to sit through at least most of the credits, this time I had incentive, it was so faint on the sound that I thought maybe I imagined it, but sure enough, there it was. Another Broken Arrow moment- on a thirtysomething episode(u either love or hate that show, I discovered it in reruns years after its original run, and somewhat embarrassedly admit that I love it)the very first scene is of two of the main characters languishing in a post coital buzz, the guy, several years younger than the woman, reaches over and flips sides of a tape and turns it on. Robbie's atmospheric Broken Arrow starts playing, not at all faintly this time, she says"What's this, music to make love to older women by?" The song reappears at the very end of the episode as well.

Posted on Wed Mar 14 14:32:11 CET 2001 from (12.40.113.50)

bob wigo

If my memory serves me well, and oft times it does not, "The Weight" can be heard playing faintly over a radio in a film entitled "The War" starring Kevin Costner. Can anyone confirm this one?

Posted on Wed Mar 14 14:20:14 CET 2001 from 24.68.33.158.on.wave.home.com (24.68.33.158)

John Donabie

As the "regulars" know, I've been in radio for 35 years; therefore I've had the pleasure of many "brushes with greatness" in interview situations.

I did however want to tell you an amusing story and Lil I think you'll like this one. I've been in many radio formats over my career (mostly rock) but in 1984 I was doing country and was sent to Nashville to do some interviews. One of the people I was to talk to was the legendary Roy Acuff. He was at the time "Mr. Grand Ole' Opry."

I was backstage at the Opry and Mr. Acuff's dressing room was literally just a few feet away from going on stage. I was standing at the door to his dressing room and noticed a small "oval office or room" within the larger dressing room. It had an "ON AIR" light over the door that is used in studios so you don't walk in when someone is on air. I saw him go into this little room within a room and almost immedately the"ON AIR" light went on. I assumed he must be doing interviews in this room. Maybe it was a little studio.

Turns out it was his private bathroom. When you sat on the john it activated the "ON AIR" light. In other words Roy was getting down to business and when that light was on, you did not go in. I smiled for days.

Posted on Wed Mar 14 12:21:16 CET 2001 from blv-proxy-05.boeing.com (12.13.226.15)

jack gilbert

Can you help me find this CD. I lost the one I had and I need this one.

Posted on Wed Mar 14 08:35:11 CET 2001 from proxy.newmedia.no (212.71.66.13)

Jens Magnus

Back in the 70's I was attending a Roy Harper concert i Oslo. I don't know how big he ever got in the States or in Canada, but he had a big influence on up and coming acoustic guitarists at that time. Part of the british wave with Jansch, Renbourn ...

Anyway, half way through his set, Harper broke a nail on his right hand. He asked: "Anyone in the audience have a file?" Luckily I had one, and stepped down to the stage. He received it, looked me in the eyes and said "thanks", very stoned, but in a good mood. He continued a great set.

Some years later I did some work for a norwegian promotor. I had the pleasure of driving The Mighty Flyers to Kristiansand once. They are a bunch of nice guys (and gal), and I remember listening to ROA in the van. They agreed that RR's solo on Unfaithful Servant is awesome!

Posted on Wed Mar 14 06:02:54 CET 2001 from spider-wj011.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.21)

Mike

Nope…Nashville never would’ve embraced the guys. They wouldn’t of fit. Nashville’s too canned. Everything’s controlled by the good ol’ boys, even down to the songwriting. Years ago, when the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band recorded “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” Bill Monroe and others refused to take part. (Thankfully some DID join in and the result was a pretty good album.) Yes there’s good music there, but like was already mentioned, you’ll find it off the beaten track. The Byrds played the Opry once, to a pretty cool reception. Of course, Nashville’s come a long way since then, but still all the better music is found elsewhere, unless you like a steady diet of Alan Jackson, the other Garth and half a dozen others who all sound the same. I always wished the guys had done an Austin City Limits or an Unplugged.

Funny about “Easy Rider.” I never had the soundtrack, so I just thought “The Weight” just wasn’t on it, period. I first saw the movie at the Tu-Vu Drive-In (remember those?) in San Diego when it first came out. We had a whole carload plus people in the trunk. I still remember how great it was to hear The Weight in that one scene. A great scene; a great song. The Ringo All-Starr version (1989) is awesome, especially the video version. It has Garth on accordion. And Rick’s verse in any version is always my favorite…and yes, I have a dog named Jack.

Posted on Wed Mar 14 05:27:19 CET 2001 from user-33qt9tg.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.167.176)

Pat Brennan

Just saw "The Right Stuff" and was surprised to see Garth get a credit for "Additional music."

Posted on Wed Mar 14 05:12:02 CET 2001 from (209.32.133.6)

Pete Rivard

Hank,

I don't know if you've been to Nashville, but I have. I've been to the current Grand Ol' Opry, which replaced the Ryman Theater as the locale of that show. I've also, like everyone else, seen a lot of broadcasts from the Opry's, and I can't see the Roy Acuffs, Ernest Tubbs and Chet Atkins of the world ever countenancing The Band on that stage.

It's too bad, because they made some of the best true "country" music ever made with their first two albums. But it wasn't what the Nashville establishment was putting out. The Opry of that period was still very much the George Jones and Tammy Wynette deal, Minnie Pearl and Bill Monroe, some of them great musicians in their own right, but from a different universe and point of view from our boys.

The crowd that the Band probably would have mixed well with, imho, was the crowd that got chased out of Nashville and ended up in Austin, Texas. Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings--those boys.

Nashville is a great town to visit, by the way, but you'll hear better music by steering clear of the Opry and checking out some of the small to mid sized venues. Every damn bartender, cabbie and waitress in that town is a better musician than I'll ever be, and I'm not too shabby. One of my axes is the 5-string banjo, and I saw this banjoist playing on the streets that just flat blew me away. The kind of skill and creativity that you only receive by giving up just about everything else. I dropped a $20 bill in his banjo case and he just about s--t himself. I'll be down there in May on business, and I plan to soak up as much music as possible, but not at the Opry. Might have to sit through an Alan Jackson set, and I just couldn't.

There's this great music store Gruhn's (sp?) Guitar Shop, on music row. I pulled a 5-string off the rack there, started noodling around, and was immediately surrounded by two mandolinists, two guitar players and a dobro guy, just hanging out, they grabbed the nearest axe off the wall and fell right in. Amazing place.

Posted on Wed Mar 14 05:08:53 CET 2001 from proxy1-external.rchmd1.bc.home.com (24.113.31.232)

John

I was wondering if there are any plans to commemorate the twenty-fifth anniversary of the Last Waltz, which falls on November 25, 2001. I think it would be great if Warner Brothers put together an expanded edition of the set to include all the performances left off the original 1978 release. Does anyone else have thoughts on this?

Posted on Wed Mar 14 03:22:16 CET 2001 from dialup-306.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.50)

HANK

Could someone PLEASE tell me whether or not The Band EVER played Nashville and , if they DID, how did it go? In fact, OK...who here thinks The Band woulda done a good show at The Grand Old Opry?.....

I'm getting the distinct impression that we are never to mention Nashville here....or something terrible happened to The Band in Nashville that we must never mention.......Obviously, They've been back to Memphis........

Posted on Wed Mar 14 03:09:37 CET 2001 from (203.103.135.138)

Michael

Back in the late 70's Robbie was in Australia promoting TLW, he came onto a Melbourne TV show much like David Letterman's, the host who was an expat New Yorker by the name Don Lane, interviewed a very stoned Robbie, for some reason the host asked Robbie if drugs had anything to do with the death of Elvis, Robbie as befuddled as he was looked at this guy and said 'you have got to be f*****g joking', caused a real storm on local TV, think apart from the 66 tour this was the only time Robbie in Australia. Pity Oz is so far away as I am envious of other contributors here, who get to catch the great music that is there now and always has been. Regards

Posted on Wed Mar 14 02:59:10 CET 2001 from (206.187.219.41)

yes

never was a fallen angel seen, because the angel never fell-- it was from someone else's scheme and if you listen one can really tell..and it takes a real good love to deliver from undercover one that was destroyed and pulled and torn asunder....the weight is going, the weight is lifting and soon the moon's tide will ahve justice shifting....

Posted on Wed Mar 14 02:36:05 CET 2001 from spider-wk083.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.188)

Mike

jerry.tenenbaum -- Yes!!! That's it! More stories like this from you others...They're GREAT...

Posted on Wed Mar 14 01:21:29 CET 2001 from host-209-214-125-25.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.125.25)

BWNWITennessee

I think the best thing about this brushes with fame thread is that lots of silent voices are making themselves heard here on the GB with some good stories.

"Stuff You Gotta Watch" was in the remake of "Angels In The Outfield" from around '95. I think it was that movie, there were a couple kids-oriented baseball movies that came out around that time. It might be the only recording by the Robbie-less Band in a major movie. But so far it seems that other than a few exceptions, it's pretty much "I Shall Be Released" and "The Weight" that get into movies. "The Weight's" a pretty obvious choice, but there are a few others that could subsititute for "Released," like maybe "Whispering Pines" or "Tears Of Rage." Even "Sign of the Rainbow" or "Fallen Angel." Once someone hires me to do some supervision, that'll all change... I'm trying to get some student films right now, so maybe. :-)

The only Bunuel film I've seen - I forget the title, and it was only about six months ago. Senility, you know. The only reason I went to see it was because of Robbie talking about him, so thanks, RR. But it was about a group of people trying to have dinner, and were never able to. The impossibility of self-fulfillment, I s'pose.

For ultimate pizza delivery stories, I wasn't there, but I read a review of a Jimmy Buffett concert where he ordered some pizzas from the stage, then had the delivery guy come onstage to pass them out!

Posted on Wed Mar 14 00:44:13 CET 2001 from spider-wm024.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.159)

Stephen Novik

Just to add to Bashful Bill's comment -- The Weight appeared in 1983's "The Big Chill", 1998's "Patch Adams" and 1999's "Girl, Interuppted" (I haven't seen this film yet, but I can confirm that Crazy Chester's on the ST CD.) AND Evangeline (though Emmylou Harris's solo cover) was included in an early scene in "Scent of A Woman". Rock on, brothers and sisters! Can't 'weight' for May!!

Posted on Wed Mar 14 00:04:01 CET 2001 from inktomi1-dub.server.ntl.com (62.254.96.4)

Sie Carroll

Hi All, Planning a trip to the USA next year and want to tour to some significant "Band" site's and venues, Is Winterland still alive n kickin?

Posted on Tue Mar 13 23:21:53 CET 2001 from cr814537-a.yec1.on.wave.home.com (24.112.156.120)

jerry.tenenbaum

OK So I'm 52. Some of you suggested that maybe some of us who saw Levon & The Hawks should post our impressions. I was lucky enough to see them at the Concord Tavern many Saturday afternoons. They would do matinees for the "fries and cherry coke" gang. I saw many bands at those matinees (my dad owned the place for a while). I was 14 or 15. They were head over heels the best of all the bands...and that included Jon and Lee & the Checkmates( Some of whom became Rhinoceros), D.Clayton Thomas and the Shays/Bossmen/etc, and Jackie Shane. They played raw low down rock and roll/rhythm and blues and there was no match for them. They were known around town as the best bar band there was. The place was packed. Very few danced. Most just listened. This was the warmup for the Saturday night sets for the ethanol crowd. No, there are no tapes...unfortunately...and no pictures. Just memories. No one stood out, because everybody was great. They were even, tight and talented.. The professionalism is what impressed me the most. This was a matinee..a rehearsal, but they played it like it mattered. I remember 'Slippin' and Slidin', and other songs of that ilk. When they made it, it was only a surprise because no one who identified with Toronto was making it to that degree much in those days. Bur from a talent point of view, it was no surprise. We used to wonder what they were doing in a bar on Bloor Street with that kind of talent. It was just a warmup for the big show.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 23:11:08 CET 2001 from dialup159.akg.as12390.net (212.50.182.159)

Harvey

Hi there Band lovers! Can anyone tell me when we can expect to see the next set of Capitol reissues in the shops? I seem to have been waiting forever. Regards, Harvey

Posted on Tue Mar 13 22:58:42 CET 2001 from www-cache-external.vuw.ac.nz (130.195.196.201)

ajr

I’m sorry if this was mentioned here before & I didn’t notice. Last night I was flicking through a book about all time Greatest Rock Lyrics. Naturally I checked for The Band connection and I saw that under the discussion of The Weight Robbbie Robertson mentioned that he had been watching a lot of Luis Bunel films at the time he wrote the song.

Now I don’t know too much about Bunel but I believe he is pretty notorious for his surreal film Un Chien Angelou (Andalusian Dog) which he made with Salvador Dali. The film was intended to shock & features things like an eye being sliced open. I don’t know if that adds an extra dimension to our feelings for “if you take Jack, my dog”?!

I myself can only recall seeing one Bunel film and that was a Mexican version of Wuthering Heights. It was pretty late in the evening, there were no subtitles and it was…well words fail me…My husband thinks Bunel made a few films about that perenial favourite theme - nuns and the loss of innocence- so I guess one could draw some analogies with the Weight…impossibility of sainthood, failure to achieve redemption etc, etc. Maybe some film buff- Band fan could comment further. I imagine there might be a paper in this for some enterprising film studies student! Or not.

Enjoyed the brushes with fame thread. I don’t think I’ve had any myself However, I believe my mother treasures the memory of nearly walking into Paul McCartney on Carnaby Street in the 60s. A collision was avoided though as the gentlemanly Sir Paul stepped into the gutter.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 22:34:59 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-th044.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.39)

Bashful Bill

around 90 Sean penn directed a movie called Indian Runner. Richard's(and the Band's of course) haunted vocal of I Shall Be Released sang over the ending credits. Cripple Creek was played in an awful Terri Garr-Peter Weller movie called Firstborn-early 80's? NY Stories, a film of 4 stories by 4 different directors-88 or 89, Scorcese directed Nick Nolte as a mad painter in one of the stories. At least 2 scenes of Nolte madly splashing paint on canvas accompanied by Dylan & The Band wailing through Rolling Stone from Before The Flood. This thread has popped up before,maybe Jan's current students, the two who he mentioned in What's New recently, should be assigned to dig up all Band soundtrack appearances?

Posted on Tue Mar 13 22:26:32 CET 2001 from piinbh8-x0.ms.com (199.89.64.40)

Rich Forbes

Reading the `brushes with fame', brought back a few highlights... It was November of `86 at the Lonestar Roadhouse in NYC. The Band had just played a kicking show and I was hanging outside, when who walks up but Levon...We started talking and soon ended up partying on the bus with The Band - everyone except for Richard who had left in a cab. We had a blast just shootin the shit and tossin back beers. The next night it was back to the Lonestar for night #2. After the show I ended up hanging with Lee and Rick, eventually ending up on the roof of the Lonestar with Rick - hanging and doin beers - then to the bus for a few more before the guys had to leave. I had brought my Last Waltz album with me and the guys were gracious enough to write me a person al note each! This was the start of a long friendship with Lee and Butch...which I will always be grateful for... Another brush was with The Grateful Dead back in the late 80's at Giant's Stadium. I was hanging backstage after securing passes from Harry. During the break I turned around to see Walter Cronkite hanging out with Phil Lesh, Brett Midland, Bob Weir, and a few others. I started alking with Walter and asked him how he came to be at the show. His reply, `I came to see some friends play!' We shot the shit for a while, my girl even got to hold Phil's infant child! As if this wasn't excitement enough, After the show I got to spend a few moments with the man himself, Jerry Garcia! Quite the thrill!!!

Posted on Tue Mar 13 22:27:08 CET 2001 from du-tele3-104.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.104)

Peter Viney

Robert Higginbotham, aka Tommy Tucker of ‘Hi Heel sneakers’ fame. What do you know about him? I just picked up an album with Titus Turner & Tommy Tucker LPs on one CD. The Tucker album is ‘Mother Tucker’ (1973) and includes a 1962 version of Hi Heel Sneakers with an extra verse and an organ solo, and that same classic guitar part. The hit version was 1964. I’d always imagined Tucker was the guitarist, but other tracks on the album are just organ and drums, and according to the Guinness Encylopedia he was originally a jazz pianist and clarinetist. So I wonder if he was the organist. In which case, which unknown great played the guitar part in 1962 and again in 1964? (Band relevance; The Hawks used to do it)

Posted on Tue Mar 13 22:06:05 CET 2001 from du-tele3-116.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.116)

Peter Viney

Oddly, Smith might have had one of the very best selling versions of “The Weight”. The Easy Rider soundtrack album (not in fact the “O”ST) charted at US #6 and was a million seller within the year. The Jackie DeShannon, Aretha Franklin and Diana Ross/Temptations singles didn’t get so high. I’d always assumed that Smith were a put-together session band doing a quick cover when permission was refused for the original on the soundtrack album. I know it’s easy in retrospect, but it looks a really, really dumb decision. The original had been heard in the movie. Then you bought the soundtrack and got this pretty weak version instead. I think having The Band on the soundtrack album would have lead more people to their albums.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 21:18:00 CET 2001 from 222.good.net (209.54.25.222)

mattk

More Miscellania:

The Danny DeVito movie with "I Shall Be Released" was "Jack the Bear."

"Nevermind" was the catch phrase of a Gilda Radner character on SNL's "Weekend Update," however, it was *not* Rosanne Rosannadanna. In fact, it was Emily Latella ("what's all this I keep hearing about too much sax on TV...?")

"Brush w/fame" I negeglected. While living in Brattleboro, VT a few years back, I had the privilege of jamming with NRBQ's Terry Adams a few times. Great piano player - my fave keyboardist in R-n-R after Garth. Terry's got a great Thelonius Monk approach to blues and r/b that just mesmerizes me everytime.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 20:57:26 CET 2001 from pc-erasmi-g.humanities.mcmaster.ca (130.113.215.11)

Steve Tasker

Just here to announce that the band has made it through another grueling week of Music Survivor. I've put the address (canadamusic.about.com) up ^ there, so go click and vote. You can do it every couple hours, so best if you bookmark it. Plus I have the ultimate celeb. encounter. My brother delivered pizza to the Band at a Jacksonville hotel in, in '83 or '84, maybe even 85 (he had that dead end job for years.) He wasn't a huge fan so he didn't even bother to get an autograph, and his boss yelled at him for it when he got back to work. So, he never forgot it (besides the year). GO VOTE!!! not for the Band or else they'll get eliminated

Posted on Tue Mar 13 20:51:14 CET 2001 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

Rollie: Great story about Ahmet! That guy is a piece of work. He walks into a room, and everything goes silent. He has a lot of class, and people treat him with tremendous respect. You know you've made it when David Geffen is scared of you. I wish Ahmet would write a book.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 20:46:17 CET 2001 from spider-to046.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.22)

Mike

I've had a number of brushes with greatness. As a sports autograph collector, I met most of the greats from the 1960s & 1970s. Aside from that, I met John Candy at an NRBQ show where when passing by us to go backstage he asked us to "excuse my fat ass". He was also up & egging them on as they did an excruciatingly long version of 'The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald". I also met Rick Moranis & Dave Thomas of SCTV at a signing following a concert where they appeared as Bob & Doug McKenzie. At a concert/signing at a mall here, I met Robert Gordon (with Tony Garnier, his bass player at the time). In the audience was a young kid in a zoot suit named Brian Setzer. We shared the local music rag and conversation. This was when he was in a band called the Bloodless Pharoahs, prior to the formation of the Stray Cats. I also shared backstage conversation with Marshall Crenshaw, Clarence Cleamons and NRBQ at My Father's Place on LI. In addition, I had a very enjoyable evening hanging out at Levon's studio after a gig at Joyous Lake. By the end of the evening it was Levon, Rob Fraboni, my 2 friends and I having a great old time. Levon was regaling us with a couple of Richard stories. What a great guy. We were talking musician to musician and he was showing me the room mics in the studio. An experience I'll remember for the rest of my life.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 19:32:36 CET 2001 from dialup-63.210.223.252.newyork1.level3.net (63.210.223.252)

Rob

A "brush" with Levon: July 1998, a Levon/Crowmatix show at Boodle's in Chester, NY. My friend and I arrived about an hour before the show, we parked in the lot behind the club and stood outside the car shootin the breeze. Across the lot I see a guy taking stuff from the back of his truck (a Bronco or Blazer) and chucking it in the dumpster. Normally I wouldn't give it a second thought (don't we all do this?) but after a double take I realize it's Levon. Even though he seemed a little busy, I had to go over and say hey. We had a very spirited chat for about 5 minutes, and I told him we were thinking about him and praying for him, as it was shortly after his throat cancer. Even though he could barely talk he was as congenial as an old friend, and the show that night was stunning and filled with emotion.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 19:27:07 CET 2001 from spider-tp023.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.183)

Amanda J.

I'm back!! I remembered 2 more "brushes". I met Doyle Bramhall In Dallas in 89. He had a friend named Lou Lazer who played at a restaurant where I worked. Doyle would come and sit in with Lou at least once a week. Wow..what a voice. One night they brought in this great old blues guy named Zulu..I can't believe I don't remember his last name, I think it was Bolin. He was beautiful...a really well known Texas blues musician. Doyle co-wrote many of Stevie Ray Vaughan's most popular songs. Doyle was really down to earth and told me a story about he and Stevie and a bunch of the guys, in the 70s, jamming in someone's house. They lost track of Doyle's son, Lil' Doyle, they were looking around like crazy and found him hanging out a second floor window, by his diaper, from a nail! They were doing a lot of partying..obviously. He was totally clean by the time I met him. This was right after Tightrope was released.Doyle wrote two or three songs on that album. Doyle is super talented, he just never made it big time! He use to sing that song "You Don't Know Me", the one Mickey Gilly did...women would melt all over the place. I heard Bob Dylan sing that song at a concert too. My favorite brush with fame has to be my uncle, Tommy "Butterball" Paige, who played lead guitar for Ernest Tubb for years. He is on a lot of the Bear Family Boxsets. He was one great guitar player who never made it big. He use to come to visit us in Blytheville, Arkansas every year around Labor Day. He would always bring his guitar and amp...we would all shake it down right in my Grandma's living room. Well..that's it. Everybody have a great day!

Posted on Tue Mar 13 18:59:54 CET 2001 from (209.195.208.10)

bass man lee

Brushes with fame dept (with a twist): John Hiatt. Back at the end of his Cycnical Young Man period, (before his Sober Reflective Family Man period), he was playing in suburban Philadelphia with a band. I then lived several hours away in central PA. A friend and I called the club explaining we were driving in from Harrisburg, and would we be able to get tickets? The guy on the phone says “No problem, I’m working the door, so just tell me you’re the guys from Harrisburg and I make sure you get in.” Well, we got in without any problem, so we didn’t say anything. After the show I’m looking over the band’s equipment (it’s a player thing) and swiping John’s set list off his monitor when I notice a guy standing in front of what I realize is the dressing room door. He asks if we liked the show and I say, “Yeah! Sure glad we made the drive down here!”. He says “You must be the guys from Harrisburg! Hold on a minute.” He goes in the dressing room for a minute, then opens the door and motions to come in. I turn around to find my buddy, and standing RIGHT behind me is Ed Schoky, big radio personality in Philly. He starts to step forward, and the roadies says, “No, not you! You guys!” and ushers us in to talk to John, who was very gracious and immediately says “Hey, glad you guys made it down from Harrisburg!”, shakes hands, signs my stolen set list, chats for a bit and then says, “Hey guys, I’d love to talk more, but I have to see this radio guy now… you know how that is!” (and rolls his eyes).

I met him again at a solo show at the same club a year or two later. He sat next to me at the bar and had a beer. Again, very friendly and low key.

I’ll save the story of meeting Andy Fairweather-Low that involves innocently mistaking Jake Rivera for a roadie for another day, except to say that Andy is an exceptionally nice guy.

Hank: “Mr. Booking Agent pleas have mercy…”?

Posted on Tue Mar 13 18:37:09 CET 2001 from spider-wa012.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.22)

Amanda J.

Hi Everyone! I have been enjoying all the posts about "a brush with fame". I have 4 really good ones. The first, when I was a little girl in the 70s. My parents took me to an Elvis concert at the Coliseum...Third Row Seats! The second was in 88 at Starplex in Dallas..I had Second Row Seats (Center) for Bob Dylan! We bought the tickets 20 minutes before the concert, on the side of the road, for $20 bucks! I was mesmerized! I didn't meet Dylan, but the guitar player for the opening band kept following me to concessions with offers for free beers! Those are really only brushes...but in 1999 I saw Robert Lockwood, Jr. at Cumberlands in Charleston, GREAT show, lucky enough to talk with him..he is quite a character! Just last year I saw Levon Helm and The Barnburners on the same stage that I had seen Robert Lockwood, Jr. I was so thrilled I got to speak with Levon for a few moments..a TRUE STAR..a wonderful night...I was almost in tears! I am moving to Hilton Head Island in a couple of weeks. I hope The Barnburners will play there sometime this year...my husband missed the show in Charleston. Jan..thanks again for this site..it blows me away!

Posted on Tue Mar 13 18:22:00 CET 2001 from spider-wb031.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.161)

Tommy

Donald joseph..that Bill Murray/elephant flick you mentioned was called 'Larger Than Life'...an Ok movie, more for kids.But, as always , Murray was great in it. He played a disfunctional motivational speaker who inherits an elephant.Glad I could help...

Posted on Tue Mar 13 18:05:11 CET 2001 from dhcp58111.sunyocc.edu (204.168.58.111)

Kicking Horse (still)

Dateline 1971, Place: Everson Museum of Art City: Syracuse Event: Yoko Ono's "This Is Not Here" show. The Horse and two pals were in a basement closet type room celebrating our good fortune in getting into the event; I manufactured a few names that I saw when a security guard inadvertently let loose with the invited guest list.. No questions asked, we were let right in.. Anyway, here we are in this small (very small room) enjoying a bit of mother natures best, remember it was better in those days and I could certainly handle it better when lo and behold the door opens and to our surprise its Mr. Lennon, Yoko, Phil Spector, Alan Ginsburg and The One And Only RINGO STARRRRRRRRRRRRRR!. They were apparentlt told that this room led to the secret tunnel running under the museum and the Onondaga County War Memorial back to the Hotel Syracuse.. They were dddefinitely as started to us as we were to see them.. We had seen them at the cocktail party earlier in the evening but we were all too stoned to go up and converse.. WE were all somewhere aroung 18 years of age back then and totally start struck.. Whem they got a whiff of our fine herb we thought they would stick around for wahile and we could all become good buds,, Guess what.. They didn't! They were cordial and I could see Johns eyes light up when he realized (smelled what we were up to) I was but two feet away from him at the time.. I kinda got the impression that had it not been for Yokos presence JL might have been inclined to hang around awhile (It was a very private room) Pretty Good Story ugh! I will later relate the one about Johns multi colored Rolls Royce. Heck, they didn't even bother to lock the thing.. Wonder how hight that would fly in this day and age?

Posted on Tue Mar 13 16:14:23 CET 2001 from (158.72.91.193)

Steve H.

I was at the Uni. of Chicago show too. Also the Auditorium before that.

My brushes with fame: I already mentioned my meeting Pete Townshend of the Who and asking him why Rick's name is in credits of "The Kids are Alright" when he doesn't actually appear in the movie. That was at a bookstore I worked at in Chicago. Other patrons included Santana, Greg Kihn (I mispronounced his name), Joe Jackson, various actors and ballplayers.

Now I work near DC and run into famous pols once in a while. Passed impeachment impresario Henry Hyde last week as he was getting off an elevator I was getting on. Big guy!

Posted on Tue Mar 13 14:23:07 CET 2001 from (12.34.17.217)

Johnny Flippo

"Shania Twain - Nashville's most expensive lap dance."

Steve Earle

Posted on Tue Mar 13 13:03:18 CET 2001 from (205.245.52.66)

carmen

I remember a movie with Danny Divito and Elaine (Of Sinefield Fame)which had the BAND's version of I Shall Be Released. I forget the name, however I think it was "something Bear".

Posted on Tue Mar 13 12:46:48 CET 2001 from d226-127-206.home.cgocable.net (24.226.127.206)

Donna

Outstanding website, and brings back memories of great days. Hanging out at the old Nickelodeon on Yonge Street. Drinking (+) with Ronnie and the large group he always attracked. One question for anyone who may remember.... Anyone from the old days remember when the Band did the CNE... It was and had to be the best performance of the Weight I have ever heard and really had the Automotive Building trembling with the sounds.... Ohhh to re-live those days again... but maybe a bit more sober and less stoned...

Posted on Tue Mar 13 09:37:43 CET 2001 from spider-wn031.proxy.aol.com (205.188.197.161)

Ben Pike

Donald Joesph: Smith was a real band, I'm pretty sure, and had their own singles. They had a tall sexy female singer.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 06:42:27 CET 2001 from user-33qta3a.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.168.106)

Pat Brennan

Donald Joseph, there was a time when the DJ's on XRT actually got to play songs they wanted to play, unlike today when the songlist is pretty much given to them. Jocks like Johnny Mars would play the Band almost every shift. The station has been a big supporter of, as you address him, Patch, jumping on everything he puts out as soon as it arrives. They did play Atlantic City a lot when Jericho came out, but they ignored the last two albums.

