From: JEFF GARLIN
Subject: Hello from Jeff Garlin
I dig your writing. Thank you. Great piece on Bob Einstein. Bob was the producer of the first cable show. It was on showtime. It was called bizarre. That was where Super Dave started. There you go. Thanks again.
Sent by my my my
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Subject: Re: Super Dave
Hey Bob,
Bizarre was a Canadian sketch comedy television series that aired from 1980 to 1986. The show was hosted by John Byner, and produced by CTV at the CFTO Glen-Warren Studios in suburban Toronto for first-run airing in Canada on CTV and in the United States on the Showtime premium cable network.
John Byner was hilarious, as were his Biggot Family sketches, but it was Bob Einstein's Super Dave Osborne who made an immediate and long lasting impression with viewers. Bizarre became extremely popular in Canada, as did Super Dave. I don't know if the bulk of Americans "got it", i hope so. Super Dave eventually got his own show. As you mentioned Bob went on to much more throughout his career and I also hope that his influwence in the comedic world is fully recognized. Thanks for recognizing a true talent, Long live the legacy of Bob Einstein.
Stephen Marsh
Halifax, N.S.
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From: Paul Flattery
Subject: Re: Bohemian Rhapsody
Totally agree with you Bob. I was skeptical going in to see this movie, especially having worked with the band (VH-1 Rock Honors) and how they were responsible for two really major events in my life:
1. Bruce Gowers and I knew each other in the UK at London Weekend TV and even shared an agent (Jon Roseman). After Bruce's video of "Bohemian Rhapsody" literally put music videos on the map in England, Roseman decided to form a music video production company and asked me to head it. I did and within a month I was out in Los Angeles to establish the US version of the company. I've been here ever since and after a very successful career in music videos/music television crossed over to TV, being part of the team that created the Billboard Music Awards and now doing 10 -12 specials every year. That career would not have been possible without Queen's video of "Bohemian Rhapsody"
2. My youngest son was born autistic and was also an "elective mute" - he wouldn't talk and couldn't read or write. It was only hearing "We Are The Champions" on the radio that provided him the impetus to get over that hurdle - he wanted to learn the lyrics. And that song made him want to read and write and he did. When I told that to Brian May while interviewing him for VH-1's "Rock Honors" he was genuinely moved, signed the sheet music to "We Are The Champions" to him and said bring him to the show (in Vegas). I did and they met then he sat as the lone person in the audience as they rehearsed. An image I'll never forget.
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Subject: Re: Bohemian Rhapsody
Hi Bob
Brilliant article about Queen, thanks. Working with them at Elektra was an adventure I loved.
I have to comment on the one person who got no credit in the movie save “Are you ready, Roy” bit or in subsequent Queen reviews - Roy Thomas Baker.
A mad genius and has as much to do with the sound and success as anyone and deserves much of the credit for what ended up on disc and ultimately on radio.
Best regards
Bill Berger
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From: barbara stevens
Subject: RE: Re-Springsteen On Broadway On Netflix
There's something fascinating here....
Appears all responses are from men
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From: Sara Josep
Subject: Re: Re-Springsteen On Broadway On Netflix
Bruce lost me when I saw pictures of him vacationing on creepy David Geffens yacht with Oprah and Tom Hanks.
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From: Andy Vale
Subject: Re: BLACKPINK
I tried to get tickets to see BTS when they came to the O2 in London a few months ago. £200 standing tickets were all sold out in seconds.
Are they on the radio? Barely.
Are they on the TV? Occasionally.
But I still can't escape Rita Ora, who is pitching to a similar audience yet hasn't sold out the same venue despite tickets being about 20% of the price.
It's nuts how many people in the media are still sleeping on K-pop, as they generally have on almost anything that's not English speaking.
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From: Lewis Varrilly
Subject: Re: Apple
Hey Bob,
Greetings from London.
