KISS & The Order Of The Rose: 1981-82

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Patch Elder 3“Now before you lies the quest at hand”
KISS & The Order Of The Rose: 1981-82

“BUZZ” Newspaper Article (#54-kE) Sep- Oct 2015
By: RLSchwinden aka MrZer0

So Halloween is approaching us & so we will continue our 4th annual tradition of another installment on KISS, this time will be one of the least known eras of KISS “1981- 82” but in fact one of my favorite periods. Frankly I did not care for the glitzy “Dynasty & Unmasked” period, the 1979 LP had some pretty good songs, but the 1980 the songs were lackluster & the production was flat, far too compressed for myself (& I am a Monkees fan).

> Who steers the ship through the stormy sea <
KISS had great sales with the ‘Dynasty’ LP (platinum), but the ‘Unmasked’ LP sold half as much. I personally think, KISS were wondering how to regain some ground, & since, at the time ‘The Wall’ was doing so well I think KISS decided to change their look & get more with the times of the “New Wave” image, that was currently popular & bring back the ‘Destroyer’ producer Bob Ezrin (who produced Pink Floyd), & record their own “Concept” album, based on a story Gene Simmons had written.

I can still remember in fall ’81 my buddy Russ S. (the Gene in my 1st KISS cover band) picked me up @ my Mom’s house, in his white Impala & plugged in the new KISS 8Track, ‘(Music from) The Elder’ I shouted “So, how is it?” Russ replied “Get ready, it is really different for a KISS album” then “The Oath” came on & I said “This sounds great to me” & Russ replied “Oh, just you wait” then came “Fanfare” & “Just A Boy” & I responded “what is THIS!” he said “See, I told ya”

So I went to ‘Uncle John Records’ & bought my vinyl copy (I did not have a car or an 8Track player) of ‘(music from) The Elder’ which was released in on 10 Nov 1981, & here’s where the story unfolds; the very 1st pressings had the songs on the back listed in a different running order than the LP (not unusual for KISS) & a poly-bag sleeve & No lyrics, also for the 1st time, NO Photos of KISS, you had to go check the current magazines to see the “New” KISS costumes, shockingly they had all cut their hair short (for them anyway) & were back to black leather & silver accents. I wasn’t sure what to think, I was thankful the “Vegas Look” was gone, but I was not sure about the “New Wave” look, once I thought about the new look, it really did reflect the new direction in music, so I was ok with the changes. I was right out of High School & not really knowing what to do with my life, I listened to this “New” KISS album over & over because it really spoke to me, it was the story of a boy & his journey in life & most importantly “To believe in yourself” I used this LP as a mantra over the next couple years.

> I never said I was more than I am <
The P.R. for the LP at the time was; the band released the 1st part of the soundtrack, in Nov 1981, to be followed by the film in early 1982, starring Christopher Makepeace: (22 Apr 1964; Montreal) as: “The Boy” & Anthony Parr (RIP:2002 Ontario) as “Mr. Blackwell” (both were on TV Series ‘Littlest Hobo’) Robert Christie: (20 Sep 1913- 1996; Toronto) as “Morpheus”. It is a documented fact Makepeace recorded dialogue for the LP, but it was left off of the released version, it is disputed whether “Morpheus” on the last track “finale” of the LP is Simmons or Robert Christie. Additional rumors were the band members themselves would appear in the film as their ‘KISS’ personas as characters in the story, & this would be the theatrical “Unmasking” of KISS as they would play other characters in the film “Sans Makeup” therefore the fans would flock to the film to “See What KISS Really Looks like without makeup”
Here’s the track listing for;
The US Version:
The Oath
*fanfare
Just A Boy
Dark Light
Only You
Under The Rose (Carr plays acoustic guitar)
A World Without Heroes
Mr. Blackwell
Escape From The Island
Odyssey
I
*Morpheus

Then after telling my friend Paula how much I loved the album, she bought a copy much later than I did, her’s, the 2nd pressing came with the songs printed in the correct running order on the back, but with a paper inner sleeve with the printed lyrics. This is decades before the “IntroNetts” so I came to find out there was a different version released elsewhere.

Japanese Version: (when part 2 was still planned to be released)
*fanfare (almost 1 min longer on this version)
Just A Boy
Odyssey
Only You
Under The Rose
Dark Light
A World Without Heroes
The Oath
Mr. Blackwell
I
*Morpheus
“Escape From The Island” was left off of the Japan version

> I just need a will of my own <
One 45 Single was released in the USA “A World Without Heroes b/w Dark Light” & hit #58 on the charts in Nov ’81 in Europe a single of “I b/w The Oath” was released in Jan ’82. There are 3 different Vinyl LP versions: 2 for USA & 1 Japanese, there is an 8Track (remarkably in the same running order as the LP), & 2 different cassette versions: 1981 & 1989 & 3 different CD versions 1986 Japanese, 1989 USA & 1997 USA. Songs for 2 videos were filmed “A World Without Heroes” & “I” supposedly taken from the film & used as “Promo Videos”

The origin of “Only You” from an interview I conducted with Simmons in Jun ’90 “The song was originally written about Diana Ross in ’80 or so, for the album @ the time with totally different lyrics, it was a love song “Only you can complete me” Doro (in 1990) sang the original lyrics for her version, along with some other songs (4 in total: “Something Wicked This Way Comes” “Rock On” & “Mirage”) I wrote. Lou (Reed), yes he did contribute to a couple songs, but not as much as some would like to think” 2 other songs
“Every Little Bit Of Your Heart” (Just A Boy) Stanley wrote this love song, perhaps about “Donna Dixon” about the same time as Simmons “Only You” Anton Fig & Frehley wrote “Don’t Run” (Dark Light) at roughly the same time as these other 2 songs. From an interview I conducted with Anton Fig in Fall 1987, Fig: “I do not play on “The Elder”, but a song I wrote is on that one, I did play on the 2 LPs before that, “Unmasked” & “Dynasty” you can tell because I play a double bass & Peter (Criss) doesn’t” Tony Powers (1938 Bronx) released his own version of “Midnight Trampoline/Odyssey” in 1982 a reworking of “Odyssey” & Cher released “A World Without Heroes” in 1991.

Then later in ’82 the 2nd part of the film soundtrack would be released with the other songs used in the film, many just being score or incidental music used in the film. The songs from the 2nd LP are:
Council of the Elder: (Stanley)
Unknown Force: (Simmons- Stanley)
Heaven: (Carr- Frehley) eventually released as “Breakout” by :Frehley in ’87
& “Carr Jam” by: KISS in ’92
Kicks Are For Kids: (Frehley)
Difference Between Men & Boys (is the size of their toys): (Simmons)
Nowhere To Run: (Stanley)
I’m A Legend Tonight: (Stanley & Adam Mitchell)
& 3 different untitled instrumentals (Ezrin, Stanley, Simmons)

>Your glory, I swear I’ll ride for thee <
Since “The Elder” performed below expectations, the band scraped the “2nd LP” altogether. To promote the LP the band made several TV appearances; on 15 Jan 82 the band appeared on the the TV show “Fridays” performing the songs “The Oath” “A World Without Heroes” & “I” live, this same month the show “Solid Gold” ran the 2 promo videos mentioned, they did band interviews on “American Top 10” & “Entertainment Tonight” & Gene & Paul made appearances on the “Flo & Eddie Show” “Strom Field Show” & a “Cerebral Palsy Telethon” & finally on 28 Jan 82 the trio, sans Frehley, who was rumored to be home with the flu, performed an alternate version of “I” as they substituted the word “Guts” in place of the word “Balls” from ‘Studio 54’ in NYC.

One thing I have come to learn about KISS is; when they 1st roll out a “New Look” the 1st set of costumes are usually “Prototypes” for the initial photo session, followed by a 2nd more functional or updated version of the costumes, this set is no different, for the “Live” costumes; Simmons has dropped the chain-mail pants for leather pants & changed shoulder-pads, Stanley essentially dropped his satin shirt & pants for a leather shirt & tights & swapped out his boots a shorter pair for a thigh high pair, Paul did keep his purple bandanna, so he could hid his Microtia (missing right ear), not surprisingly Ace’s & Eric’s costumes remained the same. For the 1st time since 1974, there was no KISS Tour for a new LP; in fact they would not tour again until Dec ’82. See you on the “Flip-side” next month.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJi9lFUYKYo

The “KISS ’74 Tour; Tribute Band: ROCK and ROLL all NITE” will be performing @ this year’s “Crypticon: MPLS” on Fri 23 Oct 2015 @ the Ramada Ballroom in Bloominton, MN @ 10pm also on the bill “Metal Ships” & “Devil’s Rejects” & “Maiden MPLS”
So kidz lets Rock and Roll Over right into Halloween!
MrZer0

Mr. Zero’s Inc. *Est. 2009
1744 Lexington Ave. N.
Roseville, MN. 55113
www.MrZeros.Com
Music, Movies, Toys & Video Games

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Bolin & Mouzon: 1974 “Mind Transplant”

Posted on by mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — 2 Comments ↓

mouzon bolin la 74https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFM3tYGRWVE

“Some Of The Things People Do”
Alphonse Mouzon & Tommy Bolin: 1974

“BUZZ: Newspaper Article” Aug- Sep 2015 (#53-aM)
By: RLSchwinden aka MrZer0 from the forth coming Book “Post Toastee” The History of: Tommy R. Bolin

As many of you may know I am a huge Tommy Bolin fan, being from Sioux City, you kind of, have to be. I was working at RecordShop VWM in 1989, when the Box Set ‘The Ultimate’ by Tommy Bolin was release on Geffen Records. Now; his 2 Solo LPs I was very familiar with & the 2 Deep Purple LPs & the 2 James Gang LPs & to a lesser extent even both Zephyr LPs, what I was not familiar with was his one-off LP with Billy Cobham, Alphonse Mouzon & Moxy. I remember reading over the booklet that came inside thinking “Alphose Mouzon, that’s about the coolest name there ever was”

So I took a listen to the 2 tracks on the Box Set “Nitroglycerin” & “Golden Rainbows” & I thought “How interesting, this music is so different to anything, I usually listen to” up until then I was not a fan of “Instrumental Music” but this was really different, so I got a copy from my friend Gordy. I was blown away Mouzon’s drumming was so fast & furious, precise & driving, very music like one of my favorite drummers Neil Peart.

Alphonse Mouzon was born on 21 Nov 1948 in Charleston, North Carolina, upon graduating from high school, he moved to NYC & attended City Collage of New York taking drumming lessons from Bobby Thomas. Mouzon joined the Jazz band ‘Weather Report’ sometime in late 1970, the band recorded in Spring ’71 & released their 1st LP in May 1971 on Columbia Records, Mouzon left the band to go Solo & released his 1st solo LP ‘The Essence Of Mystery’ on Blue Note Records in 1973 followed by ‘Funky Snakefoot’ in 1974. At the exact same time Mouzon was in the jazz band ‘Eleventh House’ with Larry Coryell (2 Apr 1942 Galveston, TX) that released the LPs ‘Introducing’ on Vanguard Records in 1974 followed by ‘Live In Montreux’ later in ’74 & a bootleg ‘Live In Europe’ in 1975.

Alphonse was a busy drummer as he recorded several LPs for McCoy Tyner ‘Shara’ & ‘Song For My Lady’ in ’72 followed by ‘Song Of The New World’ & ‘Enlightenment’ in ’73. Mouzon also played on the LPs: Wayne Shorter ‘Odyssey Of Iska’ & Tim Hardin ‘Bird On A Wire’ in ’71, as wells as Eugene McDaniels ‘Headless Heroes Of The Apocalypse’ & Doug Carn ‘Spirit Of The New Land’ & Bobby Humphrey ‘Dig This’ in ’72 & Norman Connors ‘Dance Of Magic’ in ’73.

> The Real Thing <
Here’s where the story really unfolds for me.
Tommy Bolin (1 Aug 1951:Sioux City, Iowa – 4 Dec 1976: Miami, FL) had left the ‘James Gang’ in Aug ’74 & he & Stanley Sheldon (19 Sep 1950: Oattwa, KS) on Bass & Mike Finnegan (26 Apr 1945: Troy Ohio) on Vocals & Keyboards & Guille Garcia on Percussion & Marty Rodriguez on Drums were trying to reform a new version of ‘Energy’ which fell apart in a mere 3 weeks, although some demo recordings were made like “Sooner Or Later” (found on ‘Whips & Roses:2’), “Side Walk Strut” & “Shot My Baby Down” this Line-up did perform @ least 1 live show in Denver as a 9 song live tape exists. Then Bolin & Sheldon recorded 3 demo songs for Dr. John’s ‘Hollywood Be Thy Name’ in Nov ’74 the title track “It’s Your Freedom” & “Stick With Me”. Also sometime in ’74 Bolin sat in with ‘Weather Report’ & recorded 11 songs, perhaps as demos or jams.