With the change in the corporate thinking, I'm afraid we won't be hearing much of the boys on XRT. BTW I was in attendance at the U of Chi show, two days after the Auditorium show. I did the radio spots for the Midwest swing of that tour and spent some quality time backstage with the boys. The U of Chi show has been heavily bootlegged as it was well recorded by the estimable Tim Powell.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 06:25:07 CET 2001 from proxy1-external.wkgn1.il.home.com (24.4.255.48)

Donald Joseph

As to my queries re "Take Me Out to the Ballgame," let me say, in my best Roseanne Rosannadanna voice:

"Never mind."

Jan accomodatingly (karmically?) had provided a link -- in today's "What's New" -- to the answers to my questions. Looks like Ricky does just 3 songs, with lyrics by somone else. Thanks, Jan.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 06:14:04 CET 2001 from proxy1-external.wkgn1.il.home.com (24.4.255.48)

Donald Joseph

Yes, as was just said, it is indeed The Band singing in Easy Rider--although, of course, the version of The Weight is truncated by a verse or 2 in the film. Grossman wouldn't green-light use of the song on the soundtrack LP; because it had such a prominent place in the film, the soundtrack producers felt compelled to include a clone version, which was credited to a studio band called "Smith" (a generic name in hommage to "The Band," perhaps?).

Grossman believed in nixing permission for these opportunities, fearing market saturation. I think that's why the Band don't appear in the Woodstock film -- but they are in a 90's sequel made from outtakes, which I have on video. I can't think of the others now, but there are other examples of opportunities to which Grossman said "no thank you" -- things that might've gotten the Band more exposure.

I always thought the use of The Weight in "Easy Rider" was living proof of how beloved the Band was by the counterculture in the '60's. As I recall, the song is loud on the soundtrack, and it accompanies no action -- just panoramic shots of the guys riding their motorcycles. The film's plot action essentially comes to a halt for you just to listen to "The Weight." I think it's the only tune in the film like that. (Although, again, they chop out a verse or 2.)

I think we got on this topic by way of "movies that feature Band songs." Someone mentioned "Star 80" & "Big Chill." One not yet mentioned is a Bill Murray film of several years back where Bill has to transport an elephant cross-country in 36 hours (or something) (I forget the name of the flick). Bill's film prominently features "Life is a Carnivore." There're several other films with Band music, as well; I just can't think of any others now.

Speaking of soundtracks, decades ago Danko did one for an ABC afterschool special called "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." I've heard others here refer to it from time to time. I believe the soundtrack album was never released. True? What is known about this soundtrack? What tunes? Does Rick sing? Did he write songs for the project?Is there an album's worth of material? If so, Breeze Hill Records: Put it out & we'll buy it.

Pat B.: I'm sure your stoty about 'XRT demographic research on the Band is true, but I've never found 'XRT to be a strong supporter of The Band (a mild supporter, maybe). Taping the U. of C. concert (which I saw live) doesn't change that. Back when they had 2 daily "featured artists," they DID sometimes feature the Band--but I think they sometimes listed The Band as a secondary artist (i.e., featured would be something like "David Bowie; The Band" -- the Band would be listed second, I believe).

Posted on Tue Mar 13 05:50:52 CET 2001 from spider-wl023.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.28)

Bayou Sam

My fantasy meeting would be to spend some quality time chatting with Mr. Ed - of course.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 05:26:43 CET 2001 from host-216-76-151-90.bna.bellsouth.net (216.76.151.90)

BWNWITennessee

Hank, that's exactly why we need to commission someone to write Bandbase, like Deadbase, listing every single song The Band played at every gig they ever did. Someone's gotta know. I'll chip in $5. Alls I know is that Levon played here last spring. And I got to go to a CMA party at the studio where Levon recorded one of his albums. My closest brush with fame. The caterer had the food set out in the iso room. Nashville... go figure. No one spilled guacamole on the board, fortunately.

More second-hand associations - a friend went to a party at BMI for Shania Twain. He said he ended up standing right next to her for half an hour and never talked to her. He said, "I'm not a fan, what am I going to talk to her about?" Understandable, although he could have at least grabbed her ass.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 05:18:46 CET 2001 from roc-24-95-208-75.rochester.rr.com (24.95.208.75)

Dave Hopkins

I worked as a DJ and engineer at my college's radio station...one day I was asked to engineer a taped interview with jazz vocalist Jon Hendricks of Lambert, Hendricks & Ross fame (he was in town doing a series of reunion shows with Annie Ross). Hendricks is into astrology and asked the interviewer and me our zodiacal signs before we started rolling tape. He then proceeded to explain to the charming young lady who was to be conducting the interview how her sign indicated that she possessed many wonderful qualities, and ennumerated them at some length.

Then he turned to me and said, "And THIS fella likes to EAT!"

Well, he was right, anyway....

Posted on Tue Mar 13 04:49:00 CET 2001 from dialup-264.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.8)

Hank

So as I was sayin'......Did The Band EVER play Nashville and if they DID, how'd it go down?.....

Steve Earle and Arlo Guthrie

Me (very drunk after Irish wake at the bar of the Olympia Theatre in Dublin): "You're Steve Earle!"

Steve Earle: "Yeah, What's left of me!"

.....which was kinda funny 'cos he actually squeezing thru a crowded bar past me.....he's a....big guy.

Me: ARLO!!

Arlo: Hel-LO!!!

I had my daughter, 3 yrs old at the time, with me and she gets a buzz outta hearing "Alice Restaurant" 'cos she kinda remembers meeting him......very friendly guy.....Rick had the same sorta buzz.

It's The Band singing and playing The Weight in The Movie (of "Easy Rider"), but it's NOT The Band on The Soundtrack album 'cos Albert Grossman would'nt allow it, apparently........

.......MIKE.....UFOs are the ghosts of deceased people trying to get to Heaven or sending themselves to Hell.......

what'cha reckon?

Posted on Tue Mar 13 03:04:10 CET 2001 from (206.191.15.194)

Bill

I've seen Easy Rider only once - at my highschool around '70, so don't remember what I thought of their version of "The Weight", which I wouldn't have known at the time anyway, but I always liked their version of "Baby It's You". I still find it hard to believe that the group's leather-lunged singer could have been responsible for the wimpish "Lay A Little Loving On Me" (as Robin McNamara).

Posted on Tue Mar 13 02:03:49 CET 2001 from spider-wo061.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.46)

Bashful Bill

me again-sorry about those ridiculous typos, I went to hit the "back" button and hit submit by mistake.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 01:59:45 CET 2001 from spider-wo061.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.46)

Bashful Bill

an addendum to mt Al Haag story-I mentioned that I wouldn'y care to meet him, I feel the samr way about ?Daly & Watt, though I think a a conversation with Liddy would probably be entertaining.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 01:56:00 CET 2001 from host-216-76-151-8.bna.bellsouth.net (216.76.151.8)

BWNWITennessee

I once stayed in a hotel with that horrid heavy metal - oops, these are the oughts, heavy music - band Type O Negative. It was this Days Inn right next to the Hampton Coliseum in VA. Queensryche was playing a show there and the big O's were the opening act. There was a tour bus parked next to the hotel, and the next morning as we were checking out all these scruffy tattooed people walked past. I even had my guitar with me, but they didn't offer to jam on "The Weight." Shucks. And my dad once got on an elevator with Meatloaf, but didn't know who he was. Mr. Loaf was playing a concert that night; and my dad asked the next morning if there was someone famous in town because he got on the elevator with some big fat guy with long hair and a bunch of bodyguards. I shouted, "Meat!," that's about when my father stopped speaking to me.

For fantasy celebrity encounters (my fantasy, someone else's reality, much like Tommy Lee), I used to work as an usher at the Ryman Auditorium. One person said he was guarding the door during a performance, when Emmylou Harris stepped outside and chatted with him for a few minutes. The only people I ever met while working there were sweaty tourists from Des Moines. But here's my dream - this other guy there said that he goes to the same church as Emmylou's mom, and that sometimes Emmylou will come in with her, and sing along on the hymns. There's only about 20 or so people in the services, and they all sing quieter when she's there, trying to listen.

Someone I know used to work at a photo shoppe, and someone with the last name Frampton was picking up some pictures. My friend said, "Any relation to Peter?" and the guy goes, "Hoy, mate, he's my brother. I'm visiting him for Christmas, that's what the pictures are. Take a look if you want." I might have seen the Nelson twins once, they live here, too, alas. I think they're 53 now, still sexually/incestually ambiguous. And I once saw someone driving a Porsche down Music Row with New York plates that said "ROCK ON," but I didn't get to see who it was.

Someone else that worked at the Ryman, this older man, one day brought in photocopies of a bunch of programs from the Grand Ole Opry from the '40s and '50s, signed by, like, Hank Williams and Roy Acuff. He said he got them when he was a kid, that the backstage door then was a piece of plywood that didn't even have a lock. Ah, the good ole days. He just walked backstage and asked for their autographs.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 01:55:52 CET 2001 from spider-tj051.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.196)

Mike

Easy Rider version of "The Weight." I'm positive it's the guys. I have the movie here, but I can't find it right now. The few internet sites I checked have it as The Band. Hank -- "It's them UFO's up there beamin' back down atcha!"

Posted on Tue Mar 13 01:43:27 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-th074.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.54)

Bashful Bill

Seeing the posts describing close encounters with Watt, Daly, & G. Gordon Liddy himself finally prompted me to tell my little story: one Sunday afternoon, I'm standing in a drug store in Syracuse, when I notice a gentleman a few feet away. I KNEW this guy, but couldn't place him. I kept sneaking looks at him, and realized that he was staring, or more accurately, glaring at me. I recall thinking to myself as I walked away,"Whoever he is, he is used to peaople looking at him". I pondered for awhile, put it out of my mind, and a few hours later, as these things do, it hit me in a flash: Alexander Haag, of "I'm in charge!" fame. He was an occasional visitor to the Salt Gity in those days, as his brother was dean of a local Jesuit College for several years. He was also the guest commencement speaker at SU sometime in the mid to late 80's, drawing the ire of red paint (signifying blood) wielding protesters. I've always been 99.9% certain that it was Al I was locking eyes with (though I can't claim to have met him, nor would I have cared to)and have always felt a little disconcerted by it.

Posted on Tue Mar 13 00:52:49 CET 2001 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

Ok IIKA, as the purple haze of the 70's fades into 'should old aquaintance be forgot' one brush comes to mind.

Working at CHAM Hamilton Radio in the early 70's I was asked to MC a concert at McMaster University. The opening act was 'Tranquility Base' with Ian Thomas. Our American friends probably know his actor brother better...Dave Thomas.

Anyway the star attraction was Chuck Berry. Between shows I was instructed to go to Chuck's dressing room and make sure of what was to be said to introduce Chuck. He allowed a brief taped interview which I will always cherish. Half way thru the interview the promoter comes thru the door with a bag-o-money. Chuck would not step on stage without cash up front. He opened up his brief case to transfer the money and there was a 38 Smith & Wesson snub nose. Not something you see here in the 'Land of Snow'

Speachless as I was I managed to introduce him and he put on one heck of a show. Shine On!....and keep warm

Posted on Tue Mar 13 00:44:40 CET 2001 from (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

Correction: in the part of my post below about quoting Simon & Garfunkel's song "America," I meant to say that a couple of hours EARLIER (while riding on the New Jersey Turnpike) I had quoted the line about counting the cars. DUH!

Posted on Tue Mar 13 00:32:02 CET 2001 from (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

I'm a little late on the thread about meeting musicians and other famous folks, but putting a list together last night, I came to one conclusion: "Damn, I'm OLD." Anyway, after almost 24 years in the book business and even longer as a music fan and writer, I have met a few.

Starting with members of The Band (so someone won't question why we are talking about this subject), I met Richard Manuel once and Rick Danko twice. I had items signed by Garth and Levon while they sat on the tour bus in Richmond, Virginia in 1995.

I once met Dr. John in front of the Barnes & Noble bookstore on 18th street in NYC, shortly after Richard died. We talked for about 20 minutes. Nice guy.

I've met--and had photos taken with--Emmylou Harris, John Hiatt, Bruce Hornsby, John Sebastian, Robbie Krieger, Arlo Guthrie and the three surviving original Byrds.

I once met Art Garfunkel in the gift shop of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC. A couple of hours later I had quoted the Simon & Garfunkel line about "counting the cars on the New Jersey Turnpike." Seriously. I think that's one of the reasons I wound up moving to NYC and living there for most of the 1980's.

While living there I once sat with Ian Hunter at a Yankees game (my wife's cousin was in his band at the time).

My wife and I got to go to a book promo party at Nixon's house in New Jersey. Another member of the party that night was Gary Lucas, who played guitar for Captain Beefheart. Really (his wife was a publicist for Warner Books).

The rest of the list: Bill and Hillary, Jimmy Carter (three times), Fran Leibowitz, Gilda Radner, Chaim Potok, Erica Jong, William Styron, Eudora Welty, Amy Tan, Allen Ginsberg (twice), William S. Burroghs, John Irving, Frank Herbert, Tom Robbins, John Barth, Pat Conroy, Puliter Prize winner Lewis B. Puller, Jr. (subject of a Bruce Hornsby song), Carl Hiassen (one of the funniest guys alive), Chuck Barris, Sid Caesar, Steve Allen (several times), Larry Gelbart, Alan Alda (the only one who claimed he didn't sign autographs, though I saw a signed 8 X 10 of him in a Chinese restaurant two weeks later!), Mickey Mantle (twice), Martin Mull, Gloria Steinem (twice), Bette Midler, Willard Scott (four times--the nicest guy in the world), Cal Ripken, Jr., Alex Trebek, Bob "Captain Kangaroo" Keeshan and I once stood in a NYC Post Office line with SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE producer Lorne Michaels.

I once got to have lunch with one of my heroes, Charles Kuralt.

While working in bookstores in the late 1970s, I sold books to Alan Greenspan, Tom Ewell (that guy in "Seven Year Itch" with Marilyn Monroe), and Alan Arkin.

I once met Geraldine Ferraro while in line for a White House Christmas tour.

The rest of the musicians: Darlene Love, David Bromberg, Pete Seeger (the most saintly of the lot), Taj Mahal, Dave Mason, Donovan,Felix Cavaliere, Peter Noone, Norman Blake, Rick Nelson, Chuck Berry (twice), and three of the Monkees. I'm still waiting to meet Nesmith and Robbie Robertson...

Finally, the one that stands out most was the one back in elementary school: the guy who did the voice of Popeye in the cartoons. The one that I regret missing the most was a book signing by the late, great Frank Zappa. I would have traded Alan Alda for that one...

Posted on Mon Mar 12 23:54:18 CET 2001 from (158.72.91.193)

Steve H.

If you haven't checked out the link to the video of the Band's appearance on Saturday Night Live doing "Georgia" you're missing something special. I haven't seen or heard it since it was broadcast live 24-5 years ago but it's just as beautiful as I remember. Anyone know who did the horn charts?

Rollie mentioned the Holmes Bros. and Popsy Dixon. They're a really, really good blues&gospel band. Joan Osborne produced their latest record. Mandatory Band connection: she's on Largo.

Posted on Mon Mar 12 23:26:18 CET 2001 from du-tele3-149.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.149)

Peter Viney

Easy Rider OST: Smith

Posted on Mon Mar 12 22:59:04 CET 2001 from (205.230.10.2)

still another question for butch

hey there butch-- spring is coming....can we expect to see levon & barnburners cd anytime soon ?????? how bout some news from "the front"......

Posted on Mon Mar 12 22:33:31 CET 2001 from (206.191.15.194)

Bill

Toronto Craig: My understanding is that Garth Hudson was unusual among Toronto's top-rung organists in that he didn't play a B-3 (or any other kind of Hammond). I believe he played a Lowry. I remember another organist recalling that he'd wondered how Garth managed to get better sound than everyone else from an inferior make, then finally realised that it was because Garth was just so much better than everyone else.

Posted on Mon Mar 12 22:11:09 CET 2001 from dialup-266.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.10)

Hank

The lead guitarist in my band gave me a copy of "Nashville Babylon" recently on loan....have y'all ever read it?

Mother of Mercy in Heaven Above Tonight!!!!!!........them Country stars make Rock'n'Rollers look like pre-school kids....seriously!!......Is there any account of The Band playing in Nashville? Seriously, folks....did they EVER do a gig there? Like, how close did The Band ever get to play at The Grand Old Opry?

Who's the band who recorded "The Weight" on the sound-track album of "Easy Rider" and what happened to them and what is the official Band GB verdict on them and their version of "The Weight"? This came up in a conversation the other night about how Dennis Hopper kicked Stephen Stills off the movie 'cos Stills showed up to the set in a limo......Is THAT true????.... does anybody know?

Posted on Mon Mar 12 21:52:15 CET 2001 from 1cust122.tnt1.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (63.14.169.122)

rollie

Famous brushes? The winter of 89-90 found me wandering the streets of NYC, in search of work playing harp and singing the blues.And for the most part, this panned out with gigs with Popsie Dixon from the Holmes Bros,Howie Wyeth(best known for his work in Bob Dylans Rolling Thunder Revue)and other notable New York blues stalwarts. But the clincher came when I ran into a guitar player by the name of Arnie Brown,who happened by a jam I was participating in at Mondo Canes. Arnie was in search of someone to front his band, who were in turn opening for,then backing,Otis Rush.Four shows I was told, two at the Village Gate, two at Tramps.(Both venues, now history)This it ,I thought, me and Otis, going down in the history books together, blues legends! The night of the Village Gate gigs. I roll my amplifier into the upstairs bar, harps in a pack on my back. Sitting at the bar is none other than Robert Plant, chatting with some grey haired, little fat guy. Too busy to linger, I roll on down to the stage, set up, and mentally prepare myself to be booed off the stage by what I guess may be a hostile NYC blues audience. We open up the show, I do a couple of numbers,then notice that Robert Plant and that little fat guy are sitting right at my feet! "Somethings up" I figure.Otis takes the stage, I leave, relieved I 've survived this far. First set ends, and i'm told they need someone to watch the dressing room door, so no one comes into bug Otis.Not exactly what I had in mind for the burgeoning blues star, but what the hell, I'm there for Otis.Minutes go by at my post outside the dressing room, when I notice the little fat guy making a charge for the dressing room door."Hey, Hey,not so fast" I muster in the most authoritative voice I can muster."Does Otis know you?" The little fat guy leers up at me, blowing a plume of smoke into my face, then flicking his ashes onto my brand new, $120.00 pair of shoes."In this town sonny, everybody knows who I am!", he says with enough conviction to part the red seas.Into the dressing room he goes,leaving me with the sense I've just committed some grave injustice.George Gumas,luthier and blues aficianado, who has helped organize these shows, comes racing over to me."Is everything ok?. What did you say to Ahmet?" "Who the hell is Ahmet?" I counter."Ahmet Ertegun, the guy you were just talking too, you know, the founder of Atlantic Records?" Nausea overcomes me as I realize I may have just squashed any hopes I had of making a name for myself as a blues god, in this town , or anywhere else for that matter. Before I can puke on my shoes, I notice some more ashes filtering down onto my shoes.Ahmet has returned from the dressing. "Nice little band ya got there sonny" he quips, and walks off to his seat, jotting something down in some little black book he's carrying around.Ahh, the BIG Time! Me and Otis!

Posted on Mon Mar 12 20:45:32 CET 2001 from user-33qt80f.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.160.15)

Pat Brennan

For those of you in the Chicago area, WXRT used to be a big Band supporter, even recording the 1983 University of Chicago show for their Sunday night concert series. Recently however upper management discovered that The Band "tested" poorly with their targetted demographic and, thus, decided to remove them from regular airplay, much to a number of DJ's combined disgust. The series that Donald Joseph referenced--the first of which was the Band tribute--replaced one of Chicago's longest running radio shows, Bob Stroud's R&R Roots, which had moved to XRT recently after a long run elsewhere. Saturday and Sunday mornings on XRT have always been something of a hip oldies time, featuring shows like Saturday Morning Flashback which cover the music of one specific year. Perhaps this is now the only time XRT deems proper for the Band to be broadcast as their core audience now trends elsewhere.

Posted on Mon Mar 12 19:56:32 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

How about using the reference of the appropriately named character, the Reverend Goodall?

Posted on Mon Mar 12 19:48:45 CET 2001 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

Ragtime: I think Levon's name was Ted in Coal Miner's Daughter. Have you ever noticed in that movie when Levon dies and they're singing "Amazing Grace" at his funeral, Levon's voice is the main one you hear?

Posted on Mon Mar 12 19:27:01 CET 2001 from (212.153.193.19)

Ragtime

Goedenavond samen!

Nice idea to refer to Robertson as "Patch". How should we call Levon: "The Coal Miner" or just simply "The Coal Miner's Daughter's Father"?

:-)

Posted on Mon Mar 12 19:25:56 CET 2001 from du25-250.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.250.25)

Ilkka

To PAUL GODFREY - about the 60s and the 70s and meeting the greatness

"Shall auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Shall auld acquaintance be forgot,
And the days of auld lang syne?
And the days of auld lang syne, my friend,
And the days of auld lang syne,
Shall auld acquaintance be forgot,
And the days of auld lang syne?"

When the fiddle had stopped singing Laura called out softly, "What are days of auld lang syne, Pa?"
"They are the days of a long time ago, Laura," Pa said. "Go to sleep now."

- From "Little House in the Big Woods " by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Posted on Mon Mar 12 18:06:39 CET 2001 from spider-to062.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.72)

butch

Happy Birthday to BILLY PAYNE,,,, from LITTLE FEAT,,,,,,,,

a brilliant interpreter of The Band's tunes,, & a huge GARTH fan,, & Garth is a Bill Payne fan,,,,,,,, i sent him a GARTH shirt & he was tickled , like the rest of us,,,

Bill & the FEAT now do Long Black Veil, Rag Mama Rag, Gimme A Stone, & The Weight, in their sets, so they give the fellas some major PROPS,,,,

HAPPY DAY BILLY,,,,,,, THANKS for ALL the Music,,, Have a little DIXIE CHICKEN for us,,,

Posted on Mon Mar 12 17:26:35 CET 2001 from (12.34.17.217)

Johnny Flippo

Donald J:

"Life is a Carnivore"? I love it!

Posted on Mon Mar 12 17:14:26 CET 2001 from spider-ti023.proxy.aol.com (152.163.194.183)

mike

Toronto Craig -- I was a kid living in Toronto (Mimico) when the Hawks were tearing it up on Yonge St. No, I didn't see them. You don't know how much I wish I had. (Story of my life -- A day late and a dollar short!) I wish you guys that DID get to see the guys back then would send some notes our way. You, Serge, John Donabie(?)etc. All those shows. I would like some first-hand tales! (Or else someone invent a REAL way-back machine...)

Posted on Mon Mar 12 14:36:24 CET 2001 from ptldme-cmt4-c3-66-30-25-78.maine.rr.com (66.30.25.78)

mattk

Bob Wigo - Patch = name of RR's character in "Carny."

Posted on Mon Mar 12 14:28:06 CET 2001 from (205.230.10.2)

ANOTHER QUESTION FOR BUTCH

Come on Butch---starting to see another round of Barnburner shows being put together, but nothing in the Northeast USA ! Come on dude-- Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine-- we dont care where it is, we'll come---- Ontario is too far! "Book it and they will come"..........

Posted on Mon Mar 12 14:21:25 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-te073.proxy.aol.com (64.12.103.183)

bob wigo

Donald Joseph,

Where does the "Patch" reference for Robbie come from? I tried to email this question but your address is not valid.

Posted on Mon Mar 12 06:19:29 CET 2001 from c684407-a.htfdc1.ct.home.com (24.2.161.130)

MC

cool site.

Posted on Mon Mar 12 06:13:12 CET 2001 from proxy1-external.wkgn1.il.home.com (24.4.255.48)

Donald Joseph

Earlier I posted here a notice of the 2-hour radio show devoted to The Band on Chicago's WXRT this morning. It was great, & I hope some of you caught it. It launched a new 2-hr. show on Sun. mornings on 'XRT devoted to the vinyl (pre-CD) era. Next week's show will be on Rock Hall of Fame Artists.

For you non-Chicagoans, 'XRT is a venerable Chi. station that plays what it refers to as "Chicago's Finest Rock" -- much of which visitors to this site would like, or at least prefer to the garbage played on rock radio these days. WXRT plays a weird amalgam of acts like U2, Wilco, John Hiatt, Elvis Costello, the Beatles, Allanis Morrisette, Paul Simon, Lou Reed, Clapton, Smashmouth, Dead, Dylan, Ben Harper, Dave Matthews, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam, Hendrix, etc., but with substantially more emphasis on new alt-rock stuff than on classic-rock.

It seems almost surprisingly-lucky for us Band freaks that 'XRT devoted its 1st installment to The Band, esp. as many of the subsequent shows in this new series will be devoted to themes (like "guitar rock"), not groups. Also, while 'XRT plays the Band from time to time, I always got the impression the station was NOT particularly a big fan of the Band.

The show was great. It was hosted by 'XRT D.J. Lyn Braemer, and was indeed 2 solid hours of exclusively The Band. Braemer opened the show by saying the Band has always been a "radio programmer's nightmare"--because the group's not that popular, & programmers don't struggle to fit Our Boys into any established format. But Braemer explained that, back in The Day, anyone who cared about rock'n'roll cared immensely about The Band. Later in the broadcast he said that the '74 tour with Alias saw something like 4% of the U.S. population writing in requesting tickets.

Throughout the 2 hrs. Braemer hit the highpoints. He glossed over The Feud, & made short-shrift of the Moondog-to-Islands period. Of course, Braemer said little new, and most of his song choices were obvious. When I told my 10-year-old boy what the show was, he said: "But Dad, don't you have all those songs anyway?" I explained: "Yeah, but I'm listening to what they SAY about them."

I didn't take notes, but what I remember Braemer playing is: "Don't Do It," "Pillbox Hat" from Live '66, "Shape I'm In," "Cripple Creek" from Before Flood, Last Waltz cuts "Further on" & "Caravan," "The Weight," a version of "Dixie Down" from a beat-up vinyl pressing to showcase bad vinyl sound, "Life is a Carnivore," "Rag Mama Rag," & "Acadian Driftwood." The only This Band song played was "Atl. City," & the only Patch solo work represented was "What About Now."

Braemer played some Patch interview snippets and a Danko interview excerpt, and he read a lot from the backs of the albums covers (from "Darktown Strutter's Ball" to "not a concert but a celebration").

The biggest news was 2 rarities: Braemer closed the show with a live "It Makes No Difference" from the "First Waltz" charity benefit show in Chi. 2 yrs. ago with the Nicholas Tremulus band--Ricky himself on lead. WXRT, by the way, is now promoting the "Third Walz" benefit concert, this time with Marianne Faithfull, Billy Corgan, & lots of others.

And the other rarity played was Patch reciting an entire baseball poem, a rewritten "Casey at the Bat." The story is that a couple of years ago WXRT was doing a special broadcast for baseball's opening day, and had re-written "Casey" as "Gracie at the Bat." In the rewritten version, former Cubs star Mark Grace comes up to bat, with Sammy Sosa & others loading the bases--& gets hit by a pitch in the big toe. Apparently, at the time this was being worked up, Patch himself happened to come into the WXRT studio to do an interview. As Braemer told the tale, some 'XRT staffer worked up the nerve to ask Patch to recite their poem--& he agreed. Of course--say what you will about his SINGING--no one can deny Patch has a kick-ass SPEAKING voice (cf. "Somewhere Down the Crazy River"). It was hilarious to hear him do the whole poem. My kids & a friend they had over all loved it. (It was somewhat marred by a weird space-jam soundtrack behind Patch's voice, though.)

Posted on Mon Mar 12 05:23:18 CET 2001 from user-33qt90r.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.164.27)

Pat Brennan

You all must check out the BurlyBear site referenced earlier. If we hit it hard enough, perhaps they'll post the other three songs. And, I don't mind saying, it sure substantiates my old argument that the SNL performance killed TLW stuff.

Paul Minor, I would remind you that the music was well rehearsed also.

Posted on Mon Mar 12 05:14:25 CET 2001 from proxy4-external.rdc1.on.home.com (24.112.158.227)

Toronto Craig

Hey, Mike. No, I dont believe that you had to be with the Hawks back in the 60's to be a true Band fan BUT if you didn't see them, you have little or no idea of what their true potential was. Mr. Dylan changed all that but they were the baddest R&B band you have ever seen with the B-3 just a wailing and the tele flashing with finger picks flying. Robbie never played like that after he left for Bobby "off key". Too bad that era had to end. It was a beauty!

Posted on Mon Mar 12 03:02:36 CET 2001 from (209.32.133.72)

Pete Rivard

"Fix your rack" is nothing more or less than "set you up with a place to sleep." Rack is military parlance for bed, based on the "racked" beds or bunk beds used in barracks and on shipboard. In the late 60's, especially with the infusion of Vietnam era vets into the general population, the term was in common usage, at least in the States.

Listen to the lyrics of the song. The narrator is looking for some shuteye all through verse 1 "...I just need to find a place where I can lay my head/Mister, can you tell me where a man might find a bed..." The offer to "fix your rack" is to give the narrator a place to sleep, so long as he accepts the burden of taking responsibility for "jack, my dog".

