(This was the ad campaign for “Come Taste The Band” album)
Deep Purple Mark 4 “BUZZ” Newspaper Article Jul- Aug 2012 (#17-L)
When I was a kid in Sioux City, 1 of my favorite bands was ‘Deep Purple’ riding high on “Smoke on the Water” there was a local guy ‘Tom’ from our neighborhood my Uncle Jeff told me about who had left town a few years earlier and done well for himself in a Colorado band ‘Zephyr’ then he went on to do even better in ‘James Gang’ replacing Joe Walsh. Next thing I know a few years later that same local guy was the replacement for Richie Blackmore in ‘Deep Purple’ that local was Tommy R. Bolin from 2740 Clark St. 51104
Years later Tommy’s family lived across from us on Pierce St. in 1979 it was then I met Tommy’s drummer & younger brother Johnnie. In 2006 Johnnie called me and asked me “Would you like to do a project on my brother?” I responded “All my life” you see Tommy was a huge inspiration to others and me from Sioux City. We thought “Hey if Tommy can end up in ‘Deep Purple’ then I should be able to at least get out of this town and be somebody”
Since 2006 I have been working on a book on Tommy’s life, every band, album, song, concert, demo, & guitar literally every single thing he ever did before his death on 4 Dec 1976. Here is an excerpt from the ‘Deep Purple’ chapter in my book. I would like to thank Johnnie Bolin for giving me the opportunity to spear head this project.
Tommy Bolin: 1975 on ‘Deep Purple’
“It’s a… I didn’t think a, to be honest at first I didn’t think it would, it would be, it would work, I really didn’t, but um, we had a jam and within the first minute or two, you know, I could tell that they were into the same things I was into kind of an R & B, funk kind of um, and I think they were hunting for a freedom which I don’t think Ritchie gave them, you know so like they were so open to the whole thing it turned out lovely, otherwise I wouldn’t be here”
Some excerpts of interviews I conducted over the years:
Ian Paice: Deep Purple In 2005 in St.Paul, MN. “He Was Quite A Poser Wasn’t He? He Loved The Camera.”
David Coverdale: Deep Purple in 2009 in St.Paul, MN. “A new book on Tommy Bolin,… cool, No Comment, You need to contact my management in L.A. way in advance to get an interview”
Johnnie Bolin: Tommy Bolin Band & Black Oak Arkansas in 2005 in Sioux City, Iowa
“He (Tommy) didn’t really wanna do it (join Deep Purple), he was tired of filling in for other people. He really did want to do his own thing, he had been working on his solo record (Teaser) for awhile, but the amount of money they (Deep Purple) offered him was just too much to turn down, he had never seen that kind of money in all his life, so I guess he thought; “I’ll take this gig, and make some money to get my solo thing off the ground”
Ricky Reynolds: Black Oak Arkansas In 2003 in Minneapolis, MN.
“The Last Time We Saw Tommy, (1975) I Told Him…’Man It Looks Like A Rainbow Threw Up On Your Hair, He Had So Much Color In It”
John Bartle: DVC & Jan Parks Band in 2005 in Sioux City, Iowa
“The ‘Big Time’ was his (Bolin) job, it was us guys (Bartle, Bizzett, Shelby, Palomini, Berge, Saviolia) he loved to play with, every time he came back to town he would call us up and book a gig. That’s where those pictures are from. When we were ‘The Gassers’ in ’75 @ the “1010 Club”.
Once again I am going to review the “8-Track” song list as this is how I, best remember the song list.
8-Track Released 10 October 1975
“Come Taste the Band” Warner Bros. MSP 2895 DEP
1. Lady Luck (Jeff Cook, Coverdale) (*Program #1)
This was a song from Tommy’s ‘Energy’ Days (1971- 74) his vocalist & lyricist Jeff Cook originally wrote this song. Tommy brought it to the band and Coverdale re-wrote it. (There is a studio demo from ‘Energy’ from 1972)
2. Getting Tighter (Bolin, Hughes)
This song Bolin wrote back in early 1975 when jamming with Stanley Sheldon during the ‘Cucumber Jams’ Sessions @ ‘Glenn Holly Studios’. Hughes later wrote the lyrics for it during the recording of this LP.
3. Dealer (Bolin, Coverdale)
Was originally written by: Bolin Prior To Deep Purple under the title “Streaks and Stains” which contains the “Drifter” riff and combined with another song “Poker Chips” probably between 1974-1975 (there is an acoustic demo of this) Hughes originally recorded the lead vocal for this song, however when he was in rehab Coverdale re-recorded the lead with Bolin singing the last 4 lines.
4. Comin’ Home (Bolin, Paice, Coverdale) (*Program #2)
Ian Paice: In St. Paul, Mn. In 2005
“We Were All Jamming And Throwing Out Ideas, And So I Came Up With The First Part Of The Song, Tommy Finished Up The Rest (Of The Song), And David Wrote The Lyrics” There is an outtake from this ‘Jam Session’ Bolin plays the bass on this song as Hughes was sent back to the UK for some much needed rehabilitation.
5. Prelude
A. This Time Around (Hughes, Lord)
With music by: Lord the lyrics by: Hughes dedicated to one of his main influences Stevie Wonder.
B. Owed To ‘G’ (instrumental) (Bolin)
Written by Bolin sometime in 1975. The “G” is to George Gershwin. Tommy regularly performed this song with his local band ‘The Gassers’ which included his brother Johnnie & John Bartle in Aug 1975. Tommy joked the wanted to call the track “Gersh- Win”
*Lady Luck (yes a second time) (*Program #3)
6. Drifter (Bolin, Coverdale)
Originally titled “Days May Come” this one of the very 1st songs written by the ‘New’ lineup including Bolin.
7. Love Child (Bolin, Coverdale)
Was written by Bolin during the “Mind Transplant” sessions In October 1974. (There is a recording of this)
8. I Need Love (Bolin, Coverdale) (*Program #4)
I believe this was written the studio for the LP.
9. You Keep On Moving (Coverdale, Hughes)
This one was originally written for the “Burn” LP in 1973 but went unused until this album. The band did revive it during Bolin’s audition in Jun 1975.
In July 1975 Bolin was recording the sessions for what would become his 1st Solo album “Teaser” Hughes sang background vocals on the song “Dreamer” due to contracts; he could not sing lead vocals or be credited on the LP.
It is a little know fact that Tommy Bolin & Robert Plant were more than just acquaintances, while “Purple” was recording this album in Munich, Germany, Led Zeppelin was working on the sessions that would become “Presence”. Plant & Bolin had a “Pick- Up Band” that played local clubs performing old blues standards that they both loved.
After “DP4” broke up in May 1976 Bolin & Hughes were planning to do a project together, this did not come to fruition, perhaps because Bolin’s longtime girlfriend (since 1968) Karen took up with Hughes and eventually the 2 married in 1977.
Vinyl LP:
“Come Taste the Band” 1975 WB PR-2895 $6.98 #43 on Billboard Chart
“Last Concert in Japan” 1977 -1978 EMI Electrola #1C 064-60 900
VHS:
“Rises Over Japan” 1985 Mar on Warner Bros.
CD:
“Come Taste the Band”
A. # CDP-7-94032-2 in 1990 EMI
B. Reissue #829421-10582-4 in 2007 FridayMusic (liner notes by: Johnnie Bolin)
C. 35th Anniversary 2CDs #50999-6478662-9 in 2010 EMI (with 3 Bonus Tracks)
“Last Concert in Japan” 1977 WEA International (single disc Japan show)
“In Concert” 1995 King Biscuit #8002-2 (26jan1976 & 27feb1976 USA)
“Days May Come and Days May Go” 2000 Purple Records #303 (Jun1975 Rehearsals)
“1420 Beachwood Drive” 2000 Purple Records #201 (Jun1975 Rehearsals: part 2)
“Extended Versions” 2000 BMG #75517456192 (single disc USA show)
“This Time Around” 2001 BMG #06076-86312-2 (complete 15dec1975 Japan Show)
“Live at Long Beach 1976” 2009 Purple Records #350 (reissue of King Biscuit)
DVD:
“Phoenix Rising” 2011 May on Eagel Rock
Book:
“Gettin Tighter” 2008 Nov on Power Chord Press
Tours: “DP4” performed 17 shows in Hawaii, New Zealand, Australia, Indonesia & Japan from 2 Nov – 15 Dec 1975.
Here’s the setlist for this show one of their better performances:
20 November 1975 Sydney, Australia @ Hordern Pavilion
(Set List From Audience Recording)
1. Burn
2. Lady Luck
3. Love Child
4. Getting Tighter/ Dance To That Rock And Roll (including) Cucumber Jam (Bolin)
5. Smoke On The Water (including) Night And Day
6. Wild Dogs
7. I Need Love
8. John Lord Keyboard Solo
9. Lazy (into)
10. Ian Paice Drum Solo
11. This Time Around
12. Owed To ‘G’ (into)
13. Tommy Bolin’s Guitar
14. Drifter
15. You Keep On Moving
16. *Stormbringer
17. *Highway Star
The band went on to perform 39 more concerts from 14 Jan to 15 Mar 1976 on the US & Uk leg of this tour.
