FRAMPTON:

great stuff...love the feedback on peter. so terrific to see that his career is thriving. an underated and underappreciated talent who is even nicer than he is gifted. a total pleasure to work with. some questionable career choices by his advisors
unfortunately led to him falling out of favor...deserves consideration for the rrhof.

Michael Leon

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Peter is one of the real good guys. Unquestionably one of the stars of the last 40 years. Everyone between the ages of 40-70 knows Peter Frampton. And just a regular guy. My wife and I had the pleasure of staying in his house in Nassau with his wife Penny for a week about 40 years ago and he couldn't stop worrying if we needed anything and were we having a good time. And he continues to be just a real nice guy. His great success over a the last 40 years brings a big smile to my face.

Jimmy Koplik

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It’s been awhile. I might be a day late and a dollar short with this, but thanks for the deserved review of Peter Frampton. Superb player, humble superstar, absolutely. And in the Nice Guy Dept:

I was in New York in September 1978, doing some press & radio promo for my band Prism on the record company’s dime (ya, sure!) I had a limo anyway.
I decided to go shopping for clothes. The hip boutique at the time was Rizzo’s. My driver pulled up to the place, to find another limo parked in front, the shop closed, with Rizzo himself and a couple of burly fellows huddled together.
My driver approached them, then fetched me.
Peter Frampton was inside the store, shopping in private; he was still one of the biggest rock stars in the world at the time, as Frampton Comes Alive was still orbiting the earth.
He had granted permission for an oik like me, some band musician from Canada, to join him inside Rizzo’s.
The door was unlocked; I slid inside. Frampton grinned a greeting as I held out my handshake. He offered his left hand, the right one being heavily bandaged from his argument with a wall at finding his girlfriend in bed with someone else. After my commenting that this is a bad move for a guitarist, we both laughed and began to shop for clothes. Being the same size, we’d alternately hold up a shirt and ask, “Want this?” “Okay if I take that?” “Looks good on ya, mate.”
He was a delightful guy. I understand he still is.
- Al Harlow
Vancouver, BC
Canada

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I'm late in this...

Peter is one of the best ever and a dear old friend + One of my fave guys to play with as well.
I was a childhood fan from Humble Pie live at the Fillmore forward...
His son Julian and My son Trev are very close pals as well.
Peter and I play on Ringos new stuff together and I love him as a friend and honored to call him that.
His playing was a big influence on me early on. His tasty, off the beaten path, choice of notes and his feel truly inspire me and he is also a great singer and writer!

Best from Europe
Luke (Steve Lukather)

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Saw Frampton for the 2nd time here in Tallahassee, Florida in the spring of 2016. Damn good show with highlights from throughout his catalog. After the crowd of 3500 had subsided, he came out and signed autographs for about 15 fans. He signed my copy of "Rock On"! He made my day when he told me he was working on a Humble Pie box with Jerry Shirley.

Gerard York

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I saw Frampton a year ago in Thousand Oaks,Ca his son opened for him.
I heard him on Howard and that prompted going.
He was amazing keep up your great writing.
Steve Katz

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Awesome review of the Frampton concert. It brought back a great memory from a 2010 Gov't Mule concert in Cincinnati. It was no secret that Peter Frampton was living in Cincy at the time and rumor had it that he might jam with Warren at some point that night. Well Peter came out for the final encore and they played "I Don't Need No Doctor." It's one of my all time concert memories. youtu.be/_DfCvzWkSqo

- Craig Hurwitz

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Loved him back in the Frampton Camel days. He put on a hell of a show back then.

Thanks, Hank Arnold

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My brother François and I had the honour of filming Frampton Comes Alive 35 a few years ago at the Beacon Theatre in New York and at the Pabst Theater in Milwaukee. Peter was wonderful to work with gave a stellar performance on both nights as well as the half dozen shows we scouted prior to filming. The musicianship was amazing as were the vocals. I hadn’t heard a band with such strong back vocals in years. Peter is a true gentleman and we were very happy to read your review. The FCA-35 concert film was released on BluRay and DVD. You can probably stream it on Qello. It is worth listening and watching. Worth buying.

Pierre Lamoureux

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You can place this under "unusual rock 'n' roll artifacts." Years ago, when Perer Frampotn closed out his house in Connecticut, I bought one of his old file cabinets.

Gary Theroux
"The History of Rock 'n'Roll"

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I just got a chance to read your Frampton review and all the letters. I have been more than lucky to know Peter for over 40 years.
He was always an ARTIST first, studying Django and others.
In a way thank god for Frampton Comes Alive - it exposed him to millions and most have realized the excellent guitarist he was, is and always will be.

Mary Beth Medley

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"Fingerprints" is my favorite Frampton album, bar none (yes - I'm even including "Alive"), and I've spread the word to countless music aficcionados over the years. And Mr. Frampton doesn't even sing in it!! Testament to just how great a guitar player he is.

I've had the privilege of seeing him perform the last 2 times he came through Orlando. Charismatic, captivating, classic rock virtuoso - and a true gentleman. As long as I can help it, I won't miss another show whenever he's in the area.

If I may draw a bold comparison to another "master of the strings" and personal hero, I see Mr. Frampton as "rock & roll's Andre Agassi" - an absolute class act, in all ways.
Actually, I think Mr. Frampton might enjoy the comparison...

A true fan,

Miguel Castellanos

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I neglected to mention a prime example of his guitar prowess before his huge success. He played lead on this John Entwhistle song, Ten Little Friends. And he plays his fucking ASS off!

www.youtube.com/watch?v=g8Wnoef3lB0&spfreload=10

Kevin Kiley

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I got into Peter on the Town & Country ,Humble pie lp. Then when the next lp came out, I was hooked on the band and Peter's guitar playing. He doesn't play your stock blues riffs. He's more melodic. I did attend the " Live at the Fillmore " show. I even went to the next stop on the tour to catch them . They played a place called OBI out on Long Island . My friend stole a car and drove me there ( from Canarsie Brooklyn) They played the same show as the Fillmore .
Right before they went on, I had to use the restroom. As I approached it, another door swung open and it was Steve Marriott. He invited me into the dressing room for a slice of pizza. There I am , this shy punk kid from Brooklyn, eating pizza with the whole band. It lasted all of 5 mins and it was time for them to go on. I yelled out "Have a great show & Thank you ". I was dreaming that I'd be playing for an audience one day sad well .
What's really amazing about this story is ; about 17 years later, I was in a band with Peter. A dream come true. He played guitar and I played drums for David Bowie's Glass Spider Tour. Peter is a great guy & very funny. Thanks Bob.

Best, Alan Childs

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I was listening to a great recording in my car of what I thought was Stefan grappeli , but warmer.
It was frampton !!!!
I worked with Peter in the 60's and 70's on my BBC shows and I love everything he does !

Stanley dorfman

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Yes Sir . Frampton is real as it gets . Two years ago he played the Municipal Auditorium in little old Shreveport Louisiana (Same House of the Louisiana Hayride)
He totally blew the door off of it . He told the crowd take your cell phone pic's get it out of your system . He was all about giving it 100% plus . No distraction . So weather it is Beaver Creek or Shreveport La it is all out for Peter Frampton . If he come even close make it happen . I skied Beaver Creek when it was a tent and watch Jimi Hendrix finish his Bush tall boy before taking the stage as a junior in high school at the Municipal .
Thanks enjoy your read .

