Journey Was The Bridge Between 70's and 80's Rock - by Wal Ozello

By Contributing Pencilstorm Writer, Wal Ozello

This coming Friday night, April 7, Journey will finally earn their rightful seat in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Unfortunately, the controversy around whether or not former front man Steve Perry will be in attendance has overshadowed the importance of this band in Rock history. (Also... how about no word of all the other players including founding member Gregg Rolie?)

Much like their hometown Golden Gate Bridge spans across the bay and connects San Francisco to Sausalito, Journey effectively connected 70's Classic Rock to 80's Power Rock.  Rooted in the San Francisco sounds of bands like Santana with a thick mix of blues, rock and jazz, Journey evolved over the years with different members much like their fellow 2017 inductee: Yes.

You can still hear their classic rock roots on their earlier albums like Infinity, Evolution and even Departure. Listen to the 70's feel in the chord structure, guitar and rhythm sections in both these songs, while the 80's feel of power rock can be felt emerging from the melody and keyboards. 

Where the band begins to push the synthesizer and arena rock envelope is in their much more successful albums, Escape and Frontiers. Here in Separate Ways is a prime example of where Neal's angry hard guitar meets power synth, topped with driving drums and bass, layered with Steve's bluesy and emotional vocals. 

For all intents and purposes, Journey invented the Power Ballad with songs like Send Her My Love, Opens Arms and probably the best 80's ballad ever, Faithfully. While the piano and vocals dominate this song, it's really the pounding, massive drum fills and wailing guitar solos that really make this song stand out.

Journey never transitioned into the MTV generation well, and due to Steve Perry's personal issues (his mother passing away during the recording of Raised on Radio and a degenerative bone condition discovered after the release of Trial By Fire), the band never had the success they had in the late 70's and early 80's.  Steve had a shortlived solo career while Neal and Jonathan teamed up with John Waite from The Babies to form Bad English, then Neal went on to play in Hardline.  Journey has tried to rekindle that magic over the years and now are basically a touring band with their new singer, Arnel Pineda.

There are many reasons why Journey belongs in the Rock Hall. Don't Stop Believin' is the most downloaded song in history. All the members of the Escape/Frontier line-up are virtuosos in their own right. Steve Perry has one of the most awesome voices in rock, Neal Schon plays a killer guitar, Jonathan Cain's talent as keyboardist is only superseded by his songwriting skills, Ross Valory plays a funky rock bass and Steve Smith is a god on drums.

But the most important thing is the impact Journey has had in rock history. We'd never have 80's rock music without Journey.  Van Halen's 1984 wouldn't have been the success it was if Journey hadn't lead the way with the powerful synth-guitar formula. Bands like Aerosmith and Van Hagar could have never made their triumphant return to rock n roll without Journey opening the door to Arena Rock.  There would be no Bon Jovi, no Huey Lewis & The News, Duran Duran, David Lee Roth, and any other Hard Rock band. We would have missed out on every hard rock power ballad that was ever written. Even Prince was influenced by their work. Concerned that Purple Rain sounded too much like Faithfully, The Purple One played the song for Jonathan Cain before its release to ask for his blessing.

I'm sure there are those that would argue a world without Bon Jovi and Huey Lewis & The News would be just fine, if not better. Those are probably the people that believe Classic Rock should have never died and their dislike of Journey runs deep.

Journey nailed the classic rock coffin shut with their release of Escape and Frontiers, ushering in a new era of rock 'n' roll. I, for one, am thankful they did. Classic Rock was going to evolve and it was better for Journey to take it into the direction they did. Congrats on your induction into the Rock Hall of Fame.

A child of the 80's, Wal Ozello is the lead singer of the Columbus hairband Armada. He's the author of the science fiction time travel books Assignment 1989, Revolution 1990 and Sacrifice 2086 and a frequent customer at Colin's Coffee.