Posted on Mon Mar 12 02:08:05 CET 2001 from aus-as2-054.io.com (199.170.89.54)

Paul Minor

I am presenting a tribute to "The Last Waltz" as part of the South by Southwest Music Festival in Austin next Sunday, March 18, 2001, featuring an all-star lineup of Austin musicians recreating the featured guest roles from the movie. My band Superego has hosted the Sunday night showcase at the Hole in the Wall for 7 years and this is our retirement party. I am assembling the score and your website has come in very handy.

I want to put in one more vote for "mud" since it's a barren farm and not a battlefield that Virgil is standing on, and also mention a new way that I have begun to interpret the crazy Chester verse from the Weight. After years of thinking of "fix your rack" as a favor, I have now decided it is a threat against the narrator from Chester, who at first is implying that he doesn't want the dog taken but then changes his mind, in another ironic twist of the song.

I have been watching the last waltz again recently in preparation for this show, and I must say that the music is great but the interviews are pretty lame. Robbie's comments and anecdotes sound very rehearsed. In fact, I can see how one could argue that the whole concept was quite pretentious, if not for the brilliance of the music, which gracefully saves the whole thing.

I saw Rick Danko perform solo once at the Cactus Cafe at UT. I got there late and missed "It makes no Difference" and he later played a few choruses of it a second time just for me.

Someone also told me that Garth Hudson was on tour with a cowpunk band called Jon Wayne that came through Austin recently.

The Band's music has meant a great deal to me over the years. Thanks for putting this website together, it is awesome.

Posted on Sun Mar 11 21:47:36 CET 2001 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

Odd, but as I travel around in my car the music I listen to most is Islands & Rock of Ages. At home ... Jericho and Ricks - Breeze Hill. Islands could be considered a tribute to Richard. Rock n Roll shoes ... I always hit the rewind button & play it again...LOUD!

Brushes with. Funny but I don't remember the 60's much ... or the 70's for that matter either.

Shine On!

Posted on Sun Mar 11 21:21:46 CET 2001 from proxy3-external.adubn1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.11)

Chris D.

Well I guess I'll jump on this "brushes with Greatness" band wagon. I think it was in late 1986 that my father gave me two tickets to a traveling tribute to Elvis show in Atlantic city. What an incredible show for a huge fan of Elvis and most certainly anything that came out of Sun Records. While touring a ballroom of elvis memorabilia in the daytime I spotted Carl Perkins talking to some people across the room. I practically jumped across the room and wound up shaking his hand, talking to him briefly and thanking him for his incredible contribution to Rock & Roll. That night an unforgettable show by Roy Orbison, Carl Perkins, Charlie Rich with D.J. Fontana backing up a few songs on drums and the Jordanaires singing back up. Meeting Mr. Perkins was a moment I'll treasure forever. My greatest brush with greatness though will always remain the times I got to speak with Levon, especially the first time I met him at Joyous Lake. I think I turned ten shades of white when he shook my hand!! Thanks for listening. PS- If anyone remembers that Sun Records/Tribute to Elvis Tour let me know what you thought or remember.

Posted on Sun Mar 11 20:36:06 CET 2001 from spider-wd083.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.188)

butch

Yesterday,,,,,Levon, Jimmy Vivino, Jeremy Wilber, Woodstock's supervisor, John Sebastian, me,The Apple Pickers Union, Asher Nan & many, many others,, presented blues artist Louisiana Red with the Key To The City,,,

recreating that classic photo of when MUDDY WATERS came to woodstock, Levon & Red's record label,put it together with Jimmy Vivino & voila, even Elliott Landy made it,,, he was showing our friend SMITTY , from Berlin, around woodstock & got in the photo, too,,, all the cats who played on the record came back for the photo shoot,except dave maxwell, who was playing piano for James Cotton, in NYC, that night,,,

then Levon, ever the good host, invited everyone back to his studio for cokes,,, lots of music, & laughter ensued,,,,

so LOOK for RED'S album, around july,,,,, youll recognise it,, bd

Posted on Sun Mar 11 19:56:55 CET 2001 from spider-wb063.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.178)

Tommy

Peter...to say that The Band should've stopped recording after the 1st two albums is RIDICULOUS!!!! I've yet to hear all the songs on 'Northern Lights...', but 'Stage Fright' and 'Cahoots' are AMAZING!!!!Granted they have a different feel/atmosphere than 'Big Pink' and the "Brown Album"...but it is classic "band music" nonetheless.Great songs on those mothers!!!!

And someone said that '...Masterpeice' is Cahoots' best song...I'd have to disagree. It's definetely great, but 'Last of the Blacksmiths','4%Pantomime','thinking Out Loud','Moon Struck One'...these are GREAT SONGS!!! Richard did his best singing on this album, I feel.(Too bad he didnt write any songs though...).

Folks, dont let "bad reviews" and baggage bog down these albums in your minds.They are great pieces of music...listen. That's it for now...Ive added my two cents.

Oh, but I must agree with a previous post.I'm not crazy about 'River Hymn' either (unfortunately).Odd melodie (more like "no melody")Ok ...have a good day.

Posted on Sun Mar 11 17:08:48 CET 2001 from ip70.sbynxr1.ras.tele.dk (195.249.149.70)

Peter

Well... I know this isn't a very popular thought but I always felt that after the first two The Band albums they should have stopped. Music fom Big Pink and The Brown album were both great albums but I don't think they ever made another good one. Sure there were some good songs on the other albums like The shape I'm in, Christmas must be... etc. but none of the albums were actually great. There were albums that could have been just as good when looking at the song materiel but those albums did not have the right sound. An album like Nothern Lights, Southern Cross (which had two of my favorite songs) just had the wrong sound all over it. That funky 70íes sound... I don't think thats the Band as I knew them. That is also why I took all the best songs from all of my The Band albums and copied them to 3 CDs. Now I have my own the Best of collection and their two first albums. The rest are in the atic. And by the way... they could have made some more live albums of the quality of Rock of Ages.

Posted on Sun Mar 11 15:23:12 CET 2001 from ppp131-137-59-62.rtm.zonnet.nl (62.59.137.131)

Jan Borst

A great site. You've done a wonderful job!!

Posted on Sun Mar 11 12:22:27 CET 2001 from du125-4.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.4.125)

Ilkka

Thread: Meetin the greatness. - I hit a Nobel Prize winner in literature with a snowball in 1956. - Brigitte Bardot has touched me once. - I did shake hand with Moomin Troll in Stockman departement store, also in 1956. The greatest year in my life, so far.

Posted on Sun Mar 11 07:17:39 CET 2001 from ts1-13.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.13)

Cupid

Just want to add my "Brush with greatness" to the thread.I have two actually [Tell us Cupid! tell us both of them!] Well some years ago I had the good fortune to shake the hand of one B.B.King.He was playing a local show lounge and at the end of the show[having scouted his escape route] my buddy Bob and I cornered the King of the Blues at the elevator...ok his crew cornered us..but Mr King is a gracious man and took the time to say hi and shake the hands of two very nervous young men. Flash forward to this past Wednesday.. I find myself simultainiously watching Steve Earle and being chatted up by a nice young lady. Now I'm a huge Steve fan so on arrival at The Commodore Ballroom[The spring loaded dance floor is legendary] I parked myself infront of the stage. About 5 songs in Steve is standing right in front of me so I extend a hand, mistakenly he thinks I'm after his guitar pick and says "I need it man". Never one to give up, everytime he gets close my hand goes up...Flash to the end of the show. I'm now horse and the young lady is smitten...Steve is doing his final encore, a great run thourgh of the Stones "Before they make me run" during the last chorus Steve changes the words from "After all is said and done/I gotta move while it's still fun" to "I do not like them Sam I am? I do not like green eggs and ham" he looks right at me and we both explode laughing. The song ends and Steve hands his guitar to brother Pat and walks back across the stage...out goes my hand, Steve waves to the crowd turns and walks right over to me and gives me a firm[if sweaty] handshake. I turn and smile at my Buddy Bob...yup same guy that was with me to see B.B... and accept a phone number from the young lady.I was in hog heaven man!!! it was a great thrill to shake the mans hand and I came home with one of his mandolin picks as well[The one he used on "Copperhead road" no less]. Well that's my contribution, have enjoyed reading the other posts...I got rid of the girls phone number, I didn't think my wife would understand...Cupid

Posted on Sun Mar 11 06:26:04 CET 2001 from mplsdslgw10poola189.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.40.189)

P.S. 2001

Last night I added someone to my "famous people I've met list". After his jaw-dropping concert, I met guitar god JEFF BECK and got his autograph. He's kind of of like Garth. A quiet genius.

Posted on Sun Mar 11 06:05:42 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-tc044.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.169)

Dave Z

Hey Pete R, I'm there... I've lost about 50 lbs since I last saw you, so if you don't recognize me... I'll be the guy yelling for your pedal steel guitar player to give us his rendition of the Genetic Method...

P.S. 2001 and Dave from Champlin, if you guys are interested in joining in the fun email me for directions?... We can drink java and tea all night long and try to figure out what Band lyric rhymes with orange... I think you'll find that the banjo and accordian playing ain't that bad either...

Posted on Sat Mar 10 22:34:19 CET 2001 from grmn-105ppp188.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.188)

Diamond Lil

Have been sitting here doing some not very fun paperwork and listening to the 3 Band cd's I put on. I must've been here longer than I realized..as the Band cd's have ended and I found myself listening and laughing along to something the younger kids were watching in the other room. "Sponge Bob Square Pants". But hmm... as I was sitting here laughing, my oldest informed me that the youngsters have been outside for over an hour.. and was wondering why mom suddenly seemed to have an unnatural attraction to ol Sponge Bob. Heheh..I have no answer for that..except to say it's time to put the paperwork away and start dinner. I guess what I've learned here is that if The Band suddenly starts sounding like Square Pants, I'm overworked :-)

Have a nice night everyone. Love this thread btw...keep em coming! Hug Jan...

Posted on Sat Mar 10 22:29:13 CET 2001 from (209.32.133.72)

Pete Rivard

Joe, that's the one. I think the serial rapist doc from St. Elsewhere was one of the leads. I liked the show, but again, what do I know, it was cancelled so fast I sometimes wonder if I hallucinated it.

For all of you who enjoy reading about music, check out Stanley Booth's "Rythm (sic) Oil, A Journey Through the Music of the American South" a collection of his magazine pieces over the years regarding Memphis and New Orleans and their respective blues, jazz, gospel and rock scenes. Good stuff. I haven't picked up any Band references yet, but the book is indifferently indexed, so who knows. Reading about all the other musicians and scenes covered, my mind tends to infer Levon and the boys like some melodic lines infer a particular note without actually sounding it. Your mind and soul often hear what the ear does not.

Posted on Sat Mar 10 21:43:40 CET 2001 from m198214181105.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.181.105)

Pehr

I'm diggin this thred. Peter Viney there is something surreal about your brushes w/ greatness. The liam Gallagher story is one CG Jung would have loved with regards to his study of Synchronicity... The Michael Jordan story is also bizarre and wonderful. thanks for sharing it.

As to the politics of address, I recall meeting Albert King one night at the Oyster Bar in St. Louis, a very intimate venue, more like a ship's galley than a club. King was there to see one of my favorites, the sadly to say, recently deceased local legend Tommy Bankhead and his Blues Eldorados. The guy I was with mistook Albert King for Bo Diddley to begin with, and referred to him as "Mr. Diddley". Albert could be something of a curmudgeon at times. My friend was pretty embarrased. As time goes by it just gets funnier ande funnier. (to me anyway...)

Who posted the story about meeting Garth in a radio shack? I missed it and would like to find it. Sounds like a cool story.

BWNWIT, I dug your story about Mark Malone. I agree with you, that he was the worst Steeler attempt to replace Terry Bradshaw ever, although Todd Blackledge, if you remember gave him a hell of a run for his money!

Posted on Sat Mar 10 21:28:41 CET 2001 from (206.187.219.43)

Mona L.

To the postings regarding meeting famous people. Yeah, I've met a bunch myself over the years. Mostly nice people, some wasteful rats and raccoons skidded into fame on a hatchet thrown stolen sleigh ride. Having said that, who do I want to meet? Musically---has to be Dylan, Nicks, Young and more emphatically than ever-Robbie Robertson. Like to meet Levon too. Also Mick, Bowie, and of course, THE BEATLES! As far as the posting having been lucky enough to meet a lovely member of the Royal Family-it shows you, confidence, ease, comfort with one's position with pride, dignity and humor and most of all, delightfully human towards one not Royal rules the way! Just because some rock stars think they are truly Royalty and act so much less so, should take lessons from the original and gain some self-respect and respect and care towards others. Luv you guyz! Moanie

Posted on Sat Mar 10 21:12:21 CET 2001 from spider-te064.proxy.aol.com (152.163.195.204)

Joe

Pete.......could that tv show about a platoon in Viet Nam be called...."Tour of Duty"?

Posted on Sat Mar 10 20:59:27 CET 2001 from (209.32.133.73)

Pete Rivard

Band music in TV or movies: There was a short lived TV show set in Vietnam around a platoon of grunts, I can't remember the name or anybody who was in it, but I vividly remember this scene where the grunts are out in the bush on patrol, they're very slow stepping through some elephant grass, each face just stretched with tension; there's a semi-closeup on this thin black soldier taking point, reaching slowly out with one arm to brush some elephant grass blades back, M16 at the ready in the other, and the opening bars to "The Weight" swell up. Then Levon's voice. Just magnificent.

Brushes with greatness: I was standing in the cafeteria line at this semi-vegetarian joint in Minneapolis, now closed, buying my dinner before a Newgrass Revival concert. I look to my left at the guy next to me in line: Bela Fleck, a god to all us 5-string players. I'm as damn fool dumbstruck as I've ever been. Recovered enough to buy his dinner along with mine at the cash register and welcome him to the area. We had a fine little chat at the show's intermission about banjo's, music in general, and fitting the banjo into rock and roll arrangements.

I've also jammed with John Hartford, some of the Dillards and Tony Trishka, backed up Nanci Griffith on a few tunes at a public radio benefit in Houston and had a long phone conversation with David Grisman, whose wife worked for my brother. My brother talked Grisman into phoning me up, introduced himself, and I said, "Yeah, right, and I'm Earl Scruggs." and hung up on him. Phone rings again, it's my brother, who verifies everybody's identity, and we all had a nice chat.

By the way, Dave Z and everybody else within driving distance, there is going to be one night only reunion gig of The Rivertown Rats at Professor Java's in Hastings, MN, Friday, March 30th. Our lead vocalist is back from Arizona for that weekend. So we'll do some Band tunes, all of our originals, and a bunch of other good stuff. Come on down.

Posted on Sat Mar 10 19:47:36 CET 2001 from spider-wc073.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.53)

Marcelo de Andrade Toledo

Hi guys, I'm back. I used to have other e-mail address, but I got a new server and a new address. How's everybody? To the rookies; this is a great site, a fantastic place about The Band. To the old fashioned; did anyone know anything about the Remasters of The Band?? I'm waiting for Moondog Matinee and Islands to complete The Band's catalogue. If anyone know something about this, please write, let me know. Thanks and goodbye. Long Live Rock 'n' Roll. P.S.: Neil Young, live on Rock in Rio III. A fantastic noisy experience. Rust will Never Sleeps.

Posted on Sat Mar 10 18:45:15 CET 2001 from spider-to051.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.66)

butch

a guestbook writer asks,,,, My question is.....is a work visa still required for non-Canadian musicians to enter Canada to perform shows? Thanks.

Yes,, IF you tell them thats what you are doing,,,,usually, individual musicians just say they are visiting & will just be jammin w/friends,,, but if ya play High Profile,, like The Band, ya need the work visas,,,

Joe Hard to believe that the BB's are only doing one show in California......I would suspect that they are going to add more. Specially since they don't fly (to the best of my knowlege). Also I would think one show is not profitable. In my younger day I have driven out there quite a few times....pretty strenuous at times. What's the deal Butch?

The deal is we are currently trying to book other venues on the way out, & the way back,,

but robert rowland, our booking agent, is an idiot, so ?????????? thanks for the interest, tho,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, bd

Posted on Sat Mar 10 18:05:05 CET 2001 from sdn-ar-001arfayep054.dialsprint.net (158.252.140.38)

Bill Bowden

This Website is just incredible! I can't tell you how happy I am to find such an intelligent and insightful spot of cyberspace devoted to The Band. Thank you.

Posted on Sat Mar 10 16:59:26 CET 2001 from proxy3-external.union1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.87)

Brien Sz

Loady: To me, River Hymn is one of three songs on Cahoots that doesn't belong - I say this because that song always seemed outta place on that record. To me, River Hymn feels like a Brown Album song. Life is a Carnival feels like it should have been a Stage Fright song. That would then leave Masterpiece as the standout on Cahoots(not sure which album to slide that into) - I pop in Cahoots every once in a while to see if i'm missing something about the record. Outside of some moments here and there - You can tell something went amiss (to me anyway).

Posted on Sat Mar 10 15:49:03 CET 2001 from cc5414-a.hnglo1.ov.nl.home.com (213.51.109.69)

Nørbert

talking about famous people.................... \a
.........Brown Eyed Girl............................ \d
on behalf of your € fan community........... \k
and Turtle! Records! have a safe flight..... \g
Sunday and Sunday!!! and.......................\
(yep, a "backslash" and a "b" it is!)

Posted on Sat Mar 10 15:28:28 CET 2001 from 24dyn149.com21.casema.net (213.17.94.149)

Denise de Graaf

To all you Dutch GBers:eind december vroeg ik of een van jullie de 1971 live opnamen van de VPRO had.Nog bedankt Ragtime en Norbert voor jullie reakties.We zijn helaas nog niet veel verder.Wel weet ik,dat in de serie Wintertijd die nu herhaald wordt, een stuk van"the weight"zit.Ik geloof de coupletten 1,4 en 5.Je moet de aflevering hebben met Jip Golstein als gast.Wel even daadwerkelijk kijken,want de programmagidsen vermelden het vaak verkeerd.Mocht het nog nieuw zijn voor jullie,dan veel plezier!

Posted on Sat Mar 10 15:20:31 CET 2001 from spider-we043.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.38)

Joe

I just had another thought. Bruce Bruno told me that when he originally went to join "The Hawks" in Canada, traveling up from New Rochelle, NY, he was asked the usual questions when crossing the border. One of them being the purpose of his visit to Canada. He unkowingly made the mistake of telling Canadian officials that he was coming to work in a band. They asked him if he had a "work visa". He said no, and his admission into Canada was denied. He said he traveled back home and finally got in touch with Ronnie Hawkins. From there they made other plans for him to join the Hawks in Canada. My question is.....is a work visa still required for non-Canadian musicians to enter Canada to perform shows? Thanks.

Posted on Sat Mar 10 14:06:00 CET 2001 from spider-ti051.proxy.aol.com (152.163.194.196)

Joe

Hard to believe that the BB's are only doing one show in California......I would suspect that they are going to add more. Specially since they don't fly (to the best of my knowlege). Also I would think one show is not profitable. In my younger day I have driven out there quite a few times....pretty strenuous at times. What's the deal Butch?

Posted on Sat Mar 10 11:45:33 CET 2001 from du-tele3-049.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.49)

Peter Viney

Meeting famous people proved a fruitful thread. OK, I’ll add one – a non-musical one, but with star quality (btw, Toronto Craig, if you stick around you’ll find that this community talks about whatever it wants to). I was in a line of people to have my photo taken with Prince Philip (and yes, it was at Buckingham Palace). I stood next to the Prince who glanced down and said ‘My shoes are shinier than yours.’ Not believing my ears, I said ‘What?’ forgetting the sir / your highness tag entirely. He said, ‘Of course I have a man to clean them for me. Do you?’ I burst out laughing and the photographer pressed his flash. Great photo because it’s all smiles. Speaking to others afterwards he had a different but equally surprising and funny line for every one of them. And everyone went away with a smiley picture. He knows how to orchestrate the event. Before he came in, we were told that we should stand as he entered the room. He came in, we stood, he registered mock surprise and said ‘Good lord, there’s no need for all that. Sit down! sit down!’ Corny but it made you feel good. Tell that to your rock stars!

Or sports stars. Staying in Toronto about ten years ago I walked to the hotel elevator with my kids. There were several huge, huge African-American guys by the elevator, like 6 foot 6 tall. The elevator arrived. They got in, I followed with my kids and had a hand thrust straight in my face, real physical contact, so much that I’d’ve hit him if he’d been a foot or two shorter. And a hundred pounds lighter. ‘No kids.’ ‘What?’ ‘No kids pestering the team.’ I held the door open button and pointed out that we were guests in the hotel, and, being British, I had no idea who any of these gentlemen were, nor had my kids. I was told that I was trying to get an elevator with a guy whose name was on shoes, and no way. The particular gentleman referred to said ‘Hey, let the kids in.’ I remembered this years later when I recognized his picture in his Chicago restaurant. His name still escapes me, but of course he’s not an international star like soccer players are. I can’t say that he was either gracious or friendly, probably just wanted to get down for his breakfast. I just wish I’d told him that it was a girls game in England. Or said, ‘Pleased to meet you Mr Nike.’ These ideas only come later.

Back to the etiquette of address. When I was a student I did lights on seaside summer shows. The etiquette was strict, stars were always Mr or Miss (never Ms or Mrs), even in the third person. I did the Tom Jones show, in 68 or 69, but after his Las Vegas breakthrough. Suddenly, he was being referred to as “Tom Jones” in formal situations, and even the lowliest stagehand (who was me) used to say “Tom.” A year earlier, Frankie Vaughan (the guy who rejected Marilyn Monroe’s advances) was always “Mr Vaughan”. Maybe it was Tom Jones’ personality. I spent the summer paying out his mic cable and drawing it back in, kneeling on the stage behind the curtains. No radio mics in those days. After a particularly spectacular performance (of which there were many), he’d always look down and smile and say something, even if it was “Good one?” This frequently followed ‘Detroit City’ which was my favourite part of the act and no doubt my enthusiasm showed. The guy could (and still can) rock. Nowadays stars are often referred to as ‘Mr’ or ‘Miss’ on TV sets, but I detect a faintly ironic edge to it.

Posted on Sat Mar 10 11:18:16 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-tb031.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.31)

Joe

Famous people I have met......ummmmm.....lets see. Well of course there is Levon and Garth. Joey Krammer, drummer for "Aerosmith", which was more then just a meeting. He is best friends with a friend of mine and we spent some time together. David Spinozza who is my sister's ex-brother-in law. Bobby Keys, Larry Campbell, Tom "Bones" Malone, Jimmy Vivino, thanks to Levon, Butch and the "boys". Bruce Bruno (and his wife BJ who is mentioned in Levon's book) formerly of the "Hawks", who is a long time family friend. Also Bruce's brother Buddy ( also mentioned in Levon's book) who I went to school with, and is a wild & crazy guy. Billy Vera when he was up and coming back in 65 - 66. He was the frontman in a house band called "Billy Vera and the Blue Eyed Soul" at a small (now gone), but well known out of the way club in Westchester County, NY. I believe Joe D. who post on this GB also sang with them. Leon Redbone, a very friendly man it seems. Tommy Mottola (spelling ?)head of Sony Records who also hung around in New Rochelle alot when we were growing up. Dickey Betts formerly of the "Allman Brother's". From the NY Giants football teams Kyle Rote, Johnny Counts, and Andy Robustelli. I met Robustelli while we were playing a benefit softball game. We shared lockers next to each other. The funniest thing I remember about the meeting, was in the locker room. Andy stood there stark naked signing autographs...didn't faze him a bit!! George Starke one of the original "Hogs" from the Washington Redskins was a classmate of mine in H.S. Finally, Mia Farrow. She stopped on side of the road and asked me "Where the nearest gas station was?". There are more, but I can't recall right now. How about a thread on "Who We Would Like To Meet"? Musically #1 on my list, would be Keith Richards. I came close back in 98, but no cigar!!! Hey Butch!!......I'm sure you met a few huh?!!

Posted on Sat Mar 10 10:33:15 CET 2001 from spider-th084.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.84)

Loady

I love the song River Hymn off`of "Cahoots". Any thoughts on this song from anyone?

Posted on Sat Mar 10 07:03:22 CET 2001 from host-209-214-117-74.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.117.74)

BWNWITennessee

I don't think Levon ever carried equipment in an attempt to win the favour of Ronnie Hawkins.

Posted on Sat Mar 10 06:46:51 CET 2001 from regulus.student.uu.se (130.238.5.2)

Toby Levander

What are the chances of Levon and the BB ever doing a few shows in Scandinavia? If anything, the "Turkey Scratch" article should remind people that the Band are not as obscure here as people might think.

Posted on Sat Mar 10 06:04:30 CET 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

Question for Butch D.

I see that Levon and the Barn Burners are playing Windsor, Ontario in the middle of July. What are the chances of a night or two in Toronto? .... Blind Willie McTell.

Posted on Sat Mar 10 06:01:40 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-tc052.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.172)

Bayou Sam

So far - my favorite story is the one about Garth in the Radio Shack. That was cool.

Posted on Sat Mar 10 05:12:30 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-tb014.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.24)

Mike

Toronto Craig -- Hang around...you might learn something. (And be careful with these kind of posts. You wouldn't want people to think you're the kind of person who thinks that the only REAL Band fans are the ones that go back to the Hawks in the early sixties, would you? Believe it or not, some people seem to lean that way...)

Posted on Sat Mar 10 04:47:57 CET 2001 from spider-wf022.proxy.aol.com (205.188.195.146)

jcf

I recentely purchases the All Music gide to jazz. There are two Band related entries. The tuba player Howard Johnson played at the Last Waltz and at the New Yaers Eve concert captured on Rock of Ages. He was born 8- 7- 41. He has a release on the Verve label from 1995 in a group with piano, bass, drums, and five to seven tubas. He was bron in Alabama and also plays baritone saxaphone... There is also an entry for Snooky Young who played trumpet on the Rock of Ages. He was born 2/13/19 in Dayton Ohio. According to AMG he is a "master of the plunge rmute an an instably recognizable star with whomever he plays:.

Posted on Sat Mar 10 03:55:28 CET 2001 from 209-130-150-123.nas1.mon.gblx.net (209.130.150.123)

Lars

TORONTO CRAIG: I guess that shoots down my story of going hunting with Armand Assante a few years back. It's not Band related.

I DID sit on Butch Dener's Volvo on Main Street in New Paltz. When he came out of the record store I tried to get the gumption up to speak to him, but I just turned and walked away.

And I once had a conversation with George Lembesis (I bought a copy of the Crowmatix "Souvenir" which I eventually gave to a guy in Norway).

And one night in a New Paltz bar I held up the lyrics (in BIG letters) for Rick Danko to see. He was just learning Tom Pachecho's "Hills of Woodstock" and Tom, as I recall, only came up for that one song. Smokey, dirty bar up an alley. Rick's son was there. Mike Dunn came in late. The show ended around 2:30 AM because the performers took a long break after five songs. Rick ended the show, shook my hand, and gave me a pick. What I remember most is that he seemed to WANT to shake hands...that he cared about me and all of the people there. I never knew the man, yet he cared.

But as far as really KNOWING anybody famous...no, it's never happened to me.

Posted on Sat Mar 10 03:13:22 CET 2001 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

Just listening to "The All-Star Band - Levon Helm - The Weight" on Napster. OMG it is a wonderfully powerful version.

Do you think I might be near the mark if I guessed the vocal part that sounds like Pop Staples could be Dr. John?

Your comments are much appreciated. Shine On!

Posted on Sat Mar 10 02:45:57 CET 2001 from cr505487-a.glph1.on.wave.home.com (24.156.103.95)

Toronto Craig

Now I haven't taken the time to read a lot of posts but the latest ones seem to be suffering from one basic problem. THEY HAVE LITTLE OR NO RELATIONSHIP TO THE BAND!!! I've been following Levon & the boyz since they were carrying equipment trying to win the favour of The Hawk, who I still see from time to time around Toronto. If you dont have a comment or observation or testimonial about The Band, then take it elsewhere. Have a little respect, please.

Posted on Sat Mar 10 01:56:35 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-tc042.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.167)

butch

brush with greatness ?????? besides randy's uncle bobby ciarlante ???????

ok, my ex-wife, our friend bonnie & me , were going to see Jerry Garcia & Howard Wales @ The old Academy of Music,, back in the early 70's ,, or was it the mid-70's ???

we were parked in this primo spot,,,,& as any newyorker knows, a GOOD SPOT is worth everything,,,,

so, we're smokin a doob & i look to the left, there's an old Rolls-Royce next to us,,,, the passenger makes the universal sign for "are you pulling out & can i have your space",, which is where ya yank your thumb in a jerky motion,,,,

so I look again,, GEORGE HARRISON !!!!! my ex & her friend weren't called the "screaming meemees" for nothing,,,George split ASAP !

i later heard a rumor that George was in the house & gonna jam,, HA !

,,,,,,,,,,,thats all,,,,,,,,,,,, The Gurus were GREAT sat night,,,, & Levon killed @ The Rainforest Benefit,,,,,,

Posted on Sat Mar 10 01:31:50 CET 2001 from host-209-214-115-60.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.115.60)

BWNWITennessee

Thanks, Pehr, that first one reminded me, another one of my old co-workers (there've been a lot) was doing some maintenance at this hotel in Hawaii when the freight elevator opened up and several big goons stepped out, one of whom was CARRYING the artist formerly known as the Artist Formerly Known As Prince in both of his arms like a baby. And, to make it even better, Prince was wearing a veil.

