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March 11, 2010
Ron Wood Works Towards Sobriety – Considers Marriage
The drama that was Ron Wood’s life seems to have subsided. The Rolling Stones guitarist is said to be working hard to stay sober, and is “desperate to give up for good.” There’s some high-powered support for Wood, which is being credited as a great help to him.
Including on Wood’s support team are fellow Rolling Stone Mick Jagger, long-time friend and former Faces band mate Rod Stewart, as well as pop star Elton Jon. Jagger reportedly calls Wood regularly to check up on him, and offer encouragement.
Perhaps even more encouragement and support comes by way of Wood’s new girlfriend. Wood has been seeing 30-year-old Ana Arujo since around the beginning of the year, and it is said that the Brazilian beauty has had a very positive influence on his life. So positive in fact, that is is being reported by the Daily Express that Wood is considering marrying her.
Wood split not long ago from Ekaterina Ivanova, ending a tumultuous affair that certainly kept the two in the spotlight, and did not seem to do much good for Wood’s struggles with addiction. The affair ended after a particularly nasty fight between the two that resulted in the police being called to the scene.
In other Rolling Stones news, a recent story in Rolling Stone magazine quotes guitarist Keith Richards regarding the possibility of a new Stones album in the not-too-distant future.
“I wouldn’t be surprised if we did some recording later this year,” Richards said. “I don’t know how the rest of them feel about roadwork at the moment. Maybe we’ll search for a different way for the Stones to go back on the road.”
In contrast to Ron Wood, Richards seems to have no problems with the relationship he has with alcohol. After rumors that he had given up drinking, Richards had this to say: “Listen, the rumors of my sobriety are greatly exaggerated. And we’ll leave it at that.”
Leaves little doubt why actor Johnny Depp chose Richards to model certain characteristics of his Pirates of The Caribbean character, “Captain Jack Sparrow” after Richards.
February 23, 2010
Yes Tour A Success Says Squire
Chris Squire sounds like a happy guy. With the end of the Yes tour just around the corner, he has nothing but good things to say about the recent history of the venerable group; one that has weathered dramatic personnel changes during its four decades of existence.
“Most people who come to see us have a real favorable opinion of Benoit. I have heard nothing but positive feedback,” the veteran bassist says regarding their current lead singer Benoit David. David, who came into the limelight after what must have been a pretty successful run as part of a Yes tribute band, has been filling Jon Anderson’s shoes since Anderson was sidelined by health problems.
It’s not certain what the relationship between Anderson and the rest of the group is these days, but Squire has continued to say that they would like to do something with him again in the future. It sounds like Squire might be a bit less optimistic about the possibility of a full recovery than Anderson may be, and indicates that he does not think the singer will ever be well enough to take on a full-blown tour.
Although Anderson’s absence from the lineup seemed like it would be temporary situation at first, over the last two years that possibility has gradually diminished if Squire’s comments are any indication.
Yes –- in it’s current form – has started to talk about a new music. Squire confirms that they plan to work on new material that they hope to release at some point during the year. There’s obviously enough confidence in Benoit David among to other member of the group to grant him what is looking more and more like a permanent slot.
Squire’s comments fortify that speculation.
“When new members come in, they usually bring something that’s refreshing and exciting and full of energy, and I’m hoping that will happen this time, as well,” he says, referring to their plans to record new music.
Guitarist Steve Howe seems fully on board with the idea of including David as a permanent member of the group as well. His reference to the group’s many personnel changes over the years is an indication that he has no problems welcoming a new member.
“Peter Banks was a pretty fine guitarist when I took his place; (keyboardist) Rick Wakeman brought in something different coming in for Tony Kaye; and (drummer) Alan White took on a new role when Bill Bruford decided to try something more eclectic. People’s individual experience were allowed to come into the band,” Howe explains.
In addition to David, the group seems to have accepted keyboardist Oliver Wakeman as one of their own. As the son of former Yes keyboardist Rick Wakeman, Oliver is not quite the outsider that some might consider Benoit David to be, and he may not be subject to the same fan scrutiny that a lead vocalist might have to endure.
Squire, Howe and drummer Alan White seem determined to keep Yes alive in one incarnation or another. Whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing is something fans will decide for themselves.
Read more on Yes at The News-Herald and The Palm Beach Post.
September 8, 2008
Led Zeppelin Merry-Go-Round Shows No Sign of Slowing Down
It’s beginning to look like we are reaching the point where rumors of a Led Zeppelin reunion or tour start up again when any one of the members of the group sneezes in public.
A week or two ago, Jason Bonham was interviewed on Detroit’s classic rock radio station WCSX. Bonham mentioned 
that he had been to the U.K. on a few occasions since the O2 show back in December and was jamming with Jimmy Page and John Paul Jones and working on some new material.
It did not take long for some media outlets to start up with headlines like "Led Zeppelin Back In The Studio!" I guess some people forget that Robert Plant was missing from these sessions and that he’s a rather essential element where any Led Zeppelin recording is concerned.
Now we are hearing that Jimmy Page has made some comments that are being considered by some as discouraging to fans who are hoping to see the group together again. Page pretty much confirmed what Bonham said during the radio interview, and that their jam sessions were not as formal as some have been speculating.
Page then reminded everyone that without Robert Plant, there cannot be a reunion and was quoted as saying, "If you’re going to do a reunion, you need four members."
Personally, I don’t think the chances for a Zeppelin reunion are dead at all. However, as many have pointed out, it all seems like it rests on the shoulders of Robert Plant. The other three chaps seem like they would like to do more together and are possibly just waiting for a final decision from Plant.
July 3, 2008
ZZ Top Hopes To Recapture 1980’s Popularity
It was no secret that ZZ Top was making plans for a big comeback, and now we are starting to hear a few details about they plans they have to make it a reality.
Having signed with Rick Rubin’s American Recording label the band is now in the studio with the Rubin working on their new album. With the limited success of their last album five years ago, Mescalero, Rubin is steering the Texas trio back in the direction of their glory days of the 1980’s when albums sales could reach well into the millions.
Rubin has been a very successful producer and has worked with other artists like AC/DC, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Linkin Park, Metallica,U2 and Green Day. He’s hoping to use his expertise to put ZZ Top back on top with a hit record that could put the group in the running for a Grammy Award.
If they can come up with a track that sounds as good as “La Grange” or “Cheap Sunglasses,” which are my two favorite ZZ Top tunes, they’ll be well on their way towards getting my vote.