At the end of the final show, 15 Mar 1976 in Liverpool, UK @ Empire Theatre (audio) Lord, Paice & Coverdale had decided to put an end to ‘Deep Purple’ so. the Tour of Germany was canceled.
For a more extensive version of this article check out: www.MrZeros.Com in the “Blog’ section. Also be sure to visit:
Website:
www.tbolin.com
www.rocklegendmerch.com
Johnnie Bolin on “fb”
The Annual Tommy “BolinFest 2012” will be held again in Sioux City, Iowa @ The “Icky Nickle” Sat 28 July 2012
“Mr. Zero’s” is a Proud Sponsor for the 3rd (yes Third) Year In A Row !!!
“Don’t let your mind Post Toastee,
like a lot of my friends did”
From: Rik L. Schwinden’s book
“BUZZ” Newspaper Article: Jul- Aug 2011 (#5-E)
1. Sioux City Iowa: 1951
Thomas Richard Micheal Bolin was born in Sioux City, Iowa on Wed. 1 August 1951 to Richard & Barbara Bolin and lived on 1113 Court Street Sioux City, Iowa Richard worked at the local meat packing plant, Barbara worked at her father’s corner market. There were 4 Bolin boys Tommy, Bobby in 1953, Johnnie 17 August 1954 & Rick “Pudge” in 1957. Tommy began performing at an early age as an Elvis imitator on the local TV show “Canyon Kid”.
2. Patch of Blue: 1965- 67
In 1963 Tommy was in a garage band ‘The Miserlou’s’ when he was discover by guitarist Roger Rothwell & Local Guitar Legend Bob Dawdy of ‘The Velaires’. Tommy was recommended to the Local band ‘Denny and the Triumphs’ in 1964 who soon broke up and became ‘A Patch of Blue’ in 1965, put together by the recently deceased George Larvick, this band of young high school kids performed all over the mid west area, until the band fired Tommy for being too loud. Tommy then went to Cincinnati sometime in 1967 and played with the band ‘Ginger People’ with John Ferris as well as sitting in with blues legend Lonnie Mack.
3. Zephyr: 1968- 1971
In Fall 1967 Tommy left the band he was with as Keyboardist, ‘The Chateau’ from South Dakota and left for Denver which at that time the “mid west” answer to New York and San Francisco. The first band he was involved with was in ‘Cross Town Bus’ in 1967-68 where he met his girlfriend of the next 8 years, Karen U. Then Tommy formed a new band in late 1968 ‘Ethereal Zephyr’ later shorted to ‘Zephyr’ in 1969 they were signed to ABC-Probe Record Label & put out their first LP that same year. In 1970 ‘Zephyr’ added Drummer Bobby Berge, and in 1971 put out their 2nd LP “Going Back to Colorado” on Warner Bros. the band broke up in mid 1971 however did get back together from time to time in 1973 to play limited shows. There is a CD of a 1973 concert “Live at Art’s Bar & Grill”
4. Energy: 1971- 73
Tommy was quoted as saying when asked; “My favorite band I was in?, Energy” in 1971 after ‘Zephyr’ broke up Tommy went to New York, and played the local jazz scene with such greats as, Jeremy Stieg, Tony Williams, Don Alias & Gene Perla. Which lead to the formation of ‘Energy’ with former band mates Bobby Berge, Jeff Cook of ‘Crosstown Bus’ and Stan Sheldon & his Cousin Tom Stephenson. Touring where and when they could, unfortunately ‘Energy’ did not put out a record however there are 3 CDs available of this progressive jazz- blues band. (Pink Floyd fans should check these CDs out)
5. Billy Cobahm: 1973
In May 1973 Billy Cobham & Jan Hammer left the ‘Mahavishnu Orchestra’ to work on the LP “Spectrum” they needed a new ground breaking guitarist. Cobham had remembered Tommy from ‘Zephyr’ playing festivals together. So Billy called Tommy & asked “Would you like to do my solo record?” Tommy said “Who’s this again, I thought it was a joke” coincidentally this LP lead the way for Jeff Beck to go Instrumental Jazz Fusion & lead to Tommy’s audition for ‘Deep Purple’. The “Spectrum” LP came out on Atlantic in 1973 (Van Halen fans should listen to the song”Quadrant 4”).
6. James Gang: 1973- 74
In August 1973 ‘James Gang’ was looking for a new guitarist as Joe Walsh had split sometime earlier & the 1st replacement was not working out. The guys in ‘James Gang’ asked Walsh if he knew of anyone who he could recommend. Walsh said “Yea, my friend Tommy Bolin, he just did the “Spectrum” record.” The band brought Tommy in and recorded “Bang” 1973 Atco Records Tommy co-wrote 8 of the 9 songs on the LP made up of unreleased ‘Energy’ material. Note for the album cover Tommy’s head is super imposed onto Dominic Troiano’s body. In 1974 saw the 2nd ‘James Gang’ album with Tommy “Miami” this time Tommy co-wrote the entire LP. By late 1974 Tommy had grown disillusioned with the band naming musical differences and egos as the problem Tommy split in Aug 1974.
7. Alphonse Mouzon: 1975
In December 1974 Tommy teamed up with former ‘Weather Report’ Drummer Alphonse Mouzon To create what I personally feel is the greatest recorded album of all time “Mind Transplant” (Rush fans You Need To Hear This Record for the drumming) this is an unbelievable fusion jazz record it came out on Blue Note in 1975.
8. Moxy: 1975
While Tommy was recording demos for his 1st solo record that would eventually become “Teaser” he was asked to fill in for the recently departed guitarist from the Canadian Band ‘Moxy’ Tommy added is lead guitar work to 5 of the 8 tracks on the LP. “Moxy” came out on Mercury records in 1975.
9. Teaser: 1974- 75
Since ‘Energy’ disbanded in 1972 Tommy had been working on songs for his 1st solo outing starting the project in July 1975. It would eventually come out on Nemporer Records in late 1975. Working with a host of guest musicians like: Prairie Prince, Carmine Appice, Glen Hughes, David Sanborn, Phil Collins etc. A stellar piece of work, originally Tommy wanted Side #1 to be Vocal and side #2 to be Instrumental. So unfortunately one of the best tracks was left of the LP “Crazed Fandango” ‘Teaser’ came out within a month of Tommy’s 1st LP with ‘Deep Purple’.
10. Deep Purple: 1975- 76
Ritchie Blackmore had enough in 1974 with ‘Deep Purple’. So the newer members hungry to keep the band alive went in search of as new guitarist. David Coverdale had remembered a great guitar player form a record he liked “Spectrum” it just so happened Tommy lived up the street from one of ‘Deep Purple’s’ Roadies. So they brought Tommy in June 1975 and the band clicked with Tommy straight away. I asked Ian Paice about Tommy “He sure liked the camera didn’t he” Tommy really wanted to focus on his solo career but could not pass up the money the band offered, even though Tommy would have preferred the band take a new name, the band got to work right away & recorded “Come Taste The Band” in Switzerland it came out on Capitol Records in 1975. a 2nd LP was released with Tommy shortly after his death in 1977 “Last Concert in Japan” on Purple Records, this was from the 15 December 1975 show on the tour of Japan. I once asked David to do an interview on Tommy for my book, Coverdale to me “New book on Tommy, oh cool… no comment” ‘Deep Purple’ called it quits in March 1976.
11. Solo Band: 1975- 76
At last Tommy is free and established to pursue his solo career. So Tommy puts together the 1st ‘Tommy Bolin Band’ in April 1976, with Jan Hammer, Michael Narada Walden & Mark Stein of ‘Vanilla Fudge’ & set out on the road to promote ‘Teaser’ even though it was released a year earlier. Tommy has a revolving door of musicians in ‘The Tommy Bolin Band’ including his younger brother Johnnie Bolin, and the only main stay Norma Jean Bell on Saxophone. Tommy enters the studio to record his 2nd and final studio record “Private Eyes” in June 1976 comes out in August 1976.Tommy embarks on his 2nd solo tour landing the radio show “The King Biscuit Flower Hour” 19 September 1976 Tommy and the band are schedule to open for ‘KISS’ on the “Rock N Roll Over Tour” on 2 December 1976 when Tommy cancels due to health reasons. Tommy does land the opening slot for guitar contemporary Jeff Beck on 3 December 1976. At an after show party, then to his room at the Newport Hotel, Tommy seemed to be in okay, and in decent spirits and having a few drinks.
12. Death: 1976
On 4 December 1976 just after 7 A.M. Thomas Richard Micheal Bolin was pronounced “dead” in Miami, Florida from Alcohol, Barbiturates, & Opiates. The coroner’s report shows fresh needle tracks, but not signs of long term usage. Tommy is buried in Sioux City, Iowa in Calvary Cemetery. Karen made sure Tommy was buried with a souvenir he had been given years earlier the very ring Jimi Hendrix was wearing when Jimi died. Tommy did have some songs written like “Faded Satin Lady” “Blues Gonna Take Me Away” & “Down In Dungeon” for what would have been his 3rd solo LP perhaps entitled “Whips and Roses” due out in early 1977.