Posted on Sat Mar 10 01:31:39 CET 2001 from grmn-105ppp236.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.236)

Diamond Lil

I've never been in a mens room when any politician came in to ehm..relieve himself..but I did hand a roll of paper under a door to Ronnee Blakely once... does that count? :-)

Posted on Sat Mar 10 01:25:42 CET 2001 from host-209-214-115-60.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.115.60)

BWNWITennessee

I know someone who was once in D.C. and said to her friend that the bald-headed guy standing in line in front of them looked like G. Gordon Liddy, and then began bad-mouthing the G. man, unaware that the bald-headed guy could hear her, and unaware that the bald-headed guy was, in fact, G. Gordon Liddy, at least until he turned around and said hello to her.

Someone I used to work with ran into James Carville, the democrat from Louisiana who's always on "Meet The Press" with his republican wife, Mary Matalin; and who is, in fact, the kid with the banjo from "Deliverance" all grown up. Now there's a close encounter.

I bumped into Mick Mars from Motley Crue at Gruhn's Guitars. That was frightening. I wanted to grab a guitar and start playing Def Leppard songs really loudly, but lacked the nerve.

The only time I've pursued, so to speak, a personality was when I tried to talk my way backstage at a Lyle Lovett concert, with no luck.

I warned you about Barbara.

My next-door neighbor's COUSIN'S son-in-law has a daughter that's married to this GUY who once worked as a security guard at this BUILDING where someone had once spoken with MR. WHIPPLE, the don't-squeeze-the-Charmin guy.

Posted on Sat Mar 10 01:19:43 CET 2001 from m20677150208.austin.cc.tx.us (206.77.150.208)

Pehr

when I was a kid I was helping a maintenance man fix a/c units for a big hotel. We were working on one and Phil Donahue came in and said he just got done with a show with Phyllis Schlafly and Gloria Stienem. He didn't care that the A/c wasnt gonna work- just please get out and let me sleep this off!

One day Leo Buscaglia (The love dr) came in, when he saw I recognized him he ran to the elevator to get away!

Met Al Hrabosky "The Mad Hungarian" pitcher for the Cards his great season, 75, I think.. He was real kind.

Met alot of old bluesmen workin at a blues club. Spent a day taking Jimmy Rogers anywhere he wanted to go. Took him out to a place out of town where all the stars get their cowboy hats custom made. For lunch I asked him where he wanted to go. He wanted to go to the Sears cafeteria of all places for a liver sandwich...eeesh....

I sure enjoyed meeting Butch and Levon a few weeks ago. Salt of the earth fellas, I say... thanks you guys for everything!

Posted on Sat Mar 10 00:15:30 CET 2001 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

mattk's note reminded me that I was the only person in a hotel washroom when then-US Commerce Secretary James Daley walked in for a pee. He looked very surprised to see me, I think because he had secret service guys with him whose job it was to ensure that he'd be alone at such times. I do have a way of receding into the woodwork, but usually not to that extent.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 23:46:54 CET 2001 from spider-tk033.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.188)

bob wigo

David Powell,

While I have long enjoyed David Lindley's music and hold him in high regard as a musician I must say I find his approach naive to say the least. Certainly the notion of loyalists making direct payments to the artist is noble but this skeptic can't see it working on a grand scale. I must say that I feel none of the bitterness (to which Mr. Lindley refers) towards the artists or the record companies as I download material from Napster. For me it is only about the music as it fits (both aesthetically and now, technologically ) into my life.

Possibly the time has arrived for a bit of "physician heal thyself" so to speak. I believe that until some of the mega-wealthy artists step up to the plate and provide reasonably priced production and distribution services and ethical contracts to artists farther down the food chain we will be mired in our current dilemma. The primary problem in this hypothesis is those same mega-wealthy artists have become quite competent ( and voracious ) capitalists, eager to enjoy those same disproportionate profits they have long protested.

The only suggestion I might make is that time limitations be set and material that is less than three years old be prohibited. The original will have had due time to realize its market share while the availability of the older material may actually enhance the stagnant sales and draw more interest to the new material not available on the Internet. I realize I am certainly guilty of some oversimplification here as many points would need to be qualified and quantified concerning what is new versus what is not etc.,etc. It's just a shot in the dark.

I wish I had the answer...... as do so many others.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 23:33:02 CET 2001 from proxy3-external.union1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.87)

Brien Sz

Walking through the mall yesterday and went into two record stores (Sam Goody and Music World) and saw the Crowmatix cd under P's for Professor Louie - I was actually trying to see if the PropellerHeads put out a new cd - You hear thier music in movies and lots of commercials.

I'm glad Napster is going down - How they got away with this as long as they did is sick!

Posted on Fri Mar 9 23:10:35 CET 2001 from l98uppx1.hewitt.com (4.17.250.5)

Donald Joseph

Chicago radio station WXRT-FM is dovoting an entire 2-hour radio show to The Band this Sun., 11 Mar., 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Chicago time. The station has a website at wxrt.com which has a mention of the show. Those of you not in the Chicago listening area might be able to pick up the show on the web site.

You're welcome.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 23:00:26 CET 2001 from ptldme-cmt4-c3-66-30-24-103.maine.rr.com (66.30.24.103)

mattk

Brushes with greatness? Hmmm...

I once almost ran over former US Interior Secretary James Watt (Ronald Reagan's anti-environmentalist in charge of public lands). I hit the breaks before I realized who it was. Whether I would have done so if I'd recognized him first is debatable, though he'd been run out of office by then, so I probably would have only nicked him ; )

I've jammed five or six times with Luther "Guitar Junior" Johnson.

My old rock band used Joni Mitchell's old soundboard for rehearsal. This is the board she used to record her original demo some twenty years after the fact. Only two channels (out of eight) actually worked by this time.

I once ingested fungus at a party in college and jammed with Joni's ex-husband Chuck. He is the uncle of a college friend.

I had a beer once backstage with Suzanne Vega after one of her concerts.

While living in Denver, my band opened a few times for "Big Head Todd and the Monsters." They are Denver guys and this was just prior to thier getting signed. Didn't chat much with them though they seemed nice.

Jill Sobule was originally signed out of Denver. I had a number of friends and aquaintances who played in her band at one point or another. I met her, I think, twice at various events, parties and whatnot.

New age pianist Liz Story is friends with a former co-worker. While I did not actually meet her, I'm told she was amused by the Frank Zappa quote I'd taped to my office door.

I've actually met a number of jazz musicians by virtue of a large collegiate jazz festival my alma mater sponsors. Those I've had some form of chit chat with:

Benny Carter (gracious), Michael Brecker (cordial), Mike Stern (oddball), Charles Brown (somewhat bitter as it was before his comeback), Freddie Hubbard (prima donna).

I once had a nice chat with Charlie Musselwhite between sets in a half-empty dive bar he was playing back in the late 80s.

I once interviewed comedian Paul Rodriguez.

Once while at a Jane's Addiction concert my friend next to me realized we were standing next to Kim Deal, then bassist for the Pixies, who were playing the same venue the following evening.

Can't say as I'm actually friends with anyone famous, though. Seems as though most of my famous encounters have been somewhat incidental in nature.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 22:35:37 CET 2001 from grmn-105ppp221.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.221)

Diamond Lil

Congrats Jan..on yet _another_ award for this site! If this keeps up, your semi-famous status will have to be changed to officially famous :-) Hug.

Have a good night everyone.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 22:30:27 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Bob: Veteran musician David Lindley recently wrote a letter to the editor of Salon webpage magazine stating his interesting viewpoint regarding downloading music off the internet. From his experience in the business he has little sympathy for the major recording labels. He does, however, feel that, from the artist's standpoint, making music available to be downloaded, thereby by-passing the major labels who rip-off the artists as well as the consumers, is a great way to get the music directly to the fans. His solution to the problem of compensation for the artist is to trust the loyalty of the fans. He makes music available in this manner, buts asks his fans to send him $5 whenever they record any of his music. To read his letter, click on the webpage hyperlink I've entered above.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 21:22:55 CET 2001 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

Although I tend to run into Robbie more often, I have some great Levon memories. One time after a show in Charlottesville, VA around 1990 or '91, I got to have a conversation with Levon who could not have been nicer. As my wife and I were getting ready to leave with another couple, Levon came up and thanked us for coming, hugged our wives, shook our hands and said, "Nice to see ya, Gents!" It made our day. I think it has been the only time anyone has called me a "Gent".

Posted on Fri Mar 9 21:10:37 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-ti071.proxy.aol.com (64.12.101.181)

bob wigo

The first shot appears to have been fired and, unfortunately , I have been hit. I am unable to access the Napster server due to a copyright infringement cited by attorneys representing Barbara Orbison. It's the beginning of the end.The only alternative is to uninstall and then reinstall with a new user name and set my preferences to disable sharing files. If we are all forced down this road Napster will be dead in no time flat.

I am interested in hearing any comments on this matter. I will go on record as stating that I agree with the artists' and or their estates' positions on the matter. I have tried to restrict my downloads to commercially unavailable material or to material I have already purchased on disc.

For those of you interested in the "legalese" go to the web page above.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 20:02:50 CET 2001 from (216.44.145.90)

A Band Fan

Living in New York, you can't help bumping into celebrities once in a while. I have seen Phil Lesh browsing in a computer store, Sidney Poitier walking down the street, Richard Harris downing a few at Eamon Doran's pub on Second Ave. (he may still be there). But without doubt the best celebrity encounters I have ever had were at the Levon Helm shows at the Lone Star back in the 80's - before the Band reunion. Levon was a real idol of mine, and I could not believe how he was so down to earth, just hanging out with the fans between sets, playing great music and having a good time. A lot of famous people came around, most all of them were great, too. I remember meeting Steve Forbert...Phoebe Snow...Corky Laing...Harry Dean Stanton...Carl Bernstein, the writer...Max Weinberg...Gary W. Talent...Seeing Greg Allman, Ted Nugent, a then-little known Melissa Etheridge, Gene Cornish from the Rascals, and other celebs used to come around to see Levon's shows. And of course what a thrill meeting Rick Danko, the late Stan Szelest, the Cate Brothers, and later, Randy Ciarlante and Jim Weider. Recently I met "Professor" Louie, and Mike Falzarano. All really nice people. Enjoyed Levon at Tribeca Blues last month and the Rainforest show earlier this week. Hope to be at Mexicali tomorrow for the Cromatix and the Gurus. Bye.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 19:48:26 CET 2001 from spider-wd054.proxy.aol.com (205.188.193.174)

Bashful Bill

Brown Eyed Girl-I'm glad to hear that someone else, besides me, likes When The Night Falls-one of the few(there are a few)nice tunes on Islands.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 19:25:00 CET 2001 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Donald Joseph... you forgot to mention two of your major brief encounters with celebs:

RAGTIME once called you on the carpet... and DIAMOND LIL once emprisoned you in the trunk of her car... don't remember for what reasons, but you obviously had behaved very badly :-)

And how about your meetings with the SPICE GIRLS?

Posted on Fri Mar 9 17:33:23 CET 2001 from spider-wa031.proxy.aol.com (205.188.192.31)

Dave Z

Nice pics and review Bob P!!! Jan Stenerud once walked on and filled out my foursome... he was very quiet and gracious, and all I really remember talking about was the betting that was going on between my brother, Dad and I... He piped in with a betting story of his own... and then continued on cracking his low trajectory iron shots right down the middle of the fairway... and I had him on the ropes later in the day (nobody's a celebrity in our foursome) but pulled a Tin Cup on the last hole and carded a 9 after a good round... anyway, it got me thinking "How does our Jan pronounce his first name?"... Is it Jan like in Stenerud? (fits with his orderly precision for detail and consistent high quality webpage results)... or is it Jan like in Michael-Vincent? (fits with the hippy, btw I just loved "Tribe")... In my voice I have been calling him Jan but now I think it must surely sound more like Jan... And then a few days ago I saw Rising Sun with Shawn Connerly and Wesly Snipes... and I knew Stenerud must have been working real hard to let me win...

Posted on Fri Mar 9 17:31:14 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Count me among those who extol the virtues of "Stage Fright". As with "Music From Big Pink" and "The Band, whenever I listen to "Stage Fright", I invariably listen to it all the way through without skipping over any cuts. For me, this is one of the measures of what make a truly great album. Each time I listen to such an album, part of the pleasure is discovering the little complexities within the layers of the songs. With the release of the new Capitol remasters, I find myself once again taking pleasure in absorbing all the aspects of this wonderful music. In the case of "Stage Fright", one of the joys of this album for me is that Garth's swirling electronic keyboards are really brought to the forefront of the songs.

Much has been written about the "battle of the mixes" behind the scenes before the release of "Stage Fright". For the first time, The Band entrusted the mixing of their music to the ears of outsiders, Todd Rundgren and Glyn Johns, pitting the two against each other in their efforts. The liner notes to the Capitol remastered version of this album attempt to clear up some of the mystery as to which mixes were chosen for the various released versions over the years. In my opinion, however, some questions still remain. For instance, as I mentioned not too long ago, despite what the liner notes may indicate, according to remastering engineer Steve Hoffman, the DCC gold CD version of the album was taken exclusively from Todd Rundgren's mixes. I recently asked Mr. Hoffman, via e-mail, why he chose to use the Rundgren mixes and he was kind enough to reply. This is what he said:

"They were the first generation master mixes. The later ones were either third generation copies of the remixes, or the Todd mixes redubbed with extra echo. Ecch..."

With the DCC gold CD, the Captiol remaster and an original LP pressing of the album in hand, the past week I've been comparing the differences in the Rundgren and Johns mixes. On the specific songs "All La Glory", "The Shape I'm In", "The Rumor" and "Time To Kill" one can do this comparison. Without going into a lot of detail, right off the bat, in my opinion, the DCC / Rundgren mixes sound smoother & warmer. This perhaps can be attributed to the fact that Mr. Hoffman often uses rebuilt vintage tube gear in his remastering process, whereas Capitol probably used a computer work station to dump the tracks down digitally to a hard drive in order to do the 24-bit resampling. One specific difference I noticed on "All La Glory" is that you can hear Levon briefly scat singing during the opening notes of Garth's keyboard solo in the Rundgren mix used on the DCC version. On the Johns mix, used by Capitol, you can't hear this.

No matter which version you listen to, "Stage Fright" is an excellent album. Each person I'm sure will have their own preference as to which mix they prefer, but as for me, the DCC gold disc is the one. If you can, I encourage everyone to do their own comparison. Of course, in the end, no matter what version, the pleasure's all in that magic that makes the music of The Band great.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 16:24:21 CET 2001 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

None of these people count as rock stars, but Elwy Yost sat beside me on the subway, and Punch Imlach stood beside me on the subway, and John Turner stood beside me on the subway platform.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 16:09:50 CET 2001 from (208.202.213.196)

Band Video on the Web

Hey check out the performance by the band on Saturday Night Live over at the Burly Bear Network.

http://www.burlybear.com/shows/snl/archives.html

Very nice site you have here..

Posted on Fri Mar 9 15:00:57 CET 2001 from spider-tl013.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.178)

bob wigo

A hearty welcome to Linn and Patrik. Best of luck in your endeavors here. Your efforts will surely be appreciated.Thanks again Jan.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 14:52:49 CET 2001 from spider-wm071.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.181)

Mike

Well, I sure didn’t keep my Eddie Shack autograph. Just like all my old CHUM Charts (not to mention comic books, Match Box cars, early Beatles clippings and articles and items my Nanny sent me from 1963, etc.), they’re (not) too soon gone.

I downloaded the Levon “Weight” off Napster last night. It’s live and yes, it DOES sound like John Hiatt on Rick’s Crazy Chester verse. I didn’t hear Rick at all and I’m not sure if Garth is in it, either. It didn’t sound like Randy on the Miss Moses verse, so I’m wondering, who IS on this? Anyone know who, what, when and where? It sounds like a pedal steel in there, but then again, maybe it’s Garth doing what he does best. Anyone?

Posted on Fri Mar 9 13:55:33 CET 2001 from man10-pool-5.fcgnetworks.net (208.210.85.21)

Joe D

BLIND WILLIE....Thanks for the kind words regarding THE PARLOUR BAND CD....Im glad your enjoying it, and Im pleased to mention so far all who have purchased it on the site have been pleased...As far as Im concerned any comparisons to THE BAND are definately taken as complimentary....Any folks who want to try the CD...its $12(which includes shipping)Profits go to a good cause, and I think its worth adding to your collection...As I said earlier so far we have sold better than 20 on the site and everyon is happy..If not send back the CD insted of a check...Once again thanks............Joe D

Posted on Fri Mar 9 08:13:10 CET 2001 from proxy1-external.wkgn1.il.home.com (24.4.255.48)

Donald Joseph

Herewith, in which Donald Joseph enlightens Guestbookers with those of His many Brushes with Greatness that Himself (that, of course, being Donald Joseph) can, at this moment, remember -- each of the following being guaranteed to be 100% true:

* LAZY LESTER (blues legend -- Excello Records contemporary of Slim Harpo & Lightnin' Slim): Lester played my wedding. And I was the (unpaid "pro bono") lawyer who negotiated Lester's last solo album ("All Over You") with Antone's Records. I also handled a pro bono case that got Lester's driver's licence reinstated after a decade-long suspension. (If you read the liner notes to Lester's "Harp & Soul" album, the writer claims to be Lester's "driver." The reason you won't see any further references to Lester's "drivers" is thanks to my getting the reinstatement lifted, shortly after "Harp & Soul" came out.) Lester once introduced my wife and me from the stage at the New Orleans Jazz Fest (& he introduced us to the crowd at a Toledo blues fest).

* At a BUCKWHEAT ZYDECO show 2 yrs. ago, Buck plucked my 5-yr.-old daughter out of my arms & danced with her on stage.

* I did a radio show at the Univ. of Chi. from '78 to '82. I interviewed live on my show JIMMY JOHNSON (Chicago bluesman) & CORKY SIEGEL (of Siegel-Schwall). I also taped an interview with DOUG SAHM after a Sir Douglas Quintet reunion concert at Park West [Doug of course plays on Danko's '77 solo l.p.], but Douggie was too out-of-it to yield a broadcastable tape

* In about '81 my roommate & I ate an order of Leon's rib tips outside of the Checkerboard Lounge on 43rd St. in Chicago, and then-Checkerboard-owner BUDDY GUY invited us in to eat 'em inside (even though the tips weren't bought on the premises). The next day I dedicated a song to Buddy on my college radio show, in thanks -- I still have the tape of myself doing it.

* CHARLES FOLD (who has a Grammy award in Gospel on his mantle, which he showed me) sang the MASS at my wedding (Lazy Lester then played the RECEPTION). Yes, it was a kick-ass wedding.

* I once ate dinner at Spago in L.A., and lucked into a prime window table. Spago owner WOLFGANG PUCK came up to our table to greet us, inhaled, and -- just as he was about to speak -- realized we were nobodies. He walked away. Blown off by the Wolfman!

* THE POPE kissed my baby (who's now 10) & blessed my wife, & I have the photos to prove it.

* I once handled a legal case for JOSE RIJO, a Dominican-born pitcher who won the MVP of the World Series in '90. I had lunches, etc., with Jose -- he was the friendliest star I've ever met -- & I'm no sports fan.

* One of my wife's best friends is the daughter of a HALL-OF-FAME BASEBALL GUY who's now in U.S. Congress, & we've met him several times in her house. In fact, a fairly-famous picture of my wife's friend (the daughter) appears in sports books. (She's a little girl kissing dad right after he pitched a perfect game.)

* A former law partner of mine is now a member of U.S. CONGRESS.

* I've had plenty of quick conversations with artists at concerts, including GEOFF MULDAUR, BIG JOE DUSKIN (Cincinnati blues piano guy), GATEMOUTH BROWN, SLEEPY LaBEEF, & WARREN ZEVON. ALBERT KING once stepped off a stage & shook my wife's hand (Albert's was sweaty & the size of a small ham). I, too, regret failing to take DANKO up on his offer of a between-set meet-&-greet in Dec. '99, at the Lincolnshire IL show 6 days before he died.

* My mother once starred in an amateur play, and I got autographs on my program (which contained Mom's picture)from 2 famous attendees who saw the show -- SEAN CONNERY and XAVIERA HOLLANDER -- the "Happy Hooker."

* My dad took PETE ROSE's deposition & got Pete to sign an autograph to me.

* When I attended the Univ. of Chi. from '78 to '82 a friend of mine booked the acts that came to campus. He has good taste, & he let me work the shows. So I lugged speakers for -- and got to say quick "hellos" to -- TOM WAITS, ARLO GUTHRIE, & CHUCK BERRY. I stood on stage as "security" for an entire RAMONES show, & we also put on U2's first show in Chicago & possibly in the United States (although I can't clearly remember if I actually worked that one -- didn't like U2 then & don't like 'em now).

* I once booked H-BOMB FERGUSON to work a private party, which was a real success. (H-Bomb is a Cincinnati blues legend who appears in some George Thorogood videos & on George's "Live" album, '86.)

* Once, on Rodeo Drive in L.A., I saw I guy who I could swear was ED BEGLEY, JR. -- and I might actually have gotten a glimpse of JOE PISCOPO.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 04:57:52 CET 2001 from spider-ti072.proxy.aol.com (152.163.194.207)

Mike Carrico

In early '88 I was doing time (part, thank God) at the Radio Shack in beautiful downtown Agoura Hills, California...One sleepy afternoon a guy walked in dressed in a well traveled work shirt & jeans. Either he's the winner of the Garth Hudson look alike contest, or it's the man himself I thought. After a few minutes I sauntered over his way.

"Can I help you find something?"

He responded in his unmistakable fixinscreendoor hittinthumbwithhammer Garthian drawl: "I'm looking to replace a battery tester that I bought 20 years ago at a Radio Shack in Kingston, New York."

"Uh, excuse me but you are Garth Hudson, aren't you?", I cleverly inquired.

Well of course it was, and he seemed to me some combination of surprised, bemused, and a little bit pleased to be recognized - I had the feeling it doesn't happen to him all that often. We didn't have the battery tester in stock, but we were able to special order it. Unfortunately I wasn't working when he came back in the following week to pick it up, and his presence there was wasted on the clueless wonders I worked with.

It was (and still is) a highlight for me to have met him...he was soft spoken, polite, friendly, and a bit shy; definitely down to earth. And it sure is great to have a place to tell this tale where the folks will know who the hell it is I'm talking about. Thanks Jan...

Posted on Fri Mar 9 04:36:06 CET 2001 from mplsdslgw10poola92.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.40.92)

P.S. 2001

Hey-I've met some people with Band connections. Well kind of. I live in Minneapolis, and I was invited from a friend to visit and watch a filming of the the cult television show-"Mystery Science Theater 3000". Hey I think they are fans of The Band. They've mentioned them on the show a couple of times. Not bad for 15 years old. I WILL MEET GARTH ONE DAY!!!i hope.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 04:33:12 CET 2001 from pm452-10.dialip.mich.net (204.39.226.116)

twilight

Let's see - twas the winter of 91 and I was riding on a train from ann arbor to kalamazoo - to see my darling and ask her to marry me. It was dark but the ride was fantastic - going through the old parts of towns I had never been through before - and some beautiful landscape as well. I looked over the aisle at an elderly couple and the woman gave me a warm smile. I'm a fifth grade teacher, and I started thinking I must know her - maybe she was a grandparent of one of my students. We exchanged several more glances and smiles and I got off at my stop and said goodnight - still not knowing who this person was. Anyway, I went back to being in love, forgot about it that night, then saw a picture in the paper the next day with the woman accepting an award or something. It was Rosa Parks. I have had other moments, and normally I shy away and try to give people thier space, but I wish I had recognized her and had the chance to shake her hand. No regrets - but don't you think she has some kinda touch - that wonderful lady? On a different note, my greatest regret is not shaking Rick Danko's hand after he generously invited us to meet him after his show in Ann Arbor in December of 99. I will gladly kick myself for that one. Take care all.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 04:17:28 CET 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

Blind Willie McTell

My famous people .... Bobby Orr in a canoe passing me on a wild river. Talking with Jean Beliveau at Westmount arena in Montreal. Joe Carter - after Blue Jays game six - 1993.

The best was meeting Rick and Levon in 1993. Shaking their hands and saying "Thank you for 30 years of great music".

Posted on Fri Mar 9 03:52:01 CET 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

Famous people I have met include Stallone......no not Sly...but his younger brother Frank at a wrap party for a B film my boyfriend took me to because he was an artist for the film.

Borje Salming (the Swede who played defense for the Toronto Maple Leafs) came into the record store I was working as a student and bought some tapes from me. I couldn't believe the wad of money he took out of his wallet.....I guess he didn't believe in credit cards. I knew who he was because I was a die hard Leaf fan (until recently) but I didn't let on. Hmmmmm...I think he bought Abba's latest.....I wanted to say Borje.....get some reggae and Band music for your collection too but......Which reminds me.....one day in the chat everyone who came into the room was logged on as a hockey player.....I was.......Dave Keon. (Another night we were all blues artists......I was Koko Taylor, Etta James and Bonnie Raitt) Yes, the glory days....."Here comes Shack down the track".....and Robbie wearing a Leaf hockey shirt on "Islands" which I take out when I want to listen to "Let The Night Fall" and "Christmas Must Be Tonight".

The night I saw Rick Danko and Levon Helm at the then standing Pearcy House the friend I was with introduced me to Pentii Glan the drummer for Lou Reed's "Rock and Roll" recording......I thought.....no.....he couldn't have played with Louuuuuu......but sure enough......I bought the documentary on Lou Reed......and there he was......banging away to "Sweet Jane"....the electric version that exposed me to Lou and The Velvet Underground's legacy.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 02:03:20 CET 2001 from host-209-214-116-66.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.116.66)

BWNWITennessee

No good stories about meeting people, but a few stories nonetheless. King Whistle(?!)'s story about Rick reminded me of seeing Joe Ely a few years ago in a club. In the middle of the set, he jumped off the stage while the guitar player sang a couple of songs. A little while after Joe came back on, I overheard the guy next to me say, "I was just in the bathroom and Joe Ely was takin' a leak right next to me!"

A few years ago I saw Derek Trucks, the guitar player for the Allman Brothers, at a small club in Pittsburgh. It's this real small place, and for the second set I got to stand literally about a foot next to him while he played - I could have grabbed his hand while he was playing. That's always kind of cool, especially since I had just seen him play in front of about 10,000 people a month before. There was this girl dancing next to me the whole time, towards the end of the show, they invited a special guest, Susan Tedeschi, up to sing. This girl walked over and sang. Then when she got back, every who had been right next to her, ignoring her, started talking to her and asking for autographs! I didn't. Actually, she sang one song kind of from the side of the stage, right next to me, so that was king of cool, too, even though I'm not really a fan. The club was Moondogs, I know some of you out there know it. It was '99, I was the ugly guy standing next to Derek.

I haven't really met too many famous people, but I think I might have met Dennis at a Band show. He gave me a Not Fade Away Graphics business card. I think I still have it, too.

Don Gibson was in our office a few weeks ago, but he was too tired to come around and meet anyone. But I did get to see him. I've asked my boss about Roy Orbison, she said he was really sweet, and just the sound of his voice talking made you relax. But Barbara... And I have held some documents that had Hank Williams' signature on them, now THAT was cool. We even have copies of his hand-written lyrics, but they haven't let me see them yet. I probably couldn't handle that, anyway, I'd lose it.

Now for my last story, brought up by the previous hockey comments. Someone I know kind of secondhandedly drives a limo in Pittsburgh, he was supposed to pick up someone at the arena at Gate A, or something. Well, he didn't know where Gate A was, so he was driving around in circles. He spotted two guys standing by a door, so he stopped and rolled down his window. He said, "Hey, buddy, do you work here?" The guy got this mad look on his face and said, "Do I look like I work here?". So the limo driver was like, "I don't know if you f**kin' work here or not, you f**kin' a**hole!" So a couple of hours later, he gets a call from his boss who says, "Did you just call Jaromir Jagr a f**kin' a**hole?" He got a two-week "vacation" for it.

Oh, and I just remembered this one. A family member, I won't say who (preserve their privacy 'n 'at) was in Froggy's and started talking to this guy about the Steelers. The family member said, "But you know who the worst quarterback we ever had was? Mark Malone. He'd throw an interception and then smile for the cameras with his big teeth." A little while later someone said, "You know who that was you were talking to? Mark Malone." True story.

One time I picked up this scruffy-lookin' hitchiker. Do you know who that guy was? Donnie Iris. (Inside joke.)

Posted on Fri Mar 9 01:58:08 CET 2001 from ool-18b873fd.dyn.optonline.net (24.184.115.253)

Jim M.

