Thursday, October 29, 2015

Happy Birthday Gavin Rossdale!

Rocktober rolls into October 30th with a birthday for Gavin Rossdale a founder, singer and songwriter for the group Bush. He turns 50 today.

Here he is with a solo song from 2008 "Love Remains the Same"..



Of course his claim to fame will be Gavin's work with Bush. Here is "Glycerin"..



Here he is performing "this house is on fire"..


Here is Bush with "Swallowed"...


Thanks for visiting and I will be back soon with a new post!

44 years later the legacy of Duane Allman

Rocktober continues on my blog with a stop to remember Duane Allman, A legendary guitarist and one of the founders of The Allman Brothers Band. He died in a tragic motorcycle accident.

Here he is with Boz Scaggs,,,,,



Jumping in right with the music which is probably the best way to celebrate a musician's legacy.

Here he is with Aretha Franklin...


"Layla" with Eric Clapton..



Here he is solo with "Please Be With Me"..



Yes I omitted the obvious. I didn't share any classic Allman Brother tunes. That was by design. I wanted to play tribute to him by showing he was more than that great band. I hope you enjoy and I will be back soon with a new post.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Country Birthdays Done Rocktober Style

It's Rockltober but there are a couple of notable Country music birthdays today. So I am probably ruining a couple of Battle of the Band contests today. However it is Rocktober so I was thinking we would celebrate these birthday's with a little rock!

First up Charlie Daniels celebrates his 79th birthday..

Here he is with Lynyrd Skynyrd doing "Call Me the Breeze"..


Next up is Brad Paisley...with The Rolling Stones performing Dead Flowers..


Short and sweet post today. Just celebrating two birthdays with a Rocktober twist!

Monday, October 26, 2015

Happy Birthday Simon Le Bon!

Today October 27, 2015 is Simon Le Bon's birthday. So we will keep Rocktober alive with a celebration filled with the classic pop rock of Duran Duran.

Anyone Hungry? "Hungry Like the Wolf"...




Why not something new from the group "Pressure Off"


Let's go to "Rio"...


How about "A View for A Kill"..


What is your favorite Duran Duran song? Feel free to share in the comments. I will be back soon with a new post!

Battle of the Bands Update: Merry Clayton

When I chose Merry Clayton as a participant on my October 1, 2015 Battle of the Bands that she recently had both of her legs amputated due to a near fatal car accident in 2014. I did vnot know she was going to be honored this month by the American Jazz Foundation with the first ever "Clark and Gwen Terry Courage Award."

I knew her because she provided the original female vocals on the chosen song for my Rocktober Battle of the Band song "Gimme Shelter" by the Rolling Stones. I thought her own version of the song would be cool to feature.



She lost the Battle to Grand Funk Railroad and Grand Funk Railroad had their day as victors wish you can revisit here.

However with all that Merry Clayton is going through and still have the attitude of "I Still have the voice" I think she deserves a post as well!

Here she talks about doing that song, Mick Jagger offers his thoughts, and a bit of just her..


Interesting trivia early in her career she worked with Ray Charles as one of The Raelettes. Her backup vocals ended up helping singers such as Pearl Bailey, Tom Jones, Joe Cocker, Carol King, Neil Young and more. If backing up The Rolling Stones on "Gimme Shelter" wasn't big enough her vocals also are featured on Lynyrd Skynyrds "Sweet Home Alabama."

In the 80s there was a movie called "Dirty Dancing" which was kind of big. Merry Clayton
is featured on the soundtrack with a song called "Yes"..


Here is a funky song called "Keep Your Eye on the Sparrow"


I didn't realize she also was featured on the Tori Amos song "Cornflake Girl" and was married to jazz musician Curtis Amy. Curtis brother is Sam Clayton who was a percussionist with Little Feat.

Merry Clayton plans to continue to sing and her voice will be featured on the  next Coldplay album.

I will be back with a new post soon.