Bolin was always prone to sit in with anyone who would let him, one time he had sat in on a jam with Mouzon & Coryell of ‘Eleventh House’ in a club in Boulder, CO. sometime in late ’74, Mouzon knew of Bolin by his guitar work on ‘Spectrum’ (1973 Atlantic Records), by; Billy Cobham (16 May 1944: Panama) with Jan Hammer (17 Apr 1948: Prague) both formerly of the ‘Mahavishnu Orchestra’. Mouzon was wanting to record a Fusion Jazz LP of his own, in the vein of ‘Spectrum’, so Mouzon booked some studio time on 6 Oct ’74 @ ‘Glen Holly Studio’ (named after the street it was located on), in Beechwood Canyon- Hollywood Hills, with Bolin on guitar, as it was one of Bolin’s favorite places to record, because it was owned by Bolin’s sometime business partner; Phillip Polomeni (23 Jul 1951: Brooklyn, NYC, -3 Feb 2014: L.A.) along with Stanley Sheldon from Bolin’s band ‘Energy’ & Rocke Grace on Keyboards. As with almost any sessions held at ‘Glen Holy Studios’ they were recorded,

> Collective Energy <
I met Polomeni in 2010; Polomeni “When we built the studio (in the garage under the house), Tommy (Bolin) was my main client there, he (Bolin) wanted Everything captured on tape, however some artists like (Todd) Rundgren did NOT want the jams recorded, so what we did was, secretly install microphones in the ceiling, & when they asked us to shut off the recording mics, we just turned on the hidden mics (in the ceiling), so I have thousands of hours of recordings, that have never been heard by anyone, anywhere, because most artists like (Joe) Walsh & (Jeff) Beck were cool about having themselves recorded. Tommy (Bolin) put up some money to get the studio off the ground, so he & his main man (Stanley) Sheldon were there a lot, they recorded everything, problem was, once in a while we were doing other things (various intoxicants) & sometimes we would forget what we were doing, & we would flip the tape over, that we had just recorded on (the other side), so some things were “wiped” (erased) like the “Beck- Bolin Jam” with Tommy on Bass & Jeff on Guitar, but the other half of that session survived though, we’re planning to release that soon, or like most of the “Mouzon Jams” got wiped, except that reel Tommy took with him that night” there was 1 CD released of this material ‘The Original Raw Uncut Glen Holly Studio Recordings 1973-1976: Jams Vol. 1’ on the “Glen Holly Studios” label, this CD was originally released for 1 day in Sep 2013 then pulled, but re-released in Jan 2014.

Mouzon, Bolin, Sheldon & Grace convened on a Sunday & jammed for several hours, a CD was eventually released ‘Bolin- Mouzon Fusion Jams’ in 1999 (TBACS-1 CD only) containing:

1. “The Real Thing” (19:24min)
including “Ain’t No Sunshine” (@ 14:39min) “From Another Time” (15:00min) “I Shot The Sheriff” (17:40min)
2. Blues Grooves (5:15min)
3. “No More Crying” (3:35min)
4. “Homeward Strut Jam” (3:08min)
5. Gonna Let Me (12:30min) into “What Cha Gonna Do About It” including “A Day In The Life” (9:26min)
6. Sunrise Jam (2:48min)
7. “Following Me” (12:24min) including “Love Child” (2:38min)
(*some song titles are subjective interpretation)

One of Tommy’s favorite Guitarists was Wes Montgomery (1923- 1968) & his 1967 LP “A Day In The Life” (A&M- CTI Records #LP-2001) was probably his favorite album by Montgomery, one can tell, as Bolin occasionally, throughout the years will incorporate, the verse melody from the title song, of this LP, in his extended jam solos, just like in Track #5 (@ the 9:26 min mark)

> Crazed Fandango <
The recording for “Mind Transplant” began on;
Wed-Fri4-6 Dec1974 Hollywood, California At Wally Heider Recording Studio “3” Mon & Tues 9-10 Dec 1974 Hollywood, California At Wally Heider Recording Studio “3”with Mouzon on Drums, Keyboards & Vocals, Bolin on Lead Guitar 4 of the 8 songs, Lee Ritenour on Guitar, Jay Graydon on Guitar & Keyboards, Jerry Peters on Keyboards & Henry Davis on Bass. All the songs were written by Elvena Mouzon & were arranged by Alphonse. The LP was Produced by Skip Drinkwater, the Executive Producer was George Butler, the LP was Engineered by Gabby Garcia & assisted by Brian Ingalls. It was recorded in Hollywood but remixed @ Wally Heider Studio “A” in San Francisco by Fred Catero & David Coffin, & was mastered @ Columbia Studios in San Francisco by George Horn & Fred Catero. Art direction was handled by Lloyd Ziff & Bob Cato with Design Ria Lewereke. Photography was handled by Doug Metzler, there are few “out-take” photos from the photo session where Mouzon & Bolin is outside on the street, I have actually held, in my hands, the actual green cloth jacket Bolin wore in these photos.

1. Mind Transplant
Solo: Mouzon
2. Snowbound
Solo: Bolin
3. Carbon Dioxide
Solo: Bolin
4. Ascorbic Acid
Solo: Graydon & Ritnour
5. Happiness Is Loving You
Solo: Ritnour
6. Some Of The Things People Do
Solo: Ritnour
7. Golden Rainbows
Solo: Bolin
8. Nitroglycerin
Solo: Bolin

As Bolin did not read sheet music, he had the songs played to him once or twice, being such a natural musician (his grandfather was a recording musician in Lebanon singing in Arabic, before immigrating to the USA the Bolin estate has about 15 records of their grandfather in the safe vault) he was able to memorize the melody & trusted to come up with something on his own, the other 2 guitarists had their parts written out for them.

John Herdt: 2005 (Bolin historian): “Mouzon wrote all the material on the original release, and the result was a mix of rock, funk and jazz that had tremendous appeal among rock listeners. The playing is superhuman, but there are plenty of hooks and booty-shaking grooves. The album is sometimes compared to Spectrum, but it stands on its own as an irresistible listen. Graydon and Ritenour are superb, as is the whole band, but the mix of Tommy’s advanced rock chops with Mouzon’s unbelievable thrust and precision was the highlight for many on Mind Transplant he was pushed right up front on the tunes which featured him as the soloist. Many of Tommy’s fans are drawn to particular parts of his history for tone and style, and the period around the James Gang and Mind Transplant contains some of his most beloved tone and phrasing. Tommy’s performances ranging from the incendiary leads on “Nitroglycerin” to the beautiful melody and drama of “Golden Rainbows” show Bolin crafting auditory gems. “

The was at least 1 live performance of Mouzon’s “Mind Transplant” Line-up, as a recording exists on “reel to reel” from Tommy Bolin’s personal collection of this performance
Sat 19 October 1974 Ft. Collins, Colorado @ CUS
Opening Act Benny Boulder Using Rude humor
(Partial Setlist From Audio Recording)
1. Golden Rainbows 8:50 min

> Fantasy <
‘Mind Transplant’ was released in Mar 1975 on Blue Note Records LP #BN-LA398-G & on CD #7243-8183652-1 in 1993, there 2 versions of the CD the 1st issue contains the bonus track “The Real Thing” the other does not, remarkably Bolin was on a total of 4 LPs in 1975, as he played Lead Guitar on the 1st ‘Moxy’ LP released in Canada in the Winter of 1975 (USA 1976) & then Deep Purple’s ‘Come Taste The Band’ on 10 Oct 1975 & his 1st solo LP ‘Teaser’ on 17 Nov 1975, quite a prolific output in such a short amount of time.

On a humorous note; Alphonse once sent me a ”cease & desist order” because we used his song “Golden Rainbows” in a Mr. Zero’s Inc. commercial in 2010. I responded with “Dear Sir, I am one of your biggest fans, as well as Tommy Bolin, & we used the song with the intention of spreading your music to an audience who may be unfamiliar with your back catalog” he must have liked that answer because he let us continue to use the song with proper credit due to Mouzon.

Alphonse Mouzon will be headlining the 21st Annual “Tommy Bolin Music Festival” in Sioux City, Iowa on Sat 8 Aug 2015@ The “Icky Nickel” with Johnnie Bolin: Tommy Bolin Band, DVC, Dare Force, Black Oak Arkansas, & Bobby Berge: Zephyr & Energy & Russell Bizzet: Energy, Jose Feliciano.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyEeELJPbGk

“If I don’t see you in the future … I’ll see you in the pasture”: T.B. 1975

RLSchwinden c/o
Mr. Zero’s Inc. *Est. 2009
1744 Lexington Ave. N.
Roseville, MN. 55113
www.MrZeros.Com

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“My Name is Prince & I am Funky ….”

Posted on by mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — No Comments ↓

Prince 1983https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GTOhzlh_el4

“My Name is Prince & I am Funky ….”
“Prince & The 12″ Single”
“BUZZ” Newspaper Article: Jun- Jul 2015 (#52-PrN)
By: RLSchwinden: Aka MrZer0

> Mr. Zero’s & 12″ Vinyl Records <
Some of you may or may not know I own a “Used Shop” Mr. Zero’s & we sell Records, CDs & Cassettes along with Vintage Video Games, & Retro Toys & movies too, since 2009. Recently a young customer was in looking in the ‘Prince’ section & was confused about “The Vinyls that aren’t full ones & why would anyone pay more money for fewer songs?” So I decided this time I will cover “12” Singles” & “Prince” as it was just his birthday.

I started in the “Music Business” back in 1985, so I worked several Prince Records, back in the day, & it didn’t hurt that I was a Huge “Prince” fan (vs.Jakko). I had heard of Prince (Prince Rogers Nelson: 7 Jun 1958; MPLS), when I was @ West High, “I Wanna Be Your Lover” was a huge hit in our area, but the 1st time I really took notice was when I was living in Bemidji, MN. I had just quit the band ‘High Fever’ (as I hated touring) I was working as a temp. janitor at the State University, & my supervisor “Willis” used to play, only R&B & Funk while we worked, I found the work was easier & the day went by faster working to this kind of music, & I really started to dig this one artist “Prince”

So, 1 day I went to buy the new Prince LP & one thing my good buddy Eric DeW. (@ Uncle John Records) taught me was, The availability of 12″ Inch Singles is a limited run, in addition too they are the same size as “LPs” but use More Grooves, therefore they have an Increased Fidelity & 95% of the time, 12″ Singles contain an alternate version of the same song from the LP, a different cover & a song or sometimes 2 songs that are not on the LP at all! So I started buying all of Prince’s 12″ Singles 1st, then I would buy the full LP later.

The “12” Single was introduced in 1956 for Jamaican DJ’s to use in dance clubs, in 1970 Ampex tested a 12″ Single in the USA, then in 1973 Mixing Engineer; José Rodríguez for the Swamp Dogg/ Jamie label cut a single song over the space of a 12″ Record, the result was increased level of volume & dynamic rage & easy visual access to the “Breaks” in the song. The 1st 12″ Record released worldwide was on Atlantic Records By; Donna Summer “Love To, Love You” summer of 1975.

> His Purple Majesty <
Now I happen to think “Prince” is one of the greatest musicians of all time, talented & prolific, he was not afraid to sing about God or Sex, which was a real turn off to some listeners, he understood “Music Fans” he put out new music almost every year, his LPs contained “Premiums” (posters, photos, stickers) & understood the value of 45 Singles; giving us Edited Versions of our favorite songs with Non-LP songs on the “Flipside” & 12″ Singles; containing extended re-mixed versions of our favorite songs “Backed With” Non-LP tracks as well.

My good friend Jack L. was visiting a Local Guitar Shop in MPLS in the late 70s when the owner informed him; “See that young kid over there in the corner, he’s going to be the next big thing” Jack replied; “That little guy over there tearing it up on guitar?” the owner; “Yep that’s Prince Nelson, mark my words he’s going to be the next big thing” Jack; “Prince Nelson, is he royalty?” the owner “No, that’s his ‘Real’ name” later, my good friend Al H. sold Prince his 1970’s Honer Telecaster, that Prince used frequently in the early 80’s. Let’s get on with our history lesson;

> Controversy: 1981 <
Prince’s 4th LP ‘Controversy’ was released in Oct ’81, this LP also contained a Poster in the LP, the 2nd single “Let’s Work b/w Gotta Stop Messin About” was released on 12″ Single in Jan 1982 & hit #9 on the charts, this was the 1st “Non-LP Song” released by Prince. I met Bobby Z. (Robert B. Rivkin: 9 Jan 1956; MPLS) in May 2001 @ his recording studio now called “Winterland Studios” I had him sign my “Let’s Work” 12″ Single, as he was looking it over I mentioned “It’s a 12″ Single” he responded “I know what it is” Me; “Because Prince did so much of the recording himself, did he use you much on drums?” Bobby Z. “Yea, sure he used me all the time in the studio”

> 1999: in ’82” <
This really where his Purple Majesty really takes off, on his 5th LP ‘1999’ released in Oct 1982 with 3 of the 12″ Singles containing Non-LP Tracks; starting with “1999 b/w How Come You Don’t Call Me Anymore” released in Sep 1982 a #12 Hit, followed by: “Delirious b/w Horny Toad” released in Aug 1983 & a #8 hit on the charts, & then “Let’s Pretend Were Married b/w Irresistible Bitch” released in Nov 1983.

> Purple Rain: Soundtrack: 1983 <
The “Revolution” begins as Prince releases the #1 hit single “When Doves Cry b/w 17 Days” in May 1984 a full 2 months before the LP with the Non-LP ”17 Days” in my opinion one of the best songs Prince ever wrote & recorded, followed by the 2nd #1 hit single “Let’s Go Crazy b/w Erotic City” on 18 Jul 1984. Then the monster smash hit LP “Purple Rain” is released on 25 Jul 1984 although most of this was recorded live @ ‘1s Ave’ club on 3 Aug 1983, this LP also contained a Poster inside. Then the actual film was released in theaters on 27 Jul 1984, it truly was the summer of “Prince”! Then the title track “Purple Rain b/w God” Vocal & or Inst. was released in Sep 1984 a #2 hit on the charts, a 4th 12″ Single, “I Would Die For You b/w Another Lonely Christmas” issued in Nov 1984 & landed #8 on the Billboard Charts, totaling 4 Non-LP songs for this LP. Also The “Revolution” submitted the song “4 The Tears In Your Eyes” to be included on the “We Are The World” LP released in Apr 1985.