I've been very lucky, I' met. & got autographs from Rick (The Friedliest) Levon, Paul McCartney & Bobby Orr. They were (are) all Very nice.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 01:49:14 CET 2001 from coretel-184-226.charm.net (162.33.184.226)

Tiny Montgomery

My latin teacher in college was Frank Zappa's uncle.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 01:38:27 CET 2001 from akcf2.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.200)

Rod

I've never met any famous rock stars.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 01:33:07 CET 2001 from 24-159-101-14.hsacorp.net (24.159.101.14)

Don Pugatch

Lucky, in my life, I have met many famous people, all have been just great, Rick, Levon, Joe Pepitone, Art Shamsky, Ron Bloomberg, Bobby Hebert, Butch Dener, but my favortite is sitting next to Reggie Jackson at an NBA All STar game in Utah. Reggie was dressed to the nines, so nice, let my son and myself sit in his row of the tickets he had, spoke about all things, life, liberty etc. About 1/2 hour after just being new friends, I asked Reggie if he would sign my son's autograph book. Well, Reggie went crazy, jumping up and down, yelling and screaming, just losing it, we started fighting over the book, I yelled, forget it, he yelled, give me the damn book, I yelled no way, and Reggie grabbed the book, scribbled his signiture and thru the book back at me. Well, my son at that time was about 14 and he was in schock. Me, I just sat there, arms akimbo, right next to Reggie, and Reggie did the same. After about 15 minutes of total silence, I looked at Reggie, said, thanks and we left. True to the word.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 00:59:06 CET 2001 from 1cust166.tnt54.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.42.155.166)

King Whistle

Hi all. I have two brushes to report. First is the one and only time I met Rick Danko. This occurred at the Iron Horse Music Hall in Northampton, Mass. My wife and I arrived just in time for Rick to go on (after a drive from Boston, where we had seen the H.T. Gurus and had met Rick Bell). I had a couple of beers during the show. Both the show and the beer were great. After Rick played an encore and had gone off-stage, it was high time that I repaired to the bathroom. I was the only person in line for the bathroom when Rick walked up behind me. We shook hands and I introduced myself. Then I let him go ahead of me...whatthehell...he'd been on stage for a good while and looked desperate.

My other brush was in 1985 or 1986. Bob Dylan was on a radio program called Rock Line. I dialed for 2 hours and I got through. I forget what question I wanted to ask, but the "phone screener" told me "Bob doesn't want to answer questions about the sixties," so I said "I want to talk to Bob-- what question should I ask?" He gave me a bogus question about how many songs Bob had writted on his first album as opposed to his second. I went ahead and talked to Uncle Bobby live and on the air. (My other memory of the show was that Bob requested that the host play Obviously Five Believers off Blonde on Blonde. Afterwards, the host complimented Bob on the harp, and Bob had to tell the poor duck that it was Charlie McCoy! Anyway, I would ship my eye teeth to a person who has a tape of that edition of Rock Line. E-mail at the above address and I will get the teeth off to you.

Posted on Fri Mar 9 00:38:20 CET 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

Blind Willie McTell

Someone here this week mentioned a MP3 download from Amazon of Levon doing a live version of 'The Weight'. The Web Page link above goes there. Levon's voice sounds good. Garth is definitely present and it sure sounds like John Hiatt singing the Crazy Chester verse. Could the third singer be Randy Ciarlante?

I have also been listening to The Parlour Band cd for the last week. They wear their Band influences on their sleeves. Worth hearing and for a good cause. I am sure Joe Droukas is around and maybe he can provide the ordering details again.

Posted on Thu Mar 8 22:38:35 CET 2001 from (205.230.10.2)

Bob R

bRUSHES WITH "GREATNESS'? hmmmmm--lets see:

theres been the good fortune of meeting Levon a couple of times (what a great guy--so down to earth & polite--a real gentleman), Amy & the rest of the Barnburners (ditto--great bunch of people)

there was David Crosby & Graham Nash at an exhibition of Grahams photo's in Portland Maine--

Donovan, who was opening for Yes in Boston in '76

the late great Dennis Wilson from the Beach Boys who was out promoting his solo album in '77--what a hilarious guy !

oh yeah, I almost forgot-- when I was thirteen I called Apple in London to see if I could talk to one of the Beatles (or at least Derek Taylor)--but only wound up talking to a cleaning guy (I forgot about the time difference)--anyway I still thought it was cool...until my parents got the phone bill.....................

Posted on Thu Mar 8 22:30:00 CET 2001 from axs4uip09087.axs4u.net (64.132.19.87)

Just Wonderin'

I don't know how cool y'all will think this is, but it makes me smile everytime I remember it. My developmentally delayed son and I went to see kids entertainer Fred Penner. We had him sign an autograph after the show and he asked my son's name. Imagine my surprise the next day when the phone rang and it was Fred wanting to know if my son had enjoyed the show! He had looked us up in the phone book and was kind enough to call.

Two years later we went to see him again, and at the end of the show he was again signing autographs. My son was so excited he went and jumped onto Fred's lap. Fred laughed and had someone take a picture of them which we have in our family album.

I will always remember his kindness to my son, because Fred's music is important to him.

Posted on Thu Mar 8 22:02:45 CET 2001 from proxy3-external.union1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.87)

Brien Sz

I forgot - I met Dave Mason in the early 90's. He didn't talk much-not because of a shy persona -more of a very relaxed soak in the scene type of guy. I talked mostly with his wife for a good hour or two -gorgeous blonde! she was very cool and chatty. The Romantics on the other hand were a bunch of prima dona pricks who thought they were the Beatles-please - they were almost bitter about the success of What I Like About You!

Posted on Thu Mar 8 21:27:48 CET 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Butch: As always...thanks for the update. It sounds like a great show. Keith and Band mambers have often shared musicians, whather it's Bobby Keyes with Levon or Ivan Neville with Robbie. If you have a common bond for the blues, it will draw you to some wonderful music. You would think Keith and the Band would be very different, but I'm amazed at their similarities.

Posted on Thu Mar 8 21:24:31 CET 2001 from dialup-104.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.104)

HANK

Dennis' description of The Band/ Chuck Berry interface was amazing...ALMOST as good as if he DID actually play with 'em!!!!!....well, at least he sang "Back to Memphis" with 'em in Dennis' ear.....Far Out!!!....Great Stuff!!!.....

It's funny...when I identified the "brush with Rock Stars" thread I was careful not to drop any names outta modesty....but to hell with it....here goes.......a brief close encounter list.... ala Hank...(I have to be quick as it's Tea-time here and the missus has Lasagne and Chips on imminently.......)

1 Van Morrison 1983 at The Mean Fiddler, London.....Van looked terrified but when I asked him about Jeff Labes ( key boards on "Moondance"), he sorta relaxed........

2 Mick Taylor....backstage at The Bottom Line 1987......smoked a pipe of hash with him and mentioned I knew Noel Redding (Another Rock Star!!) here in Cork....Noel and Mick went to school together apparently.....Mick was very soft-spoken and I met him a week later at Charlie Watts Big Band Gig at The Ritz...........

Time for Tea....must eat now.....will return to this post-vittles.........

Ah!!... delicious!!!!!........however, will still be brief 'Cos I'm going out in about 15 minutes...

Carol King...at The Red Lion on Bleecker Street 1987.....just exchanged hellos after being introduced by a mutual friend.....

Ray Davies......polite hellos, he was pretty quiet .......me and another guy played support to The Kinks when they played in Cork in 1995

Dave Davies....same gig.....we actually spent some time chatting with him and his girlfriend.... a nice guy...even tho' I've heard he USED to be a complete lunatic.......

John Prine.....Cork 1996....a real hero of mine....but he was pretty quiet and reserved, too.......

There' been a few more besides....I guess being in the music game affords quite a few oppurtunities to meet these legends, so to speak....I still maintain, tho', that, for the most part, the most interesting thing about most artists is their WORK and their MUSIC....not their conversational skills and their personality......However, I will say that meeting Rick and Levon left me awestruck, not only 'cos I'm a huge fan of their work, but because of how cool and friendly they were and how willing they were to converse.....When I met Rick in NYC in 1996 he asked me "Hey Man, I really liked the tape you sent me, man ....how's it doin'?......".....that blew me away.......God Bless him........

Ok, well, here's a story about NEARLY meeting Bob Dylan......NYC late 1987...the aforementioned Red Lion....a wet Tuesday night......7-11 slot......We're playing "Up on Cripple Creek" (I swear!!!) and I notice two guys standing in the doorway...but I'm singing and not really paying attention to 'em.....they stay for another song.....and another....I'm STILL not really looking at 'em but I DO notice they're there in that sorta subconcious way.....no else in the band really notices 'em, either....then they're gone...no big deal....I've often stood in bar doorways meself watchin' bands and singers.....we finish our set....the AMERICAN bouncer in the place comes up and sez..."Hey!!!.... didja see those guys at the door watchin' you guys?"...I sez "yeah, sorta noticed 'em"...he sez "That was Bob Dylan and Cliff Ebhardht(?)!!!!!"......our jaws hit the floor.......what happened was, after a few songs, the IRISH bouncer in The Red Lion went up to 'em and said "Look, lads, are ye comin in or wha?"....so the two boys split when confronted. The IRISH Bouncer did'nt have a clue as to who they were and gave 'em the heave ho. Ah well.....apparently Dylan was bouncin' around The Village that night with his buddy....There ya go! We gave the Irish bouncer such a ribbing that night and ever after!!!!!!!\

Oh yeah...I must run away now but I played in Shane McGowans ad-hoc backing band at a rained out festival in Kerry in 1999..but that's another story altogether..........

Guess I was'nt so brief, was I?. The amount of times I've been late for things over this GB

.....Sheesh!

Posted on Thu Mar 8 20:31:10 CET 2001 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

DaveTPG: I've always wondered if Robbie Lee Reiner of the Leaves is Rob Reiner of "All in the Family" fame. Would certainly have helped in the making of "Spinal Tap" if so.

Posted on Thu Mar 8 20:01:18 CET 2001 from 56k-la-01-23.dial.qnet.com (209.221.212.86)

Dave the Phone Guy

The Depth of Time or were we called Street Grease by then(high school era garage band)opened a show for The Leaves who had the song "Hey Joe" on the radio at the time. This was prior to Hendrix's version. I'm not sure if my first sentence here is a sentence or not, or if it portrayed a brush with fame. heh,heh,heh.

From 1978 till 1980 I worked with a P.A. and staging company and patched many a microphone/DI.(crawled up in the trusses and load-in load-out a ton of equipment also)

Got to meet, share the RV, have dinner etc. with Kenny Rankin, Tim Wiesberg, Airto, Joe Sample and the Crusaders(Joe's got a home up here), Norton Buffalo, Rusty Young/Poco(gave Rusty a friend's tape)

In more recent years I've been backstage courtesy of Jack Jacobsen and met Terry Haggerty/Bill Champlin of the Sons of Champlin who were opening for Huey Lewis.Jack Jacobsen recently quit working for Huey after 20 years.(BAND connection, The Sons of Champlin were on the 1969 Winterland show with The Band)Who needs Huey when The Sons are playin'? Conrad Lozano of Los Lobos could hardly believe I live at Mono Lake and I was astounded he had been there a few times on trips to the Sierras.

Jeez, this sounds like bragging again. In context I've been hangin' 'round the side of the stage ever since Mom took me to see Elvis and bought those Hendrix tickets for my birthday. It's more than a hobby, like everyone else here on the GB.

The ultimate highlight for me after concerts viewed from way back and squashed in clubs and theatres for years was finally meeting a long time hero, Mr.Helm.(Levon to me, is proper now)

Posted on Thu Mar 8 19:54:48 CET 2001 from (130.219.229.173)

BK

Through my position at a job I had for many years (a large musical instrument store) I had the pleasure (and occasional displeasure) to meet a good number of well known musicians. The two that always bring a smile when I remember, though, are Stevie Wonder, and....band connection.....John Simon.

Stevie is a wonderfully down to earth guy, who would sit and play for folks (or himself), never had a "star" attitude, and wouldn't even accept special treatment, standing in line at the cash register with everyone else, talking to them and giving advice (and his thumbprint as an autograph.)

John was likewise easy going, funny, and great to talk to, He knew I had a thing for funky instruments, so he'd show some to me if he had them in his car. He even gave me a 'thanks' on an album he produced for Hirth Martinez a couple of years ago. (One of the thrills of my life is having my name on the same page as Garth) Well, there's my brush with greatness, such as it is. Peace all- Bill K

Posted on Thu Mar 8 19:49:00 CET 2001 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Wittgenstein: "Gordie Howe" was a small hit for Big Bob and the Dollars from Montreal around 1960 - though that may not be the same song as the one you remember. Big Bob Davies had previously recorded a couple of the very earliest Canadian rockabilly records for the famed NY R&B label, Rama, in 1956. A whole bunch of his stuff - certainly the Rama material and perhaps the hockey record too - came out on a Dutch LP in the late '80s.

Hockey/Band connection (aside from team sweaters and "Raised On Robbery"): If I'm not mistaken, Wayne Gretzky and other Edmonton Oilers were in the "Tears Are Not Enough" chorus, along with Richard Manuel.

Posted on Thu Mar 8 19:26:22 CET 2001 from a010-0068.blgs.splitrock.net (209.254.61.68)

Jack Straw

So, now it's brushes with greatness. Here's my less than two bits. While in high school I marched with a top flight drum and bugle corps. In Aug. 1965, during a tour of the East Coast we had a couple days off to see the sights of New York City, World's Fair etc. One day a buddy and I went down to the Village, soaking up the "culture". Quite randomely we stepped into a leather shop (not the kind of leather shop nowadays:)), this was sixties stuff, belts, boots, handbags, sandles etc. We had just stepped in, the shop was unusually crowded, when a girl grabbed me and said, in a low, very excited voice "Isn't this great? This is so cool. I can't believe he's really here" Who's "really here". "Bob Dylan!" "He's right over there!" Sure enough, Bob Dylan and another guy were talking to the owner(?) over a counter. Dylan and the other guy soon left, nodding affably to all of us, politely refusing autographs, got into a waiting car and were driven off. Years later, reading Rolling Stone, I was able to recognise the other guy, our very own Robbie! This was a few days before the famous(infamous?)Forest Hills concert but of course I didn't learn about any of that for many, many years. Where's that camera when you need one?!

Posted on Thu Mar 8 19:24:40 CET 2001 from hvc-24-164-172-134.hvc.rr.com (24.164.172.134)

Dennis....'n one of his brushes with the famous...

Back in the mid-90's, I had the incredible good fortune to be one of The Band's merchandising (aka t-shirt) people for Not Fade Away Graphics. Butch might remember this one:

The Band was finishing up a brief late-April, early-May tour of the midwest and were scheduled to be one of the headliners at the Beale Street Music Festival on the banks of the Mississippi down in Memphis. The festival folks sold our merchandise inside the show, so NFA had me and the young lady who was along to help rent some parking spots in a parking lot at the corner of Beale and Front Streets. Things were goin' fine until some tornadoes and thunderstorms ripped through the area. It blew our tent away (along with our merchandise) and by the time we got all the wet stuff retrieved, 'twas time for The Band's set, so off to the festival we went...

We had our Band passes, so we went backstage just as the gentlemen were leaving their dressing room. As they're walking to the stage, Rick and I noticed a car, a big Cadillac, driving through the audience, honking their horn! Rick and the gang watched this car slowly make it's way towards the backstage area while setting up to start their set.

My helper and I had the good fortune to stand on the side of the stage during the show. As we stood there, the Caddie pulled back behind the stage. The set began with one of my favorites, Back to Memphis. The start of the song was a highlight of my R&R fan career: someone said Ronnie Hawkin's daughter was in the first row, the Memphis audience was just roaring, when, all of a sudden, some cat was singing all of the words in my ears while, with both of his hands, he held my shoulders square to the audience, kind'a hiding behind me. Levon gets to the line that goes something like, "..the only clothes I got left that ain't rags is my pajamas.." when a couple of people in the front row throw pajamas up on to the stage! The crowd goes nuts, the energy level is beyond definition, and the guy holding me just starts screaming for joy! My curiosity was killin' me, so I cut loose of his grip, turned around to see who it was, and...

It was Chuck Berry! Throughout the show he hid behind both my skinny ass and the lady helper. Rick tried 'n tried to get him to do a song with The Band, but the answer was always, "No. Keep playin'. It's your show."

After the Band's set, Jimmy came up to me, gave me two of his guitar picks, and said something like, "Since you're such good friends, see if you can trade for one of his." So while Mr. Berry's tuning up, I took out Jimmy's picks, explained who they were from, and asked if I could get one of his. The gentleman takes 'em, puts 'em in his pants pocket, looks up and says to me, "Son, I'll cherish these, but I don't give out my picks to anyone."

I could'a cried.

Posted on Thu Mar 8 18:51:13 CET 2001 from spider-tk024.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.184)

bob wigo

Witt,

Back around 1974, our beloved Philadelphia Flyer, Dave Schultz sang "Baby How Long Can You Keep Me In Your Penalty Box?"

This is one of those rare cases when you wish enough years HAD passed to forget it!!

Posted on Thu Mar 8 18:49:41 CET 2001 from (4.20.68.20)

Rich

Bob W -

Sounds like the drummer at the Beacon, who was an African American guy named Steve Jordan. Very intense. He introduced everyone at the end - I tossed the program but I think he was the musical director for the evening.

Posted on Thu Mar 8 18:37:49 CET 2001 from on-tor-blr-ahp-12-85.look.ca (209.161.232.213)

Wittgenstein

"Clear the track / Here comes Shack / He knocks 'em down / And he gives 'em a wack / He can score goals / He's found the knack / Eddie Eddie Shack "

Ahhh memories...... and the Leafs haven't been to the cup final since.

Any other hockey songs? I remember "Gordie Howe Is The Greatest Of Them All". Who sang that one?

Johnny Bower, the Toronto goalie, sang "Honky Honky The Christmas Goose" but that doesn't qualify as a hockey song. Canned Heat did "The Fried Hockey Boogie" on their second album. Why hasn't anyone written a song about The Great Gretzky? Here's one about Lemieux:

Lemieux, I saw you standing alone / I knew just what you were there for / Waiting for a pass from Jagr / without a defence of my own /

Bomp bi ba bomp buh bomp bi ba bomp ba bi dang ba bi dang ba dangy dang dang ba dingy dong ding, Lemieux"

Bayou Sam, what's happening with that 26 million deal? Did it fall through?

Posted on Thu Mar 8 18:23:08 CET 2001 from spider-to053.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.68)

butch

OK,, well, just back from The Rainforest Alliance fundraiser with Levon,,,,,,,,, GREAT GIG !!!!!! Steve Jordan, danny kortchmar, cliff carter, willie weeks,larry taylor, joe mulherin, jim horn, jack hale, Bootz, were the house band,,, & joined by Gatemouth brown, KIM WILSON, HUBERT SUMLIN, KEITH RICHARDS, ODETTA, Jackson Brown, DR JOHN, KEB MO,Southside Johnny, BR5-49,,,

what a show,,,,,amazing,,,, duets, trios, finales, solos,, all knocked your sox off,, & Keith & Mac were just amazing,, & Levon, as usual, got a HUGE ovation,,,

BUT sal, a satelite reporter interviewed Hubert Sumlin & Levon, & asked Levon about the "Turkey Scratch" project,,DOES NOTNOTNOTNOT exist, Levon said,,,Now Way, No How,,,,were Levon's words,,,

OK ? i hope THAT ends this,,,( it wont , but it should ) anyway,, Levon played mando with BR5-49, brilliantly & then played his ass off on the drums,,,he had so much fun we all went to the after-show party at CREAM, ( a hideously hipster filled "club" )Levon, Sandy, Amy, me, & a buncha of our close friends,,,, pahhhhteee, keith & Steve, & Kim, & brownies, & too loud music,,, but the show was a smash & we all had fun,,, dats it from here,,, questions ???? LOLOL,,,

Posted on Thu Mar 8 17:52:32 CET 2001 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

My brushes with "greatness" have been few. A shook Levon's hand. I had a long chat on the phone with Neil Young. I spent four or five hours in a car with author Thomas Keneally after he picked me up hitchhiking in Katherine NT. (He told me all about his then-unpublished next book, "Shindler's Ark" - aka "Shindler's List".)

Mike, do you remember "Clear The Track, Here Comes Shack", #1 on CHUM in '66? One of the group's later songs wound up on a compilation album with a Ronnie Hawkins song that Richard Bell played on, so there's a Band connection!

Posted on Thu Mar 8 17:25:48 CET 2001 from du102-4.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.4.102)

Ilkka

Radio Feber is playing today a personal mix "The Best Of The Band". Go to www.feber.se/feber/radio_feber.asp and click Bra På Jobbet The Band. At least Crabgrass should enjoy this list. Unfortunately, nothing from "Turkey Scratch" because "it was never even released" (=quote).

Posted on Thu Mar 8 16:41:32 CET 2001 from du-tele3-090.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.90)

Peter Viney

The Neville Brothers’ “Mystery Train” – don’t forget the associations between the Neville’s and Robbie – “Storyville”, where Robbie and Ivan Neville co-wrote “What about Now” and Ivan, Aaron and Art all feature; then Ivan Neville played in Robbie’s band; then ‘Crazy Love’ on Phenomenon was performed by Aaron Neville and Robbie; and “Yellow moon” was produced by Daniel Lanois. The Neville’s have shown extraordinary taste by covering TWO tracks from the relatively obscure 1971 “Link Wray” album, “Fallin’ Rain” and ‘Fire & Brimstone”. As to using Robbie’s extra bit, I’m convinced that someone else did it, and recently, but can’t recall who!

On the books, Hoskyns beat Levon to it by at least six months, maybe more. I had both books on order before publication, and I have a UK edition of Hoskyns and a US edition of Helm. Within the US there may have been a smaller gap. Rumour even has it that the Helm / Davies book didn’t get started until they realized Hoskyns was researching around asking lots of questions. Biographies aren’t supposed to be fan mags, and autobiographies are going to appeal more to the dedicated fan. Both books hoped to appeal to the more casual listener, I’d assume. Both books are essential reading. Levon’s is more entertaining. Hoskyns is good on the songs, which shouldn’t be under-estimated. I don’t want to find myself thrust yet again into this dubious role of defending Hoskyns, but would point out that the offending stuff was in an interview, not an article. The interviewer had a point of view too (and it was he who made the remark about a Levon / Mike Love collaboration ending two debates on songwriting). Anyone who’s ever been interviewed knows that what ends up in print is selective, and will always distort the speaker’s intention by how things are focussed on.

My brush with greatness has been told before. Liam Gallagher staggered along a beach in Majorca smelling of beer and old urine, and nearly tripped over my wife’s foot. He then gobbed on the sand and staggered off. Strangely she was reading Douglas Coupland and Liam Gallagher’s name had been in the paragraph she was reading at the time.

Posted on Thu Mar 8 16:02:29 CET 2001 from (12.125.179.186)

Cole

I had a brush with "greatness" once .I was hanging out at this club in the 80`s in Philadelphia when David Keith sat next to me .We had about 5 beers a but and a shot,he is a cool guy. Does Robbie have his own web site?

Posted on Thu Mar 8 15:23:55 CET 2001 from (137.187.145.3)

Jonathan Katz

My brush with "greatness" is that I waited in the car while my wife dropped off her sister's dry cleaning. In the dry cleaners was none other than ....

brace yourselves....

Nipsy Russell!

My other brush with greatness was visiting the former stable of Mr. Ed.

Posted on Thu Mar 8 14:41:19 CET 2001 from spider-ti054.proxy.aol.com (152.163.194.199)

Mike

I've never (not-as-yet-anyway) received my "fifteen minutes," nor have I got to meet anyone really famous. I did get to meet Eddie Shack, many years ago...Got his autograph, too -- "Ed Shack." That's it, folks.

Posted on Thu Mar 8 12:54:09 CET 2001 from grmn-105ppp230.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.230)

Diamond Lil

I once talked to Frank Perdue (yes..the chicken man) on the phone. It's true! He called my dad..and I answered. He told me he was Frank Perdue..and I said " Yeah right"..and started laughing. Turns out it _was_ him. Heheh...who knew?

And that's my "brush with greatness" story. Have a good day everyone. Welcome home Jan. Hug.

Posted on Thu Mar 8 08:12:44 CET 2001 from spider-wj074.proxy.aol.com (205.188.198.54)

Bayou Sam

I was in Peter Tork's dressing room once. I bet you're all jealous.

Posted on Thu Mar 8 07:35:30 CET 2001 from 1cust87.tnt1.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (63.14.169.87)

rollie

Why is everyone slandering Barney Hose-king?

Posted on Thu Mar 8 07:29:22 CET 2001 from proxy1-external.blfld1.ct.home.com (24.4.252.36)

AHROOO!!

People I've met....let's see. There's one actor I know and he treats his fans well, but if they get annoying, he turns down his tolerant button quickly. I've noticed because I don't bug him, he's always nice to me because I don't treat him like a star. Others I've met such as the TV actor, Meshac Taylor don't treat fans with respect. Danial Benzali from the now-defunct show "Murder One" went completely unnoticed at a restaurant I was at even though I knew who he was.

I've met two musicians both at the first and second Nammy awards. The first was John Trudell who went virtually unnoticed in the casino. He just stood like a statue and observed everything and everybody around him. I got my program signed by him and was surprised at how warm and gracious he was. Here is a guy who's family was wiped out close to twenty years before, his lyrics and messages are very strong, yet he still comes off as personable. I got to meet Tom Bee of Soar Records (he also won the first Native American Grammy to be presented). Nothing at all like Trudell. I would say the complete opposite goes for him. My impression was if you don't look Navajo to him, forget it. He will treat you differently. He did sign my program but quickly walked away before I could even say anything.

I guess it all depends on how somebody treats you individually instead of what you read in the press or hear through gossip. I've come away respecting some and losing my respect for others. I don't like to treat these people like "stars". If anything, I like to simply treat them as human beings, only some rather appreciate being treated as stars or acting like jerks.

AHROOO!!

Posted on Thu Mar 8 06:07:27 CET 2001 from csiewert.student.princeton.edu (140.180.130.73)

Cam

I have to agree that Stage Fright is definitely on par with the first two. The Brown Album is my favorite, I think, but Stage Fright is just as great in its own way. Really, if it came down to it, I couldn't say if any of the three were really "better" than the other two. I think the "better" just lies in each person's own opinion or taste.

Love to Ricky tonight.

Cheers all.

Posted on Thu Mar 8 06:00:59 CET 2001 from proxy1-external.wkgn1.il.home.com (24.4.255.48)

Donald Joseph

I happened to listen to my Neville Bros. "Brother's Keeper" ('90) LP today. It's noted elsewhere on this site that although the LP credits "Mystery Train" to Phillips/Parker (c) 1955 only, actually the Bros. sing Patch's addt'l lyrics. Does anyone else cover the new lyrics save the Nevilles?

I raise this because I noticed today that the Bros's whole arrangement is a complete lift of the Band's Moondog cover, going beyond lyrics into music, esp. the Mundi/Mark-Lavon double-drum stuff -- i.e., the Bros's drum track sounds like a beat-for-beat copy of the Mundi/Helm work on Moondog. Anyone else hear this?

No one picked up on my challenge of how-many-Last-Waltzers-seen-live-solo. I remembered I've seen both Ringo & Woody live (I saw Mr. Starkey back up Mark-Lavon & Ricky on the 1st All*Star tour, & I've caught 2 Stones shows.) So now I want to INCLUDE Ringo & Woody. However, I suppose I have to admit I've never seen Patch live (although Mom has -- indeed, Mom once hosted Ringo at her house, for that matter). Anyway, INCLUDING Ringo & Woody & all the dead people, I've seen live all last Waltz performers save 5 (or save 6, if you count each Band member separately). Not counting attendance at the Thanksgiving concert itself, who among you has seen more Last Waltz acts? Surely someone out there has seen 'em all (save one or 2 -- Mr. Guidry, for one, is a notorious recluse, & I bet few of you have ever been willing to shell out your cash for Beautiful Noise). C'mon, y'all -- let's play!

All the Hoskyns-bashing ignores my original point -- that a critic's job is not to be a fan, & God help us if all writing about Michael Jackson & N'sync were done by fans. Indeed, journalists (I believe) pride themselves on being detached and disinterested, & I understand harboring a strong personal emotion for a subject can amount to some sort of breach of journalistic ethics. So kwitcherbitchin'. Don't you remember the decades you searched for a whole book on the Band, and the joy you felt when you learned that, thanks to Barney, there at last was one (although I think Mark-Lavon beat Barney to press)?

Final question: What's the consensus on Alias's live l.p. -- is it available in the states or not? Does Alias have any new releases scheduled otherwise?

Posted on Thu Mar 8 05:16:23 CET 2001 from user-33qt9nn.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.166.247)

Pat Brennan

I think Hoskyns deserves the grief for very good reasons. What's the one thing he wants to impart to the public about Rick Danko post Barney's book? That he got fat and died. Thanks, Barn. No mention of the three Band albums, no mention of the many other musical projects in which he participated, no mention of the solo album, no mention of the huge outpouring when he died and the various tribute concerts. Nope, just that he got fat and died. Now, that's Barney's choice, as a writer and critic, to pass out that little bit of smelly cheese-his sine qua non--as the last Band tidbit thing he wishes he could share with everyone. Which is why he is, at his core, just like the rest of the tabloidists who enjoy reiterating some juicy little chunk because that's what supposedly sells.

Now, as far as his book goes, well I liked a lot of it. He scraped together a lot of hard to find interviews/articles/etc and put them all in one place. His analysis--what there was of it--tended to be way off base, but I've been known to read Lost Cause books just to experience that point of view. The book could only have helped the Band at a time when there seemed to be some momentum building, that and Levon's book appearing almost simultaneously, new albums, tours, etc.

I said it before (Barney, if you're listening). If you slag a member of a group, don't expect open arms. Levon may have been fooled, but Robbie has good reason to find you execrable. Actually, I'm surprised the whole liner notes thing got as far as it did. For your last chapter, you absolutely deserved RR's enmity. Plus, slagging Rob Bowman only solidifies your standing as simpering crybaby.