Thursday, October 22, 2015

Rocktober birthday: Happy Birthday to Jon Foreman

Today is Jon Foreman's birthday. He is the singer, guitarist and one of the founders of the band Switchfoot. As we celebrate Rocktober we will celebrate his birthday. The best way to celebrate is to rock out and share some songs!

Jon was featured in this Mandy Moore song "Only Hope"


Here is Switchfoot with "Dare You to Move"...


Another song "Love Alone is Worth the Fight"...


And I will leave you with "Your Love is a Song"...


Thanks for visiting! I will be back with a new post soon! Until then happy Rocktober!

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

BOTB Results: I got a Theory



AC/DC's "Shoot to Thrill" was the song on my latest Battle of the Bands. Halestorm was pitted against Theory of a Deadman.

The Results:

Theory of a Deadman won convincingly 11 to 4 against Halestorm. Ironically the song was recorded to be on a movie soundtrack but was never used however the winning song found new life in the Battles of the Band.

The Celebration:

On my page we celebrate the winners by sharing more of their music. A very fitting way to celebrate Rocktober!

Here they are with a song called "Savages" that features Alice Cooper...


They have had three number one hits and I will share them next.

"Angel"


"Bad Girlfriend"


"Lowlife"


Their latest single.."Blow"


Thanks for visiting, thanks for participating in the Battle of the Bands! I will have a new battle on November 1. I will have a new post soon,

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Happy Birthday Tom Petty

Today Tom Petty celebrates his 65th birthday. I celebrated his birthday last year with a song filled post which you can revisit here. I will do much the same on this post but with different songs.

"So lets get to the point" and start off with "You Don't Know How it Feels"


As an added twist I thought I would share some music featuring Tom Petty in other bands besides being solo and with the Heartbreakers. Starting with his band Mudcrutch.

Here is Mudcrutch with "The Wrong Thing to Do"..


A fun group he was in was The Traveling Wilburys.."End of the Line"


I'll end with "Don't Come Around Here No More"


Of course you are welcome to come around here as much as you like! Feel free to share any musical memories you would like about Tom Petty in the comments. I will have a new post soon! Thanks for visiting.

Monday, October 19, 2015

Over the Weekend Chuck Berry turned 89

Over the weekend Chuck Berry turned 89. Since it is Rocktober celebrating Chuck Berry's birthday is very appropriate even if it is a bit belated.

Perhaps the first rock and roll song "Maybellene" ..



A vintage version of "Johnny B. Goode"...



Here is Chuck and Etta James performing "Rock and Roll Music"..


Thanks for visiting! I will be back with a new Rocktober post soon!

Friday, October 16, 2015

Voice of the Wetlands Festival

B-250

This is where I went last weekend. Last Friday was pretty hectic preparing for the trip. Getting the oil change before the road trip, getting cash, and other errands. Saturday morning we got moving. An early start but not as early as I hoped. Yesc the Festival started Friday but I had work, my daughter had school and rehearsal so we knew Saturday was the day.

Why go? Here is the line up..

2015 Festival Line Up

FRIDAY NIGHT 10/9/2015
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
MIA BORDERS
7:45 pm – 9:00 pm
SOUTHERN CROSS w/ RANDY JACKSON OF ZEBRA
9:30 pm – 11:00 pm
FRIDAY NIGHT GUITAR FIGHTS
SATURDAY 10/10/2015
1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
JOSH GARRETT BAND
2:45 pm – 4:00 pm
MASON RUFFNER
4:30 pm – 5:45 pm
HONEY ISLAND SWAMP BAND
6:15 pm – 7:30 pm
SAMANTHA FISH Feat. Albert Castiglia
8:00 pm – 9:15 pm
RAW OYSTER CULT
9:45 pm – 11:00 pm
TAB BENOIT
SUNDAY 10/11/2015
1:00 – 2:00 pm
HEATH LEDET BAND
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
LIGHTNING MALCOLM
4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
MIKE ZITO & THE WHEEL Feat. Albert Castiglia
5:20 pm – 6:30 pm
ROYAL SOUTHERN BROTHERHOOD
8:30 pm – 9:45 PM
VOW ALLSTARS


My goal was to get there early enough to see Mason Ruffner. I will date myself. The last time I saw him was in October of 1988 and he was the opening band for Jimmy Page on the Outrider Tour. Ruffner had also done some work with Bob Dylan.

