bmusic - Newsletter No. 271

bmusic
Newsletter No.271
December 3rd - December 16th 2007

It was just last issue we spoke at length regarding the trouble US band Hawthorne Heights had found themselves in recent times with regards to the business side of music. Sadly, last weekend one of the band's guitarists, Casey Calvert passed away, aged 26.

WASHINGTON -- Authorities are trying to figure out why a guitarist from a popular band died Saturday, reported WRC-TV in Washington, D.C.

It happened just hours before the band Hawthorne Heights was set to perform at D.C.'s 9:30 Club on Saturday night.

Band members said Casey Calvert, 26, apparently died in his sleep. They said they realized what happened just before a sound check Saturday afternoon.

It was unclear exactly where Calvert was found.

Band members said in a statement on the band's official Web site that Calvert didn't show any signs of trouble the day before.

"Just last night he was joking around with everyone before he went to bed," they wrote Saturday.

The band also said Calvert was not "doing anything illegal" before his death.

"Please, out of respect to Casey and his family, don't contribute or succumb to any gossip you may hear. We don't want his memory to be tainted in the least. Casey was our best friend. He was quirky and awesome and there will truly be no others like him! His loss is unexplainable," the release went on to say.

Hawthorne Heights recently soared to No. 3 on the Billboard charts with their album "If Only You Were Lonely."

D.C. police are investigating. And the bad news doesn't end there. Quiet Riot founding singer Kevin DuBrow passed away at his Las Vegas home last week. He was found around 5:20pm Sunday night, Las Vegas time. His friend and founding Quiet Riot bassist Kelli Garni and drummer and close personal friend Frankie Banali became concerned for Kevin's welfare after unsuccessfully trying to contact him for six days before the discovery of his body. DuBrow started Quiet Riot in the late 70s with Randy Rhoads, the now legendary guitarist who moved on to perform and record with Ozzy Osbourne before his death in 1982. Quiet Riot's 1983 "Metal Health" album, which featured the Randy Rhoads tribute track "Thunderbird", was the first 'metal' album to ever reach Number One on the Billboard charts. DuBrow recorded his first solo album in 2004 (an album of covers), "In for the Kill," and the band's last studio CD, "Rehab," came out in October 2006.

Throughout the years Kevin DuBrow has been urged to let go of his memoirs and collection of memorabilia of his one-time bandmate Randy Rhoads but has been steadfast in his decision to keep those things private unless the project was completely in the interests of Randy Rhoads and ony Randy Rhoads. Very honourable considering some of the tough times that Kevin DuBrow has faced in the years since the height of Quiet Riot's fame. He had this to say about a recently launched project for a Randy Rhoads documentary:

Posted: Sun May 06, 2007 5:46 pm Post subject: Kevin DuBrow on the Randy Rhoads Film Project:

Kevin DuBrow on the Randy Rhoads Film Project:

"THE TRUTH, THE WHOLE TRUTH AND NOTHING BUT THE TRUTH."

As anyone who really knows me will tell you, I adored Randy Rhoads. In my life Randy Rhoads and Frankie Banali have been my 2 dearest friends. Friendship means everything to me and I take it very, very seriously. If not for the start that Randy gave me I would not enjoy the career that still supports me well to this day. I miss his hilarious personality and not a day goes by that I don't think of him. I would have loved to have be involved in a accurate film about Randy who is still my favorite guitar player and best friend.

When Dakota films director Peter Margolis called me to be involved in the proposed Randy Rhoads documentary I was hesitant to say the least. With a recent book full on inaccuracies based on the authors opinions rather than facts about Randy was released, I was apprehensive at best. I relayed to him that my biggest concern was for the film to be totally about Randy and not about others trying promote a book or new album and their own personal agendas at the expense of associations with Randy be it real, fabricated or imagined. Unlike others involved and contrary to what some may believe, I have no ulterior motives.

Peter assured me that this would not be the case. I told him that I have arguably the most accurate and complete memory from those years and would be willing to provide him with any and all of the massive amount of archival material in my possession which is extensive.