WrestleMania Lead-Up Part Two: The Lesnar Angle - by Big Vin Vader

                     WrestleMania Lead-Up Part 2: The Lesnar Angle      Follow@bigvinvader

I’m not really sure how I feel about Brock Lesnar.  He’s an amazing athlete, and a major figure in the world of combat sports.  But it’s because of all those things that his last few years in WWE have left me cold.  He’s become such a phenomenon following his work in UFC that he’s rarely much fun to watch anymore.  His street fight with Dean Ambrose at WrestleMania 32 was a major disappointment, and he’s hardly had any notable, worthwhile matches in the last year or so.  But that wasn’t always the case, and fifteen years ago he was one of the most exciting wrestlers on the roster.  Golderg, however, has always been a one-note character and wrestler.  He really does seem like a decent guy, but I’m concerned with Goldberg the current Universal Champion, not Bill Goldberg the person.  As I’ve complained before, the two had a terribly unsatisfying match at WrestleMania XX, and their current program has been very lackluster, consisting of squashes and little actual storyline build.  It’s easily one of my least-anticipated matches of WrestleMania 33, and the talk that it looks to be yet another squash, albeit in Lesnar’s favor, does nothing to alleviate my concerns.
    So, while it would theoretically make more sense for me to discuss Lesnar and Goldberg’s last WrestleMania match, I have no interest in doing that here.  Instead, I want to talk about Lesnar’s match with Kurt Angle at WrestleMania XIX.  While most of the talk regarding the match anymore concerns Lesnar’s botched Shooting Star Press, that moment is the only blemish on a fantastic main event match.  
    Both Lesnar and Angle (natch) were decorated amateur wrestlers, and they brought much of their technical skills to the table during their long rivalry in 2003.  Their World Title match at that year’s ‘Mania is the place to go if you want to see Brock take to the mat and wrestle with great proficiency and agility, rather than his post-UFC ground-and-pound style.  It really is amazing how fast and solid Brock was in the ring for someone his size, and the match is a stunning technical display.  Lesnar and Angle trade lightning-fast submissions and reversals, as well as a series of takedowns and some stiff brawling.  What the match is lacking in strong psychology, it more than makes up for in the sheer amount of wrestling ability on display.  On top of that, the two had great chemistry, and in this match and others from that period, you can tell that they respected one another and enjoyed working together.
    Also interesting is the point during the match where Angle nails Lesnar with four consecutive German suplexes, anticipating Brock’s later “Suplex City” gimmick.  And I know there’s no reason to debate what a tough bastard Lesnar truly is, but it really goes unappreciated until you see the guy land on the top of his head during an aerial maneuver, recover enough to kick out of a pin, and take the win with an F-5.  All while concussed.  It’s a famous moment, and still pretty hard to watch.  Unlike a lot of other matches featuring a significant botch, both wrestlers brought so much to the table and gave such intense performances that the single off moment did nothing to bring down the match’s quality and lasting legacy.
    There really isn’t much of a link between the two matches, apart from each featuring Lesnar, and the fact that Kurt Angle has come back into the fold, but that doesn’t mean a whole lot for WrestleMania.  The point is, this is the type of match that Goldberg could never have, and Lesnar likely will never have again.  It was intense, gripping, and above all else, a fantastic display of wrestling and storytelling at its finest.  What we’re getting this year is nothing but a money-draw, a spectacle without the wrestling to go along with it.  It’s not only unfair to have part timers fighting for RAW’s top title, it’s insulting to the fans who wanted to see a top-notch match between Kevin Owens, or at least another deserving young star, and a credible, full-time performer.  Back in 2003, it meant something for Lesnar to hold his brand’s top title, but in 2017 there’s absolutely no point other than to boost ratings, advertisements and merch sales.

Big Vin Vader covers WWE for Pencilstorm. Follow @bigvinvader

Pencilstorm and Friends Remember Chuck Berry

editor's note:  Upon hearing the news of Chuck Berry's passing, Ricki C. & myself quickly agreed that nobody needed our two cents on the subject. Who were we to comment on the man who invented rock n roll?  After taking some time to let it all sink in, and a road trip to see Dan Baird, we decided our best course was to compile a page of people we admired to pay tribute.  Hail Hail Rock n Roll. Hail Hail Chuck Berry. - Colin G. 

For a quick reminder on why Chuck Berry was so important check out Annie Zaleski's bio she wrote for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame here. 