Ross Tilbury

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I was a 14-year-old kid who saw Frampton with Ringo in '98. Jack Bruce, Gary Brooker, and Simon Kirke were there too. My first real concert. Changed my life forever. Frampton is THE FUCKING MAN!!! Thanks for this review!!

Matthew McDonnell

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Thanks for the review - it was inspiring to read that Peter still has the same passion and talent after all these years. When I started my radio career in 1973 at freeform WMGM in Atlantic City one of the artists I played frequently was Peter, and I've been a fan ever since. I was fortunate to be one of the 110,000 who saw Peter and Yes at Philadelphia's old JFK stadium on 6/12/76.

One of my favorite interviews was with Peter in July of 1979 at 94WYSP in Philly as he was supporting his first album after that awful car crash. I did not meet him until he walked into the studio just a few minutes before we went live. He could not have been nicer or more fun to talk to both on and off the air. As he was leaving the station his record rep told me Peter said it had been his favorite interview ever.

As I was dubbing the old tape onto my computer a year ago - the tape broke! I put the 2 reels aside since I did not have any splicing tape around. After getting some a few days later I could not find one of the Frampton reels. I looked everywhere and was despondent when it did not turn up. Suddenly I remembered I had thrown some tapes in the trashcan - and there it was!

Fortunately I haven't forgotten how to edit tape after all these years. I hope you enjoy the interview.

Best Wishes,
Gerry Hebert
aka Jerry Abear

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I never really understood why Frampton hasn't been given his due.
If one payed any attention at all to his career, they would realize he has always been about the music....
not the old hits...Steve Winwood too....another great artist at work, who exists, bubbling under the
limelight. There are many of them, with dignity, talent, class and musical integrity....

Paul Simon, Bruce Hornsby, Van Morrison, and Procol Harum, to name a few.

Regards,

Leigh Goldstein

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Hi Bob,

Guess what? My instrumental album from 2006, “Fingerprints”, is now available online again. I’m told RED have it on all dig outlets now too. So, "Stream On!" I am now working on a limited edition vinyl release as I constantly have requests.

Thanks again,
Peter

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COPE:


his vocals on this radiohead cover are fukkin' priceless. played it tons on the radio.

youtu.be/NGU_JJroVms

i hope this pleases you as much as it pleases me

halloran

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Thank you for pointing out Cope. As I'm old I'm the last guy to know. Wow. Again. Thanks.

Warren Zide

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Cope is no doubt the best artist I just discovered thanks to you. Why did it take me so long to hear his music?

Steve Woodham

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I had no idea who he was; but have listed to two of his albums so far on AZ. I like what I am hearing.

Regards,

Phil Hurwitz

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I was at a festival in Philly maybe 10 years ago with my 4 yr old. Cope was on a side stage doing a sound check, just him and a drummer. We watched and afterward he brought a drum stick and handed it to my kid. She was thrilled and promptly threw it over the fence!

Sean tighe

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Bob. On G. Love's latest album Love Saves the Day he collaborated with Citizen Cope on the song "Muse." Check it out.
Gary Dutton

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I’m a fan of one of the most unique voices working today!

Brian Allman

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What you describe seems to be the reaction that Cope always gets. He’s pure talent — writes, sings, and performs his unique way. I used to play open mics with him at Madams Organ in the Adams Morgan section of DC. He just had a thing that worked and was that rare open mic performer that could own the room. I followed him around DC open mics and then his gigs. Was and (still am) a big fan. I actually have a copy of that cassette that Marshall Altman talks about — the hits. I think it has “$200,000,” “Cain and Able,” “Naked Man,” and maybe a few others. It’s not as good as his recordings that followed, but it still grabs you.

I used to run into him at SXSW and then the Tin Angel in Philadelphia. He always remembered me or at least it seemed that way. I appreciated it.

Cheers,

Ben Dickinson

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Hey Bob,

Just a little message to thank you for the emails you write!

They are often very inspiring!

I didn’t know Greenwood.. amazing stuff.

All the best from Sorrento - Italy

Marco Spiezia

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One Lovely Day, best song of 2012 for me.
Best,

Aldo Blardone

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You really hit the nail on the head with Cope. I remember the first time I heard him when he had a feature on that Sunday morning program. It was the first 'real' music that i had heard come out in a long time. My daughter, Mayaeni, met him in Brooklyn a few years back. She emailed him last spring/summer and he had her open for him for a few dates and then had her do quite a few more. I caught a couple of the shows she played on in Madison and Minneapolis. I can't remember seeing such a true unmitigated artist in a long long time. While artists are all derivative to some extent, he really is a singular presence. HIs audiences love him on a very personal level and it's easy to see why.

Gary David Strauss

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First time I heard his song Sideways was from a movie, I can't remember much about the movie but I remember that song! I had to find out who that was. And yes Bob, I bought the download, ha! I still like owning music. Can't help it.
Terri Haram

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A fun lil anecdote:

My homegirl was having her bday dinner at Hatchet Hall in Culver City. CCope was sitting at the bar. She is a huge fan of his, and was too shy to approach him. So as a musical brother in arms I let him know he had a huge fan having her birthday in the other room. We secretly arranged for him to bring out her cake and sing happy birthday to her. He was humble and reluctant, at first. But eventually acquiesced. The look on her face was so cute. We all hung out for a while. He made her month. A real sweetheart.

Paul Chesne

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Nice words on Cope...he's been one of my favorite artists.
Saw him performing a short acoustic in-store at Borders Books in Seattle the the day after he released his debut album...hearing his songs stripped down + his cover of "007 Shanty Town" made me a fan and ever since then I've been supporting his music. He handed me one of those Clarence Greenwood Recordings advance CDs at SXSW he had asked RCA to give him that you mentioned..Not only did a he give away a bunch of those CDs...he played a lot of gigs...sometimes to very small crowds...but those crowds grew...and the rooms got bigger. Been to countless shows of his - from small clubs to theaters and festivals...always a great show! Next time Cope comes through Seattle...I'll be there.

Thanks
Christian Fresco

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Hey Bob,

In over 35 years as a programmer in radio, there was only one instance in which I listened to an unsolicited demo that I received in the mail from a “local” musician, who had dropped their heart and soul onto a cassette tape with the hopes of being “discovered” by a local DJ with the romanticism of an Alan Freed lightning strike as a conduit to fame and glory.

In all those years, there was only one time, after popping a tape into the stereo, and after a minute of listening to a track called “200,00 (In Counterfeit 50 Dollar Bills), that I immediately stopped what I was doing, and picked up the phone.

When Clarence Greenwood answered, I invited him to WHFS. I wanted to meet this guy. It was shortly after his deal at Capitol fell apart, and Cope was grasping at straws, but steadfast in his belief that all he needed was exposure. Surrounded by doubters and rejection, there was no question in Clarence's mind that his talent would rise to the top. The thing that impressed me the most about Citizen Cope was that he knew, absolutely knew, that he was destined for greatness and that the people who heard his music would innately recognize his voice, what he had to say, and how he would say it. Hooks and melody seemed to come so easily to Clarence. His self-confidence was unwavering. He knew.