After being advised to do some careful investigation on my part, a few days later I realized that this film and some of it’s participants indeed had their own over riding priorities and Randy would not be represented as accurately or in many ways in a truthful manner. Then and only then did I decide to bow out.

The recent article from Guitar World titled “Randy Rhoads gets the Shaft” and the Blabbermouth post titled “Randy Rhoads dissed by former band mate” is when I truly realized that my sources were accurate in how this film would be handled. In all the five years that I played with Randy we never once had an argument and spent many hours playing around in the Hollywood area. In a million years I would not have a negative thing to say about Randy. He was the greatest guitarist I ever knew and worked with and one of the two most beautiful people I have had the privilege to share both my personal and musical life with.

Below please find the original letter that I sent Peter Margolis via e-mail:

To: Mr. Peter Margolis/Dakota Pictures

Peter,

Please accept this e-mail as my formal notice to decline your kind offer to participate in your planned film project "Randy Rhoads Documentary" that you previously approached me about.

It is my continued devotion and affection for the memory of Randy Rhoads and our time together that dictates that I keep those memories and feelings private so that they are not misconstrued as an attempt to monopolize on either Randy's life or his untimely passing.

I will continue to hold Randy's memory dear and private as always. I wish you much success in this worthwhile endeavor. Do Randy's memory, family and legacy proud.

Sincerely,

Kevin DuBrow

(End of Letter)

While I do wish them success with the film, my protective feelings for the memory of Randy will not allow me to be a part in this in any manner.

With no disrespect intended to all involved, wouldn't it be a fitting tribute to the memory and greatness that still is Randy Rhoads for the film makers and everyone involved to decree that all the proceeds and profits from this film after legitimate non-inflated artists or production cost be designated as a gift to a charity chosen by the Rhoads family? Or perhaps that profits from the film be contributed to a Randy Rhoads music scholarship? What a fitting and selfless tribute that would truly be! I guess I can dream, can't I..........?

Kevin DuBrow

There have been some companies who seemed to have seen the project, even before a single minute of footage was collated or filmed, as a chance to promote their wares. That in itself is bad enough, but wares and individuals who had nothing to do with the guy when he was alive. Individuals, like a great many guitarists, who were influenced by him, OK, maybe. But products that had zero to do with Randy Rhoads both then and now and everywhere in between. Shameless. I do wonder what will become of the collection of material and memorabilia Kevin had now that he's passed. Maybe it will be willed to Delores Rhoads, Randy's mother who has maintained the dignity of his son's memory throughout all these years. One can only hope that whatever becomes of it it will be treated as Kevin would have wanted.

And as it so happens, in threes, legendary motorcycle daredevil Evil Knievel's death was confirmed last night by his granddaughter, Krysten Knievel. He had been in failing health for years, suffering from diabetes and pulmonary fibrosis, an incurable condition that scarred his lungs. Knievel had undergone a liver transplant in 1999 after nearly dying of hepatitis C, likely contracted through a blood transfusion after one of his bone-shattering spills. His death came just two days after it was announced that he and rapper Kanye West had settled a federal lawsuit over the use of Knievel's trademarked image in a popular West music video. The motorbike daredevil sued West and his record company for his use of Knievel’s image in the rap video for ‘Touch the Sky.’ They sat down at Knievel’s home and thrashed out an agreement. “We settled the lawsuit amicably,” Knievel said. “I was very satisfied and so was he. I know he has had some tough times the past few weeks and I hope things work out. “I thought he was a wonderful guy and quite a gentleman.” West’s lawyers had argued that the video was a satire and protected by First Amendment rights. Knievel claimed that the video, in which the rapper dressed as ‘Evel Kanyevel’ tried to jump a motorbike over a canyon, damaged his reputation.

The Red Hot Chili Peppers are suing Showtime Networks, claiming they stole the title of their series Californication from the band's album and single of the same name. Whaaaat?

The lawsuit alleges unfair competition, dilution of the value of the name and unjust enrichment, claiming the title is "inherently distinctive, famous ... and immediately associated in the mind of the consumer" with the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The band have filed for damages on five counts in the California Superior Court. The suit seeks a permanent injunction barring Showtime and the other defendants from using the title Californication for the show, damages and restitution and disgorgement of all profits derived by the defendants.