Read "Without Chuck Berry There Would Be No Rock n Roll" by Rob Harvilla

Listen to Remembering Chuck Berry on the outstanding Sound Opinions podcast.

Terry Anderson is one of my rock n roll heroes and one of just a handful of songwriters I mention in the same breath as Chuck Berry. I asked him for his Chuck memories and he was nice enough to shoot me this as he was finishing up work on his latest album, Jimmy's Arcade due out May 10th. - Colin G

Terry Anderson: So our hero has left the building. 90 years is a good run, though. I'll take it! Sign me up! I'm just so blessed to have seen him perform three different times.

The first time was at MUSIC CITY here in Raleigh NC when The Pedestrians, along with my buddy Dave Adams on keys, got the backup gig. He loved Dave but man! oh man! he hated Tony the bass player who was, shall we say..."new to the instrument"! Chuck finally yelled at him "if you can't play that thang put it down!" I seem to remember getting backstage at that show, but you know, that was long time ago...back in my drankin' days (hee hee!).

The second time I saw him play was years later. Me and my buddy Roger were at Topsail Beach with our girls (mine was my soon to be wife) when we were looking in the paper for somewhere to go eat and wouldn't you know it! there's an ad for a CHUCK BERRY gig about to start in just 2 hours. The only problem was it was 2 hours away!  So Roger and I left the girls to fend for themselves on the food thing and we hightailed the shit outta there headed for Myrtle Beach! Driving 70mph the whole way, screaming at stoplights and generally being the kinda assholes you never want behind you we got to the Carolina Opry House JUST as Chuck was hitting the stage! We had just enough time to catch our breath before he came out and started into Roll Over Beethoven.

The piano player sure was exuberant! Song after song he would take off on a solo just when Chuck was about to! Chuck would cut an eye but the guy was good, I mean REAL good! Eventually Chuck would get his solo in and continue on. But you could tell after about 5 or so songs like this our hero was getting pretty pissed off. About mid-way through the show Chuck had it out with the guy on stage. It was during a song so we didn't know what the hell was going on. But things started to change after that little talk they had. Chuck was ok with the guy stepping on his solos. He'd let the dude take one then he'd take his. Things went smoothly from then on and it wasn't until the end of the show did we ever figger out what they had discussed up there. On the last song Chuck made up an entire new number, 3 verses, solo...everything! 

And on the last line of the song Chuck sez, "I didn't know the piano player was stone cold blind! Goodnight everybody!"

He came back out and did ROCK AND ROLL MUSIC, then he was gone.

It was so great and hilarious!

Saw him one more time a few years ago in downtown Raleigh. There were storms due to a hurricane in the area and it was an outside gig. The promoter was having trouble talking Chuck into going on. Finally he upped the pay 10k and got him a plate of ribs. I don't know which one influenced him the most but he came out during a break in the storm action and did about 40 minutes of partial Chuck Berry songs. The backup band sucked, but hey! at least Chuck sucked too! It didn't make a bit of difference though, we were standing right in front of him performing for US! There he was...Chuck FUCKING Berry!

Anybody who has seen Willie Phoenix knows he is in anybody's class when it comes to playing guitar-driven rock n roll. I snagged this from his Facebook page. - Colin G. 