In the months that followed, while MD and APD at WHFS, I decided I’d take a stab at artist management and pour all my free time into trying to get Clarence signed. I knew a lot of people in the industry who were eager to talk to me about their promotional agendas, but I also knew there was a select few who had a genuine interest in music, regardless of whether they were being paid to care. It was easy for me to find people like Jon Leshay and Jon Cohen, two label veterans with whom I became friends because we shared a true passion for the righteousness of the artists that touched our souls. Cohen was an early supporter of Cope at Cornerstone/Fader, and Leshay loved the Citizen Cope demos. Jon and Jon, former cohorts at Columbia Records, got it right away, and they were instrumental in Cope’s resurgence in 1998.

Leshay and I met in Memphis. I flew in a bass player for sessions with Cope, using my frequent flier miles to get him there. We spend a weekend at The Peabody Hotel and Leshay listened to new versions of Citizen Cope tracks that I'd sent him previously. Dreamworks went on to sign Clarence, and that first record finally was released. I got a finder’s fee of about 5K, and relinquished any management role at that time because I was far too consumed with working for CBS and booking the HFStival every year.

As you know, like countless other gifted and deserving artists, Cope was chewed up and spit out by the system over the years, but as you astutely point out, never lost the connection that he had with his audience. Remarkably so. He was able to make a connection in Washington/Baltimore, and NYC after he moved to Brooklyn, then the entire Atlantic corridor. Today, Cope can sell out venues in Brazil. And, as his audience grew, his music eventually made its way to other artists who clearly understood. Sheryl Crow followed Santana in covering a Cope song. John Mayer started playing "Sideways" at his live shows. Their embrace was a vivid illustration and acknowledgement of the type of talent that is, Citizen Cope.

Maybe Jimmy Iovine was right in saying Cope was making a big mistake when he signed to Dreamworks. Maybe things would have all turned out differently if he’d signed with Interscope. It doesn’t matter now. What matters is that, at age 49, Clarence Greenwood is not only still in the game when most artists are not, but that this new album he’s recorded contains some of the best music he has created in his long, vastly unappreciated, career.

Just listen to the tracks “Justice”, or “Hours on End”, and tell me this is not a man at the top of his game. It’s so rare.

Let’s see if Conchord or some other visionary label can finally put it all together.

Sincerely,

Bob Waugh
WRNR Annapolis

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Dear Bob,

My colleague, John Seabrook, passed along your contact information— I have a somewhat time sensitive request that I hope you will consider:

Attached is a letter from David Remnick, editor of The New Yorker, inviting Citizen Cope to participate in the eighteenth-annual New Yorker Festival, on the weekend of October 6th-8th, 2017. The event will be a live interview with our staff writer, John Seabrook, followed by a short, intimate, musical performance, in front of an audience of about 400 people, in New York City. The magazine, naturally, would cover Mr. Greenwood's travel and accommodations; as well as any musical needs he may have.

Some of this year's confirmed participants include, among others, Ava DuVernay, Ai Weiwei, Anthony Bourdain, Laura Marling, Blood Orange, Dries Van Noten, Seth Meyers, Sofia Coppola, Ryan Murphy, Jon Hamm, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Carly Rae Jepsen, Naomi Klein, Preet Bharara, Jennifer Egan, and Colson Whitehead. Last year we were joined by the authors Zadie Smith, Jonathan Safran Foer, and Rachel Kushner; the musicians Bruce Springsteen, Andrew Bird, and Father John Misty; the actors Daniel Craig, Rebecca Hall, John Goodman, and Cynthia Nixon; the comedians Louis C.K. and Sarah Silverman; the athlete Jeremy Lin; the congressman Keith Ellison, the architect Bjarke Ingels; and the artist Nan Goldin, to name just a few.
We will be completely locking the program and schedule on Tuesday of next week and would love to have him included. We are BIG fans of his work. Hope to connect with you soon. Thank you so much!

Best,
David Ohana
The New Yorker

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CROWE:


Thanks for introducing me to this brilliantly funny, satirical and self-deprecating song, Bob.

Audio quality notwithstanding, this is the work of a genius. All credit to Sheryl Crow for stepping outside the normal PR machine bandwagon. Hope it's the first of many...

With best wishes.
Alastair Thomson

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Absolutely Brilliant!!

Tony D'Amelio

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Will she now perform it live on Colbert?

Toby Mamis

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Wonderful.

They were obviously recording it multitracked. The tweet creates buzz... they should mix and produce it and release... can't take more than another day.

I can guarantee you this story will appear Monday on The Complete Sheet and the song will be on Delicious Audio. (wisebrothermedia.com)

In case anyone doesn't know, they are the prep service for every voice-tracked and live radio show that still remains. So if you get them the mixed version by Monday, for a viral story like this, you have an instant hit. Every radio host with no support or resources left in that dying medium will jump on it, including me (semi retired morning show host- still doing two weekend shows for fun).

They will no doubt post the twitter clip, if that's all there is...
But why not give them a record. Everyone in Radio is desperate to have some fun.

Wouldn't it be wonderful if she started a trend. Hugely talented artists speaking out in song, transparently putting out real shit.

A protest song renaissance.

That would make a lot of people smile.

Every veteran reading your blog should join in.

Bob Rivers

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This is just plain fucking brilliant! Kudos, Crow!!

Paige J. Mann

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THIS makes me want to listen to her new record! I hate fake publicity stunts and I don't like contrived, but when a fun opportunity presents itself then you have to go for it. She did and it works!

In the age of multiple screens and speakers, you never really know what will connect with a fan, so cover it all as real as you can.

Stacie Seifrit Griffin

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Thanks for turning me on to this. i love the fact that there’s no make-up, no fancy hair, just Sheryl and the guitar and a small studio pickup band. And, her personality.

The very thing that made her first hit so engaging, all those years ago.

John Parikhal

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Yay! I mostly hate all the talk about “making it” because most of the musicians I truly adore have not, but THANK YOU for brining attention to a “big star” who is speaking truth and being an activist, like the little guys! I love it AND she is a woman!

Lee Vandeveer

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Bob - that's LIVE on the floor.

Sturgis Nikides

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Bob,
The fact that Sheryl was able to respond (knee jerk!) so quickly and succinctly has something to do with the fact that she is a former public school educator. Those glorious folks must be ready to respond and adapt at the drop of a hat, day in and day out. Bless Sheryl Crow's abilities, talent and humor. And a BIG thumbs up to educators everywhere!
Sean Anglum
Pikes Peak Library District
Colorado Springs

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CSNY was big anyway, but running into a studio, recording OHIO a couple of days after Kent State, and have it come out a week later, not attached to an album cycle or anything, this is what cemented their relevance to an entire generation. They used their voice and their medium....and they weren't whiny about it.

Let's hope Sheryl's move is the start of a trend.

Kim Bullard

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Love it.

Mark Wolfson

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Now that is how its done, the oldsters can still fire it up and make a socio/political statement while the Taylor Swifts etc are incapable of seeing beyond their own personal agenda.
p.s. Ozark is the shit, only three in but it's got my attention.