> Around The World In A Day: 1985<
Traditionally, it’s really hard to top your last monster success, I seem to remember this was the case, I don’t think the “Purple Rain” fever had long enough to rest before the 7th LP came out ‘Around The World In A Day’ in Apr 1985, this LP contained a sticker. The 1st 12″ Single “Raspberry Beret b/w She’s Always In My Hair” a #40 hit, was released in May 1985 again another Non-LP B-Side that I feel is one of the best songs Prince ever wrote & recorded, my good friend Le Mar, told me “In St. Louis, ‘She’s Always’ was played on the radio as much if not more than ‘Raspberry’ was at the time”. The follow up 12″ Single was “Pop Life b/w Hello” issued in Jul 1985 & hit #7 on the charts.

I have mentioned many times before in the late 80s for about 10 years into the late 90s that VHS releases were part of “The Standard Record Contract” & sold incredibly well, many of the VHS only releases were & have not been released on DVD due to legalities & contractual obligation (this subject is discussed at length for a documentary I was interviewed for & appear in titled “Adjust Your Tracking” Mar 2014 Romark Ent.). Prince releases the VHS concert ”Revolution Live” in Jul ’85, from a concert performed on 30 March 1985 Syracuse, NY. the band play 18 songs including all of “Purple Rain” including 3 of these mentioned “Non-LP” songs. The 3rd 12″ Single “America b/w Girl” was released in Oct 1985, worth noting the “A” side clocks in at 21min & the B-Side again is a Non-LP, to total 3 songs not included on the LP.

> Parade: 1986<
I have to wonder if Prince thought the key to another smash hit LP was another film. The single “Kiss b/w Love Or Money” was released in Feb 1986 & hit #1, (however my favorite version of this song is by: ‘Age Of Chance’ from 1986) followed by the soundtrack LP in Mar 1986 titled ‘Parade’ to the film “Under The Cherry Moon” released in Jul 1986, I do recall a lot of promotion for the film but not that much success, I seem to remember Jerome Benton (19 Sep 1962 MPLS) getting the best response from the film. I met Jerome at a ‘The Time’ concert @ the Quest in MPLS, which happened to be his birthday, I was able to slip back & wish him a happy birthday, oddly enough the following year I saw ‘The Time’ In concert again @ a club in MOA, as I walked up to him to say “Hello” he looked at me & said “Hey, man, I remember you, how have you been?” The 2nd 12″ single “Mountains b/w Alexa de Paris” was released in May 1986 & reached #45 on the charts. The last 12″ from this LP was, my favorite song from this LP, “Anotherloverholenyohead b/w Boys & Girls” released in Jul 1986. Again, 3 extra songs.

> Sign O The Times: 1987<
In Feb 1987 the new 12″ Single comes out, a #3 hit with “Sign O The Times b/w La, La, La, He, He, Hee” with the next big smash hit for Prince with the 2nd Double LP “Sign O The Times” released in Mar 1987, I remember WB Records really pushing this LP, as we (RecordShop) received 2 Promo LPs & 2 Promo Cassettes, (as Cassette was Thee Predominate Format from 1986 to 1991) over a 9 month period. The next 12″ was “If I Was Your Girlfriend b/w Shockadelica” (a title lifted from The Time’s Jesse Johnson) released in May 1987. The 4th 12″ released was “I Could Never Take The Place Of Your Man b/w Hot Thing” in Nov 1987, a top #10 hit & so once again 3 more Non-LP songs.

It’s worth mentioning that Prince had recorded & nearly released a LP titled “The Black Album” in Dec 1987, a few hundred promo copies leaked out, before the release was altogether cancelled. My favorite track is “Bob George” it’s a “Must Listen To”, simply because it is so different for Prince, although there is a similar track titled “Cloreen Baconskin” on the ‘Crystal Ball’ CD from 1998. This CD; ‘Black Album’ was eventually released in Nov 1994.

> Lovesexy: 1988<
In an unusual move for Prince he put the Non-LP song “Good Love” on the soundtrack LP ‘Bright Lights, Big City’ released on 1 April 1988, then in Apr 1988 the top #10 hit “Alphabet St. b/w This Is Not Music, This Is Not A Trip” is released. Unlike any other artist of the time Prince was releasing 1 LP per year, which, for me, is why he is one of the greatest artists of all time, Prince’s 10th LP ‘LoveSexy’ is released in May 1988 followed by the next 12″ “Grand Slam b/w Escape” released in Jul 1988, (Prince & Comp. opened a Club of the same name in MPLS. in late 1989). In Sep the 12″ “I Wish You Heaven b/w Scarlet Pussy” is released, the 12″ version of the “A Side” is now part of a 3 part movement, along with the “B Side” is not included on the LP, indecently, the “A Side” is my favorite song of this LP.

A 2nd “Live” VHS Concert was released in Nov 1988 titled “Sign O The Times” recorded from 4 concerts in Jun 1987 Rotterdam, Antwerp & MPLS, it contains 14 songs. As Vinyl virtually ceased to exist in Jan 1988, this will draw a close to our article on “12” Vinyl Record Singles” It may be of interest to check out ‘The Time’ who released 3 LPs from 1981 to 1984, which is essentially Prince & Morris Day (Morris Eugene Day: 13 Dec 1957; MPLS) as well as ‘The Family’ that released 1 LP in 1985, again essentially Prince ,as well as the Jazz Band ‘MadHouse’ that released 2 LPs in 1987, also essentially Prince. There was a 3rd film with Prince & The Time “Graffiti Bridge” released in Nov 1990, but as Vinyl had been dead for well over a year the 12″ Single, had been renamed the “CD Maxi Single”. The 1st time I was able to catch Prince was in Ames, Iowa on 7 Dec 1997 @ Hilton Coliseum, (a photo of from that concert hangs behind the cash register in our record shop) here is the setlist;

Jam Of The Year
Talkin’ Loud and Sayin’ Nothing
Let’s Work
Delirious
Purple Rain
Little Red Corvette
I Would Die 4 U
Six
The Most Beautiful Girl in the World
Face Down
I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man
The Cross
Do Me, Baby
Adore
Insatiable
Scandalous
Sexy M.F.
If I Was Your Girlfriend
The Ballad of Dorothy Parker
Girls & Boys
Darling Nikki
Diamonds and Pearls
The Beautiful Ones
How Come U Don’t Call Me Anymore
Take Me With U
Raspberry Beret
Kiss
Gett Off
When Doves Cry
(Eye Like) Funky Music
(The New Power Generation cover)
Baby I’m a Star
1999

Larry Graham’s ‘Graham Central Station’ (with several members of ‘Sly & The Family Stone’) were the opener. It was great to finally see the “Purple One” in concert, however many of the songs were wrapped up in medleys; Prince did showcase himself, singing, dancing, & playing Guitar, Keyboards & Bass. Like I said truly one of the greats. In closing with Prince’s 12” Single releases he gave us no less than 20 new Non-LP songs & at least 20 Remixes of the “Hits”
Until the next time … RLSchwinden: aka MrZer0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5SA-YTXFPQ

>Mr. Zero’s: Since 2009< "Records, CDs, Cassettes, DVDs,VHS, Vintage Video Games, & Retro Toys" www.MrZeros.Com 1744 Lexington Ave. N. Roseville- St. Paul, MN. 55113 651. 489. 0207

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SlipKnot; DSM: 515.666.7448

Posted on by mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — 2 Comments ↓

MPLS Purple One

MPLS Purple One

SLIPKNOT 1999“The Heretic Anthem”
SlipKnot: Des Moines, Iowa: 515- 666 -7448
“BUZZ” Newspaper Article: Jun- Jul 2015 (#51-sK)

While I was born in Sioux City, IA. in the 60s (home of Tommy Bolin), went to Jr. High in Jackson, MS. in the 70s (home of Tommy Aldridge), right out of High School I moved to Phoenix in the 80s (home of Stevie Nicks), I worked for 3 major CD Store Chains in Des Moines, Iowa from 1985- 1999; the Home of ‘Slipknot’

I have told this story a 1000 times, so I thought it’s time I write about it … This My recollection of the events that lead up to, the formation of one of the most popular bands in the entire world. Please bare with me as it’s a little jumbled & skips around a bit, because that is how intertwined the Music Scene was in Des Moines, back then …

> Scepter to Black Diamond: 1985<
I moved to Des Moines, Fall of ’83, after I was staying Shakopee, just after, having moved from Bemidji. I was on tour with ‘High Fever’ (Pat, Frank, Rodney & Kurt) who reign from McAlester, OK. in 1983, I quit because “Road Life” did not agree with me, specifically the “Alcohol & Drugs” & lack of regular food & sleep. My plan was to hookup with my friend’s “Strat” (Brett Rogers: 1965) & Kelly’s band in Des Moines, but by the time I got there they had broken up.

I did manage to join a local band ‘Scepter’ in Summer ’85 with Guitarist John T, Vocalist Mike Allen (11 Aug 1967) & Drummer Tony (Shannon) Post (1967). John left in 1986 & The Drummer Tony & I formed an “Early KISS Tribute Band” called ‘Black Diamond’ with Bob Tyler (as Gene) playing mostly songs off of KISS’ 1st & 2nd LPs (Much like I do today, 30 years later in ‘KISSin Time’).

While we were running ads for a guitarist to play ‘ACE’ My Ex. Girlfriend Cathy, found one Ryan Thorton, (This is really where this story begins) Ryan was fantastic & thought Tony was a great Drummer, but he did not care much for my lack of ability.

One day Ryan brought in some musicians he knew from before; Vocalist: Matt Biegger & his cousin a Bassist:Doran Lindsey. Tony & I jammed with the other 3; Ryan, Matt & Doran a few times in the Summer ’86, before they decided I needed to be replaced with a better guitar player & they wanted Biegger to sing full time & not trade off Lead Vocals with me. I lost track of those guys as I started jamming with some other local musicians, until dropped out of the scene all together in Winter of ’88.

> Atomic Opera: 1991<
The 1st member of ‘SlipKnot’ I met was Jim Root (2 Oct 1971 Las Vegas), in the summer of 1987, I was the Asst. Mgr. of ‘RecordShop’ @ Valley West Mall & Jim used to come in & buy ‘Iron Maiden’ & ‘Yngwie Malmsteen’ Cassettes (as I recall). I heard he was a great guitarist so I sized him up & approached him one day; Me “Say, were looking for a new ACE in my KISS tribute band, wondering if you’re interested in trying out?” as I recall Jim said something to the effect of: “KISS music is beneath me, & I would never wear makeup”.

Back then I used to buy most of my ’60s Gibson Guitars from Paul Wilson’s (who is the transcriber for Christopher Parkening’s TAB books) ‘Ye Olde Guitar Shoppe’ in Urbandale, 1 of the guys who used to work there was a friend of mine; Jared H. (& then eventually Mick Thompson worked there too) who was good friends with Jim Root, it was here about, ’92 or so, I found out Root was in ‘Atomic Opera’ with none other than; Matt Biegger & Doran Lindsey & another ‘Ye Olde Guitar Shoppe’ Instructor; Michael Curry (1 Jun 1965) from Santa Monica, CA. who was also a friend of mine. When Jared left “Ye Olde” about ’94 his replacement was none other than Mick Thompson (1973 Iowa) #7, I used to by vintage guitar parts from Mick @ “Ye Olde”.

However by this time Post had been replaced by Drummer Danny Spain (5 Mar 1969: DSM), who happened to be a friend, of my friend Aaron H. I am not sure as to when Thorton dropped out of the band. I 1st saw ‘Atomic Opera’ at the Botanical Center in Des Moines, the Lineup was; Biegger, Lindsey, Curry, Root & Spain, they were phenomenal, to my memory it was roughly the melding of the music of ‘Metallica’ with the Vocals of ‘Queensryche’ & insanely tight & heavy, it was like nothing I had heard at the time & I was in the music business. Biegger was replaced by Vocalist: Scott Andreas before the band started recording original material.
Curry eventually left the band (he told me the reasons why but I will not reveal them) & was replaced by Bruce Swink.

‘Atomic Opera’ recorded & released a Cassette in 1992, as Vinyl was DEAD & CDs cost a lot of money to produce back then, released under the title “The Judgement” with the title song & these 3 others: “Soldier” “Coupe De La King” “Across The Sea Of Doom” I seem to remember Root had recorded over Lindsey’s Bass tracks, suggested by the Producer, while Doran was a great Bass Player live, there was some inconsistencies with his playing in the studio. I was told Doran didn’t find out until after the release came out & he was given his copy. Sometime 1992, the band had to change their name because of Texas based band of the same name. I was also told there was a 2nd Demo Cassette recorded by the band, there is a 10 min “Live” video of the band, from 1993 @ Clear Water Beach outside of Des Moines, Iowa.

> Voices Again: 1993<
Back in ’88 there was guy who used to hang out in the ‘RecordShop’ I worked @ in Valley West Mall, he was a guitarist named Denny Harvey (5 Apr 1972: DSM) here’s an excerpt from an interview I did with him recently.

*Denny 2015: “The band (Stone Sour) started with Corey, Joel Ekman and myself (Denny H.). I was a rhythm guitarist and it was my second band. We settled on the name Freakshow and practiced for a few months, while Joel and Corey wrote a half dozen songs. Eventually I quit, took the name Freakshow with me, and Joel and Corey kept the material they had written with them. They came up with Stone Sour after the drink. I rejoined about a year later, but it never panned out. I would occasionally jam with the band as a special guest at gigs, or just jam for fun. Corey and I had a punk cover group called the Dumfux that would play parties. About a decade later, Corey and I started doing the Dumfux for fun again, and that lasted 6 or seven years, essentially I am the “Stephen Coronel” (KISS reference) of that band.”