13. Tommy Bolin Archives: 1996
There have been about 36 CDs of material, Live, Demos & Out-takes, released of Tommy’s music since he passed away 4 December 1976 on various labels many through the Tommy Bolin Archives out of Denver, CO. The 5 most recent:
1. “Teaser Deluxe” 2011 Samson
2. “Come Taste The Band” by: Deep Purple 2010 EMI
3. “Mister Bolin’s Late Night Revue” 2010 Rainbow Foundation (I worked on the music video for the song “Jump Back” on this CD)
4. “Whirlwind” 2013 Cleopactra
5. “Zephyr: Boxset” 2014 Purple Pyramid
14. My Book: “Post Toastee; Sioux City Blues”
This information is taken from my book with Johnnie Bolin, which is in progress on Tommy R. Bolin due out August 2016
Mr. Zero’s Roseville 55113: $ells Tommy Bolin; Posters, CDs, Postcards, T-Shirts, LPs, Guitar Picks, Buttons, Photographs
For even more Tommy Bolin merchandise on line.
http://www.rocklegendmerch.com
For updated information on Tommy Bolin
tbolin.com
“BolinFest 2011” Tickets @ $old @ Mr. Zero’s $10.oo
Saturday 30 July 2011 in Sioux City, Iowa @ Ickey Nickle
“BolinFest 2012” Sat 4 Aug 2012
In Sioux City, Iowa @ Icky Nickle
“BolinFest 2013” Sat 3 Aug 2013
In Sioux City, Iowa @ Icky Nickle
“BolinFest 2014” Sat 2 Aug 2014
In Sioux City, Iowa @ Icky Nickle
“Teaser … Not Bang A Gong”
“BUZZ” Newspaper Article Aug- Sep 2013 (#30-tBc)
Welcome back to another installment of “Dr. Rock’s Remember When?”
Occasionally I get asked where I am from; well I was born in Sioux City, Iowa, I went to School in Jackson, MS. But graduated from Sioux City West, and then promptly moved to Phoenix, AZ. I lived in Des Moines, Iowa about 15 years & I have been in St. Paul about 14 years now.
Having grown up in Sioux City our Local Hero was Tommy Bolin who left that town & made something of himself in the ‘music biz’ in 1979 The Bolin Family lived across the street from us on 25th Pierce St. Now Sioux City is kind of a depressing place, & when Tommy ended up in ‘Deep Purple” ‘it gave me the idea “Then I can get out of this town too”
So when people ask me where I am from I tell them “Sioux City, Iowa the Home of Tommy Bolin” usually I hear “Oh, the guy in “T-Rex” I say “No, the other guy, Teaser” Now I own “Mr. Zero’s: Music Shop” & we have sponsored the “The Annual Tommy Bolin Fest” held in Sioux City, Iowa for the past now, it’s held the 1st week of August to honor Tommy’s birthday. So in 1st part of this ‘2 Part Article’ I’d like to cover the 1st half of the some 50 plus releases pertaining to Tommy.
Tommy Bolin: Thomas Richard Micheal Bolin; 1 Aug 1951
was born in Sioux City, Iowa, his parents were Rich & Barbara, & 2 brothers are, Johnnie & Pudge. Tommy was a Catholic of half Syrian & Swedish heritage He grew up on 2740 Clark St on the north-west side of town. Tommy died of a massive drug overdose in a hotel in Miami on 4 Dec 1976.
>>> Not To Be Confused with: Marc Bolan who was born (Mark Feld) on 30 Sep 1947 in Stoke Newington, London, England & died 16 Sep 1977 in Barnes, London, Marc’s father Simeon Feld was a Russian/Polish Jew & his mother Phyllis Atkins an Irish Christian. Bolan once declared “he, if anything he was Jewish”.
Marc was originally was influenced by Gene Vincent. Marc was a teen model, before becoming a Solo artist from 1965-67 releasing 5 singles, before joining “John’s Children” in 1967 this band released 1 single. He then became Marc Bolan & formed ‘Tyrannosaurs Rex’ in 1968 through 1970 releasing 4 LPs & 5 Singles. Around Jun ’70 Marc recorded “Ride A White Swan” & shorted the band’s name to “T-Rex” & released 8 LPs & a whopping 32 Singles from 1970- 1977. Ironically Marc died only 9 months after Tommy Bolin (to add to the confusion) in a auto crash, he was the passenger in the auto being driven by Gloria Jones, the auto hit a fence, then a tree on the way back from Morton’s Pub in Berkley Square, low air pressure in the tire was listed as the cause of the accident.
Tommy Bolin or Tom as he preferred to be called then, was influenced by Elvis he started off playing drums, but soon switched to guitar & keyboards. At the age of 13 Tom was playing guitar in the garage band “The Miserlous”. He was then asked by Brad Miller to join “Denny & The Triumphs” in early 1965. Tom was using a Mosrite Surf Guitar at this time. This band consisted of the lineup listed below:
*Denny & The Triumphs: 1965 (summer)
Sioux City, Iowa
Denny Foote: Bass
Tommy Bolin: Guitar
Dave Stokes: Vocals
Brad Miller: Lead Guitar
Brad Larvick: Drums
Steve Bridenbaugh: Keyboards
George Larvick Sr. managed ‘The Triumphs’ at some point Denny was fired & George Larvick Jr. stepped in & took over the band. George changed the name of the band to ‘A Patch Of Blue’ after seeing a Sidney Poitier film of the same name. George Sr. made several recordings (reportedly up to 5 shows) of this band. In 1999 a 2-CD set was released. My Uncle Jeff has said “You should have seen/heard Tommy play the solo on Tom Jones “It’s Not Unusual” man, did he really shine on that one” At this time Tom was using a Gretsch Country Gentlemen & a blue Kustom Amp.
*A Patch Of Blue: 1965 (fall)- 1967 (summer)
Sioux City, Iowa
“A Patch Of Blue: Live” Larvick Recordings-1999 (CD only)
A 2 CD recording containing 28 songs from 2 separate concerts in Correctionville & Sioux City, Iowa in 1967.
George Larvick: Bass & Vocals
Brad Larvick: Drums
Brad Miller: Guitar
Tommy Bolin: Guitar
Steve Bridenbaugh: Keyboards
Dave Stokes:Vocals #1
Mike Schwarte: Vocals #2
Tom was eventually fired from ‘A Patch Of Blue’ for turning up his guitar too loud to upstage the other band members. Tom was recruited to play in the Sioux Falls band ‘The Chateaux’ as mainly a Keyboardist and 2nd guitar player to John Bartle.
*The Chateaux: 1967 (fall)
Sioux Falls, SD.
Bob Ellison: Vocals & Bass
John Bartle: Lead Guitar
Tommy Bolin: Keyboards & Guitar
Bobby Berge: Drums
David Napier: Saxophone
One night in Dec ’67 Tom took off with a friend to move to Denver to stay with former band mate Brad Miller. David Napier: “The 1st time I heard of that Bolin kid was he didn’t show for a gig, I got a call from Ellison to fill in, boy was Bob pissed”
Bolin had moved to Denver & happened upon the local band ‘Crosstown Bus‘ rehearsing in a basement, Tom asked if he could sit in. Eventually Tom & Jeff Cook formed ‘American Standard’ named after the toilet manufacturing company. It is also about this time that Tom went back to being called Tommy.
*American Standard:1968 (spring)
Denver, CO.
Jeff Cook: Vocals
Tommy Bolin: Guitar
Terry Knieff: Bass
Michael Lothamer: Drums
Tommy had met John Feris in Cincinnati, after backing Lonnie Mack, earlier in the year of ‘67, the 2 moved to Boulder & formed ‘Ethereal Zephyr’ Candy & David were in ‘Brown Sugar”’the 2 bands united & became ‘Zephyr’ with Chamberlain on drums at 1st, then later replaced By Berge of ‘The Velaires’. Tommy at this time was using a Gibson SG to quote “Get that sound”.
*Zephyr: 1968- 1971 & 1973
Boulder, CO.
“1st Album” Probe/ABC-1969 (LP, 8Track & CD)
“Going Back To Colorado” WB-1971 (LP, 8Track, Cass & CD)
“Live @ Art’s Bar & Grill” TBA-1996 (CD only) 2 May 1973 reunion concert.