Liz, your insight is amazing. Thanks.

I got into it once with a Chicago rock critic--actually he was a doofus who picked his girlfriends well--and a friend of mine tried to assuage me by saying that music critics were in fact eunuchs in a whorehouse. I preferred saying that I did it while he watched. Oh well. I of course am not referring to any of the fine writers who gather here. Still, I can't wait to see how many people will actually pay to subscribe to a rock critic website. What did Zappa say......

Posted on Thu Mar 8 03:30:02 CET 2001 from dialup-106.cork.iol.ie (194.125.43.106)

HANK

Bit of a thread about meeting Rock Stars winding up there, I see..........The thing to remember about meeting ANYONE famous is that, for the most part, the most interesting thing about these people is their WORK....... and NOT their personality or their conversational skills........

It's interesting to read folks sorta defend Barney Hoskyns here on The GB..........Say what you like about the man, folks, but he really does pale in comparison with the likes of Peter Guralnick.....I read the book and enjoyed it but STILL felt he was absolutley CLUELESS as to what made The Band what they were.....whereas Peter Guralnick got right to the ROOT of what Elvis was all about......Goldman was the same as Hoskyns w/ regards to Elvis and Lennon.......enjoyable accounts of events and scandal, but NOT A CLUE of what moved these men to do such wonderful work.........jealous, almost, of their biographical subjects successes, failures, lifestyles and legacy

Posted on Thu Mar 8 03:01:20 CET 2001 from cacheserver.suncity.mediacom.ispchannel.com (205.163.134.9)

walt rubke

I am 14 and doing a history project on how Elvis Presly's music was a frontier in history. Can you help me communicate with Scotty Moore and/or DJ Fontana? Thank You Walt

Posted on Thu Mar 8 02:54:54 CET 2001 from proxy3-external.union1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.87)

Brien Sz

The Weight was in the "Big Chill" and I believe "Girl Interupted", Cripple Creek was used in "Star 80"

I have met a number of famous/semi-famous folk over the year because of my work. I can tell you that Jimmy Stewart was a very nice and gracious man as was Ernest Borgnine and Tova as well as Dionne Warwick. Holly Hunter -though I have never worked with her but a good friend has - says she is the sweetest thing going - Jodi Foster- as professional and sharp as a tac - She was promoting her film Little Man Tate and was doing an interview for some entertainment magazine; when that interviewer left a french guy popped in and she just switched gears easy as pie and conversed with him in french without batting an eye. Michael J.Fox is a dick and I have several other people who will back that up--it's been a few years so I don't know how much his illness has humbled him. Bill Cosby knows when to turn it on and when to turn it off. I can go more on that but.., If anyone remembers Kevin Meany the comedian, he was about the coolest guy i met - got drunk with him at the Grand opening of Universal Studios many years ago. And I smoked a joint with Felix Cav...., the singer from the Rascals in the early 80's.

Generally with stars- if they are up and coming they can be a real handful and tempermental cause they are trying to make their mark - Your top shelf people - Bruce Willis - Paul Newman - are better to deal with - they are already at the mountain top and secure in themselves.

Oh And Rick was also one of the coolest people i had the pleasure of meeting on a few occasions!

Posted on Thu Mar 8 02:19:53 CET 2001 from coin4.ocl.net (206.248.95.137)

starr

Hi. Back in '76-'77, I met a guy in Toronto who said he had been a Hawk and played with Ronnie on Dylans' Rolling Thunder Review - his "stage name" was Marshall Foxx, but his real name was Doug Johnson from Thunder Bay. Any idea who I'm talking about? Thanks

Posted on Thu Mar 8 01:30:47 CET 2001 from host-209-214-116-162.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.116.162)

BWNWITennessee

I was sitting here wondering when Robbie was going to call me to help out on his next project, when it occured to me that for someone who's so concerned about film music and writing "cinematic" songs, the Band's music has rarely been used in movies. There was "The Weight" in Easy Rider, and I remember "I Shall Be Released" in an episode of The Wonder Years, but I can't think of anything else. I'm sure "The Weight" been used some other times, but I can't think of any. Maybe they ask for too much money. Does anyone know of any other Band songs that have been in movies or TV?

Re. meeting Robbie, in the guestbook on Robbie's web page, there's a thread about people having met the man that's kind of interesting. One person has a link to her page with some photos (she's pretty cute, too, BTW. One more reason to check it out.) Personally, I'm still waiting for the opportunity to be able to meet him. There was the Native American benifit show on the mall in DC that I virtually walked right past without knowing that he was playing there. Ouch! Okay, one more thing. Any good stories about meeting famous people who just were completely rude and snubbed you? I met Los Lobos and most of them didn't really say nothin' to no one, but then I've heard them on radio and TV interviews and they didn't really say nothin' to no one then, either. Louie was very nice, though. And I missed my chance to meet The Band, but someone who did get in said they were giving out brownies!

(Please answer the preceeding questions in the order in which they were posed. Thank you.)

Posted on Thu Mar 8 01:08:00 CET 2001 from www-cache-external.vuw.ac.nz (130.195.196.201)

ajr

I enjoy reading music biographies (including Hoskyns's and Levon's) & rock criticism too. Its human to be curious and to take an interest in others and the story behind the story. I also find it assists my musical appreciation to have some idea of the historical context and times. I like to know about musicians musical influences & tastes- it gives me further avenues for musical exploration and the chance I’ll find other artists to enjoy. (The Band have been very fruitful in this regard) I also like to know what other people think about the music I like. It helps me to hear new things in it even if I ultimately go with my own opinion

I agree with those who have reservations about “the cult of personality” & scurrilous gossip mongering in rock criticism (& fandom) but music itself is never really just the music… Music is part of a broader culture and social context. Just look at a cd. Does it have cover art on it? Do the lyrics make references to human emotions and the human condition? Do you get pleasure out of playing the music to other people and seeing them get into it? Reading some recent posts here I got a vision of a world where everybody sits in a cubicle, with headphones clamped to their heads, listening to music alone in a trance & not interacting with others at all. Fair enough. I agree there is a time for enjoying music by yourself- but in my opinion music appreciation can be so much more than just the act of listening. Its also about culture, sharing & community. Would you be here at all if you didn’t really feel the same way?

Posted on Thu Mar 8 00:48:50 CET 2001 from m198214181246.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.181.246)

Pehr

Peter: For what it's worth, I broke my lenten promise and looked a the Hoskyns stuff on Rockcritics.com.

Your points are well taken. I dont think that these writers damage the legacy of the Band, nor do I think even that any of them have the power to really do that, so it's not that that is a threat in my mind, anyway.

In addition, it is true that these guys are in the public eye, so people are gonna say crude, rude, insensitive things from time to time, as we are prone to slam the writers publicly for the stones they throw. So, we fans are justified I believe in slamming Hoskyns as much as we feel necessary- at least in my view.

I enjoyed Hoskyns book, for the record. I dont know what is true and what isnt...I love to read about the Band and look at pictures. I'm grateful to Hoskyns for that much.

My impressions on the interview though was of a really bloated perspective of his own work... Gee his book wasn't THAAT good, after all, and as to the inaccuracies in Levon's book, they were charming as far as I was concerned. I guess Levon doesnt keep meticulous diaries of everything he ever did in those crazy days. Levon's book was alot warmer and more interesting, IMO because of that.

Hoskyns comes off as bitter and angry towards the guys because he wasn't invited in the pool to swim around. Tough darts. does anyone other than him care? Thats where I took offense at the reference toward Rick. It was really judgemental and ugly. I dont know what happened to Rick physically but I wouldn't mention it in such an insensitive way for fear of the same thing happening to me... It was downright mean and ugly and doesn't help hoskyns reputation any...to answer your point- Hoskyns doesnt help his own cause. I read the book already but I'm not about to pass it on or recommend it after reading that.

The liner notes were downright boring. Most Band fans that will get the re-issues know that stuff already. He's exploring the obvious. the Bowman notes are smoother and I enjoyed them much more. Hoskyns, finally, says all kinds of stuff, like quotes from Richard without sources. that's bad journalism.

Posted on Thu Mar 8 00:38:09 CET 2001 from spider-ta066.proxy.aol.com (152.163.205.37)

Bayou Sam

I also vote for Stage Fright being right on par with Pink and Brown. I even think SF "flows" the best. When I listen to it - it seems to end so quick and I'm tempted to start it from the top again (which I've done).

All these posts that are trying to show what a nice guy RR is are interesting. Have there been experiences posted where he "dissed" fans that approached him? It seems like some have a pre-conceived notion of him because he wears fancy clothes and lives in the city instead of wearing a flannel shirt and living in the woods fixing a screen door and hitting his thumb with a hammer. He seems like an OK guy to me.

I agree with Crabby that a RR book would be real nice right about now. Also, a Garth one - not to mention something by John Simon perhaps.... Hey, has RR ever commented on Levon's book? Forgive me if that's been covered before.

Posted on Wed Mar 7 23:40:03 CET 2001 from du-tele3-102.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.102)

Peter Viney

Rock books: Can anyone tell me what quantifiable harm was done to The Band as a commercial entity by any of the books about them? Did Hoskyns major biography keep them out of the limelight or did it maintain and spread the legend? Did being mentioned alongside Dylan and Presley by Greil Marcus blight their careers? Did Robert Palmer’s “A Portrait of The Artists As Young Hawks” in Rolling Stone enhance or diminish their image? What about the “controversial” 1969 interview with Ronnie Hawkins in Rolling Stone (which all of the other books use as source material, including Helm / Davies)? Van the Man reportedly spits bile at the very mention of his biographers. According to Hoskyns, Levon treated him with warmth and courtesy. I know who I’d rate the wiser man. Anyone who’s writing contemporary history down will make errors. That doesn’t make them “liars,” merely recipients of imperfect information. As we know, some of the information put out was deliberately inaccurate. You don’t tell the world that songs were from the basement or Watkins Glen, when they weren’t, then turn upon the reporter you’ve misled because he doesn’t know everything.

Posted on Wed Mar 7 22:30:50 CET 2001 from du-tele3-158.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.158)

Peter Viney

Brent – Agreed. I like all the things you like about “The Moon Struck One.” On the downside are the lyrics. Robbie’s worst hour. Melodically it reminds me of show tunes in that the tune adjusts itself to the lyrics (rather than vice versa). But it is subtle. The reason writers write about lyrics is obvious. Yes, agreed, you just listen to / feel the music. Lyrics can be criticized in words because they are words.

Posted on Wed Mar 7 21:40:11 CET 2001 from (199.44.161.72)

Brent

Mr. Viney- what exactly is it that you and others find so abhorrent about "The Moon Struck One"? I certainly acknowledge that "Cahoots" doesn't quite stand up to the first three overall, but I feel that there are worse moments on the album. I'm not trying to be snotty here, just trying to understand why folks don't dig that particular song, as I happen to really like it. Since I'm asking what others *don't* like about it, I'll tell you what I do like about it:

1.Richard's vocals

2. Garth's solo

3. Robbie's guitar sound

Posted on Wed Mar 7 21:15:14 CET 2001 from spider-tl062.proxy.aol.com (152.163.207.202)

bob wigo

Rich,

I could not agree more with your assessment of Keith as a solo act. I have been fortunate enough to see him on three different occasions here in the Philly area, all shows held at relatively small venues. He always travels with top notch bands and the emphasis is always on THE MUSIC.

The last time around, a show at The Tower Theater, he had a drummer I thought they were going to have to shoot to stop. The techs spent most of the night trying to save his kit from total destruction.An evening filled with powerful rock and roll music and the attitude that brought us all to it.

Count me in as a fan. When you see and hear him solo you get a much clearer understanding of where The Stones' came from.

P.S.- I've always felt much the same way about Pete Townshend as a solo act. An interesting parallel.

Do I detect a "thread" coming on ?

Posted on Wed Mar 7 21:11:12 CET 2001 from empb-port38.net.mcmaster.ca (130.113.192.117)

Manrico Erasmi

Right on D. Joseph, for the great comments. It's amazing to me; all these adults (myself included) can become so caught up in the politics/gossip of a band that had laid their deepest prints thirty years ago. While the comments, don't seem too mean spirited or petty, they are ultimately superfluous. What Hoskyns, Bowman, Robertson, Helm, Davis or Viney say is meaningless next to the original text. These arguments disappear every few days, but the Rock n'Roll is always blasting out of my speakers. I'm retiring now. My love will only extend to the sounds, not to the print. By the way that Steve Tasker guy who wrote about the website http://canadamusic.about.com --thanks dude, I went there and it is a seriously cool site. I learned alot. The band advanced to the next round of the "survivor" game. And I found out you can vote every couple hours. I love rock n'roll.

Posted on Wed Mar 7 20:54:42 CET 2001 from du-tele3-068.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.68)

Peter Viney

Donald: how good to see you back. The Van / Linda Gail Lewis show I saw in Poole in the summer, was in fact their first test gig together according to a Linda G-L interview, and virtually unrehearsed, which was obvious. She sang all over his lines singing a second lead, which was distracting. I saw him again this winter, and she was way, way further back and thus far more effective. The problem on this tour is his new band, The Red Hot Pokers, who aren’t supple enough outside the straight R&R / R&B material.

On the etiquette of addressing rock stars. While watching MTV this morning, as one does, I happened to see a Robbie Williams interview. He said that never fewer than thirty strangers a day accost him and say, ‘Hi, Robbie! How are you doing?’ and he’d not worked out yet how to keep reacting, and he didn’t have time to exchange pleasantries thirty times a day. He also pointed out that the immediate reaction of the snubbed fan was always anger. I’d say that being a rock star is like establishing a brand name so that the name becomes “Robbiewilliams” or “Robbierobertson”. I’d feel comfortable using the first name, not as a sign of familiarity, but because while Robert Zimmerman should be “Mr Zimmerman,” “Bobdylan” is the brand name. And you might write “Dear Bob Dylan …” This may differ from Britain to the USA – in Britain, I find a new doctor, lawyer or bank manager immediately says “Hello, Peter.” In the USA, I find they’d say “Mr Viney” until invited. In fact elderly people in Britain have commented that they feel uncomfortable with the universal use of first names by doctors and nurses. In the end, surely there’s no harm in being slightly too formal rather than too familiar. It gives the other person the chance to say, ‘Call me Robbie …’ or whatever, giving them a simple way to seem friendly, which would solve Robbie Williams’ dilemma.

Crabgrass is right – “Stage fright” is one of an outstanding trilogy. No quality drop, in my opinion. Then came “The Moon struck One.”

Posted on Wed Mar 7 20:34:41 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Mike: Thanks to the excellent Byrds catalog reissue project we now can enjoy several different live & studio versions of "This Wheel's On Fire". The Byrds' covers of this song were kicked up several notches by Clarence White's incredible Tele string-bending leads. Most recently, Sundazed Records has released the vinyl LP "Sanctuary II" album of previously unissued versions & out-takes from the Byrds catalog. It contains the original, earlier take of "This Wheel's On Fire" which I personally prefer to the later take included on the Dr. Byrds & Mr. Hyde" album. Clarence really shines on this song and one can only imagine how great it would have been to hear him sitting in & picking with The Band.

Ironically, we can also hear Clarence's custom Telecaster string-bender guitar, albeit in the hands of Marty Stuart, on Marty's 1992 cover of "The Shape I'm In". Marty's friendship with Clarence & Roland White dates back to their days crossing paths on the bluegrass circuit. Marty & Roland actually played together in Lester Flatt's band. After Clarence's tragic death, Marty purchased that particular Tele, with it's distinctive peace symbol decal, from Clarence's widow.

Posted on Wed Mar 7 20:19:22 CET 2001 from (4.20.68.20)

Rich

Made it to the Beacon last night for a great show. All the guests basically got two numbers out front, backed by an all star band. Levon joined BR5-49, which opened the show, on mandolin for their second number. He then introduced Hubert Sumlin and played drums behind him.

Couldn't see one drum kit from where I was sitting, but I don't think he returned until the encore/jam, which was "Rock n Roll Music".

Highlights for me were Gatemouth Brown, whom I'd never seen before, and then Keith. He came on after Jackson Browne, and closed the show. Did three numbers, including "Key to the Highway", and a version of "Happy" that brought the house down.

Say what you want about what the Stones have become these days, but this guy has a presence that has to be seen to be believed, especially in a relatively intimate environment like the Beacon. Definitely larger than life.

Posted on Wed Mar 7 20:09:38 CET 2001 from sjiassoc16.erols.com (208.58.12.144)

Jon Lyness

Wow! From Eric Andersen's web site:

"Starting July 1, Eric Andersen will be playing shows and festivals from 2 weeks to a month in Italy. The back-up musicians will include Garth Hudson of the Band, on accordian, sax and keyboard."

Posted on Wed Mar 7 19:36:07 CET 2001 from m20677150208.austin.cc.tx.us (206.77.150.208)

Pehr

There are two kinds of people

Those that lump people into categories, and those that dont!

Posted on Wed Mar 7 19:29:31 CET 2001 from zorg94.revealed.net (208.243.237.94)

Mike

Hello all GB'ers. Lately, I have been easing back into The Byrds, The Band, Dylan, Poco, Buffalo Springfield and The Flying Burrito bros. Wth such talent, I am surpised The Band never did something with The Byrds (the 1984/1985 Danko and Clark connection withstanding). The late Clarence White playing with/against Robbie would have been an amazing thing to hear. How about Gram Parsons and Levon singing together on The Weight?! Rick and Richard and garth to be included of course :) I suppose it's a pipe dream but these were/are musical groups brimming with talent who actually took their time to write, play and sing music for the listener. They worked at making music that was to their standard. And they could PLAY! Not many groups do that anymore. Any thoughts?! Peace. Mike

Posted on Wed Mar 7 19:21:19 CET 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Donald Joseph.......I'm with you. Great post. I have had a similar Robbie experience. I have met him 4-5 times, and he has always been very gracious, signed autographs, and posed for pictures. Levon, too, is great with fans, and probably more personable. Robbie has the ability to make people around him feel comfortable, but at the same time, I am a little too intimidated to get too friendly with him.

Posted on Wed Mar 7 18:31:34 CET 2001 from du253-1.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.1.253)

Ilkka

Down in the "woodlands" of Roodeschool
The Ragtimes go marching two by two
Hey kala ho kala ho la jai
Who should come by the "mountain" way
The daughter of Ragtime, the Brown she play
All wide eyed in the bright noon day
Tiree tiraloo tiraloo i ay

Posted on Wed Mar 7 16:59:37 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-tg033.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.163)

Dave Z

Hi benteen... we are all committed... fans that is... you by chance related to the general by the same name... come closer to the fire... as the sparks fly and the flames swirl I am myself taking some time to daydream about what Garth's forthcoming CD will sound like... and let the music heal... after having just browsed the other comments of the committed... yours included...

Posted on Wed Mar 7 16:43:08 CET 2001 from 3cust31.tnt11.nyc3.da.uu.net (63.23.135.31)

Crabgrass

The current round of Hoskyns bashing obviously serves to point up the urgent need for Robbie's tome regarding The Band which will no doubt set the record straight once and for all.

If Hoskyns wasn't a fan of any of The Band's music and was just out to make a buck he could've written yet another book about Dylan or the Beatles of which there are hundreds (and they still keep coming). My major disagreement with Barney is that he views Stage Fright (which is superb) as inferior to the first two Band albums when the actual downhill slide started with Cahoots. (Apologies to the "Cahootsinistas.")

Posted on Wed Mar 7 15:46:21 CET 2001 from dialup-279.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.23)

HANK

I just read David Josephs last post...(and everyone elses, of course)....I feel compelled to reiterate my thoughts on Barney Hoskyns.......before I met Rick, before I knew of the GB 'n' all...I read Hoskyns book and thought "this guy is like Dylans Mr. Jones......He KNOWS something is going on, or went on....but he don't know what it is....so he wrote a book"....Seriously....he has not a clue about where them boys were coming from or what they were really about. If you compare him to Peter Guralnick, for instance, Hoskyns is just a hack...a pop hack. Now, folks, having said THAT, when Hoskyns does write something, I usually get to read it and I DO read it.....like the stuff he writes for Mojo and other Brtit Rock Mags.....I just think he tried too hard to get his Hip Cards punched..as they used to say in Bearsville apparently....In the end I feel Hoskyns writes for those people and that attitude that, to THIS day, CANNOT understand why Bob Dylan picked THE HAWKS, of ALL bands to accompany him in 1965........must run, will continue thoughts later...........

Posted on Wed Mar 7 15:37:12 CET 2001 from (207.251.204.133)

G-MAN

Thanks to the GuRu Crew, and Frankie,Steve & Carol Pattenburg (who ordered snow so we couldn't get there sun.) B. Bill(we navigated like Cheech and Chong), Donna, Donna "OTHER" & Bob, & especially Pat and Rick, it was super to see ya!! We GB's got to meet and hear Tom Pacheko (sic), and one of my all-time woodstock hero's Roger Mason. They really added to the show. Tom Izzo--was great gabbin w/ya: and did somebody say the next Butter?? He kicked ass!!! Somebody posted re the old Band and what's happin now, well......how does the BEST get BETTER???? Jim Weider was in a zone.....Jimmy Vaughan in the back of the bus and, sorry, SRV....maybe could play some backup!! I don't know if it was a full moon or lightening struck him??????? Rando and Malc.....tore it up. The imprompt version of Hand Jive was special......man, the best bass goin....the Bo Didley/Ramble Jungle beat was awesome. What rythm section...what a band....that was the real deal of RR...THANKS!!!!

Posted on Wed Mar 7 15:04:14 CET 2001 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Just want to inform you all that my second daughter has now seen the light: she's playing the brown album all the time. Now my whole family is In The Band, at last.

Posted on Wed Mar 7 09:38:13 CET 2001 from ulab33.med.gu.se (130.241.86.163)

Markku (Quos)

Would it be a good idea to collect all known errors in Hoskyns' book, and put them out on this site as an reference article? Or is there a one already?
I think that would be valuable for us not so familiar with all details in The Band's history.

And, obviously, lots of people here could contribute (it sounds like there is not much true in that book).

(...not quite sure if I need a smiley here? ...hmm, it can't do any harm so here you go... :)

Posted on Wed Mar 7 09:32:36 CET 2001 from proxy1-external.wkgn1.il.home.com (24.4.255.48)

Donald Joseph

I have yet to read new the Hoskyns stuff, but you all can't fairly criticze him as not being a Band fan. A jounalist's/critic's job is not to be a fan. How'd you like it if everything written about Britney [sic] Spears, Ricky Martin, & Kiss were written by fans?

Also, I hate to break it to you, but while Hoskyns's comment about Danko at the end (in Woodstock) was rude, insensitive, and disrespectful, it wasn't totally false. I caught Ricky's second-to-last show, 6 days before he died. He was obviously in very poor health and wildly overweight. My wife took one look at Rick, gasped, & said "well, this is the last time we're going to be able to see HIM." Six days later I knew what she meant. Too soon gone. At the show, Rick wheezed, gasped, & sat on a stool throughout. He often didn't play an instrument (his stomach made it tough for him to reach his acoustic guitar, & he didn't seem to have brought a bass). Of course, I liked being there & seeing Rick, as I had loyally caught countless of his shows over the years, starting with his tour supporting his '77 solo l.p. Once, in NYC on New Year's Eve, we had a choice among Stevie Ray Vaughn, Dr. John, & Ricky -- of course you know who we saw. But listen, people: What Hoskyns was trying (however inartfully) to tell you was the the Rick at the end was not the Rick you're thinking of. Yes, Hoskyns's wording was incredibly insensitive, I grant you.

As to the portal-to-Robbie's mind, why not just ask me, or ask my mother? I'll tell you what's in Robbie's mind; just ask.

As I've posted before, my mother met RR over 10 years ago at the "guitar gods" concert in Sevilla, Spain in about 1990. Robbie graciously posed for a picture with Mom -- Jamie actually put his arm around my mother and SQUEEZED! (It's all right Ma, he's only squeezing!) The pic, a family heirloom, now hangs on my wall, proof that RR isn't as bad has he's cracked up to be. (What pretentious snob squeezes his fans' mothers?)

When RR appeared on the Grammy telecast, my 7-yr.-old daughter ran & grabbed our Robby-bear-hugs-grandma photo off the wall & held it up next to the TV. My how Patch has aged in the last 10 years!

Oh well: At least he's Marc Rich enough.

Speaking of Marc Rich, to all of you who deplore Clinton's failure to pardon Lenny while selling a multi-million-dollar get-out-of-jail-free card to Marc-Rich-Enough: Last time I remember politics coming up on this site, it sure seemed there was a gross preponderance of Clintonistas. Where are you all now? Can we all at last pls. agree that Bill Clinton is a crook? (And YES, Clinton's crookedness IS INDEED an appropriate topic for discussion here. After all, Robbie Robertson recently deplored "Marc-Rich-enough" on national TV. If that's not opening the door, what do you want, for God's sake -- The Band to release a single promoting a Democrat's presidential campaign??)

As to the Turkey Scratch thing, I suppose it must be a hoax -- but why would a Swede go to the trouble of publishing a hoax on a topic so obscure (esp. to a Swedish-language audience)? Then again, the thing really doesn't ring true -- not just for the reasons already mentioned, but for 2 more: (1) the Dr. telling the tale in a Swedish flophouse hotel is weird enough -- but what are the odds he'd have a copy of the cassette in his luggage?; and (2) if the Turkey Scratch tale were true, it's be the only contemporaneous example of the Levon/Robbie rift. But by my reckoning, all the Levon/Robbie rift stuff surfaced after the RCO l.p. in '78. Hence Turkey Scratch is an anachronistic tale imputing Levon's subsequent feelings backward in time. (That having been said, it is true that my favorite lost Band album -- the Bobby Charles Watermelon Album -- was recorded in this time frame with most of these guests -- but sans Robbie. So I guess a boy can dream!)

Serge, pls. lighten up (although by asking you to I'm ensuring you won't). Viney is a godsend to this guestbook. And your implicit claim that a Brit is incompetent to comment on American music makes little sense when posted in an international guestbook hosted by a Norwegian about a rock and roll band four-fifths Canadian. (Not to mention that the 2 most successful rock bands in history -- Beatles & Stones -- are British.)

I caught live shows recently by Van Morrison & Geoff Muldaur. I've now seen live all the Last Waltz acts save 5 (Emmylou, Bobby Charles, Neil Diamond, the Hawk, & Joni Mitchell) -- who among you has seen more? (No fair counting people who were at the Last Waltz itself!) By the way, I'm not counting as TLW acts Woodie or Ringo, as they didn't do songs, but I AM counting dead boys like Muddy & Butters (both of whom I've seen live).

BTW, Geoff Muldaur, dear Band fans, sings on the great lost Band album, the Bobby Charles Watermelon l.p.

Viney: While I concede Van is a legend, etc., etc., I must say the high points of the Van show I caught were all thanks to partner-in-crime-du-jour Gail Lewis.

Geoff, by the way, has a voice to rival Manuel's, and his live show is incredible. (This opinion isn't just mine. I saw Richard Thompson quoted as saying "of the 3 greatest white blues singers, Geoff Muldaur is at least 2 of them.") Geoff signed an album for us, but my wife was mortified when I called him "Mr. Muldaur." My wife, I learned, is of the opinion that we're all automatically on first-name basis with rock gods like Geoff whom we had never previously met, and to whom we are not formally introduced. Do you all agree? I, for one, don't feel comfy thrusting myself in front of one of my heroes and calling him by his first name. But my wife says the "Mr." stuff makes me look like an ass (and yes, Geoff seemed to blanch).

Posted on Wed Mar 7 08:05:23 CET 2001 from spider-ti063.proxy.aol.com (152.163.194.203)

Bayou Sam

.....borderline...right on the edge..

I rest my case

sorry folks - if I flushed 'em out I'm sorry

Posted on Wed Mar 7 07:41:34 CET 2001 from ptldme-cmt4-c3-66-30-25-1.maine.rr.com (66.30.25.1)

MattK

Hmmm, must be full moon tonight...

Posted on Wed Mar 7 07:36:47 CET 2001 from h24-64-60-64.cg.shawcable.net (24.64.60.64)

benteen

and yet still, has no one committed diamond lil yet? mind you, she does seem to be a tad calmer these days.

Posted on Wed Mar 7 06:47:03 CET 2001 from ts001d09.roc-ny.concentric.net (207.155.139.21)

Liz

do you guys ever talk about Band memebers doin stuff now?? or do you just masturbate your own thoughts all day

Posted on Wed Mar 7 06:30:45 CET 2001 from ts001d09.roc-ny.concentric.net (207.155.139.21)

Liz

RAINFOREST BENEFIT SPECIAL GUEST: KEITH RICHARDS WITH JACKSON BROWNE, BR5-49, CLARENCE "GATEMOUTH" BROWN, KIM WILSON, SOUTHSIDE JOHNNY, LEVON HELM, DR. JOHN, KEB' MO', AND ODETTA HOSTED BY MARY STUART MASTERSON ?????

Posted on Wed Mar 7 06:24:22 CET 2001 from ts001d09.roc-ny.concentric.net (207.155.139.21)

Liz the other real Liz

anyone make it to the Beacon tonight to hear Levon play the Rainforest show? the snow wasnt that bad

Posted on Wed Mar 7 06:18:25 CET 2001 from spider-tp012.proxy.aol.com (152.163.204.177)

Tommy

Bayou Sam...26 MILLION????? Go for it, man!!! You'd be a fool to let that opportunity pass!