Willie Phoenix :IT'S SUNDAY MORNING....AND THERE IS YET ANOTHER CLOUD OVER PEPPER LAND...SEEMS SO MANY STARS THAT HAVE BRIGHTENED OUR ROCK N' ROLL SKIES ...OUR ROCK N' ROLL EXISTENCE...HAVE MADE THEIR FINAL EXIT. ...NOW WITH THAT BEING SAID ...LET ME SAY...NO OTHER ROCK ARTIST HAS INFLUENCED SO MANY MEGA STAR ROCK N' ROLL ARTISTS LIKE CHUCK  BERRY...MEGA STARS INCLUDE....BOB DYLAN...BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN...BEATLES...BEACH BOYS,,,WHICH OF COURSE CHUCK SUED BEATLES AND BEACH BOYS...MANY OF YOU THINK COME TOGETHER WAS AN ORIGINAL...LENNON SLOWED DOWN CHUCKS...YOU CAN'T CATCH ME...HE EVEN LIFTED CHUCKS LYRIC...HERE COMES OLD FLAT TOP.. . AND JOHN HAD TO THANK SIR PAUL FOR THE ROLLING SOUL BASS LINE IN THAT SONG ALONG WITH MR. LENNONS BIG CHORUS PUSH....OR THAT TUNE WOULD HAVE BEEN MR. BERRYS ALL THE WAY. BOB DYLANS HIGHWAY 61'S RAMBLINGS..VERY MUCH IS CHUCKS ....TOO MUCH MONKEY BUSINESS....THE ROLLING STONES...ALWAYS HONORED THEIR BLACK ROCK N' ROLL FATHERS....GOT THEIR NAME FROM A MUDDY WATERS SONG....BUT CUT THEIR TEETH ON MANY MANY CHUCK BERRY SONGS...AND THE STONES ALWAYS PAID BACK...BEFORE CHUCK BERRY....YES THEIR WERE OTHER GREAT GUITAR PLAYERS...IN ALL THE GENRES ...ESPECIALLY COOL ROCK A BILLY AND BLUES CATS...BUT MOST OF THOSE GUYS FOLLOWED THE BASS RIFFS TO FATTEN GUITAR RHYTHMS...NOT CHUCK...HE ADDED THAT CHUGA CHUGA THING...THAT ALL GUITAR PLAYERS SHOULD LEARN TO DO IF YOU WANTED TO PLAY TRUE ROCK N' ROLL GUITAR...AND NOT JUST ROCK GUITAR...AND FOR ALL MY METAL BUDS OUT THERE...YOU MIGHT SAY CHUCK NEVER INFLUENCED ME...WELL EVEN JIMI HENDRIX DID A 1000 MPH VERSION OF JOHNNY B. GOODE...LED ZEPPLIN ....RIFFIN' CHUCK UP ON...BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I ROCKED N' ROLL...AS ROBERT PLANT WOULD SING.... ANYWAY HISTORIANS RUSHED TO GIVE ELVIS THE CROWN...FOR MANY REASONS...AND BOY GROWING UP I LOVED ME SOME ELVIS....ELVIS MADE THE GIRLS SCREAM...BUT CHUCK NOT ONLY MADE THE GIRLS SCREAM...BUT THE BOYS CHEERED HIM ON TOO...ROCK N' ROLL ...THE TRUE POWER OF THE ELECTRIC ROCK N' ROLL GUITAR WAS FIRST BROUGHT TO LIGHT BY CHUCK BERRY...AND THEN OF COURSE WAS THE GENIUS OF HIS PERFECT SONG WRITING...I THINK HIS SONG WRITING GAVE A PICTURE PERFECT STORY OF ROCKIN' TEEN SUBURBIA FOR ITS TIME. HAIL! HAIL! THE TRUE KING OF ROCK N' ROLL!
p3ace

And not to be outdone, long time Willie Phoenix and League Bowlers drummer Jim Johnson had some thoughts too.

Jim Johnson: No one had a bigger influence on every band I've ever loved, than Chuck Berry. The man defined the word Rock & Roll. There would be no Beatles or Stones, without Chuck Berry. There would be no Willie Phoenix or League Bowlers without Chuck Berry. His influence will live on, in a world that will be just a little sadder,without his presence. Rest in peace Chuck. 
You changed my life, and countless others, who loved the words you sang, and the notes you played. 

No Chuck Berry tribute would be complete with out reading what Keith Richards had to say about his passing and influence. 

And Hail Hail Rock and Roll Director Taylor Hackford. Read it here.

And in closing, check out the playlist from Jon Brian Peterson's always swingin'  Shakin' it Radio program which airs/streams on WCBE every Saturday night at 8pm. www.wcbe.org 

"ALL OF CHUCK'S CHILDREN" 3-25-17 CB Special now online for FREE DOWNLOAD. Playlist below and download by clicking:

SHAKIN’ IT: CHUCK BERRY SPECIAL 03-25-17/HOUR ONE
CHUCK BERRY- “Memphis” (Live, 1972)
JOHNNY RIVERS- “Memphis”
CHUCK BERRY- “Sweet Little 16”
BEACH BOYS- “Surfin’ USA” (Live, 1972)
LONNIE MACK- “Memphis” (Instrumental)
CHUCK BERRY- “Wee Wee Hours”
CHUCK BERRY- “Downward Train”
CHUCK BERRY- “Havana Moon”
PULP FICTION clip- “Vincent Vega”
CHUCK BERRY- “You Never Can Tell” 
CHUCK BERRY – “Tulane”
PAUL McCARTNEY- “Brown Eyed Handsome Man”
JOHNNIE ALLAN- “Promised Land”
CHOCOLATE WATCHBAND- “Come On”
MC5 – “Back In the USA”
ROLLING STONES- “You Can’t Catch Me”
ROLLING STONES- “Carol”

ROLLING STONES- “Around & Round”
MITCH RYDER- “Let It Rock”
ERIC BURDEN & ANIMALS- “Little Queenie” (Live)
BACK TO THE FUTURE clip- “Johnny B. Goode (instrumental)

SHAKIN’ IT: CHUCK BERRY SPECIAL 03-25-17/HOUR TWO
JOHN LENNON & CHUCK BERRY- “Johnny B. Goode” (Live on Mike Douglas Show)
BEATLES- “Roll Over Beethoven” (George Harrison sings!)
BEATLES- “Rock & Roll Music” (John Lennon sings)
ROD STEWART- “Sweet Little Rock N’ Roller”
BOB SEGER- “Rock N’ Roll Never Forgets” 
TERRY DAVIDSON & THE GEARS- “I Will Not Let You Go”
THE KINKS- “Too Much Monkey Business”
ROCKPILE- “Oh What A Thrill” (featuring Dave Edmonds)
THE TROGGS- “No Particular Place To Go”
SELDOM SCENE- “Nadine”
JUDGE DREAD- “My Ding-A-Ling”
PETER TOSH- “Johnny B. Goode”
CHUCK BERRY- “30 Days”
JANE PAULEY INTERVIEW- (with CB, 1973)
CHUCK BERRY- “School Days” (Live, 1972)
CHUCK BERRY- “Almost Grown”
CHUCK BERRY- “Run Rudolph Run”
CHUCK BERRY- “I’m A Rocker”
CHUCK BERRY- “Woodpecker” (Instrumental, under outro)

Colin Gawel : The rock n roll tree has grown many branches, but the one that came straight from the trunk, the direct path from the roots was planted by Chuck Berry. I've watched the scene below hundreds of times and it always fills me with joy. I could go on and on about the songwriting, the poetry, and his problems but..... just look at him.....or better yet, try to take your eyes off him. RIP Chuck.

Chuck Berry - Guitar, vocals Eric Clapton - Guitar Keith Richards - Guitar Steve Jordan - Drums Johnnie Johnson - Piano Chuck Leavell - Organ Joey Spampinato - Bass

Two Rock 'n Roll icons of the 20th century meet and perform together at the Mike Douglas Show in February 1972, New York City. Full segment: Memphis, Tennessee - Interview - Johnny B. Goode NOTICE: Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for fair use for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research.