Tommy Bolin: Guitar
John Feris: Organ
Candie Givens: Vocals
David Givens: Bass
Robbie Chamberlain: Drums #1
& Bobby Berge: Drums #2
“ZEPHYR”: Purple Pyramid- 2014 (CD only) Boxset re-mastered 1st album, 2nd CD is “Live Cuts: 1969-73” & 3rd CD “19 Jun 1973 in Boulder @ Tulagi’s
There was a Promo Video shot for a 3 min. version “Hard Chargin Woman” as well as footage of ‘Zephyr ‘on “Turn On TV” from 1970, performing “St. James Infirmary”
This is around the time Barry Fey became a real influence on Tommy’s life, right up until his death. This is also about the time Tommy met Mike Drumm who worked at a recordstore & helped Tommy buy a reel to reel tape recording deck so Tommy could record his demos. ‘Zephyr’ toured & performed on the same bill as bands like Led Zeppelin & Jimi Hendrix Experience. Their 2nd LP was produced by the legendary Eddie Kramer. In mid ’73 the band reunited for several concerts.
Bolin & Berge left ‘Zephyr’ in May ’71 to form ‘Energy’ a Jazz-Rock-Fusion band. This band was not able secure a record deal, while they did not release an LP while they were together several CDs have been released of their musical efforts. Jeremy Steig was the Flute player in the band originally, Steig had an LP titled “Energy” in 1970 on Capitol Records, & this is where Bolin took the name from. At this time Tommy was using a 1962 Gibson EMS-1235 Les Paul Double Neck , owned by Joe Walsh, with Hi Watt Amp Heads & Sound City Bottoms.
*Energy: 1971- 1972 & 1974
Boulder, CO.- Sioux City, IA.
“The Energy Radio Broadcasts 1972” TBA-1998 (CD only) 2 separate radio broadcasts from Denver.
“Energy” TBA-1999 (CD only) 2 demo recording sessions & a soundtrack recording.
“Tommy Bolin & Energy: Live” in Boulder 1972 & Sioux City 17/18 Dec 1972 TBA-2003 (CD only).
“Glen Holly Jams: Vol 1” TBA-2004 (CD only) Jam sessions @ Glen Holly Studios from 1972- 1974.
“Raw” PPR-2014(Jan-2014: CD only) more Jam Sessions from 1972- 1974.
“Live at Ebbets Field” 1974 TBA-1997 (CD only) Reformed “Energy” concert 3 Jun 1974.
“Live at Ebbets Field 1974 Vol. 2 (Alternate Takes)” (CD only) reformed “Energy” concert 4 Jun 1974.
Tommy Bolin: Guitar & Vocals
Bobby Berge: Drums
Stanley Sheldon: Bass
Tom Stephenson: Keyboards #1
Jeremy Steig: Flute
Gary Wilson: Vocals #1
Jeff Cook: Vocals #2
Max Carl Gronenthal: Keyboards & Vocals #2-3
Russell Bizzet: Drums #2
Archie Shelby: Percussion
When Tommy left the ‘James Gang’ in mid ’74 he re-formed ‘Energy’ & played a few shows before he began work on his 1st solo LP.
While Tommy was struggling to make ‘Energy’ successful he got a call from Billy Cobham formerly of: ‘Mahavishnu Orchestra’ to be the guitarist on Cobham’s 1st solo LP “Spectrum” This LP lead the way for Jazz Fusion music embraced by the likes of; Jeff Beck.
*Billy Cobham: 1973
“Spectrum” Atlantic- 1973 Oct (LP, 8Track, Cass & CD).
“Rudiments: The Billy Cobham Anthology” WEA-2004 (CD only) “Spectrum” Out-Take “All For One”.
Billy Cobham: Drums
Tommy Bolin: Guitar
Jan Hammer: Piano- Synthesizer
Lee Sklar: Bass
Shortly after Tommy’s work on “Spectrum” Joe Walsh who frequently jammed with Bolin in Boulder, suggested Tommy to be the new guitar player in ‘James Gang’. Tommy literally breathed new life into the band, writing almost all the materiel for 2 studio LPs. As Tommy entered the ‘James Gang’ he was using a Fender Tele-Strat, something his roadie Dave Brown came up with, a Telecaster neck on a Stratocaster body, Tommy actually had 2 of these, a Brown one & a White one.
*James Gang: 1973- 1974
“Bang” Atco-1973 Sep (LP, 8Track, Cass & CD) ”Must Be Love” #54 on Billboard 6 Apr 1974.
“Miami” Atco- 1974 Jul (LP, 8Track, Cass & CD).
“Snapshot” TBA/ Cleopatra-1999 (CD & LP) James Gang Demos.
Jim Fox: Drums
Dale Peters: Bass
Roy Kenner: Vocals
Tommy Bolin: Guitar & Vocals
There is video footage of ‘James Gang’ from Don Kirshner’s “Rock Concert” 23 Feb 1974: Walk Away, The Devil Is Singing Our Song, Ride the Wind, Funk #49 & Standing In The Rain.
While Tommy was still in the ‘James Gang ‘in Jul ’74 as a favor to Jim Fox, Tommy played on The “Rainbow Canyon” LP. Tommy ended up leaving ‘James Gang’ because of personal & musical differences; it was Bolin’s intent to re-form ‘Energy’
*Rainbow Canyon: 1974
“Rollin in the Rockies” Capitol-1974 Aug (LP & 8Track) James Gang: Jim Fox project w/ Tommy on: “The Invisible Song” . A 45 Single was released of this song.
Between bands Tommy was hanging in L.A. working on demos for his own Solo LP (Teaser) Bolin did some session work for ‘Coven”’ Tommy sited this band as an early influence on him, there is some discrepancy on Bolin’s involvement on these recordings from; he was asked to join the band to he was just hanging out partying. Tommy was also working with Mike Finnegan in Aug 1974 & Dr. John in Dec 1974 at this time.
*Coven: 1974
“Metal Goth Queen-Out of the Vault” 2008 (CD only)
Tommy on “Black Swan” 1974
*Alphonse Mouzon: 1974 (Dec)
Bolin had sat in & jammed with Mouzon & Coryell in Boulder sometime in late ’74, leading to Mouzon booking time @ Glen Holly Studios in Oct ’74. With Bolin & Sheldon, a CD was released of this session.
“Mind Transplant” Blue Note-1975 (LP, 8Track, Cass & CD).
“Tommy Bolin & Alphonse Mouzon Fusion Jam” (1974 Oct) TBA-1999 (CD only) the rehearsal session for “Mind Transplant”.
Alphonse Mouzon: Drums, Vocals, Keys
Tommy Bolin: Guitar (solo 2, 3, 7, 8, 9)
Jerry Peters: Keyboards
Henry Davis: Bass
Tommy happened to be in NYC when Roland Paquin, who was the former manager of ‘James Gang’ & now the current manager of ‘Moxy’ recommended Bolin to record Lead Guitar on 6 songs in the place of Earl Johnson. Tom Stephenson also plays Keyboards on this LP.
In Jun ’75 Tommy was hired to fill in for the recently departed Ritchie Blackmore in ‘Deep Purple’ Tommy’s contract allowed him to have solo LP at the same time, Bolin wanted a solo career but, Tommy could not resist the status & money that “Purple” offered him. Tommy recorded 1 studio LP & 1 Concert LP & a world tour before the band broke up in Mar ’76 as Lord & Paice did not want to continue the band & Coverdale was unhappy with Bolin’s behavior. While Tommy was in “Purple” he began using Dave Brown’s Gibson Les Paul Standard with the American Flag Pickguard, as he wanted to set himself apart from Blackmore.
*Deep Purple: 1975- 1976
“Come Taste The Band” WB-1975 Oct (LP, Reel, 8Track, Cass & CD) the only studio LP with this lineup.
“Last Concert in Japan” WB/Purple 1977 Mar (LP, Cassette & CD) official LP released after Tommy’s death.
“On The Wings Of A Russian Foxbat”
THBWM-1808 Bootleg LP of 27 Feb 1976 Long Beach. The Original Radio Broadcast of the “King Biscuit Flower Hour”
Burn
Smoke On The Water
This Time Around
Highway Star
Not Fade Away
Mistreated
“Days May Come and Days May Go” (The California Rehearsals Vol. 1) DPR-2000 (CD only).
“1420 Beachwood Drive” (The California Rehearsals Volume 2) DPR-2000 (CD only) Bolin’s audition part 2.
“This Time Around: Live in Tokyo” DPR-2001 (CD only) complete 15 Dec 1975 Tokyo concert.
“King Biscuit Flower Hour Presents: Deep Purple in Concert” KBFH-1995 (CD only) 27 Feb 1976; Long Beach, CA.
“On the Wings of a Russian Foxbat” Live in California ’76 (1995) (CD only) Import version of: 27feb76 concert.
“Deep Purple: Extended Versions” BMG-2000 (CD only) 26 Jan 1976; Springfield,Mass.concert. ”Come Taste The Band: 35th Anniversary Edition” EMI Import- 2010 Remixed & Expanded (4 bonus tracks)Version of this LP (CD only)
“Last Concert In Japan: Remaster” Friday Music- 2012 (CD only)
A VHS (only) “Rises Over Japan” contains video footage of; Smoke On The Water, You Keep On Moving, Burn, Love Child & Highway Star, & is now on DVD.