In ’92 I was working at ‘RecordShop’ @ Southridge Mall & I used to see this young guy who worked at the local porn shop, with long blonde hair with a Green streak down the left side of his hair & a purple one down the other side, hanging out in the mall & occasionally hanging out in our store, that would be Corey Taylor (8 Dec 1973: DSM) #8, at the time he was in ‘Stone Sour’ who I knew was around, but I didn’t think they were all that great (I thought I was a better vocalist, let me clue you in, I wasn’t).

Years later in 2000, I was transferred to Burnsville Center, MN. & the word had gotten around, I had known some of the guys in ‘SlipKnot’ back in the day, a lot of young people would come to me & say “I heard you knew ‘SlipKnot’ back in Des Moines, What do they look like without their masks?” Now for me this was Really cool, & had come full circle, because about 15 years earlier that was me, asking guys I met, who either met members of KISS or knew them like: Jay “Hot Sam” Barth: Soundman for KISS 1976.

My long time friend Rob Kuhn was getting married & he had his bachelor party in a restaurant in downtown DSM (Des Moines) on 27 Jul 2000, as I walked into the restaurant I saw Taylor & Crahan were up front eating. I told my friend Ace (a local record dealer), who was there, I passed them as I came in, he asked “How do you know it’s them” I said “I have known Corey for years” Ace asked “Did you know SlipKnot is playing in town tonight @ Waterworks Park?” I replied “No, I just got in town right now, walked in here & passed them walking back here to met you guys ” Ace said “You’re probably right then”

Unbelievably, one time in 2001, one young man (Nat) who worked down the hall from us @ Schmidt Music, came in & asked the now famous question. I stopped what I was doing & looked up, blinked a couple times, then responded … “Well, Corey, looks a lot like you” I thought it may have been a cousin or another relative. He replied “Screw you man, I was being serious” & I said “So am I” about a year later the 1st ‘Stone Sour’ CD came out in Aug 2002, so I tracked down Nat @ the guitar store where he worked, went in & asked him “So did you get the new CD?” He responded “Yea, I did, & you weren’t kidding, I do look like Corey!” I said ”I told ya so” some years later in Nov 2011, I was able to tell Corey this story, when I went backstage to see him @ the Varsity in MPLS. I started to walk backstage & his manager asked “Excuse me, where’s your pass?” I said, “Let’s ask Corey & see what he says” I then said “Corey Taylor, we go back a long ways” he said “We do?” I said “RecordShop, Southridge” he said “Rik, get in here how have you been, I haven’t seen you in years, I heard you have your own Music Shop (Mr. Zero’s Inc. 2009), I gotta stop in there?” I looked at is manager & said “See, I Told ya”

>Dressed to Depress: 1994<
Joey Jordison (26 Apr 1975: DSM) #1 worked for our local competitor ‘Musicland’ so I had seen him around, & probably met him through my friends Keith S. or Lewis, who were managers for that chain, at some point I saw Jordison play in a local band ‘Modifidious’ about ’94 & possibly ‘The Rejects’ in ’95, but how was I to know that one day he was going to be JOEY JORDISON of: SLIPKNOT at the time he was just another one of the local musicians on the scene. So I did not pay much attention to him at the time.

> Killers Are Quiet: 1995<
I lived on 35th & University for 8 years, down the street on 2307 University, was a dive bar or also known as a reggae club called “The Safari” I was told sometime in about ’94 Shawn Crahan purchased the club & turned it into a “Rock Venue” (I saw ACE Frehley of: KISS there Nov’94) & renamed it “Hairy Mary’s” I believe ‘SlipKnot’ became pretty much the house band for the club at this time, while I saw many other bands there back then & probably saw ‘SlipKnot’ with other bands on the bill, it didn’t dawn on me to go see ‘SlipKnot’ by themselves because they were always playing there, & besides who knew they would become the world wide phenomenon, that they did. Back then I had see many Local Iowa bands work hard to make it, get signed to a Record Deal & then break up, EX. ‘Peter Lorre’ got signed released a record under the name ‘Saint’ then broke up, ‘White Hot’ about the same deal, ‘Barney Fife’ or ’35 Inch Mudders’ the list goes on & on ….

In the Winter of ’95 I was working @ Best Buy South DSM, I used to make this joke that I was going to start a punk band named “Children From Hell” that would have 3 drummers & a Lead Bassoon Player, my Co-Worker Todd B. Maxfield of ‘Joker’s Poem’ responded “Naw, too late SlipKnot now has 3 drummers”

>Frail Limb Nursery: Purity: 2001 <
I 1st saw ‘SlipKnot’ @ OZZfest on 16 Jun 2001 in Sommerest, WI. as the band took the stage I asked my friend Darin M. “How long has Jim Root been in ‘SlipKnot’ ?” he replied “Since just after the Road Runner CD, why?” me “I just saw him walk on stage is all” he asked “Well how did you know it was Jim, he’s wearing a mask?” I replied “I have know that guy since he was 16 I know the way he walks & stands on stage” he said “Unbelievable”.

The 2nd time I saw ‘SlipKnot’ was with ‘Rammstein’ on 11 Oct 2001 @ Xcel Center in St. Paul, I worked for “fye” which ran the merchandise table for that tour, I remember thinking there was not of people there, but then it was only a month after the “911 Attacks” even so they put on an awesome concert, & that’s saying a lot if you have ever seen ‘Rammstein’.

I get asked all the time, “So if you knew the guys from ‘SlipKnot’ in the very beginning did they always wear the masks? the answer “I am uncertain, as I never bothered to go see them, on their own, as they were always playing down the street, from where I lived, or so it seemed back then, anyway” I do know they dropped out of sight for a while in ’97 or so, then reemerged with “The Look, Image & Sound” this about the time that supposedly, ‘SlipKnot’ “Stole” the image from ‘MushroomHead’ from Cleveland, OH in 1993, however when I asked several members of ‘MushroomHead’ in Nov 2010, about this accusation, @ least 2 of the band members responded “That was all for media hype & publicity, it’s all cool, there is no problem between us & them, there never was, that was solely to draw more attention to both bands @ the time”

>I Am Hated: 2002<
I was visiting my buddy Crazy Rob in the Winter of 2002 in DSM & on this particular day the producer for the documentary “Behind The Masks: The Unauthorized DVD” By: Music Video Distributors which was released in Mar 2002, was stopping by to pick up actual photographs to be used in the DVD video & cover art. I remember they were from the UK while Rob was pulling the photos, I sat & talked with the Producer & the cameraman about my experiences with the band, the Producer did take a few notes, but I do not recall the Camera being turned on, I do remember her saying they had more than enough footage for the DVD, so I am sure my interview was not used.

My co-worker Steve M. & I went to see the new re-make of “Rollerball” for his birthday in Feb 2002. So we’re watching the film & lo & behold ‘SlipKnot’ is in this film, as a kid in Jackson this was 1 of my favorite films & now the band I knew from DSM is in the new version … unreal.

One time while visiting my Mom in Phoenix in Sep 2002 we were at her home on a Friday (6 Sep 02) night, the TV was on in the background when ‘Slipknot’ was on the ‘Jay Leno Show’. I stopped talking & walked over to the TV. MY Mom asked “What’s wrong?” I replied “I knew those guys back in Des Moines” she said “Yea, so…” I responded, “Well, let’s see, I am sitting home on a Friday night with my Mom & they are playing the Jay Leno Show … I wonder who is doing better for themselves?” she responded “So, what what you want to look like those guys?” I said “For that kind of fame & money they’re bringing in, YEA! I would”

Rob K. (owner of WayBack Records) & I went to see Corey & Denny Harvey in ‘The Dumfux’ @ “House Bricks” in Des Moines, in Jan 2005, while I was talking to Corey & getting a CD signed he said “Let me introduce you a guy I know, & he can sign that (CD) for you too” that would be Josh “Gnar” Brainard (6 Aug: DSM) #4, when I went up to him to ask him to sign the CD he said “Who told you this was me?” I replied “Corey, over there” he then responded “Oh, then its ok” & he signed it, his wife offered “That S&M mask in the photo is on our fireplace in the living-room”

> Hero Poet: 2007 <
On 27 Jul 2007 I met Shawn Crahan (26 Sep 1969: DSM) #6 & Stella Katsoudas (3 Nov 1971: Chicago) Of: ‘Sister Soleil’ when I saw ’Dirty Little Rabbits’ play the ‘7th Street Entry’ in MPLS, Crahan was playing a 4 piece jazz kit, I was impressed by what a great drummer he is, Stella responded “I know right, so few know what a great drummer he really is”.
I went to see ‘DANZIG’ with my buddy Perry L. on 17 Aug 2013 @ the Myth in Maplewood & the band ’Scar The Martyr’ was opening, I thought to myself while they were performing “That drummer plays a lot like Joey Jordison, but, can’t be he’s busy with ‘SlipKnot’ & ‘Murder Dolls’ lately” turns out it was Jordison’s new band, & Jordison was no longer in ‘SlipKnot’.

So recently my friend Josey obtained 2 tickets to “Northern Invasion” on 9 May 2015 in Somerset, WI. so we went to go see them … another friend asked me “I didn’t think you were into that kind of music?” I replied “I’m not, but I knew a couple of those guys back in the day in Des Moines, & I am very proud of how far they have come & how far they have gone”
So there you have it, my personal tale, memories & connection to Iowa’s most famous band ‘SlipKnot’ I would like to point out these are my memories from events that happened up to 28 years ago, while I have recalled them to the best of my ability, any corrections are welcomed.

*Corey Taylor will be appearing 12 Jul 2015 Sun @ the ‘Turf Club’ in St. Paul, MN.

Until the next time … RLSchwinden: MrZer0
Mr. Zero’s Inc. 2009
1744 Lexington Ave. N.
Roseville, MN. 55113
www.MrZeros.Com

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Ringo Starr: 1970- 1978

Posted on by mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — No Comments ↓

Ringo Starr: 1970

Ringo Starr: 1970

“As of Sep 1980 Ringo Starr had more “Top 40 Hits” than John Lennon” J. Jayne 1991: Billboard Historian

Ringo Starr: 1970- 1978

“BUZZ” Newspaper Article (#50-RnSt) May-Jun 2015
By: RLSchwinden aka: MrZer0

When I was a little boy way back in Sioux City, my favorite BEATLE was Ringo, as I thought my Godfather Uncle Jim, looked like a reddish brown haired version of Ringo, (incidentally Jim’s wife at the time (Colleen) looked a lot like Cynthia Myers), & Ringo had hits like “Photograph” & “Back Off Boogaloo” & “It Don’t Come Easy”

He was born Richard Starkey Jr: on 7 July 1940 in the Dingle section of Liverpool UK, he was raised by his Mother Elsie & Step-Father Harry Graves. Twice in his youth he became deathly ill contracting peritonitis @ age 6 & tuberculosis @age 13. Ritchie was born left handed at birth was trained to write & drum right handed which lead to his unique style of drumming; late on in ’67 while recording “A Day In The Life” Producer George Martin wanted a certain sound for Ringo’s drums, Starr came back the next day with “Tea Towels” from his kitchen put them over the drum heads & created the muffled drum sound.

> Drumming Is My Madness: 1956<

Young Ritchie co-founded ‘The Clayton Squares’ in 1956, named after a Liverpool landmark, Starkey was on “Washboard & Dancing” in 1959 ‘Rory Storm & Hurricanes’ hired Starkey on Drums, it is about this time Ritchie obtained his nickname “Ringo Starr” because he wore so many rings & for his love of country music. Starr 1st met The BEATLES in Oct 1960 @ the Kaiserkeller in Hamburg, Germany. In Jan 1962 Starr left the ‘Hurricanes’ & joined Tony Sheridan: (1940-2013 UK) as one of “The Beat Brothers”.

The BEATLES unhappy with current drummer Pete Best: (1941 India), it was Lennon who asked Starr to join The BEATLES in Aug 1962, Starr accepted.

Ringo sang many & wrote some songs with The BEATLES; Including “Boys” “I Wanna Be Your Man” “Honey Don’t” “Matchbox” “If You’ve Got Trouble” “Act Naturally” “What Goes On” “Yellow Submarine” “With A Little Help From My Friends” “Don’t Pass Me By” “Goodnight” & “Octopus’s Garden”. Ringo embarked on his Solo Career as an actor while still a member of The BEATLES, 1st with the Film ‘Candy’ in Dec 1968 he plays “Emmanuel” followed by ‘Magic Christian’ in Dec 1969 where he plays “Youngman Grand”. Starr was a member of The BEATLES until they disbanded in Dec 1970, however he released 2 Solo Albums while still a member of The BEATLES.

>I’m A Fool To Care: 1970<

Ringo’s 1st solo LP was ‘Sentimental Journey’ released in Apr 1970, Starr being the 3rd member of the band to release a Solo LP, the LP consists of Easy Listening Vocal Standards, that meant something to Ringo & his Mom & Step-Dad, 1 song, “Stardust” was arranged by: McCartney. Followed by: ‘Beaucoup Of Blues’ released in Sep 1970 the 2nd while Starr was still a BEATLE, with the 45 single “Boupcoup Of Blues b/w Choochy Choochy” in Oct 1970 a reaching #87 on the charts, the also contained a Non-LP song.