Like having the same title would have hurt their album sales! Besides which, in July 2007, Kapinos, told reporters at a Television Critics Association press tour in Beverly Hills that he first heard the term in Oregon. "Apparently in the '70s there were bumper stickers that said 'Don't Californicate Oregon,' because Californians were coming up there, and I just through it was a great, great title for this show," said Kapinos. I'll be very interested to see how this one ends up.

Where Are They Now? this week was suggested by this week's Feature Artist, nice tie-in! A blast from the Western Australian past.

Regulars including Feature Article, The Weeks Ahead in Music History, Featured Artist and more are all inside Issue 271 of the bmusic Newsletter.
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Thanks to everyone for reading, we'll see you next issue!

TABLE OF CONTENTS (You will need to be online to use the Table of Contents to jump through sections)

Where Are They Now? - The Boys

This week's Music Quote

Featured Product - New Stuff

This week's Specials

This week's Feature Article - Five Paths to $100,000 Per Year: Part 3

This week's Feature Artist - Joe Matera

Musicians Wanted

Gear Wanted

Band Links

The Weeks Ahead In Music History
           Events
           Births
           Deaths

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In 1957, Jerry Lee Lewis secretly wed his third cousin Myra Gale Brown in Tennessee.

In 1957, "Jingle Bell Rock" by Bobby Helms entered the U.S. pop chart for the first time. It re-entered in December 1958, 1960, 1961 and 1962.

In 1961, "Surfin'", the Beach Boys first recording, was released by small L.A. record company Candis Records.

In 1964, Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson suffered a nervous breakdown on a flight from L.A. to Houston. The breakdown wa the catalyst for Wilson ceasing to tour with the group.

In 1966, Jimi Hendrix released "Hey Joe", his first single.

In 1968, Graham Nash left the Hollies and three days later announced the formation of Crosby, Stills and Nash.

In 1968, Graham Nash quit the Hollies to form a trio with ex-Byrd David Crosby and ex-Buffalo Springfield member Stephen Stills.

In 1968, Janis Joplin made her first appearance after leaving Big Brother and the Holding Company. Joplin performed in Memphis at the "Yuletide Thing" event sponsored by the Stax-Volt record labels. Also on the bill were such leading Stax acts as the Bar-Kays, Booker T. and the M-G's and Rufus and Carla Thomas.

In 1969, the Rolling Stones played the infamous free "thank you" concert for 300,000 fans at the Altamont Speedway in Livermore, California. Among other performers on the bill were Jefferson Airplane, Santana and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young. The hastily organised event rapidly turned into a disaster when four people died, including one who was stabbed by a Hell's Angel who was hired to act as a security guard. The murder was filmed and included in the film "Gimme Shelter" which premiered exactly one year later.

In 1969, at his trial for possession of hashish and heroin in the Toronto Supreme Court, Jimi Hendrix testified that he smoked pot four times and hashish five times, took LSD five times and sniffed cocaine twice and that he had "outgrown" drugs. After eight hours of deliberations, the jury found Hendrix not guilty.

In 1970, Tiny Tim, 40, married Miss Vicki, 17, on "The Tonight Show".

In 1971, Frank Zappa broke his leg and ankle and fractured his skull when he was pushed from a London stage by the jealous boyfriend of a Zappa fan.

In 1972, Elton John's "Crocodile Rock" was released.

In 1976, KISS guitarist Ace Frehley was nearly electrocuted during a concert in Florida when he touched a short circuited light. He was carried from the stage but returned 10 minutes later to finish the show.

In 1977, The Who performed a secret concert for longstanding fan club members and movie cameras filming for the Jeff Stein documentary "The Kids Are Alright" in London.

In 1977, the Sex Pistols were denied visas to enter the U.S. two days before their scheduled appearance on U.S. TV show "Saturday Night Live". The Pistols were also getting set to kick off their first U.S. tour.