WrestleMania Lead-Up Part One: Brothers and Best Friends - by Big Vin Vader

                      WrestleMania Lead-Up:  Part 1: Brothers and Best Friends

                                                        follow@bigvinvader

    Once again WrestleMania is right around the corner, and, less fortunately, we once again find ourselves with a mixed bag of a card.  That doesn’t change a thing as far as my interest, and I’m sure many fans are feeling the same.  The point, whether for good or bad, is the spectacle, and even the most technically-sound masterpiece of a match wouldn’t quite belong if it wasn’t a huge deal.  With that said, it’s time to take a look back at one of my—and countless others’—favorite WrestleMania matches: Bret vs. Owen Hart, from WrestleMania X, one of the PPV’s all-time best matches, and arguably the greatest show opener of all time.
    That the match contains some of the best pure wrestling ever seen on WWE PPV is no surprise.  There’s nothing I can say that would add to Bret’s spectacular legacy in the ring. Owen, while regarded as a great worker and underrated talker, still goes unmentioned among the all-time greats, regardless of his tragic death in 1999.  He was a magnificent technician, as well as an impressive flyer, long before either of those were common attributes on such a major stage.  Owen easily rests in my top five favorite wrestlers of all time.
    The rivalry between the two brothers was a fantastic example of an engaging, inspired, long-term storyline playing out in an entirely successful manner.  Owen, forever in Bret’s shadow, knew that he was just as good as his brother, and began to vent his frustrations as Bret cost them a few major matches as a tag team.  Finally attacking his injured brother, Owen’s heel turn signified the true beginning of their intense rivalry.  
     WrestleMania X was their first match as opponents, and it was fiery as hell.  The two put their scientific wrestling skills on display and went for over twenty-minutes at a fast pace, blowing away almost the entirety of the card to follow.  The biggest shock of all came with Owen picking up a clean win over Bret, the clear-cut fan favorite, and securing bragging rights.  Of course, that was far from the end of their rivalry, as Bret continued on that night to win the World Heavyweight Championship and remained in the spotlight.  But for those precious opening moments, not only were both brothers the focus of the wrestling world, but Owen was allowed to triumph as a true star.  His petulant, arrogant heel gimmick was perfectly suited to him, and allowed him a ruthless streak that heated the rivalry to the boiling point.

     Far be it for me to compare the Chris Jericho-Kevin Owens rivalry to Bret and Owen’s, but there are some parallels.  The two Canadians were paired as a tag team late last year, with neither seeming to have any major direction on the roster.  From this undesirable scenario, however, they gave us gold with their “best friends” storyline.  They were entertaining as all hell, and played their roles so convincingly that you could be forgiven for buying it all as real.  Naturally, it was both too good and just cheesy enough that it couldn’t last.  In another example of a long-term build, their divide was teased and hinted at for months before ultimately arriving last month on RAW.  It could be argued that the whole friendship angle harmed Owens’ Universal Title run, but in throwing Jericho into the Jeriton, he proved himself to be the ruthless heel he’s played so well for years, while turning Chris face in the process.
      So, we have two men, not quite brothers, but built up as pretty damn close, driven apart by the temper and ego of the lower-profile wrestler.  And much like in Bret and Owen’s case, both are tremendous wrestlers who can be trusted to deliver a top-notch match on a card rife with unexciting filler.  In fact, as far as I’m concerned, Jericho vs. Owens looks to be the match of the night at WrestleMania 33.  It has the most interesting angle story-wise, as well as two of the best wrestlers on RAW.  It will be a huge shock if the match fails to deliver, which is not to say that I’m expecting a classic such as Bret and Owen delivered, just an entertaining, physical contest between two men in a heated rivalry.
     Also, worth mentioning is that Kevin Owens took his wrestling surname in tribute to his son, who he named for Owen Hart, his favorite wrestler.

Hit and Run Interview with Dan Baird & Homemade Sin - by Colin Gawel

Former Georgia Satellites frontman and current Homemade Sin bandleader Dan Baird is back at it again. Zigging & zagging his way across the USA, bringing the most legit brand of American rock n roll you could ever wish to hear. I will be attending the show at Route 33 Rhythm and Brews on Saturday March 25th. I wish I could also attend Friday March 24 at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland and Sunday March 26th at the Southgate House Revival in Newport, Kentucky (right across the river from Cincy). Alas, that is just too much fun for a man of my age and responsibilities. YOU, however, should plan to attend all three. Loud guitars, catchy songs and looze booze should be flowing. 

Dan was kind enough to answer a few of my questions from the Homemade Sin van as I was drinking Four String Brew in my kitchen listening to his latest record, So Low. 

C.G. - Did you ever see Chuck live or meet him?

D.B. - Yes, I met Mr. Berry. Shook his hand backstage and ran like hell. Didn't want to find out if the rumors of his temper were true or not. 

C.G. - What Chuck Berry songs have you covered live?  

D.B. - I played bass in an all-Chuck band. Thirty tunes, the great 28 + a few. 

C.G. - Whoa. Switching gears, you and Homemade Sin are a touring machine. Would a 20-year old Dan Baird believe you would still be playing roadhouse rock n roll?

D.B. - I might believe I'd be playing, but my 20-year old self would have been frightened of what shape I'd be in.

C.G. - What good books or shows have you been watching to pass the time on the road?