For the next 3 years Ringo will work on films & release Non-LP singles only, starting with “It Don’t Come Easy b/w Early 1970″ in Apr 1971 a #4 Hit on the Billboard Charts, he did make a Promo Video for this song. There is a complete George Harrison version of this song, recorded before Starr’s version. Ringo also appears in 2 films released this year; ‘Blindman’ in early 1971, Starr plays “Candy” followed by Zappa’s ‘200 Motels’ released in Nov 1971 Ringo plays “Larry the Dwarf”

Ringo’s 3rd single is “Back Off Boogaloo b/w Blindman” released in Mar 1972 a #9 hit on the charts, the title came from; Marc Bolan of ‘T-Rex’ this one is also recorded with Harrison, a Video was filmed with a Frankenstein playing opposite of Starr.

>Sunshine Life For Me: 1973<

While Ringo had much success previously it is 1973 that will be his year, the film ‘That’ll Be The Day’ released in May 1973 Ringo plays “Mike” followed by his 1st “#1 Hit” the single “Photograph b/w Down & Out” (the Flip-Side is a Non-LP song) is released in Oct 1973 a Video is also filmed where Ringo covers his mouth to get around the Musicians Union Lip Syncing Rules. His LP ‘Ringo’ is released in Nov 1973 with All 3 other BEATLES contributing Lennon with “I’m The Greatest” McCartney with “Six O’Clock” & Harrison with “Sunshine Life For Me” & “You & Me Babe” & Marc Bolan of ‘T-Rex’, & ‘The Band’ as well as Nilsson. The 2nd 45 single is released “You’re Sixteen b/w Devil Woman” another #1 hit in Feb 1974. The 3rd 45 from this LP is “Oh My My b/w Step Lightly” the “B- Side” is also a Non-LP song, released in Feb 1974 a #5 hit on the charts.

In Apr 1974 the film “Son Of Dracula” is released, Ringo plays “Merlin” followed by Starr’s next LP ‘Goodnight Vienna’ released in Nov 1974 with only Lennon & Nilsson contributing this time round. The 1st single is at Lennon’s suggestion “Only You (& You Alone) b/w Call Me” reaches #6 on the charts a Video is filmed with Ringo & Lennon. The 2nd single is “No No Song b/w Snookeroo” in Jan 1975 & hitting #3 on the charts, the Flip-Side is an Elton John song. The 3rd single is the 2nd Lennon song for Ringo “It’s All Down To Goodnight Vienna b/w Oo- Wee” released in Jun 1975 & reaches #31 on the charts.

Ringo’s final LP for EMI is a “Hits- Best Of”in the form of “Blast From Your Past” released in Nov 1975 with 3 songs only found on this LP as they were released as “Non-LP” songs (he had 6 non-lp songs all together) this same year the film ‘Lisztomaina’ is released, Starr plays “The Pope”.

>Spooky Weirdness: 1976<

In a strange move Ringo signs with Atlantic Records, as it’s hard to believe EMI would let him go as he had such a successful Top 40 run the last 5 years, his next LP “Rotogravure” is released in Sep 1976 & came with a free magnifying glass to read graffiti on the back door from the photo on the back cover. Ringo’s 2nd LP with songs provided by Harrison with “I Still Love You” & Lennon with “Cookin” & McCartney with “Pure Gold” 2 single 45s are released & “Dose Of Rock N Roll b/w Cryin” hits #26 on the charts in Sep ’76, the other being “Hey Baby b/w Lady Gaye” in Nov. ‘76 There were 4 other songs recorded, but left off the LP “All Right” “It’s Hard to Be Lovers” “Party” “Where Are You Going”.

Starr’s 2nd & final LP for Atlantic is ‘The 4th’ released in Sep 1977 with 2 single 45s released from the LP “Wings b/w Just A Dream” in Aug ’77 followed by “Drowning In The Sea Of Love” in Sep ’77 also there were 3 out-takes recorded: “Birmingham””Just a Dream (alt)” “This Party” My favorite track off this LP is; “Can She Do It Like She Dances” which was later covered by David Jones (Monkees) in 1981

While Ringo was Atlantic in the USA he was on Polydor in Europe in Dec 1977 he was part of the Soundtrack “Scouse The Mouse” on Polydor.

In Apr 1978 the film ‘Ringo’ is aired, he plays “Ognir Rrats”. Ringo fed up with Super Stardom changes places with “Ognir” he sings 7 songs in the film including “Hard Times” “Heart On My Sleeve” & “You’re Sixteen” with Carrie Fisher. Then to coincide with the film the LP ‘Bad Boy’ was released in Jun ’78 with 2 singles released from the LP”Lipstick Traces b/w Old Time Relovin” in Apr ’78 & “Heart On My Sleeve b/w Who Needs A Heart” in Jul ‘78.

This is the end of part #1-A on Ringo, it is worth noting he did appear with McCartney in ‘Give My Regards To Broadstreet’ in 1984 & re-recorded the voice over for ‘The Point’ in 1985 for the VHS Only Version. In Oct 1988 he & his wife Babara Bach (Goldbach: 27 Aug 1947 NYC) went into detox, when he emerged he really went to work. Ringo had not toured since The BEATLES in ’66, but since he got clean & sober he & Joe Walsh formed the “All-Starr Band” & started Touring in Aug 1989. I myself have seen Ringo several times, listed below:

22 Aug 1992 Des Moines, @ Iowa State Fair: Ringo’s setlist
I’m The Greatest
No No Song
Don’t Go Where The Road Don’t Go
Yellow Submarine
You’re Sixteen
Weight Of The World
Boys
Photograph
Act Naturally
With A Little Help From My Friends

24 April 1993 Ames, IA. @ Cyclone Stadium
4 Jul 1995 Bloomington, MN. @ MOA
30 Jun 2000 St. Paul, MN. @ State Capitol
23 Aug 2001 St. Paul, MN. @ State Fair

My long time friend Crazy Rob who owns “WayBack Records” in E. Des Moines, Iowa, was able to meet Ringo in Omaha, 5 Oct 2014 when he hooked Ringo up with a 1965 Revell Model Kit of “Ringo” set up through Ringo’s Nephew.

While Ringo had quite a recording career himself; he has worked & recorded with: Jackie Lomax, Cilia Black, Plastic Ono Band, Leon Russell, Doris Troy, George Harrison, John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Peter Frampton, T-Rex, Nilsson, Bobby Keys, Derrek Van Eaton, Keith Moon, Stephan Stills, Carly Simon, & Paul McCartney. Ringo has released 19 Studio Albums, 12 Live Albums, 5 Compilation Albums, & 32 Singles. This year he is inducted into the “Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame” & he will be in concert 16 Oct 2015 Fri In MPLS @ State Theatre.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OovE_OLJwy0

You think you’re a groove standing there with your wallpaper shoes … MrZer0

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Mr. Zero’s 6th Anniversary Radio Show on KFAI 90.3

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Mr. Zero's Inc. *Est. 2009

Mr. Zero’s Inc.
*Est. 2009

Mr. Zero's Psycho- Gello

Mr. Zero’s Psycho- Gello

Greetings, As it was Mr. Zero’s 6th Anniversary on 14 April 2015 Tues, I was able to perform my annual Guest DJ Spot “PsychoGello Radio Show” on KFAI 90.3fm & 106.7am on the Show “The Pop Shop” with DJ Izzy (Liberty Finch was out due to injury)

Since most of you missed it, I am posting the ““PsychGellO: 2015”
Mon 13 April 2015 KFAI “PopShop” Setlist & The Web-Link should you be curious what I chose to play this year

“PsychGellO: 2015”
Mon 13 April 2015 KFAI “PopShop”

1. Hello I’m Back Again: Gary Glitter -1973 “Touch Me”
The Monkees used this song to open with in 1989

2. Don’t Be Taken In: Dave Clark 5 -1965 “Having A Wild Weekend”
For my Yellow Lemon Girl

3. For Your Love: Yardbirds -1965 “For Your Love”
Clapton left after this song

4. Just Like Me: Paul Revere Raiders -1966 “Just Like Us”
One of DJ Izzy’s favorite tunes.

5. Pictures Of Lily: Who -1967 “Meaty Beaty Big & Bouncy”
From my favorite “WHO” LP

6. Comon Now: Kinks -1965 “Kinks Size”
I met Dave Davies @ “1st Ave” many years ago

7. Lady Friend: Byrds -1967 “20 Tracks from Boxed Set”
The song that let David Crosby know I was a true fan.

8. You’re Gonna Miss Me: 13th Floor Elevators -1966 “High Fidelity” The story of my life

9. Child Of The Moon: Rolling Stones -1968 “More Hot Rocks”
For their 2015 Tour

10. Inner Light: Beatles -1968 “Past Masters Vol. 2”
A Non-LP song

11. Two Heads: Jefferson Airplane -1967 “After Bathing At Baxter’s” I love Grace Slick’s Vocal delivery on this track

12. Love Is All Around: Troggs -1968 “Love Is All Around”
I think I prefer the 1994 Version by: Wet, Wet, Wet

13. Love Is Only Sleeping: Monkees -1967 “Pisces Aquarius Capricorn & Jones Ltd” For a red-head I know

14. Goodbye Baby: Boyce & Hart -1968 “I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonite” I was acquaintances of 3 members of this Band

15. You Showed Me: Turtles-1968 “Battle Of The Bands”
Originally written by the BYRDS

16. Indian Giver: 1910 Fruitgum Co. -1969 “Indian Giver”
My favorite song when I was a kid in 1969

17. Come On Up: Rascals -1967 “Collections”
This is one of my all time favorite songs

18. Open My Eyes: Nazz -1968 “NAZZ”
As Todd Rundgren’s Godson Wil was in our Shop last week.

19. Ode To Billie Joe: Bobby Gentry -1967 “Ode To Billie Joe”
Though I was born in Sioux City, I went to school in Mississippi, she is from MS.

20. Mr. Zero’s: TS & Norell -2014 “Nerd Is The Word”
I am currently the Rhythm Guitarist in this band

21. Anna: Arthur Alexander -1963 “Greatest”
Trivia Question: Al Bundy

22. Ain’t No Sunshine: Bill Withers -1971 “Just As I Am”
Tommy Bolin used to play this riff in his extended jam solos

23. Papa Was A Rollin Stone: Temptations -1972 “All Directions”
Great song & restroom break

24. 20th Century Boy: T-Rex -1973 “Greatest Hits”
Another Non-LP track & oddly one of his most famous

25. Kissin Time: KISS- 1974 “KISS”
For the guys in my ’74 KISS Tribute Band “KISSin Time”

26. Train Kept A Rollin: Aerosmith- 1974 “Get Your Wings”
Dedicated to Missy Marrs for being a “Super Trooper”

27. Sweet Burgundy: Tommy Bolin -1976 “Private Eyes”
For my Home Town Hero from Sioux City, Iowa

28. Wichita Lineman: Glen Campbell -1968 “Wichita Lineman”
If this song doesn’t move you, you have no soul.

Here’s the Web-Link:
http://kfai.org/pop-shop/playlists/20150414

So, Listen for me next year on “The Pop Shop” on KFAI MPLS-SP
http://kfai.org/pop-shop/playlists/20150414

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The MONKEES: 1965- 1971

Posted on by mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — 2 Comments ↓

Monkees 1966

Monkees 1966

“Folk & Roll”
The Monkees: 1965 -1971
“BUZZ” Newspaper Article Mar- Apr 2015 (#48-MoN)
By: RLSchwinden aka MrZer0

When I was a toddler back on W. 18th St. in Sioux City, Iowa my 3 favorite shows were (according to my mother) were “Batman” “Lost In Space” & “The Monkees” now I didn’t much care for the slapstick comedy of the show but I did LOVE the Music, “Last Train To Clarksville” “Steppin Stone” “Words” “Love Is Only Sleeping” & “Valleri” 1 of my very 1st 45 Singles was “Steppin Stone” so here’s a brief history & an excerpt from my for coming book on ‘The MONKEES’ so for my 4th Anniversary Article I will cover my 1st Favorite group: The MONKEES.

> 1965: Madness; Spirited Ben Franks Types <
It all started with ‘The BEATLES’ film “Hard Day’s Night” producers Bert Schneider (Berton; 5 May 1933, NYC – 12 Dec 2011) & Bob Rafelson ( Robert; 21 Feb 1933 NYC) ran ads in 2 Hollywood papers for a casting call for new TV show with the working title of “The Inevitables” ultimately it came down to these 4 guys (in this order) Davy Jones (David Thomas Jones; 30 Dec1945: Manchester UK – 29 Feb 2012: Stuart, FL) on Lead Vocals, Percussion & Guitar, Jones was signed to “Colpix Records” & released 3 singles & 1 LP before this project,

Micky Dolenz (George Michael Dolenz; Jr. 8 Mar 1945 LA. CA.) on Drums & Lead Vocals, who had recorded a single with ‘The Missing Links’, Michael Nesmith (Robert Michael Nesmith; 30 Dec 1942: Houston, TX.) on Guitar & Vocals, who was also signed to ‘Colpix’ & released 5 singles before becoming a member & finally Peter Tork (Peter Halsten Thorkelson; 13 Feb 1942 Washington D.C.) on Bass, Keyboards & Guitar, Tork was a member of ‘The Mugwumps’ in NYC, there was a 5th runner up, Bill Chadwick (10 May 1942 L.A. CA) who did stay on with the “Monkees” project until sometime in 1969, Chadwick played with Nesmith in ‘The Survivors’ in 1965.

> 1966: Gonna Make Me A Brand New Start <
Back in the olden days a 45 Single was released before the full LP was released, The Monkees’ 1st single was “Last Train To Clarksville b/w Take A Giant Step” with a Picture Sleeve released in Aug ’66 & was a #1 Billboard Hit, followed by the 1st LP ‘(Meet) The Monkees’ in Oct ’66, primarily a “Boyce & Hart” LP with their band the “Candy Store Profits” none the less this stands as 1 of my Top 10 Records. Boyce in my 1986 Interview: “Yes, it’s true, but I had a 20 year gag contract”

Their 2nd single was the “Double A- Side” “I’m A Believer b/w (I.N.Y.) Steppin Stone” also with a Picture Sleeve & another #1 hit in Nov ’66 & also received “Record of the Year” the 1st of 5 songs written by: Neil Diamond, “Steppin Stone” hit #20 on the charts. In the studio the boys leave around 8 unreleased songs in addition to many alternate recordings of some other songs.