In 1977, Elvis Costello and the Attractions appeared on "Saturday Night Live" in place of the Sex Pistols, who were refused visas to the U.S. two days earlier. The show's producer, Lorne Michaels, refused to allow Costello to perform "Radio, Radio" because of the song's criticism of the broadcasting industry, but a few measures into "Less than Zero" Costello stopped his group and went into "Radio, Radio". He was never invited back to appear on the show.

In 1978, Sid Vicious, out on bail from Riker's Island Detention Center in New York after being charged with the murder of his girlfriend Nancy Spungen, smashed a glass in the face of Patti Smith's brother Todd during an altercation at the New York rock club Hurrah.

In 1983, Keith Richards married model Patti Hansen during a ceremony in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Mick Jagger was the best man.

In 1984, the Bob Geldof assembled Band-Aid project released the single "Do They Know It's Christmas", the proceeds going to famine relief.

In 1985 Phil Collins made his U.S. television acting debut when he appeared on "Miami Vice", playing a drug dealer.

In 1985, James Taylor married actress Kathryn Walker.

In 1986, Elton John recorded a live version of "Candle in the Wind" in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

In 1986, Elton John recorded a live version of "Candle in the Wind" in Australia with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra. The song was released as a single and hit top ten chart positions across the globe.

In 1988, James Brown was sentenced to a six-year jail term for leading police on a late-night, two state car chase.

In 1992, Bill Wyman left the Rolling Stones after 30 years in the group.

In 1994, Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora married Melrose Place kitten Heather Locklear.

In 1995, the surviving members of the Grateful Dead disbanded the group following Jerry Garcia's death in August of that year.

In 1999, Rolling Stone guitarist Keith Richards stole a Fender Telecaster from an autograph seeker outside Richards birthday party at the Russian Tea Room in New York City. The owner of the guitar chased Richard's limo down the street shouting for his guitar back. Allegedly the Stones veteran leaned out the window and said "F@*! you, get a new guitar". No charges were laid with the guitar's rightful owner reportedly saying, "It's Keith, man".

In 1999, Paul McCartney, Pink Floyd's David Gilmour and Deep Purple's Ian Paice, performed at the Cavern Club in Liverpool. McCartneys first time playing there since his days with the Beatles. The concert was broadcast live over the Internet and attracts 50 million hits.

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Births In 1938, Animals bass player Chas Chandler.

In 1942, singer/songwriter Harry Chapin was born. Chapin died in 1981.

In 1942, Dave Clark, drummer and leader of the Dave Clark 5.

In 1943, Rick Danko, bass player for the Band. (See Deaths).

In 1943, Doors singer Jim Morrison. Morrison died in 1971.

In 1943, Allman Brothers guitarist Dickey Betts.

In 1943, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards.

In 1943, British guitarist Albert Lee.

In 1944, Alvin Lee, guitarist and vocalist for Ten Years After.

In 1944, Booker T. Jones, organist for Booker T & the MG's.

In 1946, hired gun and Vanilla Fudge drummer, Carmine Appice.

In 1947, Allman Brothers Band keyboardist Gregg Allman.

In 1948, self-confessed redneck Ted Nugent.

In 1948, Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, guitarist for the Doobie Brothers.

In 1949, Tom Waits.

In 1949, Paul Rodgers of Free and Bad Company.

In 1950, ZZ Top member and owner of a magnificent 1959 Gibson Les Paul Flame Top, Billy Gibbons.

In 1951, guitarist Robben Ford.

In 1956, R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck.

In 1956, the late Quiet Riot/Ozzy Osbourne guitarist Randy Rhoads. Rhoads was killed in a plane crash in 1981.

In 1956, R.E.M. bass player Mike Mills.

In 1957, Donny Osmond.

In 1958, Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx.

In 1966, Irish singer Sinead O'Connor.

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Deaths In 1963, Dinah Washington died of an overdose of sleeping pills in Detroit. She started as a church pianist before singing jazz with Lionel Hampton's band. From the late '40s and into the '60s, she sang a wide variety of stuff from blues to country to pop. Throughout her career she had a bunch of R&B; and pop hits. Dinah Washington was 39.

