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February 9, 2010
Led Zeppelin And The Super Bowl
The headline may seem a bit disjointed – okay, maybe very disjointed, but the whole Super Bowl thing featuring what’s left of The Who got me thinking about some of our favorite aging rockers and whether or not they should still be rocking, or in the case of The Who, attempting to rock.
Before I continue, let me pay homage to The Who. Yeah, I may have ripped on their Super Bowl gig, but despite any protestations from dedicated “Whooligans,” it really was a lackluster performance, and may just be the wakeup call that the NFL needed.
Yeah, you bet your ass I’m a classic rock fan, but the NFL should stick with the ones that can still put on a decent show for a high profile gig like the Super Bowl. That’s one seriously large audience.
Anyway, having already stated that I’ve never been a fan of The Who, there is no denying their legacy and their place among the most influential classic rock groups. I never cared much for their songwriting, but the boys could play. Their shows were probably some of the most dynamic and energetic of their era. And that’s exactly why they should not have tried to recapture their past by agreeing to perform at the Super Bowl.
There simply are some things you can no longer pull off at the age of 65 (note for nitpickers: I know Townshend is not quite 65 yet, but give him about 3 months), and as a performer, you should be aware of that. How can one possibly capture the energy that was poured into the kind of show that The Who was known for when one is eligible for Social Security, or in this case, considered a “pensioner.” Obviously, one cannot.
That brings me to Led Zeppelin. More specifically to Robert Plant. There was a lot of anticipation prior to their show at the O2 in London at the end of 2007. Many fans wondered if it would be the start if something big. Would the remaining members of the group reunite for a world tour? Would they record again? Was this it?
Following the O2 show — which by most accounts was a great success — the rumors and speculation intensified. Stories of Led Zeppelin products being cranked out at manufacturing facilities in Asia, and media reports indicating that the band was preparing for a tour had many people convinced that we were on the brink of the long-awaited Led Zeppelin reunion.
Looking back, it appears that Robert Plant may simply be too smart to play along. As much as guitarist Jimmy Page and bassist John Paul Jones may want to relive their past, they would not be facing the same kind of pressure Plant would be dealing with.
Sure, it may not be a cake walk to tour when you are in your sixties, but it’s got to be much less physically demanding to stand on stage and play guitar or bass than it would be to belt out “Heartbreaker” for the world to see.
Although many felt that the success of the O2 show may have signaled a green light for a Led Zeppelin reunion, it may have signaled something entirely different for Robert Plant. Perhaps something along the lines of, “Good Lord, I’m glad I don’t have to do that every day.”
We’re all in the same boat, I’m afraid. While we may be able to stay up and party all night when we are in our teens, twenties or thirties, for the vast majority of us, that becomes less possible as we start easing into out fifties and sixties. We age and there’s no way to stop it, save for one, but few of us care to entertain that option.
What’s been preventing Robert Plant from agreeing to a reunion? Probably common sense, and a good understanding of his own physical limitations. He’s obviously enjoyed working with Alison Krauss, and they have had great success, even earning themselves five Grammy Awards.
He’s having a good time, he’s still singing, and he probably doesn’t need the money that he’d take in from a Led Zeppelin tour. He’s still Robert Plant – front man for one of the world’s best-known rock bands of all time. Why risk tarnishing his reputation by hitting the road and trying to recapture his youth?
I think there’s a good chance that Plant has made up his mind that he’s not willing to take that risk. And if he saw the Super Bowl half time show, he’s probably more convinced than ever.
February 8, 2010
Super Bowl 44 In The History Books: Perhaps The Who Should Follow
My objectivity concerning this story will surely be questioned by fans of The Who, however, where that group is concerned, I’ve always considered myself more neutral than not. I’ve never considered myself a fan. They’re music just never did anything for me, so I pretty much ignored them.
Still, there’s no way to be unfamiliar with hits like “My Generation,” “Baba O’Riley,” or “ Pinball Wizard,” and I do recall how those songs sounded when The Who was in their prime, and Sunday’s half-time performance at the big game didn’t cut it– or even come close.
There are a number of writers on the internet that are accusing the NFL of playing it safe after the infamous and family-unfriendly Janet Jackson “wardrobe malfunction” a few years back. Sticking to classic rock acts like The Who or Springsteen is seen by some as the league’s way of keeping things predictable and G-rated for the NFL’s family-friendly image.
Normally, I would be the first to come to the defense of a classic rock act being showcased at an event like the Super Bowl, but only if the performers are still capable of performing. I thought the vocals delivered by both Daltrey and Townshend were sub par at best. Personally, I would have much rather seen Daughtry instead of Daltrey.
The stage was cool, the lasers were cool, and, unfortunately, the performance was cool as well – as in “not hot.” There was talk that the veteran rockers would be accompanied by some pre-recorded material. I was left with little doubt after a performance that seemed to feature the two rock stars, a drummer, and a few other musicians in the shadows who may as well have been sleeping as far as I could tell.