When Tommy would go home to Sioux City to visit, after spending time with his family, Tommy would call up his childhood musician friends & they would play one-off or several gigs under the name ‘The Gassers’ 1 concert CD was released from these shows. Tommy was using a tobacco sunburst Fender Stratocaster with a small headstock around this time.
*The Gassers: 1975 & 1976
Sioux City- Sioux Falls
“Live at the Jet Bar” 24 Nov 1976 TBA-2004 (CD only).
Johnnie Bolin: Drums
John Bartle: Guitar #1
Roger Rothwell: Bass, Guitar
Archy Shelby: Percussion
George Larvick: Bass #2
Scott Isaacson: Bass #3
Butch Porter: Guitar #2
Mark Craney: Drums #2
Barry Fey was able to get Bolin signed as a solo artist in Apr ’75 with Nemperor Records. Tommy began sessions for his 1st solo LP in Jul- Oct ’75 ”Teaser” was originally planned to be “A” side with Vocals & the “B” Side Instrumental. Tommy began his tour for “Teaser” in Apr ‘76; unfortunately Bolin was dropped from his record label in May ’76 when he nearly fell of the stage (due to intoxication) at a show in NYC. Fey managed to get Bolin signed to Columbia Records sometime in Jun ’76 then recording began for Tommy’s 2nd solo LP “Private Eyes” Bolin was using an Ibanez Explorer (which was stolen from a bingo hall here in MPLS in 1980).
*Tommy Bolin Band: 1974 & 1976
“Teaser” Nemperor/CBS-1975 Nov (LP, 8Track, Cass & CD).
“Private Eyes” CBS-1976 Sep (LP, 8Track, Cass & CD).
“Whips & Roses: 1 & 2” -2006 (CD only) Master Alternate Recordings for “Teaser” remixed with other tracks.
“Teaser Deluxe” 2011 (CD only) Remixed from the master tapes with a bonus track.
“Teaser: Definitive Collector’s Edition” (5 CD Boxset) 429 Records-2012 (CD only) the Entire “Teaser” Sessions.
“Naked” TBA-2000 (CD only) 2 CDs of 36 acoustic demos.
“Naked II” TBA-2002 (CD only) a 3rd CD of 18 acoustic demos.
“Tommy Bolin Band Live” TBL- 1994 (CD only) 9 song concert compilation.
“First Time Live” 28 Apr 1976 Calif. TBA-2000 (CD only) “Teaser Tour”.
“Alive on Long Island” 22 May 1976 2003 (CD only) “Teaser Tour”.
“Live in Albany 19 Sep 1976” TBA-2001 (CD only) “King Biscuit Flower Hour” broadcast (w/ B.O.C.).
“Live In Albany” 20 Sep 1976 & 16 Nov 1976 New Orleans TBA-2004 (CD only) Soundboard concert recording.
“Live at Northern Lights Recording Studio” 22 Sep 1976 TBA-1997 (CD only) radio WBCN broadcast.
“In His Own Words” (5 Interviews from Sep- Nov 1976) TBA-1997 (CD only) An in depth interview with Tommy telling his own story.
“Live in Miami at Jai Alai: The Final Show” 3 Dec 1976 TBA-2002 (CD only) Tommy’s last concert performance.
The Tommy Bolin Band consisted of:
Norma Jean Bell: Saxaphone
Mark Stein: Keyboards #1
Reggie McBride: Bass #1
Narada Michael Walden: Drums #1
Bobby Berge: Drums #2
Jimmy Haslip: Bass #2
Johnnie Bolin: Drums #3
Max Carl Groenthal: Keyboards #2
Mark Craney: Drums #4
When Tommy died he was working on material for a 3rd solo LP (“Whips ‘N Roses”), Bolin was in negotiation to open for ‘Fleetwood Mac’ on their upcoming “Rumors” Tour, 1 song “Faded Satin Lady” from the 3rd LP was released by: Max Carl Groenthal on “Whistlin In The Dark” 1979 Chrysalis. Bolin was using a 1974 black Fender Stratocaster at this time. Tommy had left behind some 60 reels of unreleased recordings, many of these were released on The Tommy Bolin Archives Series By: Mike Drumm & Johnnie Bolin, the titles are listed below:
“Fever” Miller Music-1997 (CD only) an 11 CD Bootleg Boxset an all encompassing collection on Tommy’s career.
“The Ultimate: Box Set” Geffen-1989 (LP, Cass & CD) a 2 CD Retrospective Boxset of Tommy’s career.
“From the Archives Vol. 1” Rhino-1996 (CD only) an out-takes compilation.
“The Bottom Shelf” TBA-1997 (CD only) another out-takes collection (vol.2).
“From the Archives Vol. 2” TBA-1998 (CD only) a 3rd out-takes collection.
“Come Taste the Man” TBA-1999 (CD only) a sampler CD of the many “Tommy Bolin Archives” CDs.
“Come Taste The Man: Vol.2” TBA-2000 (CD only) a 2nd sampler of the many “Tommy Bolin Archives” CDs.
“The Ultimate Redux” :SPV-2008 (CD only) a 3CD retrospective boxset of the “Archives” series.
“Whirlwind”: Cleopatra-2013 (CD & LP) a brand new collection from the “Archives” series.
Tribute CDs:
“1997 Tribute Concert”: TBA-1998 (CD only) Glenn Hughes & Johnnie Bolin Concert Tour CD.
“Mister Bolin’s Late Night Revival”: Rainbow-2010 (CD only) re-workings of unreleased Tommy demos.
“Great Gypsy Soul”: 429 Records-2012 (CD only) a guest tribute CD with other famous guitarists playing along with Tommy’s recorded tracks.
There are currently 4 books (2 in English & 1 in Japanese & 1 in French) on Bolin. Tommy Bolin “Touched By Magic” 2008
& Deep Purple: “Gettin Tighter” 2008
As well as these Authorized Websites
www.TBolin.Com & www.TommyBolin-official.com & http://www.TommyBolin.org & http://www.rocklegendmerch.com/
Dedicated to: Johnnie V. Bolin, Greg Hampton, Mike Drumm, Willy Dixon & Brad Miller for keeping Tommy’s music alive all these years …. This is an Excerpt from My Book On: Tommy Bolin “Post Toastee” (Copyright 2014 MrZERo Inc.)
By: RLSchwinden
c/o Mr. Zero’s Inc.
*Est. 2009
www.MrZeros.Com
1744 Lexington Ave. N.
Roseville, MN. 55113
651. 489.0207
“Everywhere It’s Christmas”
Mr. Zero’s Top Christmas Songs
“BUZZ” Newspaper Article: December 2013 (#33-xS)
When I was a kid I loved Christmas & I Especially loved Christmas Music, so did my Little Sister Carrie, I remember she would listen to Christmas Music in Aug, on a little tape recorder passed down from her oldest Sister Michelle. So as I have being selling music for over 35 years, I thought I would cover my favorite Christmas songs & the formats in which they were released, as I was just reminded by a customer, that most of these great Christmas songs were not released on full length LPs, but instead usually on a 45 Single, then later as a bonus track on a CD that was closest to the time that Xmas song was recorded.
“Little Drummer Boy” Harry Simone Chorale: 1958 on LP. From the Claymation film of the same name, I loved this show as a kid.
“Rockin’ Santa Claus” The Martels: 1959 a 45 & then on CD “Cool Yule” 1988, a great R&B tune, I love the bass vocal in this song.
“(I Want a) Rock and Roll Guitar” Johnny Preston: 1960 a 45 & then on CD “Cool Yule” 1988 the 50s dialect is priceless. “Man, I don’t want no dump-truck, I want something that swings” he also did “Leave My Kitten Alone”
“Riu Chiu” The Monkees: 1967 released on “Missing Links 2” 1990 CD/Cass, this song was used in the only Monkees Christmas episode & not released until 23 years later. Sadly this version does not have David Jones on it, but Chip Douglas in his place. It’s a 15th century Spanish balled.
“A Christmas Song” Jethro Tull: 1968 a 45 Single & then on “Living In The Past” 1972 LP/8Track. An unbelievable track from these prog-rockers, one of my all time favorites. I feel this band is grossly under rated.
“Yesterday’s Christmas” Bobby Sherman: 1970 LP/CD. This song totally captures what it was like to be a young kid in the early 70’s, once a popular teen idol, he is largely forgotten today.
“Happy Xmas (war is over) John Lennon: 1971 a 45 & then on “Shaved Fish” 1975. Com’on its Lennon for crying out loud. Yoko has the B-Side “Listen the Snow Is Falling”.
“Miss Christmas” Energy w/ Tommy Bolin: 1972 “Energy” CD. Some of you may not know Tommy Bolin is from my home town Sioux City, Iowa. I have written many articles on him, & still trying to finish up a book on him.
“Christmas Eve Can Kill You” Everly Brothers: 1972 “Stories We Could Tell” LP. When I was a baby my Mom took a photo of me, with an Everlys LP in the background, many years later I was able to get that same LP autographed by both Phil & Don.