In 1964, Sam Cooke, one of the most popular and influential R&B; singers of his generation, dies under violent and mysterious circumstances in Los Angeles. According to court testimony, Cooke, who was married to Barbara Campbell, picked up a 22 year old woman named Elisa Boyer at a party. He promised her a ride home but they ended up at a motel.
Boyer claims Cooke forced her into the motel room and began ripping her clothes off. She managed to escape with his clothes while he was in the bathroom. He pursued, wearing only a sports coat and shoes.
While she called police from a phone booth, Cooke began pounding on the door of the office of the motel's manager Bertha Franklin. He demanded to know where Campbell was and allegedly broke the door open. Cooke reportedly assaulted Franklin, who shot him three times, and kept coming at her, who then beat Cooke with a stick. By the time police arrive, Sam Cooke was dead.

In 1967, soul singer Otis Redding was killed at the age of 26 when the plane in which he was a passenger crashed into a lake. Members of Redding's touring band were also killed.

In 1980, John Lennon was assassinated by Mark David Chapman. Lennon was shot in his chest, back and left arm and was pronounced dead thirty minutes later. Earlier in the day, Lennon had autographed an album for Chapman.

In 1988, Roy Orbison died of cardiac arrest at the age of 52, two days after he played his final show in Akron, Ohio.

In 1991, Joe Cole, a one-time roadie for punk group Black Flag, was killed while being robbed.

In 1998, James Lynn Strait, bassist for Lethal Dose and vocalist for Snot, died in a car crash along with his pet dog Dobbs. Dobbs was also the Snot mascot. Strait's death inspired the heavy rock all-star tribute album featuring performances by System of A Down, Sevendust, Incubus, and many more.

In 1998, Jimmy Ellis, one of the world's most famous Elvis impersonators who worked with the likes of Jerry Lee Lewis and Loretta Lynn such was his reputation, was shot during a robbery at his pawn shop.

In 1999, Rick Danko, bass player for The Band, died in his sleep in Woodstock, New York one day after celebrating his 56th birthday.

In 2000, music teacher and inventor Harold Rhodes died at the age of 89. Rhodes was the inventor of the Rhodes electric piano, which helped the evolution of jazz rock.

In 2000, Kristy MacColl (aka Mandy Doubt) was killed when she was hit by a speedboat while swimming. She was an English New Wave/Punk performer who performed notable pieces such as "There's A Guy Works Down The Chip Shop Swears He's Elvis" and "Walking Down Madison". She wrote and recorded "They Don't Know", which was later a hit for Tracey Ullman. MacColl Was a member of The Drug Addix and had worked with The Pogues, Simple Minds, Happy Mondays, The Smiths, The Rolling Stones, Talking Heads and Robert Plant. She was the daughter of folk songwriter Ewan MacColl and dancer and choreographer Jean Newlove. She was one time married to record producer Steve Lillywhite.

In 2000, 10,000 Maniacs lead guitarist Robert Buck died of liver failure at the age of 42.

In 2001, guitarist/singer for Death, and one of the death metal genre's pioneers, Chuck Schuldiner died from a brain tumor.

In 2001, guitarist and singer Stuart Adamson (William Stuart Adamson) was found dead after being missing for a month. Adamson had hung himself. He was, most notably, lead singer for Big Country.

In 2002, Australian born member of U.K. group Stereolab, Mary Hansen, was killed when hit by a vehicle while riding her bicycle. Hansen was born in 1966 in Maryborough, Queensland.

In 2004, "Dimebag" Darrell Lance Abbott, guitarist of Damageplan and founding member and guitarist of the then defunct Pantera was shot and killed whilst performing on stage at an Ohio club. A gunman stormed the stage shooting Dimebag and several other people before being shot and killed by an Ohio policeman. Five people, including the gunman and Dime, lost their lives at the Alrosa Villa club in Columbus, Ohio.

In 2005, Gerry Humphreys, a pioneer of Australian rock with the group The Loved Ones, passed away in England at the age of 63. Younger punters may have a connection with Gerry and his band through their song "Everlovin' Man", covered by Jet in 2005 and released as the B-side to their "Cold Hard Bitch" single.

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