Kudos to whomever synched up the timing on the pre-recorded version of Daltrey’s signature scream during “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” however. Even so, I don’t think too many people with a fully-functioning pair of ears were fooled into believing that it came from the 2010 version of Roger Daltrey. Some of those keyboard passages were a little too pure and true to the original to be believed as well.
To no one’s surprise, I often find myself in disagreement with those who take shots at classic rockers with comments that declare that they are too old to walk without assistance, or will require oxygen after their performance because they’re in their late 50’s or 60’s, but as I watched yesterday’s half-time show, I found myself afloat in the same boat.
Sure, there are aging rock stars out there who are still able to get up there and put on a good show. A good many of them are still recording as well. The demand is obviously still there, and I’m happy to go along as long as the artists hold up their end of the deal.
I’m not saying they should throw Daltrey and Townshend in jail or anything, and I’m not even going to touch the whole pedophile scandal thing – as far as I’m concerned, people have to decide for themselves on that one, since the authorities in the U.K. kind of left the world hanging regarding exactly what went on.
Besides, we have Townshend’s own comments – regarding Yoko Ono, of all people – as evidence that perhaps he’s gone ’round the bend, as they say.
Following their performance, Townshend was, of course, asked about the pedophile thing, and answered as one might expect. What was really interesting, however, was when the duo was asked about their experience at the “Rock and Roll Circus” – a 1968 event that included The Who, The Rolling Stones, John Lennon and, of course, Yoko Ono.
While Daltrey spoke with sadness about his last meeting with The Stones’ Brian Jones before his death, Townshend ceased the opportunity to gush about Yoko Ono, declaring that he thinks she’s “amazing,” and insisting, “No really, I am one of the select [band of] Yoko Ono fans.” A statement that, according to The Times, even prompted a “mutter of disbelief” from Daltrey.
Well, at least Daltrey got that right.
December 28, 2009
NFL Ignites Protest With Selection of The Who For Super Bowl Show
Here in the United States the Super Bowl is big. Really big. Dedicated football fans anxiously await the final showdown of the season all year, and even some people who do not normally watch football find themselves in front of a television for the what is usually the most-watched sporting event of the year.
In addition to being a huge draw for sports fans, the Super Bowl also attracts attention by selecting big-name entertainers to perform during game’s half-time break. Sometimes the events that unfold during half-time even eclipse the game itself. Who does not recall the infamous “wardrobe malfunction” from 2004 when Janet Jackson and Justin Timberlake entertained the Super Bowl audience? In contrast, who recalls what teams were facing off for that game?
Yes, many football fans will likely have the answer at the ready, but I sure as heck couldn’t tell you unless I looked it up. In case you were wondering it was the New England Patriots and the Carolina Panthers.
With the Super Bowl a little over a month away, controversy has already reared its head. With classic rock group The Who lined up to perform during half-time, some child protection groups are protesting the selection due to an incident from 2003 when the group’s guitarist, Pete Townshend, was caught up in a child pornography scandal.
Townshend was investigated by law enforcement officials in the U.K. after accessing a website that was said to have some connection with child pornography. Townsend claimed it was done solely for research on his book project. The book, entitled A Different Bomb was never published.
Townshend says the book was based on an anti-child pornography essay he posted on his personal website during 2002.
After a four-month investigation, authorities concluded that there was no evidence that Townshend had been in possession of any material relating to child pornography, and it was decided that he should be issued a “caution” instead of facing prosecution. Even so, Townshend was included on the U.K.’s Violent and Sex Offender Register for five years.
A later independent investigation added credibility to Townshend’s version of events, even suggesting that he confessed to something he did not do because of pressure from the publicity that resulted.
Even though there is much doubt surrounding Townshend’s guilt, the National Football League has heard from child advocacy groups like “Child AbuseWatch,” who are pressuring the league to cancel The Who’s scheduled performance.
Another group, “Protect Our Children” has asked federal immigration officials to prevent Townshend from entering the country. The group also stated that the NFL’s choice to invite Townshend to perform was a “a slap in the face to victims of child sexual abuse,” and warned the league that it risked a “breathtakingly ugly” public backlash if the performance goes on as scheduled.
This situation is likely to draw more attention, and kick up more of a ruckus until the NFL decides on a course of action. It will be interesting to see how they ultimately react to a series of events which they clearly didn’t expect. I can’t help wondering if there are one or two lower echelon NFL office staffers muttering “I told you so” under their breath.
For more on this unfolding controversy, check out the Times Online.
February 25, 2009
Step Out In True Classic Style
Considering the recent successful tours of classic groups like Van Halen, Rush and AC/DC, along with new tell-all books featuring behind-the-scenes tales of groups that topped the charts in decades past, it is clear that classic rock is far from dead.
Lately, more and more apparel manufacturers are getting in on the action as they realize the potential of classic rock merchandise to rake in the profits.