John Brodey

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Sounds like something Cash would write if he was still with us.

Jovan Ristic

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Sheryl Crow: she's so hot right now.

Michael Craig

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Bob,

EXCELLENT!
Love It! Sheryl Goes Ghetto!
Like NWA!
Instead, Sheryl took it to white people.
GENIUS!

And, Yes! I hope she and more music artists 'jump the social media shark' to show they are politically present.
Had the honor of once working and having dinner with Sheryl with Van Dyke.
A well educating, socially conscious, empowered woman who gave her middle finger to breast cancer.

Shining brilliant and creative, instant responses with Twitter light to our current political mold and, in a universally understood vernacular, I feel is one effective way to put this horrible disease into remission.

Thanks as always Bob,
Michael Frondelli

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Saw the tweet first, tweeted back, read your article, saw the video again, then bought some of her merch online at HSN. Ya, that's how you do it these days!

Lisa Montez

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How great was that.
Was ready to give up Ms. Crow to the musical dust bin figuring she was more interested in pitching her clothing line to the QVC crowd (not that there's anything wrong with that).

Nasty women!

Regards,

G.Robey
Chesapeake Beach, MD

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Love this Bob. That tweet was sweet wine in the bullshit madness of Twitter. Her record btw was actually some great work. But lesson learned. Be real. Let the music do the talking.

Len Ottensen

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Bob. Thanks so much for turning us on to this track!

Cheers

Leslie Jose Zigel, Esq.

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Thanks for the details of the Sheryl Crow video on YouTube. It's great!!!! More artists should make these impromptu videos, they're fun, not cleaned up in the studio.

William
NYC

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Nice post, just checked it out and felt memories of the 60's.....thanks.

Bernie Gudvi

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Good read

Bill Siddons

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Ha! Thanks for sharing, I love this so much.

Francia Buitrago

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Yes!!! I'm so happy you wrote about this. I agree with every single word. When I saw this string of tweets last weekend I thought of you, then I tweeted about it, shared it with my team on slack, woke up my husband to discuss... I couldn't get over it. It was perfect! Every day I speak to our clients about finding these types of organic moments to engage with so they can use them to drive their own narrative and publicity cycle. Sheryl's not a client (I wish - I've always loved her) but it still makes my heart swell. I don't understand why more talent don't take the time and put in the effort to engage. The return can be a million times more impactful than the traditional publicity tour.

Kendall Ostrow

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FLEET:

I heard this EP when it came out and immediately emailed the agency...clearly destined to be a great band, even if it starts because people say they sound like Zep. Think about the first Black Crowes album..."they sound like the Stones and the Faces and Humble Pie"...but 2 years later "Southern Harmony and Musical Companion" was like a suddenly-mature band.

It'd be great to have some rock back

Jesse Lundy

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Happy to hear you praising new rock. There are a lot of new rock bands out there that deserve praise.
I was made aware of Greta Van Fleet by an Uber driver.
I was into them immediately.
I was lucky enough to get into their July 25th show at the Viper Room, many were turned away.
There were a bunch of young girls in the front who knew all the words and the rest were industry people
hoping for a rock come back, me included.
The band delivers live! I think rock is back…at least in the clubs. It was clear to me kids want to rock.

Rock On!
Vicky Hamilton

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Cool... here's the deal-
When we went to see Zeppelin they were a killer live band. The creativity and energy live was hair raising. I strongly feel they recorded the records do quickly they were a live band who knew the great wide open all too well. History was being written and I think jimmy stage felt it.

The guitars on the records and tracks grab you right out of the gate. They kill. Then there is the amazingly underrated playing of John Paul Jones. Bass, keys, B3 with bass pedals. And in those nights they life you dropping like flies.

Always a good thing to read your blog and catch your vibe Bob. Very good perspective.

But Jimmy Page live was A Rock Star! We all wanted to be him. It was something new, or so we thought.

They listened to The Brothers and took a few tips. We all did but we did not make another song outt of it.

Stars like we will not see again. Rock Stars - Zepplin. And oh boy that jimmy page, the bit of looseness or not, was and remains a Rock Star.
How cool is he at his age Bob? The kind of cool that's far gone.

Stay Well,

Frankie Sullivan

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Good. But no Jimmy Page and certainly no John Bonham.

Stu Cohen

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Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown.

Opened many shows for GnR and ACDC the past year ...around the world.

From Nashville.

That will be your next favorite.

Rock is about to make a big comeback from 20 somethings that understand how important and timeless good songs and a loud noise can be.

Watch out.

GB

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Interesting. Reminds me of Silvertide a bit, though much more of a straight Zeppelin copy. Young kids playing classic rock. This guy has a great voice, looking forward to when he grows out of his Robert Plant phase and finds his own, that's when I'd guess they'll break through.

Brendan Willing James

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Very well written & observed piece, Bob.... Thanks for the tip, hadn't heard of them. Watched five clips on YouTube--most live, and I was impressed! These kids have chops, energy, self-belief, good showmanship and distinctive hooks and riffs. They can play--and they look very good out there on stage and truly seem to be loving it & having fun, which radiates through the good tunes. I saw Zeppelin live in their early 70s heyday 25 times--and while they're no Zep (yet)--they're good & fun & they rock convincingly and I got some of that old hard rock Zep feeling that faded long ago in the music landscapes out there. Very good, Impressive act & I wish these vivacious and well-practiced youngsters & Zep acolytes good luck & good fortune!!!!! Marin/palisades

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Amazing

Mark Abramowitz

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No doubt, Bob. They sound good. Just young or new to me. Stern had a similar thought. I was surprised when you wrote they had been working at it for 5 years. For the same great rock sound, just hardened and perfected by the road, check out LB's own Rival Son's. That is rock and what GvF is destined to be if they put in the time on the road. Trust me, I have no affiliation to Son's. Just a fan.

Chad

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I recently discovered them myself, and love them Bob. Copy or not, you instantly hear Zeppelin, and sounds of what rock used to be, and what is should be. What 2017 needs!

Avi Serfaty
Revelation Management Group

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I feel your nostalgia, but a generation raised on beats, Hip Hop, and EDM will not relate to Greta Van Fleet and Rock in the way that we did in the 1960s. There was a transition we all experienced from the beginnings of the British Invasion to 1969 and Led Zeppelin. Acid Rock and Guitar Rock prepared us for what was to come with Heavy Metal and the Classic Rock of the 1970s. For kids today, this just sounds OLD.

Led Zeppelin would not have been digestible in 1964, Rock needed to EVOLVE.

Going backwards is not the direction I ever wish to go... A new sound will come as we move FORWARD. Count on it.

Frank A. Gagliano

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Rose Hill Drive were some teenagers that came out of Colorado about 10 years ago with Zeppelin oozing out of every pore. That was also a couple brothers and a childhood friend. They opened for The Who, Van Halen, and The Black Crowes in their first couple years, but their bassist/singer didn't have Greta's set of pipes. Rose Hill had tons of talent (that guitar player especially), but it never coalesced into greatness apart from a couple tracks. Hope these brothers can rally behind their singer a la 'Bama Shakes. He's the star. If they do, and if the kid takes care of his voice, then dang... they could really go places.

