Jimmy Page is one of rock ‘n’ roll’s most influential guitarists, and over the years has become a household name even in households without music fans. He has earned countless accolades and awards throughout his monumental career with Led Zeppelin, his time with the Yardbirds and The Firm, and as a session musician, but has maintained his humility and dedication to the music above all else.
Simon Kirke began his long love affair with rock n roll back in 1968 when he helped found influential British rock band Free, in which he was the drummer. Moving onward and upward, he and Paul Rodgers formed the legendary Bad Company five years later, with Simon drumming and Paul singing.
William Rory Gallagher, known by most simply as Rory Gallagher (pronounced “Gal-uh-her”), was born on March 2nd, 1948 in Ballyshannon, County Donegal, Ireland to Daniel and Monica Gallagher. Rory spent most of his young days in Cork, Ireland, where his family moved after the birth of his younger brother Donal Gallagher. Both brothers went to the North Monastery School in Cork.
There are few singers in rock history that have left their mark on the world as much as YES vocalist Jon Anderson. His career as the lead singer for the progressive rock band, pioneers in their field, is one of the most storied in the genre, and yet it seems like he’s just hitting his creative stride as he reaches his golden years. With a new record out last year, a successful tour with Rick Wakeman under his belt, and embarking on a new solo acoustic tour this spring, the veteran singer shows no signs of slowing down any time soon.
It used to be that Rock n Roll was as American as apple pie. That the best rock n rollers grew up in the Deep South, the cornfields of the Midwest and under the sun of Los Angeles. But times have changed, and rock is now a global phenomenon, bringing to the world’s attention great bands and unbelievable talent from every corner of the globe. Case in point is one of Russia’s best rock bands, Pushking, and their latest record The World as We Love It is a testament to their longevity, creative output and ability to keep up with the biggest names it the business.
The distinct vocals of legendary singer, Eric Burdon, still resonate and captivate us nearly fifty years since The Animals made their way to America as part of the now heralded British Invasion. There was something deeply organic about the music that Eric and the rest of The Animals played, a gritty earthiness that had a working class feel to it.
Featuring one of the most famous guitar intros, rhythm parts and lead melody lines in instrumental rock history, the Chantay’s created a monster hit with their 1963 release “Pipeline.” Ever since, guitarists of all backgrounds and tastes from across the globe have sat down and worked out this triple-guitar threat, which was originally titled “Liberty’s Whip” until the band members watched the film Endless Summer which depicted two surfers searching for the perfect wave. Whichever name they would have gone with, the song proved to be the band’s biggest hit, and one that has gone down in rock history as one of the ‘60s most memorable tunes.
Power pop balladeer, actor and rock chronicler Marshall Crenshaw creates and electrifies contemporary songs from the heartbeat of vintage vinyl. He’s firmly and comfortably grounded in the roots of rock ‘n’ roll and has gathered up a strong coterie of fans with his catchy hooks and timing. Crenshaw is a craftsman who merges classic taste with new style in a manner to produce his unique and captivating sound, always reminding us of the days when rock was young and magical.
Rock has a legacy of communicating rebellion, with street smarts and an eye towards defining distinctions between generations, the rich and poor, the isolation of youth and the anger when dreams are shattered by realities. And it may not always be the lyrics that reflect the plight of the underdog, as much as the grit and primal nature of the sound of rock. Few places have risen to the occasion to offer up rock like Detroit and its surrounding working class suburbs.
At the Iridium Jazz Club, where the legendary Les Paul played weekly, on the night of what would have been his 95th birthday, Jeff Beck and a slew of guests honored the guitar great. An avid fan of Les Paul, Jeff Beck seemed the obvious selection to host Rock & Roll Party: Honoring Les Paul. The two guitarists became fast friends after a brief encounter in the ‘80’s, shared a similar playing style, and both experimented with the idiomatic guitar sound.