As far as the TV Show they released 16 Episodes from: Sep- Dec ’66, my favorite being Episode #3 “Monkee Vs. Machine” from 26 Sep ’66 as it discuss’ future change, just for the sake of changing. The group (as they were hired for the cast of a TV show that actually became a performing “Live” band) performed 8 Concerts from Sep -Dec ’66, here is the Setlist from:

26 Dec ’66 Mon.
in Denver, CO. @ The Colisuem
Last Train to Clarksville
She’s So Far Out She’s In (Non-LP Nesmith on Vocal)
You Just May Be the One
I Wanna Be Free
Mary, Mary
(I Prithee) Do Not Ask For Love (Non-LP Dolenz Vocal)
Sweet Young Thing
I Can’t Get Her Off My Mind
(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone
East Virginia (Tork’s Solo Folk Spot)
You Can’t Judge a Book By the Cover (Nesmith coving Bo Diddly)
The Joker (Jones Solo Broadway Spot)
I Got a Woman (Dolenz covering James Brown)
If I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate (Non-LP Tork Vocal)
Take a Giant Step
I’m a Believer

> 1967: Through The Endless Days & Nights <
While on tour, Musical Director of the band, Don Kirschner released their 2nd LP without the knowledge of the band, ‘More Of The Monkees’ was released in Jan ’67, a real Hodgepodge of songs geared solely @ 12 year old girls. Nesmith especially & to a lesser extent Tork were outraged by this move, to make matters worse Kirschner released The 3rd single also without their consent, the Non-LP 45 “A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You b/w Girl I Knew Somewhere” the “A-Side” another N. Diamond song, hit #2 on the charts in Mar ’67, however the “B-Side” was written & performed by the band, & hit #39 on the charts.

The band revolted against Kirschner, & lead by Nesmith began to record & write their own material for their 3rd LP ‘Headquarters’ & is released in May ’67, although no 45 Single was released in the USA, in Europe “Alternate Title (Randy Scouse Git b/w Forget That Girl” was released in May ’67 & hit #2 on the charts. The band’s next single another double “A -Side” was “Pleasant Valley Sunday b/w Words” released in Jul ’67 both songs hit the charts @ #3 & #11 respectively, followed by their 4th LP ‘Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn & Jones Ltd.’ In Nov ’67, a play on the members zodiac signs, this one followed in the same vein as the last one where most of the songs were performed by the band, only this time augmented by some studio musicians.

This has to be my 2nd favorite MONKEES LP. The next single is “Daydream Believer b/w Goin Down” with Picture Sleeve & again, another #1 hit on the charts, in fact in 1966 & 1967 most of the #1 Spots on the chart were dominated by ‘The Rascals’ & ‘The Monkees’ it’s worth noting “Goin Down” is one of the few songs credited to the whole band, & strangely a Non-LP song? Even though they released 3 LPs in ’67 they leave around 13 songs unreleased, even more alternate recordings of songs they did release.

Even though ‘The Beatles’ released “Sgt. Pepper’s” in ’67, the year belonged to ‘The Monkees’ with 3 LPs & filming & releasing 31 Episodes of the TV Show, from Jan- Dec ’67 my favorite from (season #1) being Episode #26 “Monkees Get Out More Dirt” from 3 Apr ’67, why you may ask, are you kidding me, Julie Newmar (Catwoman) & from later that year (season #2) Episode #47 “Christmas Show” 25 Dec ’67 as a kid I used to love Christmas time. The band finished up the 1st tour & went on their “Summer Of Love Tour” performing 42 Concerts from: Jan- Aug ’67, they made a stop here in St. Paul & the guys did 2 different guest DJ stints on KDWB – AM. Here’s the Setlist from;

4 Aug 1967 Fri.
St. Paul, MN @ Auditorium Arena
Last Train to Clarksville
You Just May Be the One
The Girl I Knew Somewhere
I Wanna Be Free
Sunny Girlfriend
Your Auntie Grizelda
Forget That Girl
Sweet Young Thing
Mary, Mary
Cripple Creek (Tork Folk Solo)
You Can’t Judge a Book By the Cover (Nesmith)
Gonna Build a Mountain (Jones Solo Spot)
I Got a Woman (Dolenz)
I’m a Believer
Randy Scouse Git
(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone
Tork from a 1994 Interview I conducted: “Why, didn’t I do more folk songs back then, I don’t know,I’m not sure why”

> 1968: Have You Noticed The Color Of The Sun <
Having had a banner year in ’67 things started to cool in ’68, I have speculated for a long time, artists that become this popular have about an 18 month lifespan. They release 11 TV Episodes of the TV show, before being canceled in Mar ’68, my favorite being Episode #52 “Devil & Peter Tork” where Tork accidently sells his soul to the Mr.Zer0 for the ability to play the harp. The 1st 45 Single of the year is “Valleri b/w Tapioca Tundra”on 17 Feb ’68 charting @ #3 & #34 for the “A & B” sides, followed by their 5th LP ‘Birds, Bees & Monkees’ in Apr ’68,

the last 1 to be released in “Mono” & a shift for this release is it has “The Monkees” as producers, as the guys are primarily back to performing “Lead Vocals” & picking their own songs & essentially producing them. Having way more time to record in the studio & the proposal of a the album to be 2 LPs with 1 side per MONKEE singing up to 6 or 7 songs in Tork’s case they leave 27 songs unreleased & even more alternate recordings left unreleased. Nesmith was the 1st to release a Solo LP while still in the band ‘Wichita Train Whistle Sings’ in Jul ’68 with the single “Don’t Cry Now b/w Tapioca Tundra”.

Hart from a 1993 Interview I conducted “We had some good songs we wrote for them, so even when they got control of the project, they still fell back on our material” The TV Show is not renewed for a 3rd season by both the band & the network. Strangely they release the Non-LP single “D.W. Washburn b/w It’s Nice To Be With You” with a Picture Sleeve, charting @ #19 & #51 respectively. I feel this song was chosen as it was similar in style to the ‘Lovin Spoonful’. The band do not tour the US in ’68 instead to look to the east & perform 13 Concerts from May- Oct ’68 with a full concert being videotaped in Tokyo & broadcast on television, an audio (only) recording still survives.

3 Oct ’68 Thurs
in Tokyo, Japan @ Budokan Hall
Last Train to Clarksville
I Wanna Be Free
D.W. Washburn
Sunny Girlfriend
Daydream Believer
Cuddly Toy
Salesman
It’s Nice To Be With You
Mary, Mary
Cindy (Tork Folk Solo)
Peter Percival Patterson’s Pet Pig Porky
Johnny B. Goode (Nesmith covering Chuck Berry)
Gonna Build a Mountain (Jones solo)
I Got a Woman (Dolenz solo)
I’m a Believer
(I’m Not Your) Steppin’ Stone

With the TV Show over & little touring in ’68 the guys shift focus to film their 1st & only motion picture; titled “Changes” Jones wrote a “Theme” song for it, but ultimately it went unused. The film released as “Head” on 6 Nov 1968, the film itself is a psychedelic trip poking fun at ‘The Monkees’ themselves for being a manufactured band. Their 6th LP ‘Head (soundtrack)’ in Dec ’68, many do realize it was the common practice in ’68 & ’69 to interlope dialog from the film in between the music or songs for films of that time,

this being 1 of them as there are only 7 songs on the LP, a single is released “Porpoise Song b/w As We Go Along” with Picture Sleeve, this happened to only chart @ #62 the “A” side is a full minute & a half shorter than the LP version. Jones recorded a “Felxi Disc” with picture sleeve to promote the film; however this was only released in Japan.

The group signed up for a 3 TV Special deal in fall of ’68, & so they started filming the 1st special in Dec , once again this hour long show is a psychedelic trip poking fun at the group for being manufactured, perhaps because their film fared so poorly, they thought they should give another stab it the theme. However this 1 is made up, largely from UN-released songs some performed live in the TV studio, no soundtrack would be released from this show, this would be the last time the 4 members would perform together until 18 years later, their last song … “Listen To The Band”.
Tork has decided he has had enough & leaves his contract 4 years early in Dec ‘68; he has formed the band ‘Release’ with his then girlfriend Ren Stewart, Riley Wildflower & Wendy Erdman.

The “Trio” of Jones, Dolenz & Nesmith makes their 1st public appearance on the TV Show “Hollywood Squares” in Dec ’68 to finish out the year.

> 1969: In A Year Or Two <
Starting off the new year as a “Trio” I might point out this is how I have the clearest memory of them, on TV & on Records, the trio appear on “Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour” on 5 Feb ’69 performing their new release a 3 year old song “Teardrop City b/w Man Without A Dream” with Picture Sleeve, released on 8 Feb ’69, this song only charted @ #56, a week later their 7th LP ‘Instant Replay’ was also released in Feb ’69, this LP was done much in the same style as the 1st LP, a ‘Boyce & Hart with Nesmith’ production. A little later on 22 Mar ’69 the “Trio” appeared on ‘The Raiders’ TV show”Happening’69”.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qihd1AD-mUk

Due to post production & television scheduling ’33 1/3 Revolutions Per Monkee’ was aired on 14 April 1969 up against the “Academy Awards” so much like “Head” it was largely ignored. The show had the now “Not Current Quartet” as Tork left just after filming finished, performing about 13 unreleased songs, with almost no real dialog from the band members themselves, to drive the point home they were merely “Puppets” in the “Music Machine” Dolenz & Nesmith have said “We got it, it was the rest of the world that didn’t”

With a new single about to be released the “Trio” appear on the “Joey Bishop Show” on 24 April ’69 the next 45 “Someday Man b/w Listen To The Band” with picture sleeve is released 26 Apr ’69, the songs chart @ #81 & #63 respectively. The Label feeling interest in the band is now waning, a ’Greatest Hits’ LP is released on 9 Jun ’69. The guys appear on the “Tonight Show w/ Johnny Carson” on 16 Jun ’69 to plug the LP, during the day Dolenz & Jones are interviewed on a local TV show “Walking In New York” sometime in Jun ’69 Later on19 Jul ’69 they appear on the”Johnny Cash Show” plugging the new “Hits” LP by performing the unreleased song “Nine Times Blue”?

In an interview I conducted with Jones in 1991 “Towards the end, I wrote & recorded a lot of songs with William (Chadwick,) to be used on our records, they (producers) ended up passing them over for other ones that had been done before”

The group starts filming ads for “Kool- Aid” “Nerf” & “Post Cereals” in Sep ’69 for the upcoming return of the TV show in reruns. The next 45 “Mommy & Daddy b/w Good Clean Fun” with Picture Sleeve, is released 6 Sep ’69, to coincide with the CBS re-runs on 13 Sep ’69. Their 8th LP ‘Present’ (2nd as a trio) is released on 1 Oct ’69, to promote the LP they appear on “Laugh In” on 6 Oct ’69, so it seems they were really good about timing TV appearances with their recent releases. It appears Jones love to work the most as he made many solo appearances without the other 2, such as “Music Scene” on 22 Dec ’69 with their backing back ‘The Goodtimers’ performing another unreleased Nilsson song “Together” the ’69 tour consisted of 37 Concerts from Mar- Dec ’69. Very little documentation exists from this tour so here is the Setlist from 1 of 2 known 1969 tour recordings this 1 is from:

10 May ’69 Sat.
in Wichita, KS @ Convention Hall
I’m a Believer
Pleasant Valley Sunday
Tapioca Tundra
I Wanna Be Free
Show Me (Dolenz covering Joe Tex)
A Man Without a Dream
Daydream Believer
Goin’ Down
Someday Man
Listen to the Band
Don’t Wait For Me
Get On Up (Dolenz covering The Esquires)
For Once in My Life (Jones covering Stevie Wonder)
Johnny B. Goode (Nesmith)
Believer Blues (Dolenz & Jones singing lead)

From an Interview I conducted with Dolenz in 1992 “We were doing a lot of R&B on that last tour, because we really dug that music scene at the time … So HOW old were you, to know that?”
A 2nd year of no TV show leaves plenty of time for the studio so some 21 recorded songs go unreleased, as well as many alternate recordings of released songs. After the final show of the tour in Dec ’69 Nesmith let it be known he was leaving the group & the rest of the 3 years left on his contract.

> 1970: Do You Believe This Is Forever <
As the new decade kicks off the LP ‘Golden Hits’ is released through “Mail Order Only” from Post Cereals in Jan ’70, this is the “Rarest” of all the original Monkees’ LPs, comprised from 12 Cardboard Singles taken off the backs of Post Cereal boxes. The guys do their final work as a “Trio” on 14 Apr ’70 they film some “Kool-Aid” commercials to air with the reruns on CBS, then Nesmith is no longer a MONKEE.

In Apr ’70 Jones was on the show “Evening With …” where he perform several unreleased Chadwick songs including “Talking To The Wall” & “Something To Show For It All” from an interview I conducted with Chadwick in 1990; “I was chosen to write, record & produce a TV show for David in ’69, I think it was called “An Evening With … David Jones” it aired on syndicated TV in Spring ’70 he sang 6 or 7 of my songs” The following week Dolenz was on the same syndicated show “Evening With …”

where Jones came out at the end to plug their new record. Jones: “Micky & I have a new record coming out soon called “Monkees Two” because The Monkees are just Micky & myself now, get it? Monkees Two, as in 2 of us” The final 45 single”Oh My My b/w I Love You Better” with Picture Sleeve is released
in Apr ’70. Not having much time in the studio in ’70 only 3 songs go unreleased.