Hopefully that kid wails loud enough to blow Kings of Leon off the face of the Earth. Unleash the beast, babyface.

Matthew Sterling

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I can't wait to hear more of their music. I got turned on to them by Larry Flick on Sirius and have fell in live with that EP. Be it a full LP or another EP, the wait for more will be a long one.

John Hardin

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Dude, you're amazing. No one knows music like you.

Steve DeGrazia

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Would you believe an independent college radio station in Council Bluffs, Iowa has been playing Highway Song for the past month?

897theriver.com/upload/files/playlist.pdf

I get it. The Midwest gets it. Great song. Can't wait to see what happens.

Thanks for giving this band the attention that they deserve.

-Miles Glasgow

_______________________________________

Great record. Thanks for sharing. I was around in 1973 too, and I think the better music biz analogy here is Wolfmother or The White Stripes, which were also breaking old school music to new school audiences. Led Zeppelin was a "super band" releasing alongside a great many other British bands and others copying British bands all of whom were copying American bluesmen. I think it all worked great. There's not much new under the sun, but when somebody gets their mojo working, it's inspiring.

steven masur

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Hey Bob!
Great article. I recorded the band a few years ago in a one band, one room, one take live model. Check it out.

vimeo.com/89715141

Talk soon,
Jeff Wenzel

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Holy wow.. Safari Song! Zep back from the dead!

Steve Androulakis

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Greta Van Fleet is great but Rival Sons are better. Jay Buchanan is the best voice in rock & roll in decades.

Tim Fricke

_______________________________________

I'm not sure about this one Bob. It's a guilty pleasure for sure if, like me and almost every other mid-to-late boomer, you loved Led Zeppelin. But there are a couple of differences. When we first heard Zeppelin most of us hadn't heard Howlin' Wolf, Willie Dixon, Jake Holmes, and many of the others who LZ had "borrowed" from. Dazed and Confused not only blew us away, it was original to most of our ears. Same with Whole Lotta Love. Most of us had nothing to compare those songs to at that time. So on first listen I thought, "It sounds good and it sounds like no one else"

It wouldn't be until years later that I heard the "influences". But by that time Zeppelin had the advantage of being imprinted in the DNA of my teen years, rip off or not. When I listen to them now I sometimes wonder how much of the enjoyment their music gives me is because of its true greatness and how much is because of the memories of my youth it brings back.

With Greta Van Fleet I mostly think, "it sounds good and it sounds like Zeppelin in 1969". And I also think "sounds like Kingdom Come in 1988". Whether it gets imprinted into my life DNA remains to be seen but I wouldn't bet on it.

Final (mostly unrelated) thought. Who, in 1973, would have believed that one day the argument could be made that Black Sabbath might actually be more original than Led Zeppelin?

Jim Blaney
Nashville, TN

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Difference... Led Zeppelin didn't rip off Willie's sound. Close your eyes and Greta could be LZ's Lost recording. Scary and good at the same time.

Marty Diner

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It's a Zeppelin ripoff.....and I love it. Michigan represent! Long live rock n roll!

Matt Roberts

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You were the second person to tell me about this band in the last couple days. I couldn't put it off any longer. Great fucking music! I'll be checking their tour listings to see if they're playing Calgary anytime soon.

Tim Weisbeck

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Rival sons does it much better..
They're a bit older though.
But The Great Western Valkyrie. Put that album on and let us know what you think. Fly that rock flag!

William Martin

_______________________________________

Really Bob? Listen to these songs again and again? Not hardly.....it was worth a once around for the novelty of it, "wow listen to how closely they can copy Zep".....but beyond that, eh. I don't want to hear it ever again. But that's just me.

Robert Pina

_______________________________________

Love em -posted.

Michael Harpster

_______________________________________

...checked out the link & yes, this band is decent but nowhere near as good in this Zep vein IMHO as Earl Greyhound...released "S.O.S" 10 years ago & couldn't get any traction...monster players...absolutely nailed the Zep vibe... vimeo.com/847233

Robert J. Lohr

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With old rock vocalists dropping the keys of songs down a step or two how wonderful it is to hear
that 70's Viking incantation from this wonderful, effortless singer...
Greta is great.
Good evening Bob.

Michael Des Barres

_______________________________________

more swagger than Jagger's "political message" glad you're back to your senses Bob!

George Drakoulias

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Love that band...the lead singer channels Plant without trying...guitar riffs are Jimmyish but hey, in this day and age, it's STILL refreshing. Mike @ Genuine Music Group

Michael Mavrolas

_______________________________________

They're unknown because they're playing a genre nobody cares about anymore or atleast right now. Flom has an ear for talent and his son Michael is the next big A&R but they don't have much on their imprint that's going. Another great band, The Struts, aren't getting much love because they too are playing a game long forgotten. To make it today you have to be either cookie cutter 19-year old pop singer, a DJ making regrtitated garbage or someone like Sam Hunt who's breaking rules and crossing genres with a swagger the size of Texas.

Danny Jay

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Hansel and Gretel Van Halen Fleet Enema.

Rob Reimer

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I checked the email too late Bob. The Greta Van Fleet show at the Troubadour in October is sold out!

Thanks for the head's up. I dig it.

James Staubes

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You are right.....very tasty. They're so young!!!!! Nothing like this on at the moment.

Mitchell Sussman

P.S. Greta Van Fleet EP tracks performed live this past week in Detroit. They are three brothers and a drummer from suburban MI

www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWzWEAkHg5Y

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TiwxYAQWs6w

www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qf4bT_r6M0

www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y5HTyFFjEnc

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Supposed to catch up on work tonight and you HAD to introduce me to GVF! Now it's 2:45AM and I still can't get enough!!

- Sleepless in SLC for all the right reasons :)

Alicin Christensen

_______________________________________

I have been a long time reader and never felt compelled to write back as I prefer to keep my opinions to myself, but in that same vein I wanted to thank you for this recommendation, it was sorely needed.

I have always been a rock & metal fan, going on 30 years now. Outside the very niche areas of music in which I continuously find incredible new music there hasn’t been anything in the “classic rock” area that has even remotely interested me.

Apart from this band now. Yes, Zeppelin all the way but I don’t see anything wrong with that. There have been countless inferior and quite frankly terrible bands that wanted to be Zep and it was all too obvious and hence irrelevant but this is different.
They aren’t trying to be Zep, they’re them and it sounds like Zep, in the sense that there is a groove, freedom, mysticism and joy at play that I have missed since the early 90s.

With that, thank you, this will be a perfect soundtrack for an English man travelling to California this week.

With the highest regards,

Steven Vogel

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Hey Bob,
I'm nobody. I'm 50, played guitar, seriously, all my life.
I listened to it and my first reaction was: yes! Rock n' Roll!
Finally!
It is pretty awesome. Sounds good.
At the end of the day.
The guitar player and bassist really have no chops.
So it's not LZ.
The singer kills.
The production gets it done.

The marketing looks good.
Just the fact that a Rock Band is being tossed around.

But good for Jason Flom to give a hoot!