This is I think the first time replying to one of your mails. I’m not really in a position to comment on the Apple business too much but I happen to manage the artist who’s music they’ve used in their latest commercial.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8LJXcQhD0k
We’ve had a crazy few days since launch. Presently 41 in the US Shazam chart and climbing.
We have no label behind us (no interest from anyone), PR team, radio and historically no playlist support from any DSP. This is our 4th major sync in the last 12 month.
Anyway check it out if you get a few mins. I think he shares many similarities with the great Syd Barrett The true essence of the word artist. His album is out now.
Here’s our latest vid we shot in a hot air balloon over the hills in the outskirts of Barcelona - www.youtube.com/watch?v=APhqVGA7pyw
Best,
Lewis
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Subject: HOF
Happy for my buddies in Def Leppard and their HOF nod. Ridiculously killer albums and songs.They’ve worked their asses off and put on one of the best shows going while all being great guys, I was lucky enough to produce a single for them a few years back. Phil Collen is one of my best buds and there isn’t a better guy in the biz.
But regarding the R&R Hall of Fame and it’s ability to overlook other legends...I worked with Joe Cocker for over ten years, six albums and over forty countries and saw what he did to people. We opened the 25th anniversary concert at Woodstock and people relived that incredible performance he laid down in 1969. And I saw his team work to get him recognized at HOF, but nothing. Now he’s gone. Who deserved it more than him that’s not already in there? Seriously?!!
And how about Keith Emerson/ELP? Incredible. Now dear Keith is gone also.
And Spinal Tap? I’ve been musical director of the band for 28 years now…who wouldn’t say they belong? That movie has been on every tour bus for the last 35 years. We got a private tour of the museum years back, got to troll the basement with the white gloves and stuff, all good. But then the unavoidable exit through the gift shop…and….a few hundred t-shirts that say “Hello Cleveland!” and “It Goes To 11!” Never asked the band permission. Shifty folks there, a lot of politics and bullshit going on.
I know this is the usual “who should be in the HOF (and I do NOT mean instead of Def Leppard, although I could mention about 25 acts that have no business being there before Joe and Keith…and Spinal Tap) but COME ON!
Keith Emerson?!!! Joe fucking Cocker!!!! Really fucking lame
CJ Vanston
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From: Fachtna O Ceallaigh
Subject: Re: The Show's The Thing: The Legendary Promoters Of Rock
bob,
hi from windy dublin.
barsalona/skydel, barry fey, bill graham, john and ivy bauer, ron delsener and others - all of them promoters who got excited by the challenge of getting people in the door to check out an unknown act and then with creativity and magic and raw determination, by hook or by crook, built up these acts with their passion and their perseverance. they knew their markets inside out, they were ready to take risks and the best of them were both beautiful and crazy. they had to be.
some of us were lucky enough to benefit from them and the pleasure of their company.
fachtna o ceallaigh
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Subject: Re: 2019
I received a CD of Celine Dion Christmas music over the holidays and I literally had no idea what to do with it. It was a surreal moment. I haven't seen a music CD in years, and I forgot about them. I was in Radio when we started using CD's and now, I have no CD player to play this thing except on the PC in my office. The sound system in my living room with the Denon CD player is long gone. Then I thought who gives a CD as a gift anymore? Truly strange.
Keith Michaels
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From: matt nathanson
Subject: Re: Artist Of The Year
i always joke that in my next life i’m gonna come back as ed sheeran’s career.
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Subject: Re: Pretty Ballerina
Re: Renee
Bob - I was a sophomore at The High School of Music and Art when Renee was a senior. She was a tall, statuesque, unapproachable, gorgeous blonde. We knew who she was, and we loved the song. All we could do was stare.
Ritchie Gold.