“Step into Christmas” Elton John: 1973 a 45 Single & then a bonus track on “Caribou” 1995 CD. I 1st heard this song on a promo only CD sampler I got in L.A. at a work function. I remember thinking back in 1993 someday kids will not understand the line “Hop aboard your turntable, step into Christmas with me”
“Merry Christmas Everybody” Slade: 1973 a 45 Single. As a 45 this sold 1 million copies, & started off the UK tradition of the race for the #1 spot on the chart for Christmas in the UK. My old boss Marc H. turned me onto this song.
“I Believe In Father Christmas” ELP a 45 in 1975 By: Greg Lake then re-recorded By: ELP & released in 1977 on “Works Vol. 2” LP. I really feel this song sums up the whole Christmas experience for me. I still remember sitting in my Grandma Marge’s living room looking at the tree & hearing this on the radio.
“Christmas Is My Time Of Year” The Monkees (Dolenz, Jones & Tork): 1976 a 45 & on the CD “Cool Yule 1988. In the mid-70’s the pseudo 1st Monkees reunion took place in the form of “Dolenz, Jones, Boyce & Hart” in late ’76 they released this Xmas 45, which lead to me one of my best friends in the Record Biz (Ace-High Records), he was a DJ in a local club & I sought him out to get a copy from him.
“Father Christmas” Kinks: 1977 a 45 then in 1986 on “Come Dancing” LP/Cass/CD. This song is so cool I asked the Glam Band I was in (Palace Guard) back in 1985 to do this song in our regular set.
“Wonderful Christmastime” Paul McCartney 1979 a 45 & then a bonus track on the 1993 CD “Back To The Egg” as before, com’on it’s McCartney, the B-Side was a weird instrumental that McCartney is known to do from time to time.
“Dead By Christmas” Hanoi Rocks: 1981 a 45 then on the 1982 “Self Destruction Blues” LP/CD. This band really influenced our Band “PALACE GUARD”
“2000 Miles” The Pretenders; 1st a 45 in 1983 then in 1984 on the LP “Learning To Crawl” I never really got into this band but this a great song.
“Thank God It’s Christmas” Queen: 1984 a 12″ EP Single & a 45, then on the 1999 CD “Greatest Hits 3” My buddy Pat (the Drummer of Palace Guard) was a huge “QUEEN” fan & used to get all the rare Import Singles etc. & introduced me to this song. Another great Non-LP Track was “2 Sharp Pencils”
“That Spirit of Christmas” Ray Charles: 1985 LP/CD. I heard this LP when it came out, it didn’t grab me until this song was used in the film “Christmas Vacation” years later.
“It Wasn’t His Child” Sawyer Brown: 1988 CD “Wide Open” this was the opening track to a charity CD a friend gave me because Dolenz of The MONKEES was on the same disc. It really hit home for me, as I was not my Step- Dad’s child but he loved me like a son.
“Christmas Vacation” Mavis Staples: 1989 Paisley Park Promo Only 45, eventually released on “Ultimate Christmas Vol.3” CD only in 1996. The opening song to the film. I made a cassette recording from a VHS, so I could listen to this song. This was not commercially released back then because there was trouble between PRINCE & WB, in retaliation WB messed with several of the Artists PRINCE was working with, Mavis ended up being one of them.
“I Heard The Bells” Suzy Boguss: 1988 Promo only CD Single. This was a CD Single released only to Radio Stations. Customers drove us crazy that year coming in droves to buy it, when it was not available. I eventually got a copy from the record label.
“I Believe In You” Sinead O’Connor: 1992 “Very Special Christmas 2” CD/Cassette. Being Irish I was interested in the artist even if she was bald … I heard this tune & thought this is great, well of course it is, Dylan wrote it.
“Kidnap The Sandy Claws” 1993 “Nightmare Before Christmas” I got turned onto this song from a co-worker John Z. he played it for me & laughed my head off. “Beat him with a stick”
“Christmas Is My Time Of Year” The Beatles: 1967 on the “Free As A Bird” 1995 CD Single. I 1st heard this song on a Bootleg LP in High School. This song was re-mixed for a CD Single only for The BEATLES “Anthology” series.
“Rudolf Red Nosed Reindeer” Smithereens: 1995 “Attack Of The Smithereens” CD. I got this song off of some sampler CD that came in at Xmas time that year, turns out it was on this CD by the band.
“River” Ann Nancy Wilson: 1995 “Road Home” CD/Cass. This is a Joni Mitchell song that had been around for awhile, I did not discover it until years later, I was going to see HEART in concert & was playing all their CDs that I owned.
“Looking for Christmas” Clint Black: 1995 “Looking For Christmas” CD/Cass. I was working for WorstBuyz when this came out & we were doing some sort of promotion for the new CD. I really liked this 1st song.
“Happy Holiday” Enuff Z’nuff: 2003 “We Wish You A Hairy Christmas” CD. I was never really into the “Hair Metal” scene or specifically this band but I heard this & really thought this one was great.
“Washington Square” Chris Isaak: 2004 from the CD “Christmas” I love Chris’ music, & this song especially. He had a great TV show in the early 2000s.
While there were millions of Christmas albums recorded, most were by Easy Listening, Vocal or Big Band Artists, then eventually artists aimed at a younger audience, ex. Brady Bunch Kids, Jackson Five, New Kids On The Block, etc. recorded Xmas albums as a quick cash-in on their fleeting fame, most Rock or Jazz Artists, usually, only did a song or 2. Music History Trivia: back in the late 80s & early 90s most Christmas Music was sold in Minnesota or Iowa, more so than most other states combined.
So here are a few of my Favorite Christmas Albums:
Dean Martin “A Winter Romance” 1959 Capitol, I always loved Dean’s voice, I know most prefer Frank, but I like Deno.
Jackie Gleason: “Merry Christmas” 1962 Capitol, this promo CD came in, in 1989, I just loved it, it was the 1st commercial album to use the instrument the celeste which along with vocal choir surely inspired Danny Elfman on works such as “Edward Scissorhands”
Paul Revere & Raiders: “A Christmas Present And Past” 1967. Band leaders Paul Revere & Mark Lindsay found themselves with yet another band change in 1967, so to fill the gap they recorded a Xmas album with the new band, as the Raiders considered themselves a musical comedy group there are several bits this that were meant to be humorous that ended up being a little un-enjoyable.
Osmonds: “We Sing You A Merry Christmas” 1962 & “Christmas Album” 1976. In the 70s the Osmonds were huge, the 1st Xmas LP they did as barbershop quartet & the 2nd as a whole family singing group.
The Beatles: “From Then To You” UK 1970 Apple LP. Turns out The BEATLES would release a Flexi- Disc to the members of their fan club in the UK, from 1963- 1969, so 7 in total, when they broke up in 1970 their final release was to the fans an album of all 7 Xmas Flexi-Discs on one LP. This was released in the USA the following year. Trivia: Tiny Tim was the only outside artist to appear on this Xmas LP, the 1968 “Sixth” record.
Partridge Family “Christmas Card” 1971 Bell/ Arista LP & 8Track. When I was a kid the MONKEES had ended & in the wake The Partridge Family was created, 60% of the Musical staff went from 1 project to the other, so it only makes sense I would have liked this kind of music too.
Best of Cool Yule: 1990 Rhino CD. The record label Rhino started out as a compilation/ re-issue label, in many cases such as this one, putting several 45 singles not on any other album, all on 1 CD. This one has many 50s songs together a great listening experience overall.
Davy Jones “It’s Christmas Time Again” 1991 Cassette. The MONKEES 80s reunion ended in Sep 1989; however Jones never stopped working as an entertainer. In the late 80s into the 90s Jones had his own record label; Hercules, (manufactured by Capitol) he put out several releases on cassette only.
So there you have it folks, my final installment for 2013.
I would like to add this article, as with all my submissions is/are written from my perspective, experience & my own preferences. As I learned the hard way, in some way we are all very different, and in some ways we are all very much the same. So stay true to yourself & dig what you’re into …
I would like to thank Izzy Presley & Don Anger for getting me this gig. Izzy just played a show with “ACK” & Izzy was kind enough to let me do a song with him & my other band mates Pete & Mick.
Motley Crue:
“A diverse, colorful group of people working together”
“Motley Crue, High RPM with Low IQ” Manager Doc McGhee
BUZZ Newspaper Article Nov- Dec 2013 (#32-mC) By: RLSchwinden aka: MrZERo)
Back in the very early 80’s Disco was finally over, Urban Cowboy Music was coming to a close & New Wave (now referred to as Post Punk) ruled the airwaves, we KISS & RUSH fans were searching for something new. In June 1982 in a Kerrang magazine my friend Eric DeWolf saw an ad for MOTLEY CRUE “Too Fast For Love” he went to our local recordstore UNCLE JOHN & purchased a copy. We met back at his Mom’s house & he put it on. I was looking at the back cover & inner sleeve photo & said out loud “KISS, are now dinosaurs” I was infatuated from the 1st time I heard “Com’on And Dance” & “Stick To Your Guns” & “Starry Eyes” these guys were my new Rock Heroes.
