scottythecomic's whimsical rantings

The iconic 80's band swooped into the Glass Cactus at the Gaylord Resort in Grapevine Saturday to headline 93.3 The Bone's 3rd annual Skeleton Ball.   The 1,300 person throng, adorned in the myriad colors and costumes of the season were left riveted as Jack Blades belted out the songs that made the San Francisco band one to be reckoned with in the 80's.

Still gifted with the vocals, Blades was on key with the better known hits, "Sister Christian", "You Can Still Rock in America", and "Don't Tell Me You Love Me."  On covers he seemed out of time at times. 

The erstwhile drummer extraordinare and singer, Kelly Keagy, kept the upbeat tempo and even soloed. Some of his energy may have lapsed but not an iota of his enthusiam.  He beat the skins like a juvenile delinquet.

Brad Gillis on lead guitar had me reliving the 80's when I "closed my eyes" and allowed the music to time warp me back to Orlando, Florida circa 1985. An accomplished ax-man, Gillis even got into the Halloween theme when he sported a mullet wig and sunglasses.

The Bone put on a good event that was fun.  The costume contest was unorganized but the music of Night Ranger and KISS tribute band, Destroyer, more than made up for it.  (I posted several pictures ahead of this blog.) If you get a chance, and/or if you love 80's or classic rock music, make sure you get out to see this band at least before they quit touring.

Generally Halloween and music are not synonymous with one another. Exceptions would include the memorable and ever popular hit, "Monster Mash", by Bobby "Boris " Pickett and the theme song from the movie, Halloween. One might also include the following: Michael Jackson's "Thriller," "Ghostbusters," and anything from the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" soundtrack.

So if you're looking for a great night  come on out Saturday,October 27th to the Glass Cactus, located at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center on Lake Grapevine.  Set to play at 93.3 The Bone's Skeleton Ball will be classic rock artists, Night Ranger, and local sensations, the KISS tribute band, Destroyer.

If you've never seen either band you've been missing out. Night Ranger boasts its original lineup and its hard rocking catchy tunes, "Sister Christian," "When You Close Your Eyes," and "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" - and they all sound the same as they did when we all rocked in the 80's. See their website here http://www.nightranger.com/

Destroyer is a real Halloween treat. Dressed in full KISS regalia this band is simply the best tribute band and does great justice to the original band, KISS. These guys have the energy, the charisma and the talent to rock your socks off. See their website here http://www.thekisstribute.com/

I haven't missed a Skeleton Ball yet and this looks to be the best yet! And if you're into costumes, you won't be disappointed as many come dressed in original outfits. A cash prize of $500 for the best costume is up for grabs as well. See you there!

The 80's rock powerhouse Great White thrilled fans at Ft Worth's Rock Yard Saturday night with a solid 1 hour and 45 minutes set of all their favorites.  The southern California blues-rock band were making their only stop in Texas as they continued their 25 year anniversary tour with all the original members.

Lead singer and founder Jack Russell taunted the ladies with his antics and delivered the lyrics as if it were 1984 all over again. At times audience participation drowned out his vocals, but that is to be expected when "Save All Your Love," Once Bitten, Twice Shy," and other sing-a-long fan faves are played.

Bassist Sean McNabb was masterful as he beat up the strings and danced. That he was home again and content was not only visible in his eyes but evident in his playing.  Fellow guitarist Mark Kendall was ever shy but solid on lead. Keyboardist/guitarist Michael Lardie displayed his varied talents with several instruments, yet in my opinion, knocked us all dead with his acoustic gem on Save All Your Love.  Percussionist Audie Desbrow kept the pace hard and fast, beating the skins like the LAPD on a hoodlum.

Some of us lucky fans who hung around after the show were unexpectedly treated to a meet and greet. Band members took the time to interact , pose for pictures and sign autographs with about 40 patrons of the Rockyards. In the end it was time well spent with a band that has labored a quarter of a century entertaining people around the world with their vibrant, catchy sounds. Their new CD, Back To the Rhythm is set for release July 17th.

I will post some pics of the evening that should be up by later today.

Ancients such as I will recall when the rumor was that Paul McCartney was dead. All the references in magazine articles, interviews, in songs and on album covers (yes, album covers!) led one to believe that the great Beatle was dead.  Except it was all a clever ruse.

Now some 22 albums later, Paul is not dead but rather quite alive at 65. Of course, his  ex fulfilled his prophecy in the song, "When I'm 64," when Paul sang,, " ...will you still need me, will you still feed me, when I'm 64." She split with a sizable fortune.

I've never seen Paul or the Beatles in a "live" performance despite having attended numerous rock concerts (even standing outside the Whiskey-A-Go-Go when Jim Morrison and the Doors were a year away from fame).  Someday I might do that - I'm hopeful that is.

Paul has inspired many a musician and brought joy into the hearts of many with his music. His acute knowledge of music coupled with his keen sense of timing, and knowing what the fans want, have kept his style alive for over 42 years.

Happy 65th birthday, Paul! We're hoping for many more.

It's been a long time in coming but Cumulus finally pulled the plug on the unpopular Walton & Johnson Morning Show on KDBN's "The Bone."  The ONLY remaining classic rock station in Dallas is currently sweeping music sans a DJ as as PD Jerome Fischer seeks a replacement morning show.

Negligible ratings and a poor excuse for humor, the Walton and Johnson Show went on the air shortly after Cumulus bought out Susquehanna over a year ago. From the onset Bone listeners rebelled against the show and wrote/boycotted advertisers.  I led the campaign early on, actually receiving threats from John Walton.

And now the torch is passing.  I applaud Cumulus' decision to axe the show that simply wasn't funny.  Too, now that The Bone is the ONLY classic rock staion in the Metromess, it must be held to a higher standard.  To this end, PD Jerome Fischer is seeking submissions to fill the slot vacated by W&J.  Interested people may email him directly at jerome.fischer@cumulus.com

I know.  Impossible, right?  But was Neil Young a false prophet of rock when he sang, "My My Hey Hey"?  Here are the words.

Hey hey, my my
Rock and roll can never die
There's more to the picture
Than meets the eye.
Hey hey, my my.

Out of the blue
and into the black
You pay for this,
but they give you that
And once you're gone,
you can't come back
When you're out of the blue
and into the black.

Unfortunately, Neil, as much as I have an affinity for his music, is sadly mistaken.  I hate it more than most considering I started listening to rock in 1963 while but a mere Navy brat stranded on the island paradise of Guam.  And radio and rock and roll music have been my constant companions since then.  Lately, however, more and more are the signs are visible and that are evident of rock's demise.

Those lives that weren't lost to drugs and mayhem (Morrison, Bonham, Hendrix, Joplin et al) are now losing the futile race against the terror known as time.  With them dies the root of all rock, the Blues. Too, corporate media giants like Clear Channel and Cumulus are switching formats from rock to other genres with the ever present profit margin staring back at them with hallowed, uncaring eyes.

But the factor that strikes the worst blow comes from the artists themselves.  No longer are there inovative groups who have a trust in rock.  Hip Hop, Rap, Tejano and Country are growing in leaps and bounds and musicians that stray from these genres are akin to an ember away from a campfire. 

The times they are a changing indeed.  I've abandoned terrestrial radio and opted for commercial free Sirius, where rock lingers...for now.  And yet there is a modicum of hope.  The music of my parents, those standards which they often sought, lives on. With any hope, no music need suffer a final death when it is beamed from the heavens from whence it came.