The new “Duo” manage to make a few appearances on 15- 17 May ’70 in Philadelphia, Pen. @ Roosevelt Mall for the “Free Rock Concert” a 2nd was on 13 Jun ’70 in Cleveland, OH, where they also appeared on the local TV Show “Upbeat” they showed their new “Music Video” “Oh My, My” directed by Dolenz. The 9th & final LP ‘Changes’ is released in Jun ’70, essentially an Andy Kim record with Dolenz’s Lead Vocals dubbed in. Jones did a interview for Australian TV in Summer ‘70, announcing the end of ‘The Monkees’ as a group. Ironically the final concert appearance of The Monkees happened again as a “Trio” of Jones, Dolenz & Tork, who performed on 21 Nov ’70 in Van Nyes, CA. @ Valley REC Center for the “Freaky, Foxy, Funky Revival” & then the group was no more …

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izHTcRe9P8U


> 1971: All Through The Darkness <
To mark the end of the group ‘Barrel Full Of Monkees’ a double hits LP was released in Jan ’71, followed by the ‘Dolenz & Jones’ 45 Single “Do It In The Name Of Love b/w Lady Jane” released in Apr ’71. The final marker per se. In Feb 1986 the “Trio” of Jones, Dolenz & Tork reunited, recorded & toured until Sep ’89. There were several CDs released at this time worth mentioning:

“Live ’67” 1987 a “Live Concert” recording from the 1967 US Tour
“Missing Links” 1987 16 Unreleased or Alternate Recordings from 1966- 69
“Missing Links 2” 1990 19 Unreleased or Alternate Recordings from 1966- 69
“Missing Links 3” 1996 24 Unreleased or Alternate Recordings from 1966- 69

I feel it’s worth mentioning I some involvement with 2 other books on ‘The Monkees’ & 1 on ‘Michael Nesmith’ & this is an excerpt from my (unreleased) book “Here We Come” so there it is, my celebration of my 4th year in writing Articles for “BUZZ” & “Mr. Zero’s Inc”
We’ll be back, in a minute … MrZer0

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American Rock N Roll National Anthem: SteppenWolf

Posted on by mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — 1 Comment ↓

Steppenwolf "7" Lineup

Steppenwolf “7” Lineup

The American Rock N Roll National Anthem
Was written by a Canadian & Sung by a German. That would be “Born To Be Wild”
“BUZZ” Newspaper Article (#47- sW) Feb- Mar 2015
By: RLSchwinden aka MrZer0

When I was a kid in Sioux City, my Dad finally got a newer car a 1968 VW Beetle, white with a red interior & an 8Track Player, I think he had all of 3 tapes, one I do not remember,the other ‘Savoy Brown’ “Lookin In” & one of my all time favorite albums “7” by: SteppenWolf.

>Meet Me After Four: 1965<

It all started in in Sep ’65 Oshawa, Ontario, Canada as ‘The Sparrow’ with brothers Dennis Edmonton: (Dennis Eugene McCrohan: aka Mars Bonfire: 21 Apr 1943) on Guitar & Jerry Edmonton: (Gerald McCrohan: 24 Oct 1945; Ontario – 28 Nov 1993 ) on Drums & Nick St. Nicholas: ( Klaus Karl Kassbaum: 28 Sep 1943; Plon, Germany ) on Bass & Goldy McJohn: (John Raymond Goadsby: 2 May 1945; Toronto) on Keyboards, these 4 added one John Kay: (Joachim Fritz Krauledat: 12 Apr 1944; Tilsit Germany) on Lead Vocals, Guitar & Harmonica, a posthumous LP is released of this lineup.

Soon the band relocate to San Fransisco, Ca. now renamed “Steppenwolf” from the 1927 novel “Der Steppenwolf” by German Author Hermann Hesse, As Kay is German born. So there you have it a 3/5 Canadian & 2/5 German Rock Band from Calif. They released their 1st 45 Single “A Girl I Knew/ The Ostrich” in late 1967.

> Everybody’s Next One: 1968 <

The band’s “1st” full LP came out in Jan 1968 in Mono & Stereo with 3 Singles the 2nd being “Born To Be Wild” a #2 in Jun ’68. Also 2 songs from this LP were used in the 1969 film “Easy Rider” with new members Michael Monarch: (5 Jul 1950; L.A. CA.) on Guitar & Rushton Moreve: (John Rushton Morey; 6 Nov 1948- 1 Jul 1981) the Bassist for the 1st 2 LPs died in a car cash as did Drummer Jerry Edmonton years later.

The band’s next LP “The 2nd” was released in Oct 1968, with the 45 Single “Magic Carpet Ride” a #3 hit in Sep ’68, as was a common practice in those days, the 45 version is almost a minute & half shorter & is very different from the LP version. 2 songs from the band are used in the Dec. 1968 film “Candy” I personally like the 2nd LP much better than the 1st, even though the 1st is more critically acclaimed.

>Jupiter’s Child: 1969 <

This is where things begin to be ever changing for the band, as they start a constantly changing lineup with almost every other album. Moreve’s out & St. Nicholas is back in the band & they release their 3rd LP “At Your Birthday Party” in Mar 1969 with 2 Singles one being ”Rock Me” a #10 hit in ’69. The band’s 1st “Live” LP is released although it is a recording of a 1967 concert; this was put out as way to buy time to record the next LP. The band makes their only appearance on the “Ed Sullivan Show” in 17 Aug 1969, when St. Nicholas steals the spotlight with his now infamous “The Fuggs” comment.

Nick was very nearly as popular as Kay the lead singer simply for this reason, The Frank Zappa all girl band “The GTOs” had a song on their 1969 LP titled “I’m In Love With The Ooh Ooh Man” which was in fact Nick St. Nicholas, as he made one of the “GTOs” go “Ooh Ooh” If you don’t know Nick lived in Minneapolis for many years playing with his band “StarWolf” who did release a 45 Single.

At this point Monarch quits the band & they get their 2nd & one of my favorite guitarists of all time Larry Byrom: (Lawrence Clifton Byrom; 27 Dec 1948; Huntsville, AL.) & then release their 4th studio LP “Monster” was released in Nov 1969 with 2 Singles one being “Move Over” that hit #31 on the charts & the other the title song “Monster” @ #39, as before the single version is different @ 4min & LP version is at 9 min. This LP is politically charged & another of my personal favorites, even though panned by the critics. ‘Steppenwolf’ being Hugh Hefner’s favorite band at the time appeared on his local TV show”Playboy After Dark” on 17 Dec 1969.

> Foggy Mental Breakdown: 1970 <
After a World Tour the band releases a 2nd “Live” LP from this World Tour, in Apr ’70 buying more time as St. Nicholas is fired for wearing only his underwear & Bunny Ears @ the Easter Concert, they release 2 singles “Hey Lawdy Mama” & the Non-LP “Screamin Night Hog” clearly geared towards the biker crowd.

Now with 3rd Bassist George Michael Biondo (3 Sep 1945; Brooklyn) on board, the band record, what I feel is one of the greatest Rock Records of all time “7” is released Nov 1970 with 2 Singles “Who Needs Ya” & “Snowblind Friend”. This is the 2nd LP where Kay exchanges Lead Vocals with another member this time it’s Biondo, instead of Jerry. I know this album best as the ‘8Track Version’ so I listed the song order here (as it is in a different running order than the LP)

Ball Crusher
Hippo Stomp*
40 Days 40 Nights
Snowblind Friend*
Who Needs Ya
Renegade*
Foggy Mental Breakdown*
Fat jack
Earschplittenloudenboomer

4 of these songs* are filmed for a live TV broadcast.

> Shackles & Chains: 1971- 72 <

The 1st of 5 Hits- Best LPs is put out in the form of “Gold” in Mar 1971. More personal changes as Byrom leaves the band to quote “Well, Goldy took off with my wife & Jerry wasn’t a very nice guy” now Kent Henry; (K.H. Plischke: 5 Apr 1948; Hollywood – 18 Mar 2009) is the band’s 4th Guitarist & “For Ladies Only” is released in Nov 1971 with 2 Singles “Ride With Me b/w For Madmen Only” the B-side is a Non-LP, & the title song “For Ladies Only” once again the single version is 4min & the LP version is at 9 min to comply with FCC Radio guidelines. Interesting note at the end of the 1st run of the band the DC Comic Character “Steppenwolf” 1st appears in Feb 1972. The band embark on a “Farewell Tour” here is the setlist to a show I am lucky enough to own;

15 Sep 1972 Fri
London, UK @ Edmonton Sundown
Sookie Sookie
Ride With Me
Foggy Mental Breakdown
Tighten Up Your Wig
Ball Crusher
Shackles and Chains
Monster / Suicide / America
The Pusher
Magic Carpet Ride
Born to Be Wild
Hoochie Coochie Man
Berry Rides Again

After this tour the band call it quits, well, for the time being, they will reform in just 2 years for 3 studio LPs. To mark the end the band releases a 2nd “Best” compilation “Rest In Peace” sometime in 1972.

So this is the brief history of the1st part of ‘Steppenwolf’ the Canadian- German Rock band who Wrote & Sang America’s Rock N Roll Biker National Anthem.
Until the next installment …. MrZer0

Mr. Zero’s Inc. *Est. 2009
1744 Lexington Ave N
Roseveille- St. Paul, MN. 55113
www.MrZeros.Com

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Topaz & Sazzafraz: AEROSMITH; 1973 -1979

Posted on by mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — 3 Comments ↓

Backstage 1976

Backstage 1976

“Topaz & Sazzafraz”
-Aerosmith: 1971- 79-
“BUZZ” Newspaper Article (#46-aS) Jan-Feb 2015
By: RLSchwinden aka: MrZer0

When I was a kid in Jackson, Mississippi, I was more or less forced to go to Catholic Church Dances, which I did not care for, it wasn’t the Church aspect I didn’t care for, more so, the social segregation, Girls from the Boys, the Nerds from the Jocks etc. I had a crush on our neighbor Laurie A. & she couldn’t care less if I was alive or dead … so when I was in misery watching her dance with some Jock from Pearl High (home of Tommy Aldridge: BOA), I heard a sound sent from Heaven “Walk This Way” by ‘AEROSMITH’ I loved it, it was then I realized going to these dances wasn’t so bad, as I could hear new music, I couldn’t afford to buy. I asked my other neighbor Keith McC. about this ‘AEROSMITH’ & he said “You gotta hear this one; Train Kept a Rollin” I was hooked, finally a band I could put up next to ‘KISS’ as a favorite.

>You Should Have Been There Yesterday: 1970<
A kid from NYC one, Steven Victor Tallarico: (26 Mar 1948; Yonkers, NYC) was the Drummer & Vocalist in the band “The Strangeurs” from NYC, later renamed ‘Chain Reaction’ from 1964- 68, this band released 4 Single 45s on Date & Verve Records those being “When I Needed You” “The Sun” “You Should Have Been Here Yesterday” & “Ever Lovin Man”. It’s Summertime in 1970 Tallarico, now going by the name Steven Tyler & he saw a band out of New Hampshire @ “The Barn” they were ‘Jam Band’ with Joe Perry (Anthony Joseph Perry: 10 Sep 1950; Lawrence, MA) on Guitar & Tom Hamilton (Thomas William Hamilton: 31 Dec 1951; Colorado Springs, CO) on Bass, Tyler was impressed by the funk & swagger of the music the ‘Jam Band’ performed.

In Sep the ‘Jam Band’ moved to Boston & hired Joey Kramer (Joseph Michael Kramer: 21 Jun 1950; Bronx NYC) who knew Tyler back in NYC, on Drums. Perry in Oct ’70 went to Tyler’s Mother’s house to talk to Tyler about joining the ‘Jam Band’ Tyler agreed under the condition Tyler would be the Vocalist- Frontman. The band relocated to Boston & was christened ‘Aerosmith’ (after a Harry Nilsson LP ‘Aerial Ballet’) & recruited Ray Tabano: (23 Dec 1946 Bronx, NYC) a childhood friend of Tyler’s on Guitar. Sometime in 1971 Brad Ernest Whitford: (23 Feb 1952; Winchester, MA) took Tabano’s spot in ‘Aerosmith’

>Major Barbara: 1972<
The lineup of: Tyler, Perry, Hamilton, Kramer & Whitford remained unchanged until Jul ’79, the band performed a showcase gig @ ‘Max’s Kansas City’ their management Leber – Krebs landed a record deal with Columbia Records in Summer ’72. The band’s 1st LP #32005 was released in Jan ’73 & hit #21 on the charts, (the original cover for the 1st version of this LP, the band photo was much smaller & in the center of the LP cover, the re-issue was dubbed “Dream On”) with 2 Singles released one being “Dream On” in Jun ‘73, this hit #59 on the charts, later in ’76 the re-issue 45 would make the Top 10. There is 1 out-take from this LP session “Major Barbara”. The band’s 2nd LP “Get Your Wings” was released in Mar ’74 & would hit #74 on the charts, & this is the 1st produced by; Jack Douglas (who would produce the next 4 LPs for the band) 3 singles were released & thus far the band’s 45s would have edited versions of the songs, also there was a “Quad” version pressed of this LP.