The latest big-name manufacturer to jump on the bandwagon is Converse, the company long known for athletic footwear that was bought out by Nike a few years back. The company is unveiling a new line of the popular Chuck Taylor sneakers that will feature artwork associated with classic rockers Pink Floyd, The Who and Ozzy Osbourne.
The Chuck Taylor series has been around for nearly 100 years and have enjoyed a recent resurgence in popularity among various well known musicians, which, of course, leads to their popularity among their fans as well. A trend that has not gone unnoticed by the marketing minds at Converse.
Depending on which report your choose to believe, some of new Converse line featuring the aforementioned groups may already be available, with more being planned for March or April. Converse also has plans for a line featuring Metallica and AC/DC scheduled for the fall. Prices are reported to be in the $55 to $90 range, depending on the particular style.
Despite the disdain some of the greedy suits in the music industry have for the recent popularity of video games like “Guitar Hero” and “Rock Band,” there’s little doubt that those games are contributing greatly to the renewed interest in classic rock among today’s kids. To say nothing of digital downloads that make it dead simple to grab a hit track from the glory days of classic rock with the click of a mouse.
The genie is out of the bottle and the age of digital music is hear to stay, just like the VCR (which has morphed into the DVR) did back in the early eighties when so many movie executives had visions of the apocalypse bearing down on them since nobody would want to go to the movies any more if they could just load up a tape and watch E.T. in their living room.
Well, guess what? People do still go to the movies to enjoy the big screen experience and the popular films are still raking in millions, despite the existence of the DVR, DVD recorders and “pirated” movie downloads available on the internet.
I suspect we’ll see a similar evolution in the music industry. After all, musicians have to eat, too, and if they can’t make any money selling albums, they’ll probably focus more on touring and whatever other activity they can involve themselves in to put food on the table.
So far I have not seen too many fan-filmed concert clips on YouTube that I would consider hanging onto because they look or sound great, so at least the digital age does not seem to be threatening the live performance potential for working artists these days.
It will all be sorted out eventually and things like iTunes are probably leading the way and providing a few clues about how everyone will get their slice of the digital music pie, and probably have enough left to buy themselves a pair of Chuck Taylor Pink Floyd high tops as well!
September 18, 2008
VH1 Classic Reveals Fall Programming Highlights
From the looks of VH1 Classic’s programming this fall, I’d say there is something for just about every classic rock fan to look forward to over the next few months,
A few days ago, I mentioned Rush Hashanah, which airs on September 29, at 7:00 PM, but that’s just the beginning of the classic lineup that’s on the schedule.
Next up is a special program dedicated to Bob Dylan entitled VH1 Classic Celebrates Dylan, which is scheduled for October 7 at 8:00 PM. Included will be the classic 1965 D.A. Penebaker documentary Don’t Look Back featuring behind-the-scenes moments with Joan Baez, Donovan and Alan Price, and Dylan’s iconic opening of "Subterranean 
Homesick Blues."
October 19 is a day AC/DC fans might want to get out of bed a bit earlier than normal. It’s a Sunday, which might make a normal "sleep in" weekend day a bit rough for fans without a DVR, Tivo or, dare I say, VCR. That is the day VH1 Classic has decided to call AC/DC Day, and it comes just two days before the release of the group’s new album, Black Ice. The 24 hours of AC/DC-only programming will feature archival footage of the Aussie rockers, BBC concerts, and one of the groups most seminal performances, "Live at Donnington."
In another clever play on words, 6:00 AM on October 31, otherwise known in this part of the world as Halloween, will mark the beginning of another marathon called WHOlloween. This special program is packed with sweet treats for fans of The Who, which will include VH1 Rock Honors: The Who, VH1 Classic Rock Doc: Amazing Journey – The Story of the Who, Classic Albums: Who’s Next, BBC Electric Proms: The Who and On Tour: The Who Virtual Ticket. At 9:00 PM fans will be treated to the premiere of The Who Live at the Isle of Wight.
On Thursday, November 27, which marks the Thanksgiving Holiday here in the U.S., VH1 Classic will present VH1 Classic Gives Thanks for Pink Floyd. I suspect Pink Floyd fans might also be thankful for the more reasonable hour chosen for the start of this presentation, which is 11:00 AM. This program will include documentaries including The Pink Floyd and Syd Barrett Story, and Pink Floyd: Which One’s Pink? It will also recount the story behind the making of one of Pink Floyd’s most influential albums: Pink Floyd: Dark Side of the Moon. The program will end with an encore presentation of the band’s iconic movie The Wall, and the premiere of David Gilmour: Live in Gdansk, which is soon to be released in various formats, which include CD and DVD.
In addition to these specials, VH1 Classic is also launching a new series called VH1 Classic All Time Top 10. The show will air every Friday at 10:00 PM, and will feature one specific artist or genre of music on each episode. Some of those planned for the spotlight are Def Leppard, Madonna, Van Halen, male singers, female singers, metal and more. The show will be hosted by Mark Goodman, whom I believe was a VJ for MTV back in the early days of music video.
All show times are reported to be ET/PT. For more, visit MarketWatch.
