Gunnar and Matthew Nelson are the twin sons of rock and roll icon, Ricky Nelson. Their family tree is rooted in the entertainment industry that spans three generations which began with their grandparents, Ozzie and Harriet Nelson. Gunnar Nelson takes some time to share his thoughts about being in a band and being part of a lasting legacy.
He was one of the original members of the most famous band in the world. (The Beatles) His mother (Mona) owned The Casbah Club in Liverpool, England where many well known British bands got their start in the early 1960s. Pete Best shares this thoughts about his new CD, Haymans Green, his life during and after The Beatles and what it all means to him now.
Very few music fans can ever say they had private lessons by their favorite artist, had a jam session with rock icons or discussed music and life experiences for an entire day and evening. This dream can come true if you become a participant in Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp where well known musicians team up with some “weekend rockers” who have day jobs and make their dream come true for a day. 2008’s Fantasy Camp mentors are: Dave Ellefson (former bassist of Megadeth), Chris Slade (AC/DC), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Mark Slaughter (Slaughter), Elliot Easton (The Cars), Earl Slick (John Lennon/David Bowie), Gilby Clarke (Guns N’ Roses), Mark Hudson (Grammy award song writer, entertainer) and Kip Winger (Winger). The participants and the veteran rockers share what it is like to be part of a tour of a different kind.
Nancy Lee Andrews started out as a model then found she had a natural talent and flair for photography. Spending some time as the girlfriend/fiancee of Ringo Starr during the 70s, Nancy was able to snap photos of some remarkable musicians and their surroundings. She explains why she put her book, “A Dose of Rock & Roll,” together and shares her feelings about such an extraordinary time of her life.
This tribute band for The Doors is as close to the original as fans will get. Sharing some time before their gig at The Winchester, Dexter Zirkle (aka: Jim Morrison) tells why he is the “front man” in a Doors tribute band and what it all means to him.
Murray Saul was the loud, gravel voice that blared the Friday night, “Get Downs” on WMMS radio station during the mid 70s. Murray celebrated his 80th birthday at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland and still had that sharp witted voice that made everyone tune in.
May Pang was the special person in John Lennon’s life while he and Yoko Ono were separated from 1973-1975. Often this time frame is pegged in rock and roll lore as John’s lost weekend which is the furthest from the truth. May discusses why she has chosen this time to put her book of photos together that show a happy and content John who is enjoying life and his friends. “Instamatic Karma” is a book of photos that illustrate the real story of that time period.
John Gorman was the Music/Program Director at WMMS radio station in Cleveland during its hey day in the 1970s. Under his watch it became the most popular radio station across the United States. In his book, “WMMS ~ The Buzzard,” John recalls events both good and not so good while at the radio station’s helm. He discusses more thoughts about his book and Cleveland’s rock and roll radio experience.
“Wonderful Tonight” is a memoir in which Pattie Boyd shares her life experiences with having been the wife of Beatle, George Harrison and then later the wife of Eric Clapton. Being married to two of rock and roll’s icons is not always the life as dreams may imagine. Pattie is candid as she discusses what life was like at first and then how it became distorted from the ideal image.
The Next Great American Band was a reality TV program in the fall of 2007 that saw Chicago based band, Dot Dot Dot as qualifying in the top five. Discussing the experience of being on the show and being able to talk with the judges (John Rzeznik, Goo Goo Dolls) and Sheila E., lead singer Adam Blair is humbled by the experience but also knows that his band has grown and evolved since being on the show.
The Dave Clark Five was part of the British Invasion during the 60s when bands landed on American shores in rapid succession. With hits such as,”Glad All Over,” and “Bits & Pieces,” The Dave Clark Five was a very close rival to The Beatles in popularity. In 2008 The Dave Clark Five were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
An exhibit of the 1965 Beatles movie HELP! has opened at The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. Fans are able to see original manuscripts, costumes, instruments and photos from the movie set. (Exhibit open until September, 2008)
Don Bernstine has the coolest gig going! He is able to travel world wide to wheel and deal a piece of memorabilia out of a famous musician’s grasp. The lasting result of his work is for music fans to see the items on the walls of Hard Rock Cafes all around the world. He shares his thoughts of what its like to have the ultimate backstage pass.
Ida Miller has been a fan of The Doors ever since she saw Jim Morrison slink across the stage in black leather pants during the 60s. She has graciously loaned many of her prized collection items of Doors memorabilia to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum in Cleveland, Ohio. In conjunction with the exhibit of The Doors at the Rock Hall, Ida agreed to share many of her stories and memories of seeing the Lizard King at his best and his worst. Ida does not usually grant interviews so I am privileged to speak with her.
(Exhibit open until September, 2008)
Carlo Wolff discusses his book, “Cleveland Rock & Roll Memories.” His book is a collective memory from many musicians, DJs and TV personalities who witnessed the music experience that was erupting in Cleveland which made it one of rock and roll’s hot spots.
Johny Barbata and Mark Volman who were two original members of 60s group, The Turtles. They discuss rock and roll life back then as well as their thoughts of today’s evolution of music. More thoughts are shared by Billy Steele who played with The Turtles for a brief run during the 70s.
A Beatles tribute band who call themselves, “Hard Days Night”. They share stories of how they started, their thoughts on the Fab Four and what their day jobs are.