Oh yeah, Sam ol' buddy, can I borrow a couple of thousand? Y'see, I have this great business venture...A URANIUM FIELD IN ASBURY PARK!

(Anyone get THAT reference?)

Posted on Wed Mar 7 05:17:45 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-tb033.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.33)

Dave Z

David P: If Barney and Greil ever come to MN... and try to speak with our Guv... you will be happy to know that... Jesse requires all press on the grounds to wear a pass that says "Jackal"...

Posted on Wed Mar 7 03:15:24 CET 2001 from spider-ti063.proxy.aol.com (152.163.194.203)

Bayou Sam

I got an e-mail today addressed to "Bayou Sam" (that's not my real name you know), and apparantly I've been carefully chosen to be involved in the transfer of 26 million dollars. I'm very honored (or honoured if you like). It must have been my musings on George Harrison that bought me to the attention of these very important people.

Seriously though (just for a second), who is this sending these e-mails. Maybe one of the unstable borderline psychotics that have been run out of here? If that is the case, it astounds me that someone goes out of the way to come up with such strange forms of self amusement. I guess if it floats thier boat, why not?

BTW, that e-mail was said to be confidential - so I trust you all to keep this quiet. :-)

Posted on Wed Mar 7 02:26:15 CET 2001 from grmn-105ppp92.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.92)

Diamond Lil

Rick K: You play it again and again..until eventually.. it does. That's what I do. Sometimes it takes awhile, but the music, in the end, never lets you down.

Have a good night everyone. Hug Jan.

Posted on Wed Mar 7 01:57:00 CET 2001 from akcf2.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.200)

rod

If one flaw of the rock critic is focusing on the personalities then the other must be focusing on the lyrics. I've read lots of stuff about the lyrics of Acardian Driftwood for instance but very little about the actual music - apart from the odd reference to the violin and Garth's keyboards. Typically any musical discussion will be limited to the vocals and lead instruments. I guess it is easier for someone in the print media to focus on the written word but it does distort the importance of the lyrics.

Posted on Wed Mar 7 00:03:10 CET 2001 from proxy3-external.adubn1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.11)

Chris D.

Hey David Powell, thanks for the response and insight on my Levon/Delbert posting. As I have consistantly witnessed here on the Guestbook, your great taste in music and musical knowledge are an unending resource that I truely appreciate!! Seems all the music that truely moves me has a link in that part of the country! Thank you.!!

Posted on Tue Mar 6 22:34:00 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

Chris D: I don't know if Levon & Delbert have ever crossed paths, but they both come from the same part of the country (Levon-Arkansas / Delbert-Texas), share some of the same influences and have had long careers in the bidness.

Delbert's excellent new album, "Nothing Personal" (New West Records), was just released today. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys the music of The Band. Delbert's smooth singing voice has never sounded better. There are thirteen original songs -- all either written or co-written by Delbert. Guest appearances by Rick Vito, Johnny Lee Schell, Gary Nicholson, Benmont Tench, John Cowan, Iris Dement and Bekka Bramlett. Great blues, R&B and Tex-Mex flavored grooves.

Another, yet older, recording worth checking out is Roy Buchanan's 1986 Alligator album, "Dancing On The Edge". It features a guest appearance by Delbert singing on three songs, "The Chokin' Kind", "Baby, Baby, Baby" and "You Can't Judge A Book By The Cover". The latter song can also been found on the recently released Alligator single CD compilation, "Roy Buchanan Deluxe Edition".

"She left a lipstick letter on the mirror
Shattered on the bathroom floor
All I could put back together was
'Never see me no more'
Took all her clothes, but one red dress
The one she knows I like the best
All I could do was clean up the mess
And wonder where she had gone..."

(from "When Rita Leaves" by Delbert McClinton and Gary Nicholson)

Posted on Tue Mar 6 22:06:16 CET 2001 from on-tor-blr-a58-03-1048.look.ca (216.154.15.32)

Rick K

What do you do when the even The Music don't carry you thru?

Dileas gu Brath

Rick

Posted on Tue Mar 6 21:59:00 CET 2001 from schltns.demon.nl (212.238.41.164)

Ragtime

Ilkka my friend, I had exactly the same dream as you, that is, I heard a lot of barking in the guestbook, and it was not your dog...

Anyway, back to the music: the Walcott Medicine Show, touring the Netherlands in february with Band repertoire, was absolutely great.

Bedankt De Dijk, Sjako! en Gorelev!

Posted on Tue Mar 6 21:14:17 CET 2001 from proxy3-external.adubn1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.11)

Chris D.

I watched Delbert McClinton on "Immus in the Morning" today and really enjoyed it. I've always been a Delbert fan but today as he was singing some old Jimmy Reed stuff and for some reason his voice or maybe song delivery made me think of Levon. There's something there, a similarity. Does anyone know if Levon and Delbert know one another or have ever worked together? What an incredible thing it would be to see Delbert on stage with Levon and the Barnburners!!! Delbert, Amy and Chris trading vocals, twin harmonicas blowin', Pat whalin the six string and Levon and Frank bangin' and thumpin' the house down!!!(O.K., so I'm a dreamer!) Thanks for listening and a big HELLO to Butch, Levon and all the Barnburners!!

Posted on Tue Mar 6 20:59:43 CET 2001 from (169.200.133.38)

Bones

Nice post, as always, David Powell. The Band was never very prolific, which is why a lot of us spend way too much money getting our hands on every thing we can. From a Japan-only copy of Hirth From Earth to a bootleg recording of Tiny Tim, it's funny the lengths I will go for Band-related product.

Like any insane fan, I am also interested in what went on behind the scenes. We here in the guestbook probably spend too much time in that area alone. Instead of complaining about the origins of "Bessie Smith", we need to remember where the song took us in the beginning.

Posted on Tue Mar 6 20:55:43 CET 2001 from win2533.nysed.gov (149.10.179.4)

Joe Frey

I agree with David Powell. The focus has got to be the music. The musicians aren't gods or perfect people and over-analyzing them dosen't add to the value of the music. This is not about hero worship, its about understanding and aprreciating the music.

Posted on Tue Mar 6 19:49:52 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

As I see it, the problem with Hoskyns, Marcus & others of their ilk, is that they concentrate on the promotion of the "cult of personalty" of the musicians as a key component in the understanding of the music itself. This I believe is a fallacy, which dilutes the truth of any insight into the music that they may propound.

In accordance with this opinion, I hereby propose that Hoskyns, Marcus, et al. be permanently enjoined from engaging in the promotion of the "cult of personalty" under the guise of the discussion of music. It is further ordered that the aforementioned individuals, when attending any live music performances or when posing for any publicity photographs, be required to wear a white t-shirt with the following caption, in large, red letters, printed thereupon:

"IT'S THE MUSIC STUPID!"

Posted on Tue Mar 6 18:53:26 CET 2001 from ip245.sbynxr2.ras.tele.dk (195.249.149.245)

Tom Holis

Hi. Does anyone know wheather the bass guitarist from the Crowmatix Mike Dunn is related to the bass guitarist from the Blues Brothers and Booker T. and The MGs Donald "Duck" Dunn.

Posted on Tue Mar 6 18:51:15 CET 2001 from m198214181200.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.181.200)

pehr

Thanks for sharing the Griel Marcus piece with us, Jonathan Katz. I appreciate Marcus, and his writing about the BB's, but after seeing them I felt disappointed. I think "Original" music, and what people consider "original", (in america anyway) to be over rated and over hyped. Now I had some pretty lofty expectations for the barn burners when I went to see them, and granted at the beginning there was a humility to their set,(covers, blues standards not being played that loudly that had me wondering if it was gonna be a bit of a dud, but the musicianship was fully there and it seemed to really catch me up in it as the night went on, until the end I didn't know what hit me and thought they were the best act I've seen in years.

I guess Marcus saw them another day, another night for one thing, in another club. I think few "original" acts are as radical as a blues band that can really play the stuff right. I havent heard a rhythm section this tight very often, only bill and charlie, levon and rick, and calvin jones and willie Smith come to mind in recent memory. so I'm thinkin that when I'm reading how Chris carries the band on his shoulders- though its nice to see a journalist be nice to a harmonica player period...

I've witnessed Marcus get alot more excited about stuff to me that was rather tepid, and I'm aware of my Band/Blues bias toward alot of contemporary rock music marcus doesnt have to mean anything to me. My favorite bit was the caricature of marcus- i almost laughed!

Besides, "You cant believe most of what you hear"

Posted on Tue Mar 6 18:32:32 CET 2001 from ptldme-cmt4-c3-66-30-25-1.maine.rr.com (66.30.25.1)

mattk

Liner notes. The recent Jazz documentary by Ken Burns featured columnist/jazz critic Nat Hentoff quite a bit, particularly in the post-1950 eras. Watching the show and re-examining my vinyl jazz collection (much of it first edition releases from 1950s and 1960s), I'm reminded what a tremendous real-time historian Hentoff was in his prime. For my money, no one in rock and roll can touch the combination critic/promoter Hentoff was.

I'm struck by this, not only in reading Bowman's liner notes and Hoskyn's abortive submission, but reading through the plethora of jazz boxed sets I've purchased in recent years. Put simply, Nat was the man, able to combine the best of Gunther Schuller's theoretical examinations and Studs Terkel's social contexts.

Posted on Tue Mar 6 18:15:38 CET 2001 from du-tele3-128.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.128)

Peter Viney

Liner notes are a literary form in their own right. Check out Ace’s “Golden Age of American Rock & Roll #9” for the form at its best, or Kent’s “Where It’s AT” series. They’re brilliant at ferreting out the facts and illustrating them with contemporary ads and sleeve pictures. The best Band liner note was probably Rob Bowman on the “Too Kingdom Come” set, as much of the info was then new. Some of it proved to be wrong, but that was hardly his fault. Chet Flippo’s notes to the “Across the Great Divide” box set were dismal. Hoskyns had done good notes for “The shape I’m In –the Very Best of The Band”. As has been noted, the “After the Waltz” chapter of his book must have meant a difficult conversation with Robbie. Jonathan rightly points out that commissioned liner notes are not criticism (if the writer wants to be asked back). Where liner notes can afford to be critical is on compilations of ancient material. With a currently involved artist, diplomacy has to be in order, which is why Cahoots is a hell of a difficult job.

With that in mind I re-read Hoskyns remaster notes, and still think they’re good. He chases up some little known facts, such as the probability of Gary Chester drumming on early demos. There are mysteries he doesn’t manage to solve, but in the normal course of things you’d have expected Robbie to clear them up, allowing a rewrite. I mean the review of “Moon struck one” is perfectly inoffensive:

“a dreamy nocturnal ballad … it was almost as if Robertson was intentionally writing in Manuel’s style. Robertson had originally wanted jazz legend Gil Evans to orchestrate the song, but the idea came to nothing.” Well, apart from missing a “Mr” before Robertson (as some would have us do) that’s extremely mild. No mention of the lyrics or the rhymes. No “Little John was my cohort”. Compare the notes with those in “Across the Great Divide” and I think you’ll agree he knows the difference between criticism and liner notes. “Cahoots” review is the cup half-full. As positive as it could be. Let’s be fair. A rock biography is highly unlikely to be a major money spinner, and his would have been about three years of research and writing. I was interested to read his own viewpoint on the lack of co-operation. I think he’s generally wrong about solo work, and it doesn’t look as if he’s listened sufficiently to either the 1990s Band or solo Robbie.

Posted on Tue Mar 6 17:49:49 CET 2001 from (209.100.37.239)

Chris

I don't know what it is that bothers me every time I read something about ol' Levon's throat. Particulary from Greil Marcus. It's nice to see him cover the boys but I can't figure how one man's battle with cancer continues to be a focal point in any article on the Barnburners. If Levon were playing behind Van Morrison nobody would mention his throat. I just wish that I could read one article that doesn't address it.

Posted on Tue Mar 6 14:34:29 CET 2001 from (137.187.146.245)

Jonathan Katz

Of course those notes were canned, Hoskins doesn't understand the difference between liner notes and critical commentary. There is a clear division between promotion and critique, and Hoskins doesn't have a clue. And it appears that he remains stung to this day by being shut out of the Band's inner circle. Maybe he should take a bit of his own advice to Levon about letting it go.

As we all know, Greil Marcus certainly knows the difference between liner notes and commentary. He clearly lost sight of what is real when he wrote the notes for the basement tapes - promoting them uncritically on the official release. Check the link above for his take on the Barn Burners. I wonder if the BB's would consider him for liner notes for their new CD......Nah!

Posted on Tue Mar 6 13:09:59 CET 2001 from proxy3-external.union1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.87)

Brien Sz

Jericho is a great cd! Aside from the first 3 and their live stuff this may be the best overall cd (neck and neck with Jubilation)the boys ever put out. Only two songs -Made in Japan and Stuff ya Gotta Watch - could have been left off it(IMO). I also remember Remedy and Atlantic City saw some pretty good air time for a short period - it just couldn't crack all that cool big hair hard rock acts and synth pop crap that filled the airwaves. I believe I saw two shows on the Jericho tour- I know one of them was at the Garden State Art Center (when it used to be called that) and Clarence Clemmons came out and played on a couple of tunes (The Weight being one of them)

Posted on Tue Mar 6 12:27:28 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-tb052.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.42)

javalina

For the fans of The Gurus, who couldn't make the show on 3/3 the standing room only crowd got another great effort from the boys. Even with one man down the Gurus clicked from jump street, strecthing and bending the tunes, and whipping the folks into a frenzy.They went from burning guitar instrumentals to soulful bluesrock songs throughout the night. Special treat having Tom Pacheco open the show.The Band were masters at backing up other artist, and the Gurus learned their lessons well, backing up Tom on some numbers during their show, they just torn it down. that was a show in itself. See you in New Jersey on Sat.

Posted on Tue Mar 6 10:47:17 CET 2001 from du42-4.ppp.algonet.se (195.100.4.42)

Ilkka

I had the strangest dream last night: Serge was back in guestbook. Funny how some dreams feel so real, funny how some dreams are so clearly remembered even in the morning. And some not. Think if Martin Luther King had said: "I had a dream ... BUT I CAN'T REMEMBER IT!"

Posted on Tue Mar 6 07:27:05 CET 2001 from 1cust4.tnt2.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (63.16.48.4)

rollie

Thank you Pepsi!

Posted on Tue Mar 6 07:18:05 CET 2001 from chf-il-cache1.icg.net (165.236.196.21)

Chris

Levon Rocks! So does Jan. Thanks Jan for all the time you spend.

Posted on Tue Mar 6 07:09:42 CET 2001 from pm455-29.dialip.mich.net (204.39.227.39)

twilight

Finally got to hear the Hollywood Bowl Concert tonight. The disc arrived in the mail today. I never really appreciated the wonderful harmonies in "I Shall Be Released" like I did tonight. Garth's somwhere between a church and a carnival organ solo really got me going - and a really funky "Don't Do It" was a charge. What really topped it off though was "Rockin Chair" - stunning. I kept waiting for the horns but it wasn't like I missed them. Lots of interesting stuff - I am really glad I finally got to hear it. Where was Danko? Well, Oz didn't need to oil that tinman. He funked up don't do it with buddy levon (great bass & drum sound, plus their desperate vocals), he sang like a bird on released, and you feel his presence everywhere. By the way hoskyns, did you hear the joke they're not telling tired old windbags? Take care all - me best to ya.

Posted on Tue Mar 6 06:13:45 CET 2001 from user-33qt8pr.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.163.59)

Pat Brennan

Rollie, I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say I admire your spirit.

Rod, it's the duty of a writer to pursue all the truth, not "some truth." Boiling Rick Danko down as he did was an exercise in, let's see, what term did Rollie use, oh yeah, horseshit.

Posted on Tue Mar 6 05:43:05 CET 2001 from 1cust4.tnt2.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (63.16.48.4)

rollie

Well, maybe it was just a little bit of a swipe!

Posted on Tue Mar 6 05:37:24 CET 2001 from 1cust4.tnt2.pocatello.id.da.uu.net (63.16.48.4)

rollie

First, this is not a swipe at anyone! Hooray! Secondly, am I the only one out there who's listened to Jericho and said,"Holy shit, they did it again, even without Robbie?"The Remedy, Blind Willie McTell, Jericho, Atlantic City? Did they not measure up as some of the best material the Band ever layed to tape.Did I miss something here? Why do I keep reading that none of the post Band recordings(from any member)measure up to the good old days? Horseshit! Break out a bottle of Glenfiddich,crank up "Jericho",and take another listen all you friggin naysayers!!(Pardon my harshness!!)If this doesn't pick up where Northern Lights-Southern Cross left off,with Hudson dipping into some more cosmic debris,one of Dankos best vocal performances ever(Amazon)and Levon, Levon,Levon!!!!Why is it everytime these guys put out a masterpiece, it gets swept under the mat?.Why am I writing this eight yrs too late? Because I am still listening to this recording 8yrs later and loving every minute of it, just like all of their other classics, and shaking my head in wonderment. SO! Before any one else says something nasty about post "Band Era" recordings,take a big pull off of your favorite juice,take off the veil of intellectualism,(did I spell that right?)enjoy the music, and get the hell out of this guestbook and get a life!(Do as I say, not as I do!) Yours Truly----Tired of the critics

Posted on Tue Mar 6 04:34:09 CET 2001 from akcf2.xtra.co.nz (203.96.111.200)

Rod

Don't shoot Hoskyn's - he's just the messenger. Though some of what he says is not very nice there is some truth in there.

On a happier note - I downloaded Chestfever from The Complete LAst Waltz the other night - what a great version! If it was doctored in the same way the released tracks are claimed to have been it would have been truly incredible.

Posted on Tue Mar 6 04:15:05 CET 2001 from user-33qt9jk.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.166.116)

Pat Brennan

Although Richard did use some interesting chords, of the four songs mentioned by PS 2110 only two--"When You Awake" and "Whispering Pines"--modulate to other keys. The use of the chord on the minor third or minor sixth (especially with the dominant seventh) is quite common and represents an altered substitution rather than a key change. Richard writes in the R&B style more than the R&R style, but he wasn't much of a jazzer. Garth on the other hand put down some very jazz-oriented piano things which grace some of the Basement Tapes, and the voice leading he taught Rick makes some of the Band tunes veer into (oh my!!) classical territory. The bass line in Dixie owes a bit to Bach of all people.

Boy, Barney Hoskyns sure spent all his goodwill in one place. I can't imagine what would prompt him to talk like that. Of course, that goes for other talking as well.

Posted on Tue Mar 6 03:31:51 CET 2001 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

"something is happening and you don't know what it is...do you mr hoskyns"

Shine On!

Posted on Tue Mar 6 03:28:28 CET 2001 from mplsdslgw10poola174.mpls.uswest.net (63.228.40.174)

P.S. 2001

I've been playing alot of Band stuff from the first three albums. I've noticed something. Richard Manuel is a much more jazz type composer. (People who don't play music can turn away now)If he completely wrote the music to his songs, he almost always uses very interesting chordal changes. In the songs "In A Station", "When You Awake", "Whispering Pines" and "Just Another Whistle Stop" all have one OR MORE key changes in them. Very interesting. I can really see his influences. Has anyone ever noticed this? Oh well. Its amazing when ONE Band has more than one great songwriter, and ONE band has 5 blessed musicians. P.S.-Why isnt anyone ever in the chat room. Us Band fans have to stick together!!

Posted on Tue Mar 6 02:30:22 CET 2001 from host-209-215-0-58.bna.bellsouth.net (209.215.0.58)

BWNWITennessee

For those who haven't read the articles on rocksbackpages.com yet, the "Across The Great Divide With Robbie Robertson" from Crawdaddy is really good. There was a lot of stuff in it that wasn't just the usual going-over-the-same-old-story-again thing. Plus, it's always great for someone my age to read articles from when the band was still together. Robbie talks about a movie they wanted to make for public television using footage from Big Pink and the Festival Express! Where's that? He also talks about the Works project. We were talking about The Road From Turkey Scratch awhile back, but what about Works? There's gotta be some rough rehearsal tapes from it somewhere, especially since Robbie doesn't write music. I would love to hear that, probably more than any other unreleased music by our heroes.

Keef is playing with Levon for the rainforest show, and his buddy Bobby Keys has been playing with the Barnburners. You never know, if there's a show around NYC at that time, Keith might show up! Wouldn't that be somethin'?

Posted on Tue Mar 6 02:21:03 CET 2001 from chf-il-cache1.icg.net (165.236.196.21)

Chris

By the way when I say that I'm a Levonista I just mean that I think he had a better ear. I like Levon's approach to music more than Robbie's. I don't care about the rest of the bullshit. Face it ....everyone argues and usually no one is 100% right.

Posted on Tue Mar 6 02:17:23 CET 2001 from chf-il-cache1.icg.net (165.236.196.21)

Chris

Hey all,

So i have to say that i have resisted getting the reissues. When it comes right down to it I guess I figure that the album should stand as is. The new releases are, at best estimate useless in creating a more comprehensive discography, void of any attempt to broaden one's perspective on The Band, and further down right insulting.

I read Hoskyn's liner notes and his interview. I wonder that a man clearly informed of the tragic events befallen these gentlemen would lash out at them as he did. Honestly, does anyone think that Robbie really deserves to be raked over the coals again. I'm as close to a full fledged Levonista as anyone but the attitude that that miserable leech of a human being Hoskyn's comes off with made me really angry.

He should content himself with being paid to do a job any of us here could do with half our frontal lobe tied behind our back. I for one would gladly volunteer.

Posted on Tue Mar 6 02:03:00 CET 2001 from spider-tk012.proxy.aol.com (152.163.206.177)

Donna

I have been thinking about Richard, and the words to this song came to mind.

Too Soon Gone (Jericho)

No one lives forever

Who would want to

But you're too soon gone, too soon gone,

too soon gone

Pretty soon now all this ice will melt,

And buds will get ready to break.

But every leaf that grows,

In the language that it knows,

Says that winter will return now and

trees are gonna shake.

Went to see Jim Weider and The Gurus, Saturday night. The place was jumping, so when they opened up with, "Don't Do It" and ended with "Hand Jive," well, to say the least, the crowd went wild! This was my first time seeing, The Gurus, and let's just say, it will not be my last. Watching, Jim Weider, play guitar so great,,, that he makes it look easy! Randy Ciarlante, on drums, sings and bangs those skins like he's on fire, and Malcolm Gold, on bass is not putting that fire out. Jeremy Baum, keyboardist, was not there, but the guy who filled in was very good. I also had the honor to meet Tom Pacheco. Wow, what a night filled with such awesome musical talent! Hey Tom P. you have me craving some of that Mexican food, from Texas.

G-Man and Donna, thank you for everything! It was so nice to meet Bashful Bill, Pat and Rick, and the rest of the crew. Pat, my thoughts and prayers, are with you today.

Posted on Mon Mar 5 23:50:25 CET 2001 from du-tele3-011.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.11)

Peter Viney

Simply for the record, I have never met nor corresponded with Barney Hoskyns … not that I have anything against him or his writing in general. Actually, I liked his quote on Ronnie Hawkins. Other quotes, such as the one on “tough love” were both dumb and callous.

So to a quote that’s nice about both Robbie and Levon. Check out the latest “Isis” magazine for the Al Aronowitz interview on Dylan in Woodstock:

“Robbie was caught in the middle, just as I was. Robbie was one of the most gracious, charming and diplomatic of all the musicians I’ve ever known, straddling the fence with both tact and style to remain a buddy of both Albert and Bob without recriminations from either. Dylan’s post-accident period became a time occupied by not only the Big Pink basement sessions, but also by many kitchen jams, which sometimes included not only The Band, but also other visiting musicians. They would pass the guitar around, taking turns at singing tunes … and among the musicians each song would suggest another song. But too smoothly for anyone to detect a game of Can-You-Top-This. As the chain of songs grew, the musicians’d keep passing the guitar around far into the night. Levon Helm usually topped everyone, playing either the mandolin or the acoustic guitar and coming up with one surprise after another, usually a long-forgotten country, folk or pop tune. I used to wonder how these musicians had enough room in their brains to remember the words to all those tunes.”

Mike: See notes on the bootleg, Gene Clark “A Star For Every stage” on the site. That’s the Byrds Tribute Band.

Posted on Mon Mar 5 23:11:21 CET 2001 from (169.200.133.37)

Bones

I am very glad that Robbie had Hoskyns canned. Ol' Barney doesn't even like the Band. He thinks Robbie didn't like his book because he didn't portray Robbie as "the man" so to speak. WRONG. Robbie didn't like his book because the first 30 pages were factually incorrect. It is hard to like a guy who says ugly things about each member of our favorite group.

Posted on Mon Mar 5 22:56:31 CET 2001 from m20677150207.austin.cc.tx.us (206.77.150.207)

pehr

Thanks gang, for warning me to stay away from Hoskyns venom, at least for now. for Lent I'm giving up contact with quarrelsome bitter people's quesswork and journalism. good luck with the nor-easter all you nor-easters. especially you, D-Lil. thanks also for the kind poems

Posted on Mon Mar 5 22:08:30 CET 2001 from sf-nat-198-71-26-251.mfi.com (198.71.26.251)

Amanda

Does anyone know how to reach Rick Danko's estate?

Posted on Mon Mar 5 22:05:05 CET 2001 from (205.230.10.2)

Bob R

Hey New Yorkers--- Looks like you guys are in for a real treat next week--- The Rainforest Alliance Concert at the Beacon Theatre sounds like it is going to be THE PLACE TO BE! I hear it will feature Levon Helm, Keith Richards (yeah baby!), Dr John, Keb Mo', and Clarence Gatemouth Brown, among others-- dont know if all the above will be playing together in one band or solo, but it should be one wild night ! Would LOVE to see Keith playing with Levon & The Barnburners--- we need a GB'r to get to that show & file a full report........

Posted on Mon Mar 5 22:02:46 CET 2001 from ptldme-cmt4-c3-66-30-25-37.maine.rr.com (66.30.25.37)

matt k

March 5, and Serge is right on time for his annual hullaballo. What is that, Serge, your fifteenth e-mail address in the last two years? At least it's your real name this time.

Hoskyn's does make one comment that could probably be taken to heart - Levon's rage regarding Robbie is detrimental to his health.

Serge, I dare say there's something you could learn from Hoskyn's on this point as well.

Failing that, the so-called "turkey" you refer to has never been anything but a generous, thoughtful and respectful person to the participants of this board.

In the past, you've made a lot of noise about respect for music, for people, for Jan, for the members of the Band. Your embittered ramblings are tiresome, redundant, and an embarassment. They have proven, to me at least, that respect is something you know next to nothing about.

Please spare us. Trust your instincts. Stay away. We don't need your poison.

Posted on Mon Mar 5 21:59:16 CET 2001 from www-cache-external.vuw.ac.nz (130.195.196.201)

ajr

I look out for Desperados (mentioned by one (?) of the Mikes below) - it sounds interesting. A couple of months ago I read No Depression: An Introduction To Alternative Country Music (Whatever That is)- Edited by Grant Alden and Peter Blackstock which I’d like to recommend. In a sense it continues the story of The Band with alternative country bands in the 90’s (like Wilco) claiming The Band as influences.

Some of Hoskyn’s remarks in the interview are unnecessarily offensive & cruel but I don’t think his liner notes are that bad. Bowman’s notes on Cahoots really depressed me since they seemed to be all about how no ones heart was really in it & no one was very happy with the outcome. And since I’d just spent NZ$35.00 on the cd it wasn’t particularly what I felt like reading at the time.

Posted on Mon Mar 5 21:54:24 CET 2001 from (207.251.204.133)

G-Man

WOW-on the GuRu show!! Thanks for the GREAT music and FUN times!!! JW--was UNREAL--NO words to describe his playin!!! Maclom "SOLID" Gold, thumpin on the BASS-- show stopper---Rando--WOW--singin up a storm and knockin the skins off them drums!! Great to see Tom Pachecko, Roger Mason--they lent a hand.. Butch Man Rockin TOO!!! Young people sittin next to us wondered why our group tavels to the shows------when the show ended--they said, we understand and see ya at the next show!!!!! Great version of Hand Jive for the closer!! G & D

Posted on Mon Mar 5 21:20:26 CET 2001 from (216.73.7.131)

Dave Hopkins

Barney Hoskyns feels personally wronged by the members of the Band. Now, I'm sure it was frustrating to be unable to interview them for his book. But his antipathy and contempt spilled too easily into the judgments he made about the Band as a group and as individuals, both in Across the Great Divide and in his subsequent pieces (especially the interview now under discussion). Whether he's right or wrong, or both or neither, he violates his own scholarship by allowing those personal feelings to not just color his appraisals of the Band, but control them. After reading ATGD, I got the feeling that the only member whom Hoskyns had any real respect for was Hudson...and then Hoskyns is enraged that Robertson vetoed his liner notes for the reissues?

Lord knows I was not blown away by Rob Bowman's notes (see my article on the reissues in the Library for more on this), but Hoskyns's are no better (you can read them on rocksbackpages.com), and it's terribly unfair for him to take a cheap shot at Bowman for being some kind of sycophant while he, Hoskyns, who speaks truth to power, is censored and banished for his devotion to principle. Someone who complains so vocally about being ill-treated by the outsized egos of others should think twice before casting such aspersions on someone else.