If they GVF show up in SF, I'll be there.

Franklin Vasquez

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Just to say that Willie Dixon, like many others ripped off by Led Z, The Stones etc- was essentially a contemporary of LZ. He was born in the delta, but was not a delta bluesman- but a Chicago (Chess) artist. He was prolific and productive all through the 60s and 70s.
So LZ was not in fact “removed” from him, but coincident. This to me makes their crime even worse.
Thanks
DR
(Just an unknown note- Wille D was a conscientious objector in WW2 ! An amazing brilliant an principled man)

David Rubinson

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Looooove this EP, man. Blew me away instantly. Made my middle age heart sing. Played it for some younger folks at work and they were like-is this new? Meaning they identified it as new music to them, sounds like Zepp but with an energy and attack that is modern. Rock n roll is due. Music is better with rock n roll healthy and relevant. A band this young, dripping in talent and style is just what is needed.

Len Ottensen

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Led Zep rip? They really ripped this:

youtu.be/UNSmYWfIKuA

Tag Gross

_______________________________________

Nice. One of the great things about this ringing endorsement is the credibility that you have with your readers. So - for those of who haven't heard these guys yet - they will then seek out - and quite likely fall in love with.

They ARE living well at Rock radio. Currently # 7 in the US (Active) AND Canada - and stick out in a good way in a world of similar sounding bands. Of note - they've only been on the charts for 2 months.

The band are doing it right as well. Similar to what country acts do within their format - Greta Van Fleet are hitting radio stations, winning them over and gaining great momentum with these visits and live shows. Here's hoping this amazingly talented group of kids bust the doors open and help bring Rock back to the spotlight!

dale robertson

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Thanks Bob for reviewing Greta Van Fleet. I was probably not alone in recommending them to you, but I still felt the need too. Hopefully they will be the future. Have a good day Mr. Lefsetz.

Devoted reader,
Dave Hamilton

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Sounds more like a Kingdom Come ripoff. But they'd be fun live I'm thinking.

Greg McLoughlin

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Thank you for the heads up on this. Good tunes. I'm 43 and it's good to hear young bands rock out. And while listening to GVF Spotify turned me on go The Glorious Sons.

All good stuff.

Jon M Wear

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They're good .. great find Thks!!

Flower Power is the "quite / subtle" stand out...

4 young guys obviously influenced by Led Zeppelin.. but they're young and have a "fresh sound" ... I like this song a lot .. really well done!

Keep on Chugglin Bob!!!

Scott Palazzo

_______________________________________

Um...no.

While I want to love GVF - and I do think the songs rock in the way Led Zep did - they seem no different than Kingdom Come, Wolfmother and others that have ripped off that classic sound and found some initial success to only fade away after the novelty wore off. To make rock relevant again, it needs to evolve. And we need some hits. Remaking the Immigrant Song isn't going to do it.

Doug Perlson

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Rival Sons crushes this.
KP

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I have been reading your blog for some time and although I disagree with you a lot, I wanted to take a moment to thank you for turning me on to Greta Van Fleet. I was unsure of what to expect when I went to listen, as I love Zeppelin I have been disappointed over the years with other bands that sounded like them. I do agree not a loser in the four songs and my favorite isn't the rocker. Keep on giving your suggestions and I will spend more time checking these new bands out .... by the way I am 67 years old and tired of losing all my heroes in the last few years. I feel the need to find new music I can relate to and this is a start.

Thomas Courtaway

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My oh my !!! I really like this Band

The Rock Gods have been merciful

Thank you for the Recommendation and I have been spreading the word/ music

Heiner Leber

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luv'd it !! ... searched the band on Spotify while reading this, listening on spotify and forwarding the video via youtube on the smartphone to my 27yr old son and my 56yr old buddy from school (we've seen many a show together since the mid-70's) all at the same time... ain't it grand!
This is the way we find new music for those of us who care ..... thanks for your work & cheers!
KwH
Fraser Valley
p.s. and they are excellent. You are right the tunes on the EP (is that what's it called now?) are all very good. As you said, shades of Zep but of course that great band was many shades of the Blues who came them.
A handing off of the flame...? added to my personal playlist on Spotify so they're now on summer rotation.

Ken Hunter

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Holy fuckin hooked Batman. Tool 45 min between reading your blog, listening to the tunes and then just had to get behind the drum kit and play along. Long time since that happened !! Rock lives. Can't wait to hear where these guys are in 5 years !! Thanks for the heads up Bob!! Rock on Pete from Toronto.

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I listened to the EP on your recommendation.
At least Led Zeppelin repackaged and presented their inspirations differently. This is a blatant ripoff. They're not even really trying to hide how much of a ripoff it is. The screams, the mandolin... absolutely unoriginal.
If rock needs bringing back, this will do it no more than spinning your old Zep records will. There's a lot to like in their playing, for sure. But they'd do better to play for the nostalgia niche and just be a Zeppelin cover band, rather than pretend like there's anything new here.

Cheers!
Nick in Guelph, Ontario

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Hey Bob. I was driving with a friend and he asked me if I'd heard Greta Van Fleet. When I told him no, he plugged his iPhone into my car speakers and let it rip. I downloaded the EP at the next red light! I love technology! And these boys have chops. Hoping for more from them soon. Now I tell all my friends about them.

Mike Ruggiero

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I hadn't heard of these guys - wow! I can see the Led Zeppelin reference but listening to Black Smoke Rising these guys have got their own thing, maybe not quite as hard edged but very melodic vocal lines. Love the artwork also.
Almost a bit like Vintage Trouble, they've managed to not overcook the rhythm section & let the singer stand out.

btw I was watching this just beforehand - sums everything up !

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuaBXUDQvB8

Evan Linwood

_______________________________________

Excellent! Even if some of it is tongue-in-cheek or paying homage, they do it so dang well, that's ok! The production is super clean and clear and love the Bonham sound of the drums - not easy to do.

Leroy Henry

_______________________________________

I discovered them a few weeks ago when Flower Power caught my ear on my discover weekly playlist.
They sound so much like Led Zep it’s almost embarrassing, but it’s still very good.

I think Flower Power and Black Smoke Rising are the 2 winners, since they're less straight ahead bluesy.

Will be interesting to hear what they develop into when they find their own sound.

You didn't mention that Howard “discovered” them last week, too. I wonder if that’ll give them the Stern bump?

Going to see Rag n Bone Man at Fonda tonight?

--
Best Regards,
Zach Goode

_______________________________________

In response to: "It'd be like playing Jimi Hendrix in between Tony Orlando and the Osmonds. No way."

In the 70s, when I was growing up in the UK, it was perfectly possible to hear Jimi Hendrix in between Tony Orlando and the Osmonds on BBC Radio 1. Not often admittedly but from time to time. We only had the one "pop" radio station in those days, so you got to hear a bit of everything.

Best

Jane Clemetson

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Just listened - they are so great! Thanks for sharing.

You should check out Barns Courtney too: open.spotify.com/artist/5tFRohaO5yEsuJxmMnlCO9

Liliana Rose

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Spot on.
I've been cranking this since I read your last post.
Thanks for this.