I made it in time for that..



Next up was the Honey Island Swamp Band. Which is another band I dig based out New Orleans.
Here is a taste of that band performing "Cast the First Stone"..


Then there was Samantha Fish. I have featured her on one of my Battle of the Bands contests before. My daughter is starting to play the guitar and is taking voice lessons. So, I like to show her what girls can do! Besides the Top 40 and Country stuff.

Here is Samantha Fish and my daughter...




Here she is with her video for "Lay it Down"..















Raw Oyster Cult was awesome as well! They are band featuring former members of The Radiators.

Tab Benoit, the host of the Festival finished off the evening with his band! I've been guilty of making a trip to New Orleans just to see him!

Here is a taste of his Medicine!



Albert Castiglia made guest appearances with just about everyone. He was great on guitar and really brought the best out of Tab. Here is a picture of him and Samantha..



I went on a hike with my daughter and had a BBQ lunch on Sunday so we missed the first act, I had seen him open up for the North Mississippi All Stars.

Here she is sad that she didn't see any Alligators..



The festival is trying to save the wetlands so I thought she should see some of the Wetlands.

So our day of music started out with Mike Zito and the Wheel..

Yours truly with Mike after his set..




Next up was Mike's old band The Royal Southern Brotherhood. Zito would join them for a few songs as well! Here is their latest single..


Here is a picture of the group with Mike Zito..



Besides music they had a petting zoo...



Face Painting..



Bouncy houses..



Here is a picture of the kids area at night..



Chubby Carrier provides some Zydeco Swamp Music!



I also caught Tab on the other stage performing with a Police Tribute band called The Fuzz..Tab Benoit on drums!



The festival ended with the Voice of the Wetlands All-Stars which included Anders Osborne..



Here is another picture of the group..



Here is a video of the group from January..making a good gumbo!


It was a great festival! Free no cover! Kind of like a family friendly jazzfest with no hassles. If you use my pictures please give me credit. If you want to learn more about the charity and festival, Voice of the Wetlands check out the link here.

I'll be back soon with a new post!

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Battle of the Bands: Shoot to Thrill

Sorry haven't been blogging much this week. I had a blast last weekend listening to the swamp music, but getting home at 3 AM on Monday and then getting up for the work week is a little tough. I'm sure  I will blog about last weekend soon.

Anyway back to Rocktober and it is October 15 so time for a new Battle of the Bands!



The rules are simple I pick a song and present a couple of bands battling it out with the song. You pick the one you like best by casting your vote in the comments. The why's and other comments are always welcomed.

Please check out the other battles:

 list of Battle of the Bands participants..

 I snagged it from STMcC Presents 'Battle of the Bands': 

@ ‘FAR AWAY SERIES’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘TOSSING IT OUT’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ by clicking HERE.
@ 'BOOK LOVER' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CURIOUS AS A CATHY' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING' by clicking HERE.
@ 'DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THIS BELLE ROCKS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE DOGLADY'S DEN' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE' by clicking HERE
@ 'ANGELS BARK' by clicking HERE.
@ 'JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE' by clicking HERE.
@ 'WOMENWE SHALL OVERCOME' by clicking HERE.
@ 'J.A. SCOTT' by clicking HERE.
@ 'NOVELBREWS' by clicking HERE
@ 'HOLLI'S HOOTS AND HOLLERS' by clicking HERE. 
@ 'QUIET LAUGHTER' by clicking HERE

It's a win win really. They get another visit and they treat you with some more battles featuring cool songs, musicians and bands!