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From: robert Fisher
Subject: Breaking Bob Marley in the UK
Hi Bob
In the early 70’s Island Records was based at Basing Street and alongside the label there were the studios, a management company and a booking agency. I was lucky enough to be working in the agency and I remember Chris Blackwell coming through the door one morning to announce he’d signed a band called Bob Marley and the Wailers
He told us to book a college tour, something no other reggae act had done (normally they would play dancehalls ). Blackwell was adamant he would not play dancehalls he wanted to play to students
To college kids reggae wasn’t really taken seriously at that time. Pretty much all they had heard were a handful of novelty records so booking the tour was a mountain to climb. However we got the job done and of course Bob went down a storm everywhere and got himself an avid fanbase who helped spread the word.
The rest of the story you already know but to me the college tour was the critical move. Blackwell called it just right it would certainly have been much much harder if not impossible to get the ball rolling otherwise
Incidentally Blackwell famously had a motto on the office wall
"if you don’t promote a strange thing happens ….….nothing"
That could also have read
"if you don’t promote to the right audience a strange thing happens …..nothing"
All the best
Bob
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From: Blaine Leeds
Subject: Re: Tricky Dick And The Man In Black
Happy to show you around my home state of Arkansas any time, Bob. The part of our state one sees from the hotels on front street in Memphis (although it shines like a National Guitar like the Mississippi side of the river) is only the beginning. Arkansas is home to the beautiful Ozark Mountains (just south of where Jason Bateman and Laura Linney film their show in southern Missouri) with unfortunately zero ski slopes.
Actually you could take in lots in our lovely state in a three day weekend. Highly recommend Alice Walton's triumph, the Crystal Bridges Art Museum, the gem of our state. Also, see the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn park and enjoy a natural warm spring water spa like Al Capone used to do in Hot Springs, plus the Clinton Library and presidential center in Little Rock (where Sweet Connie had the whole band and that's a natural fact). Connie's dad used to own a grocery store in my home town of Clarksville (not the one from the Monkees song).
Music history abounds with The King Biscuit Blues festival in Helena, near Levon Helm's home town of Marvel back when he was Mark Levon Helms (with an S).
Plus you'll never have more appreciation for what the great Glen Campbell accomplished when you drive through his hometown of Delight (don't blink, no stoplights or post office, I don't believe).
Also, Al Green (Forest City), Conway Twitty (Helena), Jim Ed Brown (Arkadelphia, Supposedly, The Beatles listened to Jim Ed and His sisters sing gospel harmony to practice), Charlie Rich (Colt), Floyd Cramer (Huttig), Randy Goodrum (Songwriter "Foolish Heart" by Steve Perry, "I'll be Over You" by Toto, "You Needed Me" Anne Murray of Hot Springs) are all music contributors from Arkansas - The Land of Opportunity or The Natural State.
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From: Bob Moczydlowsky
Subject: Re: Wyatt
My dad always told me that you get exactly one day of skiing with your kid when you share exactly the same ability level... and is one of the best days of your life. Van isn’t there yet, but it won’t be long...
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From: Ian Lee
Subject: Re: Coachella Lineup
There are 2 different businesses. This lineup is like a proclamation of it.
One is bands built the “old fashioned way” ie: good records and touring.
Two is the new thing. Internet buzz acts collect in a field a few times each summer. The ADD kids are the target here.
I’ve been aware, since buying my first bus 4 short years ago, that “touring might end” in our society.
I’ve invested every dime I’ve made over the past 4 years into buying nicer buses (I now have 4). 2 years ago I financed 2 newer buses.
Basically putting myself on the hook for 400k over those 2 years. They’ll be paid off at the end of this year. I’m booked out solid for 5-6 months with indie rock bands I love.
I go after tours and bands I love and have some connection to as a musician.
I’ve never been hit up by one of the acts on this line up.
Theoretically the bands with the mid size fonts are my future business. My future survival. And I have no connection to them.
So my conclusion is. They don’t tour. They don’t build their act the old fashioned way. Which means they’re a different business.
I’ve bet my life on the old fashioned way.