John Ackerman

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They are playing the Troubadour in Oct and tickets are $90 and up (they will of course sell out). Back in the day it would have been like $3 to see four talented bands one after another. Each with *original* music. Almost $100 and I haven’t even had a drink what about a date...

Singer sounds exactly like Plant, amazing where a great singer will get a band. So many bands, like football teams, are missing the star QB. But Jonsey and Page were so creative, gonna be hard to top that if all you have is a singer. Takes four guys not one to get into the rock pantheon.

They need a hit bottom line, that will change everything. Hire a writer, steal a blues song and make it ten times better. Still need a hit.

And the drummer is a wimp compared to Bonzo.

Still fun. Thanks for mentioning.

Best,
Alan Matkovic
Sr. Accountant
The Recording Academy

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In 1988 Kelly Curtis and I had a production company in Seattle and across the street was a deli we would go to for lunch. Stone Gossard worked there and gave me a tape of his latest project, Mother Love Bone. This singer reminds me of Andy Wood and the riffs are reminiscent of MLB. The Zep connections were made back then, but did not stop the bidding war that ensued. Unfortunately Andy left us way too soon. I listened and agree it is really good music, and that's what counts. We all have influences, it's what makes us who we are. I can certainly think of worse people to emulate.
Thanks for sharing.

Ken Deans

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Fuck yeah, Bob!! Thanks.

Caused an involuntary smile and turned the volume up past half way for the first time since God-knows-when.

Stereo separation! Riffs! Energy!

Fuck yeah.

Jerry Cunningham

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Great article Bob!
I saw Greta Van Fleet at the Viper Room a few weeks ago while I was in LA . . . they're the REAL DEAL!
By the way, that opening song you mentioned, "Highway Tunes" is at #6 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart . . . these guys are for real!
Maybe Jason Flom & Greta Van Fleet are about to save rock!
Love your newsletter . . . God bless, GOGETEM, & Keep up the great work!

Pat O'Connor

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Zep ripping off a blues chord change is nothing compared to this grand larceny.

Jon Melkerson

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Love it, thanks for the tip once again.

I'm a rock guy and This kind of band is inspiration, makes me wish (sort of, ha) was in the biz again.

Steve Anderko

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great recommendation. you can tell these guys are having fun and it rocks again and again

thanks

chris

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OMG they sound so much like Led Zeppelin they could be a cover band LOL?
Good stuff though, Thanks Bob

Kind Regards,

Mikael Johnston
Producer - Engineer - Remixer

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Millennials can hold their own. Great example is Radkey on Spotify. I dare you to listen to Love Spills and not get it stuck in your head. Side note: they also got exposure on Shameless like Gretta did.

Peace love & loud music,
Bob A. O'Riley

_______________________________________

Thank you. I'm hooked. Found them on Spotify and fell in love with the music. I don't care if they sound like Zep. And maybe that's part of why I love them. Who cares. Bottom line, they just F'ing rock. For this sound to come out of 4 kids is nothing short of magic. And I agree a 4 song EP is perfect. Each song a gem making me want more. Music isn't supposed to be put in a box and formats shouldn't be defined by sonic boundaries. Rock on.

Michael Martin

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Those two songs in the middle support my theory that in today’s world, you can always find someone making the kind of music you loved 30, 40, 50 years ago. Even if your heroes have lost their touch, or taken a left turn into foreign territory, or (worst of all) are no longer with us, the music lives on.

Speaking for myself, I’m more interested to see where the title track takes them — what they can build on that foundation. But for thems of a certain age and taste, I can see the appeal of a straight-up revival.

Randall Blank

_______________________________________

I'm Andre's old friend and I wanted to thank you for your passion piece that wrote about GVF. Spotify has changed the way I listen to music. I'm always in search of new stuff while I listen to my tried-and-true greats.

I first heard their stuff a couple months ago because I had a friend who knew how in love I am with a band that comes out of Long Beach, CA. I listened and was immediately struck by the familiar sonics of Zep, who I love. However, I felt like they were trying to sound like Zep, with no real intent on being separating themselves. Maybe they released a four song EP just to get our attention. I am willing to hear what's next for them.

As I was reading this passage in your review:

"The thing is, if you listen, and you should, you'll be astounded that the songs are good. Full of hooks that make you want to listen to them again. And again. And that's the essence of music, not radically different from Boston's debut, which was a distillation of all that had come before, even Zeppelin's dynamics, the shift from electric to acoustic and then back again."

I said to myself, "I can't wait to tell him about the band I think fits this bill to a tee". This band has not only guitar licks, but the writing is smart, evocative and relatable. Not contrived. They remind me a lot of Zep without sounding too much like them and Jay Buchanan is vocal force. And their drummer, Miles is fast becoming one of my most favorite drummers today.

That band is called Rival Sons.

The song that immediately grabbed me and never let go was "Pressure and Time" and "Electric Man". Pure rock.

But then, you listen to tunes like, "Where I've Been" and "Jordan" and you say to yourself, "these guys have it"!

If you like Greta, you should love these guys.

Happy listening and I hope you like this band. Oh and they opened for Black Sabbath's last tour.

Fellow music lover,

Chris Ciketic

_______________________________________

I've been following Greta Van Fleet for a while, and its great seeing them get recognition for what they've been doing. I'm interested to see how they branch off from that sound in the future, because its unbelievable how much they emulate Zep...who can blame em, Zeppelin was groundbreaking! Maybe they can break new ground in the non-existent "Rock" of today. Thanks for this Bob.

Cheers,

Jonny Zywiciel

_______________________________________

Your point on their parallel places (or lack thereof) in the times in which both bands came onto the scene is dead nuts on....which leads me to believe (among other things) that there's room for a rock revival. The shallow, plastic money trench (credit: Hunter S.) hasn't given us any substantial shit for years. The Black Crowes were my last hope...

Admittedly, I'm an old fuck, but a lot of kids AND old fucks like me are really digging this band. It could happen, right??

And, it's kinda cool they're from Frankenmuth....;)

Keep on keepin' on, man.
And you should really come to Detroit sometime. You'll be floored. GVF is just the beginning of the Michigan music scene, pal.

Cheers,

Pete Kehoe
Journeyman/Northern Michigan

_______________________________________

I'm 28. Zeppelin was done well before I was even born, yet I know everyone one of their songs as does my 9 year old nephew.

The difference between Zep ripping off blues artists and Greta Van Fleet ripping off Zep is that Zep was and still is EVERYWHERE. Those blues artists were basically unknown, so Zep got away with it.

You always say that in order for artists to truly breakthrough, they need to be authentic. I listened to "Safari Song" at your suggestion, and I had to turn it off 20 seconds in because the Robert Plant imitation goes beyond flattery to an entirely different level. The singer is flat out amazing and can undoubtedly blow the roof off, but he should be himself instead of trying for "Dude! You sound just like Robert Plant!" compliments. You know a killer original, unique voice is in there. You can hear it.

When people would compliment my bandmates and I by comparing us to other well-known acts, I would always pay close attention, because once I heard the same act too many times, I knew we were doing something wrong and had to reassess.