D.B. - Planet Earth 2. Listen to a Live Dead playlist from 67-72.

C.G. - What records have you been digging? 

D.B. - I really like Super 8 Motel by Jason Isbell.

C.G. At what time everyday do you choose the night's set-list? Any method to your madness?

D.B. - I pick the set in the afternoon on the drive. We just started using one. Too many new songs, can't keep a lineup in my head.

C.G. - You guys were tight with The Replacements. What was you favorite record and did you enjoy the Mats bio Trouble Boys?

D.B. - Fave record is a tie: 
Let It Be
Pleased to Meet Me
Yes, I read Trouble Boys. What a book. Not for the faint of heart.

C.G. - Final question from Biggie: Did Tom Petty nick the Georgia Satellites cover of "Something in the Air" for their greatest hits record?

D.B. - Tom asked us at a sound check if we were gonna record it. (Rick) Richards blurted out "Hell no." 
Tom smiled and asked him if he could steal the arrangement, Richards said "Go right ahead." 
Tom thanked him for his next hit.
Same thing with "Suspicious Minds" and Dwight (Yoakam). 
Figure we threw away about 2 million records in hind sight.

Big thanks to Dan for answering this super fan's questions on short notice and make sure to visit his website and never miss a chance to see him perform live. - Colin G. 

Click here for Dan Baird website. .

Das war wieder eine super Stimmung in der Blues Garage mit Dan Baird & Homemade Sin - immer wieder klasse die Band!

Dan Baird (Georgia Satellites lead singer) performing "I Love You Period" live on the Letterman show in 1992. When this song came out I was not a fan, but now after hearing it 20 years later, I kind of like it.

This band changed my life. - Colin G. 

This Health Care Bill is an Act of Domestic Terror - by Colin Gawel

As loyal readers know, Pencilstorm is not a political website. We prefer to stick to serious subjects like movies, rock n roll and pro wrestling. However, I don't consider access to health care a political issue. Last I checked, sickness strikes both Republican and Democratic families. Both cancer and sprained ankles are strictly bi-partisan, so I am going to weigh in briefly with a couple of thoughts on the health care bill being voted on today in the House of Commoners.

As every single person (except one) knows, health care is a really complicated issue. Our whole system has been gradually erected on a swamp, so unless we rebuild the whole thing on a solid foundation, it's always going to have flaws. Until that day, we are always going to be propping it up. Or to put in Monty Python terms, our system is always in danger of falling into the swamp.

So let's skip the complicated stuff and save you some time. I am going to give you a quick quiz and by the end you will know if this health care bill is good for you.

Colin's Three Question Heath Care Quiz:

1) Are you under 35 years of age?  y / n 

2) Can you pay cash in advance for either your children's college education or your parents' long term care in a retirement home? y / n

3) Are you a member of Congress with guaranteed health benefits for life? y / n 

If you answered "No" on all three of these questions, this bill is a very bad idea and you need to call your representative today and voice your concerns. My rep is Steve Stivers and his # is 202 225 2015  I will be calling later and respectfully expressing my opinion. Remember, these folks work for us, not the other way around. 

And it's not like I'm out on a limb on this. The AMA and the AARP along with many prominent leaders on both sides of the aisle think this is a fiscally damaging and needlessly cruel bill capable of making life miserable for millions and millions of people. 

You don't think the AARP crosses their t's, dots their i's and even their j's when it comes to researching heath care? You bet your sweet ass they do. You want the complicated stuff?  Read this. or this   

And in closing, just to show that I too have narcissistic qualities that could one day lead me to the Oval office, I would like to quote myself. 

"Even Jesus would surely agree, to make somebody decide between their money and their life, that's as tough a chemotherapy"  - me

Columbus singer/songwriter Colin Gawel and The Lonely Bones released this track earlier in the year. With President Obama's health care speech of September 9th it resonates now more than ever. Find about more about Colin Gawel and his music at www.colingawel.com

Colin Gawel owns Colin's Coffee and is a musician. If somehow this bill passes, he and other hard working small business owners and musicians will be really screwed. He also plays in the band Watershed and The League Bowlers. You can read about him in the book Hitless Wonder.