My hope is that touring continues to be the way in which people connect to artists they care about.
The competition to touring is the iPhone. I wonder how Steve Jobs would feel about it
Cheers
Ian
www.affordabletoursolutions.com
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From: Lon Marchand
Subject: Re: Coachella Lineup
The Bonnaroos, ACLs and Hangouts of the world have long sold out their original audience to try and keep the 17-22 crowd happy on spring break/fall break/summer break. Coachella not doing anything that different. These fests realize that it’s not a return audience that they want but a return demographic.
Then the grandfather of it all, Jazz Fest, is booking the Stones this year, adding an extra 8th day (with different music each day! Coachella and ACL seek to replicate the same weekend twice), selling 50k more tickets than 2018 and catering to the same smiling faces year after year.
If festivals become out of favor with the younger crowd, which model will survive?
Lon
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Subject: Re: The Bird Box Phenomenon
Bob,
My friend, Josh Malerman, is the author of the book. He’s a long time musician in Detroit in an awesomely creative band, The High Strung.
We tried to sign them many times but never got a chance.
Josh has been writing forever and it really shows how long it takes for most creatives to be known and to experience success - sometimes never.
I remember how we met. Josh wrote one of those “blanket” emails to a bunch of music industry folks.
I communicated back that it was rude to not even research who we were and send a spammy email. “You’d want me to treat you like the unique person and artist you are, why wouldn’t you want to treat me the same?”
We talked on the phone and he apologized for that. His lovely attitude started a friendship that has been going on for 18 years.
He’s such a thoughtful, creative, amazing man. You’d love him. Check him out.
Peace out, brother.
Tim White
Fundamental/Wildwood/Red/Delta/Nate Starkman Records.
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Subject: Re: The Bird Box Phenomenon
Bob,
Bird Box is a testament to old fashioned hard work and here’s why- the author of the book the movie is based on, Josh Malerman, is also lead singer/songwriter of The High Strung. If you’ve watched Shameless, you’ve heard their song in the opening credits. I met them in Brooklyn nearly 20 years ago. Aside from truly being high strung, they were and still are some of the best people (and musicians) I’ve ever met. They would stay at my place over the years when passing through Austin for SXSW (when it was still about music). Josh would always sneak off for a few hours that next day, with typewriter in tow. He loved to write, and loved Stephen King. He made it a practice to write everyday. Fast forward some 18 books later he gets Bird Box published. He’s published several more since. Now his first published book gets made into a movie and smashes viewership records for Netflix.
It doesn’t happen overnight, but it does happen. Reminds me of something my friend, Tim Latham, used to say, “It’s a war of attrition. You just have to last longer than everyone else.”
Last longer and keep creating. It’s what Josh Malerman has done and continues to do. I couldn’t be prouder of my friend and I’m excited to see what happens next for him.
Aaron Franz
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Subject: Re: The Beach Boys At The Vilar
Talk about being the total polar opposite of what I recently witnessed at the Brian Wilson show. He’s doing a bunch of setlists now (including a full on Christmas show). Montreal got the “greatest hits of The Beach Boys." They played to a semi-full house (the top floor of the theatre was blacked out). The band is smoking hot, but Brian was hardly "there." I’d say he "sung" for (maybe) 10 minutes total. If that. The show lasted well under 90 minutes and was mostly musical jams that didn’t even include Brian Wilson. The teleprompter was similar to ones that politicians use at their lectern (that small pane of glass) which sat at the edge of his piano. For over 90% of the show, Brian is just staring off into space. Hard to know where he truly "was." I’m not sure his piano is even plugged in. His inter-song banter is a mumbling of what song was next, usually way too early, or as the last song was still being played out. We were sitting close enough to notice the band constantly eyeballing each other, in that awkward way. A friend of mine - who is a medical psychologist- wondered aloud if Wilson is even in shape to consent to doing a tour/show like this based on his physical state. It was sad and tragic... not the celebration of his genius/music that it should be. I went to see Brian Wilson and the music of The Beach Boys. I left with a bad taste in my mouth and a deep sadness that this genius seems be being trotted out to tour, without much concern for his physical/mental well-being. While musicians like McCartney, Elton, Phil Collins and others are doing everything they can to leave their fans with a real "final lap," this show felt much more like last gasp of air without the artist’s consent. That doesn’t sit well with me and it should make the industry feel as uncomfortable about it as the audience, clearly, felt that night.