This time around I am going to go with AC/DC! They were one of the first bands that really rocked that grabbed my attention. Plus Brian Johnson had a birthday earlier this month so they are a natural fit for Rocktober. If you want more AC/DC checkout my tribute post to Brian Johnson here.

The song: Shoot to Thrill



Contestant One: Halestorm


Contestant Two: Theory of a Deadman


Two contemporary rock bands dueling it out with a classic Ac/DC tune. Just vote for the version you like best and I will return with the results! Hope you enjoyed the battle and I will have a new one November 1st!





Tuesday, October 13, 2015

Steve Spurrier The Ole Ball Coach calling in quits

Steve Spurrier ESPNWeekend2010-056.jpg

Steve Spurrier likes winning! He was good at it. However, a mediocre season for him last year and the South Carolina Gamecocks starting the season 2-4 Steve has decided to retire.

As a player he won the Heisman Trophy Award while with the Florida Gators and played in the NFL.
He was a successful coach in the USFL.

He found success coaching Duke. The Blue Devils were not a football powerhouse but  Spurrier coached them to winning seasons two out of his three seasons there.

At Florida, Spurrier coached a powerhouse to a National championship, and nine top 10 seasons.

The NFL he did not have success but returned to the SEC where he had success again at South Carolina.

The record 228-89-2.  His quotes and personality will be missed.

Friday, October 9, 2015

Celebrating John Lennon's 75th Birthday!



I'm jumping right into the music with "Instant Karma." Today is the late great John Lennon's 75th birthday. A gifted musician and songwriter  whose legacy was sealed with his work with the Beatles. Yet he continued to release several incredible songs as a solo artist.

This one is probably my favorite John Lennon song..


Might as well throw in some Beatles into the celebration. This one goes out to all the writers who read my blog..



Since it is his 75th Birthday I suppose I should include "Imagine"


What is your favorite post Beatles John Lennon song? Favorite Beatles song? Please feel free to join the celebration with your comments!

Did someone say "Birthday"?


Here is a solo gem.."Woman"...


I'll leave you with "Strawberry Fields Forever"




Well I'll be going out of town to a music festival, so I hope to post back soon. Thanks for visiting!

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

BOTB Results: No Contest They are an American Band

I rarely vote on my own battles. Maybe to break a tie. Grand Funk Rail Road won this competition easily 9 to 5 over Merry Clayton. Even if I did vote it would not have mattered. That being said I would have voted for Merry who was the original female vocalist on the Rolling Stones version of "Gimme Shelter."



To the victors go the spoils...

"We're an American Band"...


"Bad Time"...



Maybe next time I will use this song..


Thanks for voting and being part of my Rocktober! I'll be back on October 15th with a brand new Battle of the Band. What song will I pick? Who will I pit against each other? Who will you vote for?
Find out on the next Battle of the Band...




Rocktober: Bret Michaels

No he didn't die and no it isn't his birthday. Bret Michaels is however the last concert I saw. Keeping with my Rocktober theme I thought I would blog about it today. Bret Michaels was the lead singer and frontman for the band Poison.

Here is Bret's promo for the show..



He is best known for his work with Poison..

Here they are with "Unskinny Bop" one of the many Poison songs Bret Michael performed Saturday



Here he is with a solo song "Beautiful Soul"..


Another Poison hit "Talk Dirty to Me"...Bret's set was filled with plenty of Poison hits...


Here is an interview with him a year ago..


I'll leave you with another Poison song "Every Rose Has it's Thorn" here is Bret doing his version...



I;ll be back soon with a new post!

Monday, October 5, 2015

Happy Birthday Brian Johnson!

Today the lead singer and songwriter for AC/DC turns 68. We wish him a Happy Birthday! Celebrating his birthday will add some solid rock to my Rocktober themed blog this month!

Yes we salute those about to rock, but we also salute those who have rocked!


I was turned on to this band at a very early age. One of those songs that turned me on was "Dirty Deeds done Dirt Cheap"


Are you a fan of AC/DC? If so what song turned you on to them?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Something fairly new from the band "Play Ball"


Yes they are "Back in Black"


Happy Birthday Brian Johnson! I hope you enjoyed your visit. I will be back soon with a brand new post!