> On With The Show <
One Nikki Sixx (Frank Carlton Serafino Feranna Jr. 11 Dec 1958 San Jose, CA) having played in the band "SISTER" in 1976 with Blackie Lawless & Then in the band "LONDON" in 1978 with Nigel Benjamin & Lizzie Grey. Sometime in Jan 1980, Sixx met a Drummer Tommy Lee (Thomas Lee Bass: 3 Oct 1962 Athens, Greece) while Lee was playing in the band "SUITE 19" these 2 saw an ad for Guitar Player Mick Mars (Robert Alan Deal: 4 May 1951 Huntington, IN) in the local paper "The Recycler" he was then playing with“Stone Pony”. It was Mars who suggested the name "MOTLEY CRUE”. Lee suggested his high school friend Vince Neil (Vince Neil Wharton: 8 Feb 1961 Hollywood, CA) the Singer in the band "Rock Candy" & MOTLEY CRUE was off & running in Apr 1980.
In the fall of 1981 the band released their 1st 45 single "Stick To Your Guns/ Toast Of The Town" on Leathur Records then on 10 Nov 1981 their debut LP was released "Too Fast For Love" also on Leathur Records.
Here's the original track list:
1-A
Live Wire
Public Enemy #1
Take Me To The Top
Merry Go Round
Piece Of Your Action
2-B
Starry Eyes
Stick To Your Guns
Com'on And Dance
Too Fast For Love
On With The Show
This LP was later remixed & re-released on Electra Records on 20 Aug 1982, minus "Stick To Your Guns" a video for "Live Wire" was made for MTV, which really stood out in the time of the current New Wave bands.
> Knock ‘Em Dead Kid <
The band's new manager Doc McGhee managed to get CRUE a spot on day 2 of the "US Festival" in San Bernardino, CA. on 29 May 1983 here's the setlist to this show. The importance of this concert is that 4 of these songs were not released for another 4 months.
Take Me to the Top
Looks That Kill*
Bastard*
Shout at the Devil*
Merry-Go-Round
Knock 'em Dead, Kid*
Piece of Your Action
Live Wire
Helter Skelter
The band's 2nd LP "Shout At The Devil" was released on 26 Sep 1983, a total of 3 singles were released for this LP; "Shout At The Devil" (which I believe was promo only) "Looks That Kill" with a Picture Sleeve in Jan '84 & "Too Young Too Fall In Love (remix)" also with a Picture Sleeve in Apr '84 the 2nd & 3rd singles had MTV Videos for the songs. There were 2 songs recorded for this LP that went unused; "I Will Survive" & "Black Widow". While I personally prefer the 1st LP this follow up is really good as well.
My friend Eric met CRUE in Omaha on the 1984 tour with OZZY, Eric was able to meet the band after the show, he told me Mars was the nicest & the most talkative, he said they talked about guitars & tunings & chord voicing’s & Mars said "The US Festival, it was really tough there were some many good looking women everywhere, I almost cheated on my wife! almost" I myself was able to see the band for the 1st time on 28 May 1984 in Des Moines, IA @ The Iowa Jam ‘84. I was blown away.
Then, the 1st of many tragedies for the CRUE, on 8 Dec 1984 Vince & Razzle of HANOI ROCKS, were in a car crash, the result of which Vince was barley hurt & Razzle died. Also in Dec '84 the Picture Disc "Helter Skelter" was released with 3 other tracks: Red Hot, Live Wire (O.M.), Piece Of Your Action (O.M.)
> Tonight (we need a lover) <
In Jun 1985 the band's 3rd LP "Theatre Of Pain" was released now the band was really on a roll. 2 singles were released from this LP, "Smokin In The Boys Room- Use It Or Lose It" a #16 in Jun '85 & "Home Sweet Home" both had Picture Sleeves & Videos, strangely while "Home Sweet Home" was an MTV favorite it did not crack the Top 40. I had tickets to see them in Omaha that year, but alas my ride fell through at the last minute. This LP, I did not feel was as strong as the last LP. Something that became quite common at this time, was to put out a VHS release as part of a band's record contract, "Uncensored" was released in late 1986 & sold a whopping 2 million copies!
> Bad Boy Boogie <
Then in May 1987 their 4th LP "Girls, Girls, Girls" is released, I remember this well as the was my 2nd year working in the Record Industry, our store "RecordShop" received equal amounts of Vinyl, Cassettes & CDs, to our surprise we sold out of Cassettes, we sold half of our CDs, & only 1/10th of our Vinyl, this was one of the 1st releases to usher in the End Of Vinyl Sales. Also the 1st major Cassingle release that being "Girls Girls Girls- Sumthin For Nuthin" a #12 hit in Jun '87, the Cassingle once again out selling the Vinyl 45, which was the main stay until the Summer of 1987, there were 2 other singles released from this LP "Wildside- Five Years Dead" & "You're All I Need- All In The Name Of" all 3 of these have Picture Sleeves & accompanying Videos. There was 1 unused song "Rodeo" which perplexes me, as this surly would have been a better choice than a live version of "Jailhouse Rock"?
On this LP I personally felt it was not as strong as the one before it, & essentially marked the end of my real interest in CRUE, it’s about this time that Mars is not being used on all CRUE recordings, the band played Des Moines on 12 Jul 1987 @ Vets breaking the former attendance record held by KISS since in Nov 1977, I chose to go to The Monkees instead.
> Time For A Change <
The end was almost near when Sixx O.D. on 23 Dec 1987 he was dead for 2 minutes before being brought back to life. Since all members had been battling addiction in one form or another for some time, the decision was made for the band to clean up 3 went to rehab & Mars did it on his own. The Sober & Clean CRUE debuted @ the "Moscow Peace Festival" (VHS #2) on 13 Aug 1989, funny thing is, by the time this VHS came out, in my Shop, anyway most people asked for the GORKY PARK Cassette which was long out of print by that time, there is a companion LP "Stairway To Heaven, Highway To Hell" CRUE covered Tommy Bolin's "Teaser" (I saw Vince do this song live in 2003 in MPLS) Vince also sang "Rock N Roll" with several artists live @ the "Moscow Peace Festival"
So on 5 Sep 1989 the band release their magnum opus "Dr. Feelgood" by far their greatest success with 3 Top 40 singles: "Dr. Feelgood / Sticky Sweet": #6 in Sep 1989, then "Kick Start My Heart- She Goes Down (w/ Cheap Trick)": #27 in Jan 1990 & "Without You- Slice Of Your Pie": #8 in Mar 1990,there was one unused track "Get It For Free" I never understood why the band never used songs like this as Non-LP B-Sides to Singles. A total of 5 videos were made from this LP then in 1990 a VHS "Dr. Feelgood The Videos" was released. Admittedly by this time I could not have cared less about the band, but this changed a few years later when I heard the song "Afraid" from 1997.
> Primal Scream <
In Oct 1991 they release the 1st of many compilation CDs (NO VINYL) "Decade Of Decadence" with 3 new songs & singles with videos: "Primal Scream" "Home Sweet Home '91" a #37 hit (their last Top 40) & "Anarchy In The UK" , 2 non-LP tracks, 3 remixes, 2 alternates & 1 live track. In Mar 1992 they release a VHS "Decade of Decadence" to accompany the CD/Cassette. The final nail comes when Vince was fired by Sixx, who also claims Neil quit in Feb 1992 drawing a close to the 1st chapter of this legendary band. stay tuned in the future for "MOTLEY CRUE: Part 2-B"
Having done my research on this band, this is one truly remarkable story, too much to cover in a few 1000 words, most people like to read about all "The Dirt" where as I like to focus on the Creative Output of a band, however there is indeed plenty to read on these guys both shocking & entertaining.
I feel it's worth mentioning the core of this band has been Sixx, Mars, Lee & Neil, however there were a few others who spent time in The Crue: John Corabi: (10 Apr 1958: Philadelphia) & Randy Castillo: (18 Dec 1950 – 26 Mar 2002: Albuquerque, MN) & Samantha Maloney: (11 Dec 1975: NYC). After releasing 9 Studio Albums, 4 VHS (6 if you count the 2 porno's), 31 Singles 5 DVDs, 12 Live & Compilation CDs, 34 Tours, 3 of the 4 members have released 4 CDs each outside of the band, 29 Music Videos, 4 Boxsets, 3 Reality TV Shows & involved with 3 others & 3 Books. As of Fall 2013 CRUE has announced a final studio LP & Farewell Tour & documentary.
If you're remotely a MOTLEY CRUE Fan, you should check out "Girls, Girls, Girls Tribute To Motley Crue" on Sat 16 Nov 2013 @ Neisen's in Savage, MN. I have seen these guys several times & they are the next best thing.
Almost everyone remembers where they were when The Beatles played the ED Sullivan Show 9 Feb 1964.