>Big Ten Inch: 1975 <
Aerosmith’s big break comes in the form of their 3rd LP “Toys In The Attic” released in Apr ’75 hitting #11 on the charts with 3 singles released “Sweet Emotion” in May ’75 & hit #36 on the charts followed by “Walk This Way” in Aug ‘75, but then re-issued in Nov ’76 then hitting #10 on the charts (the Run D.M.C. version hit #4 in Jul ’86). Then releasing the single “Last Child” in Mar ’76 & hitting #21 on the charts, months before the LP. The band scores again with “Rocks” (my 2nd favorite LP) in May ’76 hitting the charts @ #3, then the 45 “Back In The Saddle” in Mar ’77 hitting #38 on the Charts, there is also a “Quad” version of this LP as well #CAQ-34165. David JoHansen of the ‘New York Dolls’ stared working with Aerosmith beginning with this LP, as well as Joe Perry stared playing on JoHansen’s LPs

AEROSMITH performed @ the St. Paul Civic Center on;
Sat 1 May 1976 (here’s the Setlist)
Mama Kin
Write Me A Letter
SOS too bad
Walkin The Dog
Same Old Song & Dance
One Way Street
Walk This Way
Sick As A Dog
Big 10 Inch Record
Lick & Promise
No More, No More
Dream On
Sweet Emotion
Train Kept A Rollin
Toys In The Attic

The band’s next single “Draw The Line” is released in Oct ’77 hitting the charts @ #42, then 2 months later their 5th LP “Draw The Line” was release (my favorite LP) in Dec ’77 charting @ #11 with the follow up single “Kings & Queens” in Feb ’78 hitting #70 on the charts.

> Chip Away The Stone: 1978<
The Rock N Roll Lifestyle must have taken its toll on the band as in 1978 they do not release a studio LP, instead 3 songs on “Cal Jam II” LP recorded “Live” on 18 Mar 1978 Ontario, CA. On 4 Jul 1978 in Dallas, TX @ The Cotton Bowl the band performed @ the “TeXXas Jam” & in 1988 a 12 song VHS was released of the show titled “TeXXas Jam ‘78” followed by a Soundtrack Single “Come Together” in Jul’ ’78 from “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band”.

Then their 1st “Live” LP with “Live ! Bootleg!” (recorded from 1973-78) released in Oct ’78 coming in @ #13 on the charts & the 45 single release for this LP is the Studio Version of “Chip Away At The Stone (studio)” hitting #77 on the charts which was written by session man Richie Supa (Richard Goodman: Massapequa Park, NY) the 6th member of Aerosmith; who played Keys, Sax & Guitar for the band, & who temporarily replaced Perry, before Crespo did. This LP came with a concert poster inside the LP. It was also in this LP I saw a photo of Joe Perry playing a “Tele-Strat” just like the one Tommy Bolin used in the ‘James Gang’. I feel it’s worth noting almost all of AEROSMITHs 22 Single 45 Releases from 1973- 1979, Are Alternate Versions of the LPs songs. Did you know the ‘Spinal Tap’ scene with the “Cold Cuts” was about an incident Tyler had backstage in the late 70’s. Tyler: “I saw the film; I have to tell ya, I didn’t get it”

> Cheescake: 1979<
This marks the end of the “Original” Lineup of AEROSMITH as Joe Perry leaves the band in Jul ‘79 he did record half of “Night In The Ruts” released in Nov ’79 with the other half finished by: Jimmy Crespo: (5 Jul 1954 Brooklyn) of ‘FLAME’ the single for this release was “Remember (walking in the sand)” which hit #67 on the charts in 1980.

Perry did form the ‘Joe Perry Project’ & in Mar ’80 he released “Let The Music Do The Talking” with the title song that would be re-recorded by ‘Aerosmith’ in Nov ’85, followed by his 2nd & final release on Columbia Records “I’ve Got The Rock N Rolls Again” in 1981, his 3rd LP “Once A Rocker, Always A Rocker” would be released in Sep 1983 on MCA Records , In Sep 1999, Raven Records released a CD “Best Of Joe Perry Project”.

Whitford left the band in early 1981 to record the “Whitford-St. Holmes” LP #37365 on Columbia Records with former Ted Nugent singer Derek St. Holmes (both were still managed by: Leber- Krebs). AEROSMITH did eventually reunite in Jun ’84 but that’s part of another tale. So there you go Missy M. a brief history of your favorite band. Worth noting Jack Douglas was just in town, last summer working on ‘The ODDFathers’ new record.

Until the next time … MrZer0

Mr. Zero’s Inc.*Est. 2009
1744 Lexington Ave. N.
Roseville, Mn. 55113
651. 489. 0207
www.MrZeros.Com
Classic Music, Vintage Video Games,
Retro Toys & Movies too

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Wicked Lester: The Beginning Of KISS

Posted on by mrzeros1@gmail.com Posted in Articles — 1 Comment ↓

KISS Backstage in 1973

KISS Backstage in 1973

The beginning of KISS:
“BUZZ” Newspaper Article (#45-eK) Dec- Jan 2015
By: RLSchwinden

-Please, Remember Me Now: 1970-
A young man named Eugene Klein (Chaim Witz: 25 Aug 1949 Haifa, Israel) started off in a band the ‘Long Island Sounds’ he had some songs like “Stanley The Parrot” “Eskimo Sun” “Suitor” & “Leeta” at the same time another young man Stanley Eisen (Stanley Harvey Eisen: 20 Jan 1952; Manhattan, NYC) was in a band ‘Uncle Joe’ & he had some songs like “Stop, Look To Listen” & “Sunday Driver” through a mutual friend, Guitarist Stephen Coronel (21 Mar 1951 NYC) the 2 met & in 1970 & formed the band ‘Rainbow’ with Brooke Ostrander (R.I.P. 2011) on Keyboards & originally Joe Davidson on drums, but he was soon replaced by Tony Zarrella, this band performed live in the winter 1971.

-Long Road To Somewhere: 1971-
Soon after their 1st gig, they found out there was another local band called ‘Rainbow’ so they changed the band name to ‘Wicked Lester’ (with a “Bowery Boys Street Kid” as a mascot), by late ’71. Gene Klein & Stanley Eisen, Coronel, Ostrander & Zarrella stabilized, this line-up performed live in Apr through Aug ’71. The band also recorded a 3 song demo in the winter of ’71 @ Electric Lady Studios with Ron Johnsen producing.

In early 1972 Eisen & Klein sang background vocals for Lyn Christopher, for 2 songs on her 1973 Paramount LP #PAS-6051, the songs were: “Celebrate II” & “Wedding” unbelievably a local drummer named Peter Criscoula (George Peter John Criscuola: 20 Dec 1945; Brookyn, NYC) added hand claps to the song “Celebrate II” later in Sep ’72, we’ll hear more about Peter later. ‘Wicked Lester’ had been working on recordings in early ’72, soon after in Feb. ‘Wicked Lester’ was picked up by Epic Records under the condition Coronel be replaced by Ron Leejack. Epic gave the band an advance to finish up the record which looks like this according to the Tape Reel Box.

-Side- 1-A
“Keep Me Waiting” Stanley (sung by: Paul)
“Molly” (aka “Some Other Guy”) Stanley (sung by: Paul)
“Sweet Ophelia” Mann- Goffin 1971 (sung by: Paul)
“Simple Type” Simmons (sung by: Gene & Paul)
“Too Many Mondays” Mann- Weil 1971 (ver 1 sung by: Gene & Ver 2 by: Paul)
– Side 2-B
“Love Her All I Can” Stanley (sung by: Paul)
“When The Bell Rings” Roberts- Welch 1970 (sung by: Paul & Gene)
“She” Coronel- Simmons (sung by: Gene)
“What Happens In the Darkness” Tami Lester Smith 1972 (sung by: Paul & Gene)
“We Want To Shout It Out Loud” The Hollies 1970 (sung by: Gene)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EpSg4o2Uk6k

There are several originals on this recording 2 would show up later on ‘Dressed To Kill’ & 2 others would be “Live Staples” throughout 1973, as well as 2 Barry Mann songs, a ‘Hollies’ song, a song by ‘Griffin’ & a song by Austin Roberts. There is 1 out-take known to exist titled “Long Long Road” sung by: Paul. The original cover art intended for the LP can be found on ‘The Laughing Dogs’ 1979 Columbia LP #JC-36033. Upon hearing the finished record, Don Ellis @ Epic Records, announced he “Hated the record & had no intention of releasing it” Klein & Eisen, decided it was time to move in a “New” direction, so the 2 changed their names to Gene Simmons & Paul Stanley respectively, then on 31 Aug 1972, Peter Cris (the drummer mentioned before) ran an ad in the “East Coast” edition of “Rolling Stone” which caught the eye of Gene & Paul. There was a meeting @ Electric Lady Studios & 2 auditions, before Cris was hired.

-Give It To You Easy: 1972-
Then in Dec ’72 the newly formed trio ran an ad in the “Village Voice” looking for a “Lead Guitarist with Flash & Ability” it came down to 2 people Bob Kulick (Robert J. Kulick: 16 Jan 1950; Brooklyn, NYC) & one Paul Daniel Frehley (27 April 1951; Bronx, NYC) the later landed the gig, being taller & the fact that he had hair, a little later he would go by his newer nickname “Ace” The quartet now known as ‘KISS’ Paul came up with the name after Peter mentioned he was in a band called ‘LIPS’ & Ace designed the now famous logo. After about 6 weeks of intense rehearsals ‘KISS’ was ready to debut their show, here is the set list from that 1st concert:

Concert Setlist: 30 Jan 1973 Tues
Queens, NYC @ Coventry
Deuce (Gene)
Watchin You (Gene)
Love Her All I Can (Paul)
She (Gene)
Simple Type (Gene & Paul)
Keep Me Waiting (Paul)
Want You Beside Me (aka: Life In The Woods) (Paul & Peter)
Baby Let Me Go (aka: Let Me Go Rock N Roll) (Gene)
Firehouse (Paul)
Black Diamond (Paul & Peter)
Little Lady (aka: Goin Blind) (Gene)

Only a few months later the band records a 5 song demo, of these 1st versions of these songs, most notably different is “Cold Gin” & “Strutter” both clocking in @ the 5min mark. Many years ago I heard an early recording (maybe 1972-73) of “Black Diamond” where Paul sang the entire song himself without Peter, however I cannot seem to locate this version as of late. Here’s the track list for the demo:

13 Mar 1973 Tues
Electric Lady Studios; NYC
Produced By: Eddie Kramer
Deuce
Cold Gin
Strutter
Watchin You
Black Diamond

-Come Along With Us: 1973-
Now with a demo to shop around ‘KISS’ begin to do shows in the NYC area with other bands like ‘The Brats’ ‘Harlots Of 42nd Street’ ‘Planets’ ‘Street Punk’ ‘Luger’ ‘Wild Honey’ ‘Queen Elizabeth’ ‘ISIS’ & ‘Rags’. Here’s a setlist from 1 of those early shows.

Concert Setlist: 16 June 1973
Amityville, NY @ The Daisy
2 Shows
Nothin To Lose (Gene & Peter)
Firehouse (Paul)
Life In The Woods (Paul & Peter)
Simple Type (Paul & Gene, yes reversed parts)
Acrobat: (Love Theme From KISS- Much Too Young) (Gene)
Deuce (Gene)
100,000 Years- Do Ya Feel Right (Paul)
Black Diamond (Paul & Peter)

*Other songs performed in concert at this time
for the 2nd show this evening were:
She (Gene)
Cold Gin (Gene)
Strutter (Paul)
Watchin You (Gene)
Let Me Know (Gene & Paul)
Go Now (Moody Blues: 1964) (Gene & Paul)

I feel it’s worth noting, “Nothin To Lose” has different lyrics & clocks in @ 6min while “Firehouse” has a totally different arrangement & clocks in @ the 5min mark as well, “Life In The Woods” runs almost 8min & will never be recorded in the studio, “Acrobat” is a 3 part song containing parts of “Love Theme From KISS” the intro to “Detroit Rock City” & “Much Too Young” the song is by & large written by Simmons, & “She” is being performed live but will not see release until 2 years later in ’75 & remarkably “Go Now” a cover tune the band used to perform as far back as their ‘Rainbow’ days.

‘KISS’ sign a management deal with Bill Aucoin (29 Dec 1943; Ayer, MA. – 28 Jun 2010 Aventura, FL) in Oct ’73, Aucoin then gets the band a record deal with Neil Bogart’s newly formed ‘Casablanca Records’ the band’s 1st LP out on 18 Feb 1974 on Casablanca Dist. By: WB with 9 songs. In an unusual move full song writing credits were not given, for example: “Cold Gin” was actually Frehley- Simmons, for the song “Let Me Know” the ending Coda was written by: Frehley but not given credit & “Deuce” was Simmons- Stanley, while “Black Diamond” was actually Simmons- Stanley. A total of 3 singles were released from this LP “Nothin To Lose b/w Love Theme From KISS” in Feb ’74, followed by: “Kissin Time” (a 1959 Bobby Rydell song which is recorded in Apr ’74) in May ’74 & the 3rd was “Strutter b/w 100,000 Years” in Aug ’74.

If you did not know I was a staff member on a book published on “KISS: Alive Forever” 2002 Billboard Books & you may or may not know I am in a “KISS Tribute Band” which covers the 1st & 2nd ‘KISS’ Tours thus I am writing this article, to help those understand what it is we are portraying, should you decide come to see us “Live”. By the way the is a Brand New Book out titled “Out On The Streets” by ‘KISS’s’ Original Road Crew: JR Smalling, Peter Oreckinto, Rick Munroe& the late Mick Campise, I haven’t read it yet, but I do hope to get 1 from Santa Claus (hint hint)

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year … MrZer0
Mr. Zero’s Inc. *Est.2009
1744 Lexington Ave. N.
Roseville, MN. 55113
651. 489. 0207
www.MrZeros.Com

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