Sunday, October 4, 2015

Janis Joplin: 45 years after her death

45 years ago today Janis Joplin passed away. Keeping with my Rocktober theme which has already seen a Battle of the Bands post featuring a Rolling Stones song, a celebration of Sting and Gwen Stefani's respective birthday a post about Janis Joplin fits.

So Take another "Piece of my Heart"...


"Ball and Chain"..


So come on and "Try"..


What is your favorite Janis Joplin song? Any memories? Like always feel free to share in the comments.

"Flower in the Sun"


Stay tuned I will be back with a new post soon!

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Happy Birthday Gwen Stefani!

Happy Birthday Gwen Stefani. I won't give her age because it will make me and her feel old.

I will share the Grammy Award winning artists music.

After all she is just a girl..


She rose to fame with her band No Doubt. However she has spread her musical wings as a solo artist. Here she is with "Hollaback Girl"...


She's "cool"...


Keeping it even I will wrap up the blog with a No Doubt song "Don't Speak"


Hope you enjoyed the birthday celebration. I will be back soon with a new post.

Friday, October 2, 2015

Happy Birthday Sting!

Today is Sting's birthday. Sting was the vocalist and bass player for the Police and also an accomplished solo artist as well. Besides singing and playing bass Sting plays other instruments as well. Sting has won 16 Grammy Awards and 25 American Music Awards, an Emmy and is a Kennedy Center Honoree.

So lets jump in and celebrate the 64 year old's music!

Starting off with The Police with "Every Breathe You Take"..


Here is Sting celebrating his 60th Birthday with Stevie Wonder performing "Brand New Day"..


Here is Sting with Eric Clapton with the song "It's Probably Me"..



Here he performs "Fields of Gold"...


The Police with "Can't Stand Losing You"..


Happy Birthday Sting! Thanks for visiting and I will be back soon with a new post!

Thursday, October 1, 2015

Battle of the Bands: Rocktober, Rock and Roll and Shelter

It's October but I like to call it "Rocktober." I heard some radio station call October that many years ago and I like it. It certainly fits well for a theme of my monthly Battle of the Bands. I've thought a bit of some future battles in November and December and thought well they are going to be different twists than plain ole Rock and Roll. Of course I also have given this post some thought and already nixed one battle.



The rules are simple I pick a song and present a couple of bands battling it out with the song. You pick the one you like best by casting your vote in the comments. The why's and other comments are always welcomed.

Please check out the other battles:

The list of Battle of the Bands participants..

 I snagged it from STMcC Presents 'Battle of the Bands': 

@ ‘FAR AWAY SERIES’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘TOSSING IT OUT’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ by clicking HERE.
@ 'BOOK LOVER' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CURIOUS AS A CATHY' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING' by clicking HERE.
@ 'DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THIS BELLE ROCKS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE DOGLADY'S DEN' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE' by clicking HERE
@ 'ANGELS BARK' by clicking HERE.
@ 'JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE' by clicking HERE.
@ 'WOMENWE SHALL OVERCOME' by clicking HERE.
@ 'J.A. SCOTT' by clicking HERE.
@ 'NOVELBREWS' by clicking HERE
@ 'HOLLI'S HOOTS AND HOLLERS' by clicking HERE. 
@ 'QUIET LAUGHTER' by clicking HERE

It's a win win really. They get another visit and they treat you with some more battles featuring cool songs, musicians and bands!

If you are looking to get back to good ole Rock and Roll well the Rolling Stones sounds like a great place to start. 

The Original Song: "Gimme Shelter" by The Rolling Stones


Challenger One: Merry Clayton



Challenger Two: Grandfunk Railroad


A jewel from the Rolling Stones catalog, an original vocalist on The Stones version with her version, against another Rock band Grand Funk Railroad, All we need now is votes and I will be back on the 7th with results.