But where were you when KISS played the Paul Lynde Halloween Special 29 Oct 1976? I have decided to cover the album that hooked me on one of my all time favorite bands KISS. Now, I had heard “Rock And Roll All Nite” & “Beth” & I was not impressed. Back then I lived on 410 Martin Rd. Brandon/ Jackson, MS. & 1 summer day in ’76 me & some friends were hanging out in the front yard with our neighbor Jimmy Smith, when he said “Hey, I just got KISS Destroyer” I said “Yea so …” Jimmy said “Have you heard Detroit Rock City?” I replied “No, but I have heard Beth, so who cares” he said you need to hear this & he put the speakers to the stereo in the window & proceeded to play the LP, out into the front yard. Now I was intrigued by “God Of Thunder” but then I heard “Sweet Pain” & that was it, I didn’t know what that meant & it kinda made me laugh … but once I heard Gene’s voice, well that was the sound I had been waiting all my life to hear, I asked “Can I see the album cover?” then I saw Ken Kelly’s painting & I was hooked! So this round I have decided to cover the 1st part of 1976, I remember it well….
>The 4th Studio LP
Prior to their 4th studio LP KISS had released a double “A” side single of”Rock And Roll All Nite:Live (edit)” an alternate take from “Alive” released on Oct 1975. Their 5th LP “Destroyer” was released on15 March 1976.
Recording for this LP started in Sep 1975 @ Electric Lady in NYC, then was completed in Jan 1976. The band thought they needed to move in a new direction so producer Bob Ezrin (Robert Alan Ezrin: 25 Mar1949 Toronto, Ontario) was brought in to craft the band’s sound. Ezrin had been involved with Alice Cooper, & Cooper was a huge influence on KISS’ stage act. In addition to Ezrin, Cooper’s Guitarist Dick Wagner (14 Dec 1942 Oelwein, Iowa) was brought in to play on 2 songs on this LP “Sweet Pain” & “Beth” as Ace was having some trouble laying down a flawless lead solo & informed Simmons “Can we hurry this up I have a card game to get to” Simmons “Then you better get going” interesting note Ace’s original solo was finally released in 2012 on “Destroyer Resurrected” what’s so interesting is that Dick Wagner played the same solo Ace wrote, just a little tighter.
In 2012 the rumor was there was a 2-CD Set of “Destroyer” coming out. Instead we got a remixed, reissue with the original album art & the 1 bonus track mentioned, being a KISS fan of 37 years I have grown used to disappointment from my heroes. So I’d like to inform you of what could have been on the 2nd disc.
>The Cover Songs:
“Ain’t None Of Your Business” By: Detective (w/Michael Des Barres) 1977 Swan Song By: B.Hobbs/ L. Anderson
“King Of The Nighttime World” & “Do You Love Me” By: Kim Fowley & Mark Anthony &
“The Hollywood Stars” 1974 Arista (probably unreleased)
“Beck” By: “Lips” 1971 Buddah (Peter plays bongos & Stan Penridge sings)
“I Wanna Shout” By: The Hollies: By: Clarke/Sylvester “Confessions of the Mind” (Nov) 1970 Parlophone (UK only)
>The Demos:
“King Of The Nighttime World” (Basic Instrumental)
“Beth” (Instrumental)
“Sweet Pain” (Acoustic Guitar & Guide Vocal)
“God Of Thunder” (LP Version Instrumental)
“Great Expectations” with different lyrics referring to each band member “You watch Paul singing along, you see what his mouth can do” “You watch Ace playing guitar, you see what his fingers can do” “You watch Peter playing his drums, you see what his hands can do”
“See You Tonight” “True Confessions” & “Burnin Up With Fever” are rumored to have been submitted in 1975 for this LP.
“Beth” (Instrumental Version)
>The Outtakes:
“Ain’t None Of Your Business” (By: B.Hobbs/ L. Anderson) Sung By: Peter also an instrumental version
“Don’t Cha Hesitate” Paul Stanley (unused)
“Smoke” Paul Stanley (unused & unreleased)
“God of Thunder” Paul Stanley (fast version sung by Paul) Rearranged by Ezrin
“Detroit Rock City” Stanley (fast version different lyrics) Rearranged by Ezrin
“Mad Dog” Frehley/Simmons (music by Ace & lyrics by Gene) Re-written into “Flaming Youth”
>In The Studio:
“Flaming Youth” was created from “Mad Dog” the name came from a local NYC band who were friend’s of Ace
“Shout It Out Loud” was created from “I Wanna Shout” at breakfast one morning, by Gene, Paul & Ezrin
“Rock N Roll Party” was created at a dubbing session for “Alive” & “Great Expectations”
> The Stories:
“Detroit Rock City” was written about a KISS fan that died in a car accident on the way to a KISS concert. Detroit was chosen because KISS’ had the largest fan base there. The intro riff is from “Acrobat/Much Too Young”written by Simmons in 1973.
“Beth” written for Mike Brand’s wife Becky, while Criss was in “Chelsea” (not Lydia Criss as rumored)
“Do You Love Me” though not written by KISS, rumor is Paul felt it summed up Lydia Criss (Lydia Di Leonardo: 1948 Brooklyn, NYC, Peter’s wife from 1970- 79)
>The Singles:
An unprecedented total of four 45 Singles were released from this LP. Those being;
“Shout It Out Loud (edit)” b/w “Sweet Pain” Mar 1976 Billboard Hit #31
“Flaming Youth (edit)” b/w “God Of Thunder” Apr 1976 also 1st Picture sleeve (only the 2nd in Makeup) #74 Hit on Billboard.
“Detroit Rock City (completely re-arranged)” b/w “Beth” Jul 1976
“Beth” b/w “Detroit Rock City (edit)” re-released Aug 1976 Billboard #7 Hit. KISS’ biggest hit to date.
>The Cover:
The original idea came from Gene who wanted a comic book type cover to represent the new musical direction of the LP. Ken W. Kelly (1946: New London, Conn.) the nephew of Frank Frazetta was contracted to create a painting of the cover. However by the time Kelly was done with the original, KISS had new costumes made in Jan 1976 & Kelly’s 1st painting was deemed too violent, & was required to create a new painting. This was the 1st KISS LP to have a KISS inner sleeve, on 1 side the lyrics to “Detroit Rock City” & on the other side information on the “KISS Army” founded in Terre Haute, ID. Sometime in Jan. 1975 when Bill Starkey & Jay Evans began petitioning WVTS a local radio station to play KISS music on their station.
>The Tour:
The Tour kicked off 11 Apr 1976 Fort Wayne, Indiana to 1 Oct 1976 NYC for a total of 67 shows. While on tour Ace married his longtime girlfriend Jeanette (Trerotola June 1952, NYC) on 1 May 1976 in NYC @ the Americana, & KISS takes the stage Sans- Makeup & performs “Rock & Roll All Nite” & “Shout It Out Loud” as a wedding gift.
At the beginning of the tour the band were using their 1975 “Dressed To Kill- Alive” costumes until June 1976 where all 4 members received their “Destroyer” costumes, interesting note Gene & Ace received their costumes 1st & did a photo shoot with just the 2 of them in their “New Clothes” & Paul was the last member to receive his new costume.
The band at this time was using these guitars Paul: Gibson Flying V: Black. Ace: Les Paul Standard: Tobacco 20th Anniversary Edition & Les Paul Custom: Black & Ibanez Explorer: Korina. Gene: LeBou Custom Bass & Gibson Les Paul Triumph Bass: Black.
*Noteworthy:
20 Aug 1976 Anaheim, CA. @ The Stadium
With Ted Nugent, Montrose, Bob Segar & Flo & Eddie (Turtles)
This show was up until that point the largest crowd they had played to. There was a street side billboard ad created for this show in CA.. The show was videotaped in house by the stadium & at the soundboard by the promoter. It is one of the most common & popular bootlegs on Video & Audio. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdarUn5FKEI
So there you have the highlights of the “Destroyer” LP. I wrote an article on the LP “Hotter Than Hell” a couple years ago you can find that on www.MrZeros.Com “BLOG”
Trick Or Treat & Happy Halloween.
This just in; Nov 2013
Recently several demos surfaced from 1975 that were submitted for the “Destroyer” album recorded at the same session as “Mad Dog” so it’s probably Ace on Lead Guitar
Magna Graphics Studio: August 1975
“It Ain’t The Smoke That Burns Ya” By: Paul Stanley
“Love Is Alright” By: Gene Simmons
“Bad, Bad Lovin” (calling dr love) By: Gene Simmons
“Man Of 1,000 Faces” By: Gene Simmons
“Don’t Want Your Romance” (ladies room) By: Gene Simmons
“Burning Up With Fever” By: Gene Simmons
“Rock and Rolls Royce” (love em and leave em) By: Gene Simmons
“Night Fly” (sweet pain) By: Gene Simmons
“I’m A Star” By: Gene Simmons
“Howling For Your Love” By: Gene Simmons
“True Confessions” By: Gene Simmons
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