MITCH JOEL
Six Pixels Group
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From: John Parikhal
Subject: Re: The Beach Boys At The Vilar - reply
In 1967, my buddy and I jumped into a Barracuda (back seats lay flat so you can sleep in the car), added 2 sleeping bags and started driving towards San Francisco from the east coast.
Why?
Because we’d heard the Beach Boys a lot and now Scott McKenzie was telling us to go west and wear flowers in our hair. “All across the nation, such a strange vibration, people in motion…”
People in motion.
Before the internet, before we really knew what was there in California, just because of the music, which was our newspaper, our uniting force as young people, we travelled 6 thousand miles in 3 weeks.
Just because of the music.
John
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From: Ken Kragen
Subject: RE: Super Dave
Bob: After Tommy Smothers discovered Bob Einstein and brought him on to the original writing staff for the Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, I managed him for a few years. Most of the obits on Bob mention the Smothers show but concentrate on the more recent Super Dave and Curb Your Enthusiasm appearances. I’d like to add some classic comic memories of Bob from those late ‘60’s and early ‘70’s times.
One of Bob Einstein’s first and most memorable bits on Smothers was as Officer Judy, the motorcycle riding policeman who, among other things drove onto the set and wrote a ticket for Liberace for playing the piano too fast. He was in many skits on the show with Steve Martin, Rob Reiner and our other incredibly creative writing team.
Also, what comes to me immediately when I think of Bob is two characters he created to guest on the Steve Allen talk show. The first was the CBS Censor who talked about censoring the Smothers show and ended up using words that had to be bleeped to hysterical laughter from the audience. The other was when he went on Allen’s show as the “Bird Man from Alcatraz” and Steve Allen let his bird escape the cage and fly into the rafters while Bob berated him for losing his only source of income and fame.
Another bit I remember vividly was actually on “Super Dave” where Bob was in the parking lot waiting for his guest for that episode to arrive. A car appeared driving erratically around the lot and finally pulled up in front of Bob. The driver’s door opened and the blind Ray Charles got out of the driver’s seat.
Bob Einstein created comedy that was unique, hysterically funny, and totally relatable and we will all miss him greatly. Ken
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From: Lee Michaels
HI BOB ... Long time ... i just started a you tube channel ... it is called "Pathetic Hasbeens" i posted my first video ...i'm the test case ... i have a green screen in my studio here in venice ..i want to get other artists to appear on the channel ... my concept is to present artists of past success ... as they are now ... want to present them in a positive honest way .... a sort of no frills ( to close for comfort ) approach ....perhaps u have some ideas & input u could share with me ... i would love to show u my studio/sound stage ... after we could have lunch at Killer Shrimp if u have time ... let me know ...thank you Lee
"Girl Like You": www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHdcl89eUDo
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Subject: Re: AOC
The #1 worst thing about Aoc and a lot of the new freshmen Dems is how hardline they are for BDS and against Israel. It's reached a point that it is scary how sharply the world is against Israel. They can't be anti semites so they mask it as being against a country full of Jews. I'm in Israel right now and met with the top promoters out here. They can't book an international act to save their lives. Ariana Grande won't even come here and her manager is supposed to be a Zionist. Yeah these young new Dems are great but they bring with them the unbelievably dangerous BDS ideologies that the alta kockers refused to buy into. Used to be that the Dems were the party of the Jews. But now we're fucked.
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