American Idol Final Four

I listen to Hollie sing and go wow she is really good!                                               Image

Then I listen to Phillip sing and go wow this guy is cool and has a great voice!

The I listen to Jessica and she blows me away. Such a great singer and only sixteen!

Then I hear Joshua and I wonder why they are still having a competition…this guy is insanely talented!

I think Hollie’s number comes tonight.

Michael Schenker Said No to the Rolling Stones, Ozzy, Aerosmith…

Here is one for the category..”I never knew”

I have always heard that Michael Schenker turned down a stint with Ozzy Osbourne but it appears there were several other suitors who he gave the cold shoulder, as well.

Michael Schenker

I have been a Michael Schenker fan for 30 years plus. He has been one of my biggest influences.

Michael is one of those elite guitarists like Eddie Van Halen, Steve Vai, Stevie Ray Vaughan etc. Axemen of different styles that absolutely command their guitars. Guitarists that are known for spending incredible amounts of hours developing their craft to the point where every note displays their musical bidding.

Michael Schenker is very much a man on path. He is a man who has had to face many demons including substance abuse. One thing that you have to admire is that he has always seemed to know his path or perhaps where is path shouldn’t lie.

For that reason he has turned down some of the worlds biggest bands such as the Rolling Stones, Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne, Whitesnake and I am sure countless others that have sought his 6 string, Flying V services. Of Ozzy and the Rolling Stones I have heard him say he would be dead if he joined their ranks. Amazing insights from a man who has seemed to have troubles controlling his life the way he does his guitar.

Obviously he chose wisely. Schenker has been tirelessly recording and touring the world over the years. He has a huge cult following around the world from fans who have known him as a founding member of the Scorpions, bringing the band UFO to new heights and as a solo artist.

Click here to hear/see one of Michael Schenker’s great instrumental compositions, “Into the Arena”

Coachella 2012

The power of music!

Coachella 2012 Lineup

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What could transform a sleepy desert valley into the pop capitol of the world? Well for two weekends anyway it was the power of the music world.

The Coachella Festival 2012, April 13-15 and 20-22 sent the average age of the valley’s occupants plummeting as Gen. X’ers took over the usually silver community. Restaurants and hotels typically paced with golfers and snowbirds were swarmed with concert goers.

Outside of a handful of headliners each day I couldn’t tell you anything about the bands that played. I’ve never even heard of many of them. However, seeing the kids taking over the area reminded me of the festivals of my day most notably Monsters of Rock in 1988.

From the outside it looked like a win win for everyone. Concertgoers got one of the rare chances to attend an event they will remember the rest of their lives and Coachella Valley the got a prime chance to shine, bring in lots of business and host a world class event.

Hopefully, both sides will nurture the relationship and the Coachella Festival will continue for years to come.