I want a Rock band to breakthrough and take over the world more than you can know, and I hope it is Greta Van Fleet. But I think ultimately, the fact that millennials can pull up Zep's entire discography on their iPhone (as opposed to having to trek to the record store and dig through bins to find obscure blues acts) may work against them. We want the best and the original - we don't have time for anything else.

But what do I know?

Andrew Morse

_______________________________________

Thanks, Bob, for curating my musical life. Just snaffled the last ticket to see them at the Boston Music Rooms in Tufnell Park on 27th September.
Cheers!
Steve Ferns

_______________________________________

I never thought I'd see the day we were on the same undiscovered wavelength
Bob Rightsense - EXCELLENT!

Al Kooper

_______________________________________

Led Zeppelin did not try to sound exactly like the bluesmen who influenced them.
Neither did the Beatles.
These guys are trying to sound exactly like Zeppelin.
Give me the real thing, thank you.

Kevin Kiley

_______________________________________

Bob, I hadn't yet gotten to this piece, had seen the subject line and wondered what it meant. And then this morning, driving to work I was listening to k-rock in NY. It's hiding out on HD radio. And lo and behold Greta Van Fleet came on, Highway Tune. And I immediately thought of Zeppelin, and couldn't or wouldn't change the station. It was a refreshing blast of no frills, straight up rock. Which is in short supply these days, certainly on anything resembling traditional radio.
And now I've read your blog post. And I've gotta check out the rest of the EP. Thanks for sharing. Good stuff.
Also, while I'm here, kudos on the Citizen Cope piece. I've listened to him on and off for years. Talented for sure. And definitely deserving of more attention.
Elly Geldwerth

What a great scribe to this young, kinda hip, rocker band. I went straight to YT and played out said tracks where I also found a healthy assortment of other content. You're spot on....I'm a 59-year old (60's to 70's era) dying to hear music like this coming from/with a fresh (young) perspective. The lead singer has great presence and energy; and really seems to enjoy himself...whilst the backing members anchor the singer with the laid-back rock musician vibe. I also agree, the 4 track EP is the perfect showcase.....anything more would be redundant. Just release mini-EP's at will with regular frequency to satiate fans and to spread the word. I know I will!
Best,
Scott Hazlewood

I love this band. I so want to tour with them. David Winans' pi and Greta Van Fleet would be a formidable billing!
David Winans II

Two words: Kingdom Come!
Marc Reiter

Thank you for turning me on to this band. They are fantastic! I bought their EP immediately (I stream the so-so stuff and buy the good stuff, because too many places I go to have no wifi). I've mentioned this band to several friends, and they've all done the same. New rock and roll from new artists that I not only can stand to listen to, but actually love...never thought I'd see the day.

Thanks again!
Verna K. Rose

_______________________________________

I know you have no need or use for my opinion, but I'm sure the group will read your mailbag. To me "Black Smoke Rising" (song) sounds more like good Shins than Zep. "Safari Song" is fabulous. "Flower Power" is great music but meh lyrically. Keep educating us.

Worth Banner

_______________________________________

Bob

Thanks. We signed em on one listen…

Marc Geiger - WME

_______________________________________

VAN HALEN:


I bumped into Eddie a few days ago at Ralph's on the corner of Coldwater canyon and Ventura boulevard.We were both buying protein bars. He looked great. The obligatory 3 day stubble, tinged with grey.We reminisced about the hard rock LA that you experienced Bob..
Van Halen were fucking amazing live.
Noel Monk was a soldier in the trenches of Rock and Roll.
Eddie told me it was Van Halen's 40th year anniversary. Time jumps.
I will read Noel's book.
Thank you Bob.

Michael Des Barres

_______________________________________

Thanks, Bob, for giving props where props are due. Carl Scott did indeed see the star potential in Van Halen and knew that Noel Monk was the right guy for the job after Noel was able to deal with the Sex Pistols for him. Fun fact: I also lucked out. I succeeded Noel as the Warner Bros. in-house tour manager for Carl Scott. That led to a 20+-year full time position in the Artist Relations Department for which I will be forever indebted to Carl. Noel Monk must feel the same way.
Larry Butler

_______________________________________

It is a wonderful book.

I think you meant Marshall Berle, not Milton.

Marshall managed Ratt, The Alley Cats, and other bands.

Bill Hein
Glade Park, Colorado

_______________________________________

Great piece, except for one glaring error. The band's first manager was Marshall Berle, Milton Berle's son, not Milton Berle himself---he never would have shown up because he was too busy being Uncle Miltie, and knew absolutely nothing about the music business.

Gary Stamler
Lawyer for Van Halen during the Sammy Hagar era and
Former manager of Sammy Hagar

P.S. After Noel Monk was fired and Roth "left" the band, the remaining members were without both a singer and a manager. When Sammy Hagar joined the band, his long-time manager Ed Leffler managed the band until his death, at which point Alex's brother in law, Ray Daniels took over. After several albums together Sammy was fired on one Father's Day, whereupon Ray attempted to lure Roth back into the band. When that failed, the ignominious Gary Cherone era came and went in the blink of an eye. Ray championed Gary Cherone because he had been the singer in Extreme, which band Ray had previously managed. Shortly after Cherone left, Ray was gone as well.

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After Marshall got screwed by Van Halen, he then signed (I think) Ratt to Atlantic but this time via his production company because if he got fired he would still get record royalties….

Peter Mensch

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I know Noel and Carl, both good guys.

And yes it was a wild time on the road and things like the common 'no head no backstage pass' roadie attitude. But rather than be sensationalist and mention the girls and the BJs for shock value Bob. Personally I wish you'd leave things like that in future book reviews for the readers to discover, as in retrospect, yes they happened, but they are not moments for us in the R&R culture to be proud of.

Best,
Bob Tulipan

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Longtime reader, love your work. I’m a total sucker for rock bios and I’ve read ‘em all. Among my all-time favorites is “Kiss and Sell” by CK Lent, one of Kiss’s business managers from 1976-1988, which covers the glory years, the near collapse, and (first) resurrection. Even if you can’t stand the music, this book is a must, pure gold. Out of print, but cheap to find used:

goo.gl/SBGFVv

Geoff Harkness

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Hi Bob;
Hope you're doing well.

Hard to start off a comment by admitting I haven't read this book, so to that I could stand to be corrected at any time. But I was shocked to see the comments below and reference to a book about Van Halen that doesn't mention the indelible impact from Pete Angelus. I don't understand how anything about that band could be written that doesn't include Pete's omnipresence in their career from pre-signing with Warners in 1977 until the end of his long and remarkable journey with that band in 1985. All of which I say as someone who was on the sidelines, not in the fray. Aside from the removal of the brown M&Ms, one of Pete's master strokes, were the impact he had on their overall career as well as everything from their visual, stage and lighting presentations to their videos, etc.

After reading the note below (but again, not the book), I reached out to him. As only Pete can do, his response was classic:

"I'll forego addressing any of the inaccuracies in Bob's letter, (although naming Milton Berle as the first manager was entertaining to say the least) just as I have chosen not to be interviewed about DLR's earlier auto biographical romp through a land that didn't exist. At least one of those books should have been titled, 'Specific Recollections From My Blackout.'

Anyway, two cents from the sidelines…

Take Care,
Jonathan Levine

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