And as for what he said about Danko...well, I think it speaks for itself. I'm offended by it, and I never met Rick Danko. I'm sure those who knew him and knew him well would find it difficult to avoid taking that comment as a personal insult. (And this guy's still pissed -- and shocked, just shocked, apparently -- that they wouldn't use *his* liner notes for the reissues...!)

Posted on Mon Mar 5 21:05:38 CET 2001 from spider-wl042.proxy.aol.com (205.188.199.37)

Mike

Well, no one says it quite like Serge. Welcome back...What's your take on the recent reissues?

Lil...I hope you have oil...you may be stuck for a while once that storm hits.

Question: Are there any recordings available, either legitimate or boots, of the 20th Anniversary Byrds tour from 1985-86? Rick played bass on those shows, along with Blondie Chaplin. Just wondered how they sounded together.

A segue from the last thought. Been reading through "Desperados," the book about the origins of what the media called "Country Rock." It's pretty interesting and has some nice things to say about The Band and Big Pink. (The book doesn't group them with Poco, The Flying Burrito Brothers, Eagles, etc. It just says the album was incredibly influential among musicians, and that it was amazing in that in incorporated different instruments and had a rustic, woodsy, mountain sort of sound. And Pink was recorded at the time a lot of the Southern California rockers were using fiddles, mandolins and pedal steel guitars.) Nice reading about those who were too Rock for Country and too Country for Rock. Enjoy your day everyone.

Posted on Mon Mar 5 20:39:39 CET 2001 from dial43.gtn.net (209.167.110.208)

Serge

Thanks John Donabie for your entry on Hoskyns' recent crap. I've stayed away from this guestbook for quite a while. Mainly because of all the brain baffling bullshit that keeps coming from the U.K. and Hoskyns' buddy. That turkey knows who he is.

For all those newer to this guestbook I'd like to say that Barney Hoskyns is a liar, an opportunist and especially a thief. I am so tired of pompous limey "so called experts" on American Rock music, who believe we're all too dumb to understand what we're listening to.

Posted on Mon Mar 5 20:36:58 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-ta031.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.31)

Dave Z

Amen Lil'... and nice poems in memory of Rick and Richard...

Posted on Mon Mar 5 19:35:06 CET 2001 from man17-pool-2.fcgnetworks.net (208.0.180.65)

Joe D

Thanks to Peter Viney and all the other good folks who have recommended our PARLOUR BAND C D...just got back from Europe to find more orders.So far everyone has enjoyed it and if you care to give it a try theres a money back guarantee....plus it goes to a good cause..$12 includes shipping and handling...jpdltd@cyberportal.net

Posted on Mon Mar 5 18:18:08 CET 2001 from du-tele3-068.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.68)

Peter Viney

Yes, the Hoskyns interview WAS fascinating. And we haven’t quoted all the quotable controversial bits yet. But it wasn’t dull … I think he manages to say something to offend every wing of opinion here, which is at least evenly spaced.

Gary: Were there any interviews you wished you had got for the book?

Barney: You could say that! Levon Helm, Rick Danko and Garth Hudson would have been nice, for a start. Levon was writing his own book (This Wheel's On Fire), so he and Stephen Davis conspired to bully Rick and Garth into not talking to me. Some time later, I interviewed Rick a couple of times, and then finally Levon himself, in a profile for Rolling Stone that got canned because Levon said too many mean things about Jann Wenner’s pal Robbie Robertson

(later)

Gary: Did you get any reactions from any of the principals after the book came out?

Barney: Not directly, but my name was mud around Bearsville. Bizarrely, when I came to interview Levon for Rolling Stone in, I guess, 1998, he never alluded to my book once, either because he was blanking the matter in order to get himself into Stone, or because he genuinely didn’t know who I was. He was incredibly warm and hospitable, as it happened. But I still think his hatred for Robertson is detrimental to his health.

(later)

Gary: Did you get caught up in the feud between Levon and Robbie? You remain fairly impartial in the book -– any thoughts you’d care to share? (Maybe Levon and Mike Love should write some songs together and set the record straight once and for all?)

Barney: I didn’t get “caught up”, as such. The way I view it, neither Levon nor Robbie was half the musical force he’d been once they went their separate ways -– and that goes for The Band as a whole. Something happened when those five gentlemen came together, and it was destroyed when Robertson left.

(later)

Gary: Ronnie Hawkins gave valuable interviews. He’s a big liar. How does one handle that?

Barney: Oh, Ronnie talks tall, but is he a liar per se? There’s more emotional truth in his reminiscences of the Hawks days than there is in much of the writing about groups like The Band.

Posted on Mon Mar 5 17:31:50 CET 2001 from (208.218.212.2)

David Powell

The sight of the vain ramblings of an embittered old rock critic stumbling over his own self-centered words. How can someone so out of touch with any empathy for the frailties of his fellow man have the audacity to represent himself as an authority on what moves others to muse? This is not tough love, but rather the absence of any feelings or love at all.

"And where is all the understanding
Her problems can't be that demanding
Why is it she looks that way
Every time she starts to cry?"

Posted on Mon Mar 5 16:49:48 CET 2001 from sam15.revealed.net (208.16.227.110)

Mike

Hello again... I had to play The Band a LOT yesterday as a bit of a tribute to Richard and it made me feel good. I also watched The Last Waltz. I didn't realize the significance of yesterday's date and then it hit me like...BOOM! Someone posed the question as to what would Richard do if he were alive today? Well, I believe he would have triumphed over his demons and he would have made that solo album that he had inside of him. That would have been one HELL of an album. And he'd be a well respected musician (even more so than now)and an in demand session pianist. He had the talent and the voice. An incalculable loss to rock music. Richard, you won't get another of him! His work was far from finished! Peace. Mike

Posted on Mon Mar 5 16:21:14 CET 2001 from ptldme-cmt4-c3-66-30-25-37.maine.rr.com (66.30.25.37)

mattk

I know some folks here use Bibliofind to dig up used books that are no longer in print (though I'm guessing no one is going to be looking up Mr. Hoskyn's book anytime soon).

Anyway, those of you who have used Bibliofind recently may want to give them a call. Seems their credit card information was (foolishly) out there where it was vulnerable (NEVER leave CC information on web servers, btw...it's plain stupid). Seems as though someone broke into the Bibliofind servers and ran off with some CC information.

Fortunately, the only Bibliofind deal I made (levon's book) was awhile back and on a no-longer existing CC. Click on the "home page" link abover or go here to read more:

http://dailynews.yahoo.com/h/nm/20010305/wr/tech_bibliofind_dc_1.html

Posted on Mon Mar 5 15:26:38 CET 2001 from grmn-105ppp191.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.191)

Diamond Lil

Barney Hoskyns makes me sick. Period.

"The sight of Danko hideously overweight and stumbling around Woodstock...."

There was nothing "hideous" about Rick Danko, and the idea of him "stumbling around Woodstock" is far from factual and almost laughable. Until the day he died.. when Rick was needed..he was there. Anyone who knew him (and obviously Mr. Hoskyns did _not_) knew that he was respected and loved.

"I personally think that if more people applied tough love to old Rick, he'd still be with us..."

Well, I personally don't care _what_ you think Mr. Hoskyns. Insinuationg that his family and friends 'let' him die is probably about as low as it gets. I can't even dignify that with a comment, because it would be sinking to the level of an uninformed idiot to say what I _really_ want to say...and making more work for Jan in deleting a string of expletives from me wouldn't be fair.....

Thanks to whoever posted the link to this insanity. I mean that. It just re-affirmed my belief that Hoskyns was, is, and always will be...a self-serving, fact-twisting liar.

Posted on Mon Mar 5 14:14:57 CET 2001 from dialup-258.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.2)

Hank

Hear! Hear! John Donabie..........Hoskyns has NO love for The Band.....and, as I said, like Dylans Mr. Jones, he's very well read, it's well-known....but with regards to The Band...there ought to have been a law against him writing it down.....that's REALLY nasty stuff he wrote........

Someone asked here in a recent post what would Richard be doing if he were alive today.........I say he woulda gotten over his demons and addictions and would be LEADING The Band and producing great records for other singers and bands......yeah!...why not?...As it is he IS alive and well in our hearts... God Bless Richard and Rick.......

Posted on Mon Mar 5 08:59:56 CET 2001 from proxy.newmedia.no (212.71.66.13)

Jens Magnus

Hi folks!

Not particularly band-related, or perhaps it is. I see my band-mates in Canada support the ATTAC-movement. But perhaps some of the US residents need more conviction. Try the web page above. And spread the word for a more equal world.

Any day now, any way now, we shall be released!

Posted on Mon Mar 5 07:50:07 CET 2001 from spider-ti032.proxy.aol.com (152.163.194.187)

Bayou Sam

Ah Richard, it seems like we hardly got to know ya. But I'm sure glad you stopped by for a while.

Posted on Mon Mar 5 05:48:28 CET 2001 from host-209-214-119-163.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.119.163)

BWNWITennessee

I just got, via my local unscrupulous record store, a copy of the promotional CD for the reissues, clearly marked "Not For Sale." "Rocking Chair" is great, no drums, of course, Levon's on mandolin, it's a little slower than the studio version, almost rubato. And it was great to hear Richard's singing today.

Posted on Mon Mar 5 05:43:13 CET 2001 from spider-ti022.proxy.aol.com (152.163.194.182)

Tommy

What do you guys think Richard would be doing right now musically if he were alive?

Posted on Mon Mar 5 05:20:30 CET 2001 from 24.68.33.158.on.wave.home.com (24.68.33.158)

John Donabie

Congratulations to Bruce Cockburn who was inducted into the Juno Hall of Fame tonight. A great songwriter. Brilliant guitarist. A thinker who lives by his convictions. It was 1989 The Band were inducted.

Posted on Mon Mar 5 04:55:01 CET 2001 from 24.68.33.158.on.wave.home.com (24.68.33.158)

John Donabie

I went to the site that Peter Viney mentioned regarding an interview with Barney Hoskyns. What were Barney's prolific thoughts about our boys...

Hoskyns says and I quote..."I thought Levon’s book pretty much sucked as a believable account of what happened to those five dudes." Right Barney....you were there from the beginning were you?

Pardon the language here. This is Hoskyns speaking...not me.......Take it away Barney..."Just how fucked-up and rock-star they were behind the shy farmer facade. But I should have seen that coming."

Well Barney you leave me speechless. When asked if there were things that he left out and could put in, what might it be....Barney had this to say....."The sight of Danko, hideously overweight and stumbling around Woodstock, should probably go in there."

In fairness he has some nice things to say; but that's like saying to me, "Johnny you look like a bag of shit! But hey......nice car you got there." Hoskyns you leave me speechless.

Posted on Mon Mar 5 03:47:34 CET 2001 from cfa1.execulink.net (199.166.6.10)

Paul Godfrey

Diamond Lil...you probably said it best. "Richard Manuel, an unfinished symphony" Shine On!

Posted on Mon Mar 5 02:51:43 CET 2001 from ts1-35.steveston.axion.net (207.34.146.35)

Cupid

" The song of the Robin in spring may ward off the cold, but yours is the sweetest voice here in the garden of souls"

I wrote this about somebody else and while recording it this week I realized it also applies to Richard.Just wanted to add my voice to the chorus, rest easy Richard we miss you...Cupid

Posted on Mon Mar 5 02:14:02 CET 2001 from csiewert.student.princeton.edu (140.180.130.73)

Cam

Let the waves rush in
Let the seagulls cry
For if I live again
These hopes will never die.
I can feel you standing there
But I don't see you anywhere...

Love to you, Richard. Every day.

Posted on Sun Mar 4 23:32:37 CET 2001 from 961040.ahml.lib.il.us (38.231.168.108)

Osceola

I was just wondering if anybody else happened to catch the Chico & The Man marathon a month or so back. In one episode, Jack Albertson was sitting at the piano playing and singing "Darktown Strutter's Ball", which is quoted on the back of The Band album.

Posted on Sun Mar 4 23:02:15 CET 2001 from (206.187.219.43)

Lauren

GOD BLESS you Richard.. May your beautiful sensitivity inspire all of us. A beautiful soul always lives on, especially within the music. I hope all of your mates say a thoughtful prayer for you like these lovely souls posting here on this site. JT

Posted on Sun Mar 4 22:38:52 CET 2001 from 1cust148.tnt1.new-wilmington.pa.da.uu.net (63.26.224.148)

the lebowski

Richard, your soul and your music lives on.....

Posted on Sun Mar 4 21:42:15 CET 2001 from ch8smc.bellglobal.com (206.47.244.58)

brown eyed girl

Remembering Richard Manuel from Stratford, Ontario, Canada

"Not surprisingly, many of the songs had a strong Band-influenced quality to them. During his stay in California, Clapton had grown especially close to Richard Manuel, The Band's highly gifted piano player, who co-wrote one of Clapton's new songs and whose influence can be heard on nearly every other cut.....

"All Our Past Times", a Clapton-Danko number written about Eric's friendship with Richard Manuel, could easily have been placed on one of The Band's albums."

Posted on Sun Mar 4 20:51:13 CET 2001 from dap-209-114-164-186.nfas.monroe-tnt-1.sns234.pa.stargate.net (209.114.164.186)

Mary (bear)

Just wanted to say Lil what you wrote for both Richard and Eli has me teary eyed here. Absolutely beautiful....May they both rest in peace in Gods care.

Posted on Sun Mar 4 20:41:50 CET 2001 from proxy1-external.avnl1.nj.home.com (24.4.252.66)

Brien Sz

Is it that time? Wow - I remember it was a rainy/snowy morning when i heard the news about Richard. I was driving to work - I turned around and went home. Later that night some buddies of mine gathered and we played Band songs all night and had a few in his honor. It was truly a sad day. We went to see the Band play just a couple weeks later at the Capital theatre in Passaic NJ - they were playing with the Greg Allman Band - The boys had no energy (understandable) it seemed like they did this gig to fulfill an obligation - when it may have been better off to let it all sink in and maybe take a few shows off.

Posted on Sun Mar 4 20:15:26 CET 2001 from host-209-214-114-15.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.114.15)

BWNWITennessee

"They say everything can be replaced."

Not everything.

Posted on Sun Mar 4 20:05:56 CET 2001 from empb-port12.net.mcmaster.ca (130.113.192.91)

Steve Tasker

Hey everyone, Some interesting signings lately, keep it up everyone. Just a note that at http://canadamusic.about.com there is a "survivor poll". There are a bunch of bands and you're supposed to vote for the one you dislike the most. The two groups with the most votes are eliminated weekly, until a winner is left. The Band is on the list and so far doing well. Check it out; it only takes a minute. They've gotta win. Cheers!!

Posted on Sun Mar 4 19:26:25 CET 2001 from webcacheh13a.cache.pol.co.uk (195.92.67.77)

Michael

Apologies if this is old news, but there's a Bob Dylan Biography currently being shown on The Biography Channel on UK digital TV.

In it, there's a bit of footage of Levon. He talks about the first Dylan shows and then he sings a little bit of 'Don't Ya Tell Henry', accompanying himself on Mandolin. It looks like it was filmed very, very recently. Although his voice is understandably weary bearing in mind all it's been through recently, it's still unmistakably Levon. It was so good to hear.

Posted on Sun Mar 4 17:24:14 CET 2001 from du-tele3-121.mailbox.co.uk (195.82.121.121)

Peter Viney

Fascinating interview with Barney Hoskyns at rockcritics.com. Thanks for the pointer. I liked Hoskyns notes for the reissues well enough (on rock’s back pages), but I think he’s being harsh on Rob Bowman. Bowman had the advantage of the long quotes from Robbie, which may have been partial, and may have recycled some already much-recycled anecdotes, but nevertheless gave further insight into the process. In the end, Bowman’s notes are a better addition to the package because of Robbie’s participation. And I guess Robbie’s entitled to be a control freak about the albums, better him than someone at the record company’s promo dept. Control over historical fact and deliberate smokescreens come with it, unfortunately.

Posted on Sun Mar 4 16:05:53 CET 2001 from (199.105.252.66)

Charlie Young

Hank: I think you've stumbled onto something there with the connection of Mr. Ed to the famous fly of "The Last Waltz." (You're not just horsing around are you?).

Anyway, do you recall that Rick Danko once recorded the old folk song, "Blue Tail Fly" for a collection of children's music? Maybe there was some subtle symbolism there that we didn't realize at the time...

Posted on Sun Mar 4 15:06:06 CET 2001 from ip218.troy6.ny.pub-ip.psi.net (38.26.192.218)

John Teitelbaum

well, richard thinking of you on this sad day. it's been a long decade and a half without you. i had not even spoken my first words or taken my first steps when you left us, but i will remember your wonderful voice forever. god bless you, john

Posted on Sun Mar 4 14:52:31 CET 2001 from dialup-348.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.92)

HANK

It's becoming very clear to me now.....I've stumbled upon what Hoskyns, Davis and Rolling Stone, Mojo and all of 'em missed out on due to The Mr. Ed. thread.....( Mr. Ed. Thread?....sounds like a grunge band from Iowa circa 1994)......

Anywho, this is the scoop..........THIS is the CAUSE of the Feud and EXACTLY WHY RR never played with The Band again.......D'y'all remeber the scene in TLW where RR caught that Fly?....'course ya do!!....Well, That FLY was a Mystical, Magical Fly AND a personal Friend of MR.ED!!!!! Mr Ed. was HEART-Broken when RR caught that fly......and squished him.....that fly used to hang out with Mr. Ed since Mr. Ed was a foal......The rest of the guys in The Band NEVER forgave RR for that.....

Y'all probably DON'T believe me...but I've seen loadsa flies hang out with horses......in fact, SOME flies are known as HORSEflies.........

.....apart from all that, I read the Hoskyns interview..........I'm sure he's done his research'n all but I can't help think he's like Dylans Mr. Jones.....He KNEW something was happening but he did'nt KNOW what it was....so he wrote a book....I dunno....from the interview you get the feeling he has no love WHATSOEVER for The Band....but he's aware that many people did and still do and always will.....so he wrote a book.........it' don't make it write, tho'.....

I'll buzz offf now...............

Posted on Sun Mar 4 13:14:18 CET 2001 from spider-wq023.proxy.aol.com (205.188.200.147)

Joe

Rest in peace Richard

Posted on Sun Mar 4 12:28:10 CET 2001 from grmn-105ppp191.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.191)

Diamond Lil

It's the coldest day all year
All the people gather here
Snow lies scattered on the ground
Crying tears without a sound

Some knew him well, some knew his name
But they loved him all the same
For all the happiness he shared
I hope he knew how much we cared

And the music fades away
God only knows..
We'll miss him everyday
Despite the words, it's time to face
Some things just cannot be replaced...

Life goes on, you know they say
In very ordinary ways
And though the spring will soon be here
It's the coldest day all year....March 1986

In memory of Richard Manuel.

Posted on Sun Mar 4 05:40:33 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-ta012.proxy.aol.com (64.12.105.22)

Mike

Hoskyn's notes are pretty good. I don't know why he was bumped, either.

Gary: The new release package for the recent Band re-issues stated that you would be supplying liner notes. It was Rob Bowman –- what gives?

Barney: I wrote a complete set of notes for the albums –- and was paid well for my troubles, thank God –- and then that immensely vain control freak Robertson, who’d taken exception to my portrayal of him in Divide, decided he didn’t want me involved. He cost Capitol thousands of dollars by binning my pretty decent notes and hauling in his dutiful servant Rob Bowman to trot out the old mundanities.

Gary: How do you feel about the reissues? How about the plethora of Basement Tapes songs that were listed as “outtakes”? (And don’t even get me started on “Bessie Smith,” which was identified as an outtake from Cahoots.)

Barney: It’s a scam, though Cheryl Pawelski at Capitol did her best under difficult circumstances. The absurd misidentification of “Bessie Smith” as a Cahoots outtake –- stubbornly held on to by Robertson –- was one of the points of contention that led to my notes being dumped.

In my opinion, his liner notes show the music to be more of a group collaboration, which didn't exactly come out in the notes in the actual reissues. He's not what you'd call a Levonista, either, and blames Levon making it impossible for him to get any interviews for his book. He basically thinks the Helm/Davis book is not credible. “…I thought Levon’s book pretty much sucked as a believable account of what happened to those five dudes.” Oh well. I like Levon’s book anyway, especially the story about Rick and the deer… (Now THAT was different kind of feud!)

Posted on Sun Mar 4 05:33:08 CET 2001 from host-209-214-115-47.bna.bellsouth.net (209.214.115.47)

BWNWITennessee

I'm sure most of you have already read it, but here's a nice, kind of poignant Robbie quote from the rocksbackpages article, from after TLW.

Because The Band have given up the road, does that also mean that you won't be playing together? On this point Robertson is very insistent. "I don't think we could ever stop playing together. It's nothing like that at all. We'll always work together. I like the guys in the band. I enjoy playing music with them tremendously. Hell, we wouldn't even know how to break up. What does that mean? Does it mean you file some papers or agree in front of a judge not to meet with each other ever again".

Well, on a similiar note, in regards to Chris' question about Robbie working on the '90s releases, he said in a Rolling Stone interview before Jericho came out that he wasn't going to make the album with them, but that he'd offered to contribute something, either a song or playing a guitar solo. One can imagine why they wouldn't want him on their first new album, trying to establish their own identity, but it seems like an appearance on Jubilation could have fit in well, with all the other guests. I would have loved to have heard it. I imagine it was probably Levon that prevented this from ever happening, as both Rick and Garth appeared on Robbie's first two albums.

Posted on Sun Mar 4 04:19:32 CET 2001 from gw.itac.ca (209.146.161.1)

Bill

Thanks for the pointer, csiron. Very interesting reading, though I'd say that Hoskyns comes across as no slouch in the "immensely vain" department. I also wish he'd make up his mind on whether he was bounced for insulting Robertson in the book, or for disagreeing with Robertson about "Bessie Smith". But his liner notes are terrific.

Posted on Sun Mar 4 04:03:08 CET 2001 from user-33qta9b.dialup.mindspring.com (199.174.169.43)

Pat Brennan

So....we have another feud now, this time between Barney Hoskyns and Rob Bowman. Fascinating indeed. BTW, Barney, if you read this, check out your own "After The Waltz" chapter in your book. Perhaps you'll understand why Robbie Robertson wouldn't want anything to do with you.

Posted on Sun Mar 4 03:18:46 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-tb053.proxy.aol.com (64.12.104.43)

Tommy

Ooooo...a Barnburners t-shirt???? Butch, give us the INFO!!!!

Posted on Sun Mar 4 01:22:11 CET 2001 from csiewert.student.princeton.edu (140.180.130.73)

Cam

Butch--or whomever knows besides Butch--

Where can I get a Levon & the BB t-shirt? Is there any way to get one outside of performances? I saw a guy the other day wearing one in town and got jealous. Any info??

Someday everythang's gonna sound like a rhapsody...when I paint my masterpiece...

Cheers all.

Posted on Sun Mar 4 01:13:10 CET 2001 from styx.belo.com (147.136.249.254)

csiron

There's a possibility I may be making a jackass out of myself by telling people something they already know, but I don't see a link to this on the page, and I know people will want to see this.

While doing a completely unrelated Google search, I came across the full original liner notes written by Barney Hoskyns for the first four reissues and apparently rejected by the label -- allegedly at Robbie Robertson's insistence.

Here's the link to the liner notes: http://www.rocksbackpages.com/library/files/band.html

And here's a link to Hoskyns' account of what went wrong, along with some other observations about the Band: http://www.rockcritics.com/Barney_Hoskyns.html

This is good stuff!

Posted on Sun Mar 4 00:04:31 CET 2001 from spider-tj024.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.184)

Bayou Sam

shit! - altar

Posted on Sun Mar 4 00:01:44 CET 2001 from spider-tj024.proxy.aol.com (152.163.213.184)

Bayou Sam

The Groom's Still Waiting At The Alter. There's a great rock and roll tune.

Time To Kill, another one.

Posted on Sat Mar 3 23:46:30 CET 2001 from grmn-105ppp114.dialup.valstar.net (199.224.105.114)

Diamond Lil

Holy beer-drinking youths Batman! Labatts in the bat cave? I am sooooo disillusioned... :-)

Have a good night everyone. Hug to my favorite guy in England..and um.. leave some ale in those pubs, ok? :-)

Posted on Sat Mar 3 23:37:00 CET 2001 from spider-mtc-tg014.proxy.aol.com (64.12.102.154)

Tommy

"PLAY FREEBIRD!!!"

Really though, on a more serious note...

Is that Mr .Ed sniffing coke and dropping dead in the movie 'Bachelor Party'?

Ooo..or maybe that's him that gets Captain Harris' head stuck in his ass in 'Police Academy'...?

(Hey, I grew up on the classics..what can I say?)Anyway, have a good day folks.I'll have some music conversation soon I hope.

~Tommy

Posted on Sat Mar 3 23:24:50 CET 2001 from 64-208-194-186.nas3.mon.gblx.net (64.208.194.186)

Lars

FYI: I was just on the phone with "The Turning Point" people and I'm told that the Honky Tonk Guru show is sold out for tonight, Mar 3rd.

It would be a shame to make the trip in vain. Let's look forward to their upcoming show in Hartford. Jim and his 'Ruse are worth the long drive.

Posted on Sat Mar 3 22:31:50 CET 2001 from m198214181117.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.181.117)

pehr again

Hank: Say it aint so! I was under the impression that the "Batman" and "Mr. Ed" series were pioneers in the concept of "Reality" television so prevalent today!

I used to jam with Batman in fact, back in the late 50's-early to mid-60's, in this underground joint, a place called "the Bat-Studio". We made a group of records called the "Bat-Tapes". It was ahead of its time, and took rock n roll in a new direction. I got kicked out for bringing a 6-pack of Labatt's into the batcave...sucked totally! Anyway, out of the sessions came one hit, called the "batman theme". To this day I haven't seen a dime of royalties- and I wrote the damn lyrics! Some guy named Bruce Wayne got all the money and spent it on his young ward.

Chris- I dont know what RR would have done with the Band's 90's releases, but I'd be willing to bet Crabgrass would hate it!

Posted on Sat Mar 3 19:36:50 CET 2001 from chf-il-cache1.icg.net (165.236.196.21)

Chris

Hey all, I was watching the classic albums video last night. Thought occured to me (which is rare in itself)so I thought I would voice it. Do you think that Robbie would have liked to have a crack at the nineties releases of The Band? I mean overdubs or just arrangement work. What kind of input do you think he might have made? Certainly some of the tunes might have had decidely different results. What do you think?

Posted on Sat Mar 3 19:28:36 CET 2001 from dialup-364.cork.iol.ie (193.203.148.108)

HANK

I hate to break this to ya, folks, but what do Mr. Ed and TLW have in common?

OVERDUBS!!!!!....

I have it on good authority that the producers of Mr. Ed had some studio voice-over guy re-do all all his vocal parts on his TV show.....

I know, I know.....the truth is hard to take sometimes.....

Next we're gonna find out that Batman and Robin actually DID'NT climb up walls for real but played tricks with the camera to make it look like that.........

Oh! let us bemoan the loss of innocence!!!!.....

Posted on Sat Mar 3 19:05:32 CET 2001 from m198214181105.austin.cc.tx.us (198.214.181.105)

pehr

thanks Crabby, nice post... I see better where you are coming from and mostly agree, (except I dont!)

Here's another angle:

DYLAN ROCK N'ROLL SONGS: (a few, maybe)

Mixed Up Confusion

Corrina Corrina

Outlaw Blues

Maggies Farm

Tombstone Blues

From a Buick Six

Obviously 5 Believers

I'd list more but I'm at work, I dont have the records to look at and I shouldn't be doing this in much detail right now... But I think these tunes fit your description, dont they? Well maybe not "Corrina" but I included it because a few writers say its Dylan's 1st Rock n' Roll recording.I dont know. what do you think anyway?

Band Rock n' roll songs (originals)as you say may be limited but alot of BT material fits IMHO.

Yazoo st. Scandal

Dont ya tell Henry

Long Distance operator

although its a little loose in some cases I think the real point is the Rock n'Roll heritage as Hawks stays in the music, in its structure, while the music of course develops, as you say into other directions and hybrids, into the melting pot of "MOuntain music" etc.

On Big pink I think "We Can Talk About it Now" is Rn'R.

Brown album its not strict Rn'R but the breaks are very much in that vein, e.g. the break in "Jawbone", "Look out Cleveland" and "Jemmema Surrender". I cant think of any bands that could really even play these things, not having had the unique backgrounds of these musicians. Not many bands had Levons to sing (THE r n' r voice/accent if I ever heard it) the floppy drum style of him and Richard, that great loping bass style of Rick's, and Robbies impeccable chops. Then there is Garth. They may be the last great Rock n Roll band, tho they took the music to new places.

Strawberry Wine is to me a definite old school r&r tune, but I gotta run, lunch is over!

enjoyed your posts Dave Z and Diamond Lil'. thanks for sharing. Prayers and kind wishes for the Danko family today

Posted on Sat Mar 3 18:39:18 CET 2001 from coretel-185-108.charm.net (162.33.185.108)

Tiny Montgomery

Here's a memory of the Festival Express, July 1970, from John Dawson of the New Riders: