Nina - I, my wife and an as-yet-undetermined number of our offspring are still planning to go to Topsfield Fair. After all, I still have 2 more signatures to get on my box set!!!
Rob L. - I could go for Pigeon Song or Green Monkey (sorry, Nina). Cornwall Blank would be an excellent choice but I'm guessing there's a better chance of hell freezing over than getting them to pull that one out of the archives. Hey, I know! They can have 3 encores: First just Dewey, acoustic guitar in hand, comes out and does Pigeon Song. Then Gerry comes out (also acoustic guitar in hand) and does All My Life. Then the whole band takes to the stage for Horse!
Alan
I might be coming to Topsfield Fair. It all depends on work &things like that. I think some of my friends, also America fans will probably come too if i come. We are thinking about making a huge sign that says to request Pigeon Song or possibly All Night or Green Monkey.
-Rob L
<<As the dreams of chasing rock musicians slowly fade, reality sinks back in....>> NOT!!!!!!!!
Hi Everyone ~~~ The sun is trying to shine and warm up this ooooh sooo chilly last day of Sept. Ouch! Did I say the last day of Sept.... that means it is time to do all of those End of the Month as well as Qrtr. reports and Statements to print and that Dreaded Call Report arrived in the mail yesterday..... Oooooooh Noooooo I Gotta Get My Butt in Gear sooo much to do! ~~ You can betcha all of my CD's will be playing nonstop to help keep me calm and focused! :)
Hey there Red ~~~ Thanks a Bunch for the SMILE, thanks a bunch for the ooooh sooo fitting Van the Man lyrics. I must say this List has touched on some mighty nice qualities. Thanks for making me stay focused on Keeping my Hubby signs! :)
Okay gotta get busy now.... see ya all have a great day, Nancy :)
Gerry is singing here ~~~~ come back... daddadda deeeedaddddeeda,come back Baby turn your Heart around, deededeeeda baby turn your heart around, come back dadadddddadeeedeeeddddedaa ~~~ Sing it Gerry ~ On Target ~~ One great song! :)
Here's some Bonus Lyrics tooo ~~~ Sing it for us Van the Man Morrison ~~~~ where we're Lover's once again on the Bright Side of the Road ~~ Oooooh darling come with me, help me share my load, from the darkend of the street to the Bright Side of the Road, baby into this life we're born, and sometimes we don't know whyyyyy, at times it can go by sooo fast, in a twinkling of an eye, Let's ENJOY it while we can, help me share my load, from the darkend of the street to the Bright Side of the Road ~~~ Van is playing the harmonica now.... and into this life we're born, baby sometimes, sometimes we don't know whyyy, and time seems to go by sooo fast, in a twinkling of an eye, Let's enjoy it while we can... help me sing my song...... Van :) :) :) :) :) :) Stay focused on all of those SIGNS! WOW ;)
Thanks Mo! Nice to know I don't have to bring the first aid kit to Topsfield! We'll let you hold niece's "Gerry doll" if you're good! I've met your cute hubby already...looking forward to meeting your kids! ( Alan from Maine...are you still coming? Robsl...how about you? Whatever happened to LisaRose from NYC and Andy???)
This is something for the lady chatters to ponder as the years go by. As the dreams of chasing rock musicians slowly fade, reality sinks back in and this should help in choosing a future mate if need be, or keeping one:);)
What I Want in a Man, Original List
1. Handsome
2. Charming
3. Financially successful
4. A caring listener
5. Witty
6. In good shape
7. Dresses with style
8. Appreciates finer things 9. Full of thoughtful surprises
10. An imaginative, romantic lover
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 32)
1. Nice looking (prefer hair on his head)
2. Opens car doors, holds chairs
3. Has enough money for a nice dinner
4. Listens more than talks
5. Laughs at my jokes
6. Carries bags of groceries with ease
7. Owns at least one tie
8. Appreciates a good home-cooked meal
9. Remembers birthdays and anniversaries
10. Seeks romance at least once a week
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 42)
1. Not too ugly (bald head OK)
2. Doesn't drive off until I'm in the car
3. Works steady - splurges on dinner out occasionally
4. Nods head when I'm talking
5. Usually remembers punch lines of jokes
6. Is in good enough shape to rearrange the furniture
7. Wears a shirt that covers his stomach
8. Knows not to buy champagne with screw-top lids
9. Remembers to put the toilet seat down
10. Shaves most weekends
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 52)
1. Keeps hair in nose and ears trimmed
2. Doesn't belch or scratch in public
3. Doesn't borrow money too often
4. Doesn't nod off to sleep when I'm venting
5. Doesn't retell the same joke too many times
6. Is in good enough shape to get off couch on weekends
7. Usually wears matching socks and fresh underwear
8. Appreciates a good TV dinner
9. Remembers your name on occasion
10. Shaves some weekends
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 62)
1. Doesn't scare small children
2. Remembers where bathroom is
3. Doesn't require much money for upkeep
4. Only snores lightly when asleep
5. Remembers why he's laughing
6. Is in good enough shape to stand up by himself
7. Usually wears some clothes
8. Likes soft foods
9. Remembers where he left his teeth
10. Remembers that it's the weekend
What I Want in a Man, Revised List (age 72)
1. Breathing
2. Doesn't miss the toilet
Wild Night - Van the Man
As you brush your shoes, you stand before your mirror
And you comb your hair, grab your coat and hat
And you walk the streets trying to remember, ee-yea
All those wild nights breeze through your mind
And every thing looks so complete
When you're walking down on the streets
And the wind, it catches your feet
Sets you flying, crying
Cindy,
Yep, Jeff's a keeper. Nice face, nice tushy, nice guy. And, as I've said here before, we are equally insane. That's always good for a marriage. Keeps things fresh.
Nina Baby,
I may be a bit "absent of mind" when in the company of our favorite fair-haired musical genius, but I think I can muster up enough self-control to keep from stepping on your little neice. I promise to behave. Besides, my kids will be there too and I wouldn't want to be completely foolish. They, on the other hand, will not be joining in the clamoring to visit with Mr. Gerry as they are less than impressed with the whole America mystique. I think it has something to do with overkill on my part, though I'm not completely sure. Pete is their hero--particularly Kaity. She thinks he is the coolest.
Looking forward to seeing you in 13 days.
I love your husband's sense of humor, Mo!
Speaking of husbands, sometimes if I don't have any input to something on the chat folder, I bounce things off my husband. The other day I was asking him about the songs to speed by. He said his would be some songs from his youth, "White Wedding" (Billy Idol) and "Driver's Seat" (Sniffing The Tears, I think he said - I know the song but am not familiar with the band). Anyway, during the Monday night football game last night, a commercial came on playing White Wedding and had all these little cars racing around. I was doing other things at the time so didn't catch what it was for, but I thought it was funny that it was one of his speeding songs. Michael said he'd never seen that commercial before.
Thank goodness for our dear husbands that add to our fun with their perspective on things!
Your hubby is also a very good looking good sport...but you already know that!
Cindy F.T.S.
Sydney Opera House sounds wonderful! Can't wait.
Karen,
I had to laugh at your calling me lucky. I think so too, but my husband explains it in a different way. He says they know who I am because there is a poster inside the tour bus with my picture on it with the caption, "BEWARE: Nutty Fan" He's a good sport about it.
Mo - so glad to hear you had a great time!! Did you wear your bibs?? Thanks for sharing your story and the pictures. What a nice thing - to have them know who you are!! I'm just never satisfied. I thought I'd die happy if I could meet them! Now that I've met them (back in Madison in May) - as you all say "yes, Karen, we KNOW" - I want to meet them again!! And wow - to have them know who I am! Lucky you! How many times have you met them in person, Mo? You know what I think? I think they need an ambassador (not sure if that would be the right word), one (or more) of their most loyal fans, to greet them to officially welcome them to each city. Yes, I think there is a definite need for that. Anyone with me on that one? Now, who would we arrange that with - Erin? (Such crazy ideas I have! :)
Thanks for the pinching, Nancy ! Do need it for various reasons today... And i have to agree that J Larson's music & words are touching the heart. The upcoming album promises to be exceptional again!
Keep singing these great songs!
Gen.
Hi Everyone ~~ A grey cold Monday here, and you can now see the trees starting to show their new colors. Hmmm the weatherman used the Frost word in tonight's forcast.... OUCH!!!
Hey there Mo ~~ Happy Tears were sure flowing here late last night... what a nice surprise to find your pics on the other message board and to read all about your Magical evening here on the chat folder.... WOW ~~ I know you had to be Smiling from Ear to Ear the whole weekend! Thanks for letting us capture this Magic through your eyes and words! I hope AMERICA will come back there another time and that I will be able to be there to experience all of it... Yesterday the hubby was waiting to see if he would be able to watch the Steelers play on our satelite channel, and right there on the screen was the same shot of the Niagara Falls that Gerry captured in his bonus pic.... the announcer had said that this Orchard football stadium was close to the Falls, and that is was a beautiful weekend there in NY.. Nice! :) ~~ Hmmm Pretty neat you getting to stay at the same Holiday Inn, they did. ~~ I am glad that your hubby Jeff enjoys taking in more than 1 show a year! You are One Lucky Girl for sure! ~~ Hmmm I second Gen's ~~ You have no excuse now.... Get taking those Guitar lessons again Girl! :) ~~ This has been one awesome year for you soooo far and stay focused on the thought that the Best is Yet to Be! ~~~ WOW too much.... Hey Nina ~~ I hope your Niece gets to meet Gerry & Dewey, nice that you and Mo will be able to get together again... I almost had my sister talked into going to the Topsfield Fair show.... she has hurt her back, just found out she has a herniated disc in the lower part.... Darn that Mr. Murphy ~~ I am about ready to give him the Boot! ~~~ Ohhhhhh well I will have HOPE that there will be more shows booked close to me in the 2004 schedule... Hey Gen ~~ that is AWESOME news that there could possibly some shows there in your part of the world.... I am pinching you it is for real, you aren't imagining it.... Sooo happy for you, that Your day will be coming soon, to take in a nice big chunk of AMERICA Chocolate.... :)
Hi there Gen & Jeff Brink ~~ I took more listens to Jeff's song clips yesterday and I too love Broken Heart Smile, as well as Never, Hazy Sunshine, & yep Jeff Windblown Mind is really nice too. ~~ I know I have said this before, I will say it again tho... Jeff has such a nice way of touching my heart with his Lyrics and the way his voice carries through their message is Soooo Nice for sure! I do love how he has managed to blend his sound with a nice touch of AMERICA"s and the Beach Boys sound.... Thanks Jeff for allowing us to experience this nice taste of honey along the way... I look forward to getting to order your new CD next spring.... :)
Hi Ladd ~~ WOW Triple WOW!!!! ~~ It was neat to read your reactions and thoughts in discovering Hearts..... WOW!!! That is one great album, takes me back to my senior high year.... to a time in my life that was alot of fun and carefree, as well as opening up to new roads and dreams.... Keep on enjoying discovering AMERICA's hwy... and I look forward to hearing your thoughts on Hideaway! :)
Hi Goanna ~~ Nice to hear a Hi from you, I hope things go well for you! :)
Hi Dave B ~~~ Yep I agree with you, I am all for calling and getting my requested songs from Holiday Harmony playing on the radio... I Like all 3 of the New ones Equally and would love to hear any 1 of them playing on the radio.... I say let's request them cause it will start the ignition of the spark that we can get lit with the possibility of a New released CD....
Hey JeffB ~~ I have listened to my Holiday Harmony a couple of times over the summer. I just love playing all of my CD's over and over and over again and again....
Well gotta get now, time for my board meeting tonight.... You can betcha if I feel like I am gonna drop my laptop, that this time I will drop it.... :) Have a good day all, Nancy :)
~~~ It's another day, it's another day of Hazy Sunshine, and I know, I know, I know I'll find my wayyyy, it comes within these hours of the daaaaaaaay yeah ~~~ Sing it for us Jeff L & Gerry :) :) :)
Hey Mo! Sounds like you had a great time at the concert! So glad you got some "up close and personal" time with "your" Gerry, and the crew. I'm afraid you'll have to fight my little niece for access to Gerry at Topsfield Fair! You may be bigger than she is, but she's faster...AND more determined because she's never met him! Auntie will do her best to make her dream come true. So, Mo, friendship aside, if that means I have to wrestle you to the ground to allow her access, so be it! (All's fair in love and meeting America!) Looking forward to seeing you there! Really!
Ooooh and also having a thought for our Australian fellow fans ... America at the Sydney Opera House ! That must be SOMETHING ! Good times for the planet in perspective... if things are confirmed of course !
EEEEEEEEEEEE!!! (pausing to breathe)EEEEEEEEEEEE!!! (pausing to breathe)EEEEEEEEEEEE!!! (pausing to breathe)EEEEEEEEEEEE!!! etc...
YES, I can hear you Mo !!! Did I mention my love & affection for you ???
Ya know there's been rumor here among us (French America fanatics) that there could be three dates in France next year. I thought I'd better wait and see cos I fear disappointment... Ok, nothing sure yet, until Steve posts the new schedule for the 2004 tour that is, but the guys mentioning that seem to add some credibility to it. Hopefully they'll come with the expected new songs as well...
Funny - had a sleepless night for health reasons last night and as I'm writing this, being half asleep, I have a feeling I could be day-dreaming... Anyway, let's wait & see... until it's time to spread the word !
Gen.
Ps: Mo! ya don't have no more excuses to escape your guitar lessons with all those G's picks in your pockets now ! :-)
Hello Moser! Wow! As I have mentioned before, You Are A Lucky Girl!! Your whole experience was so exciting!! And thanks for posting your pictures on the other site! They are great! They look as if you were up on the stage with the guys. That was really nice of Gerry to hand you his pick. Sounds like a Fantastic evening! Thanks for sharing it with us! Bye, Valerie
P.S.
I have a friend who just got married and moved to NY. I think she said she was about 10 miles from Rochester, in a town called Churchville. I thought this was a neat coincidence, considering she is a California girl (who has lived in Idaho for the past 3 years) And now she lives by my America friend Moser in NY!
Moser, Moser, Moser!! I'm speechless. You MUST be thrilled. Thanks so much for sharing. I love your concert stories.
Cindy F.T.S.
Sorry to delay with the Seneca Niagara show review. I had cheerleading and football stuff with the kids all weekend and didn't get to post until now. All I can say is...though you know I'll end up saying way more than just this...teenage scream...cover your ears...EEEEEEEEEEEE!! I just love these guys. I was hoping for a decently long, animated, and enthusiastic set since A) they should have been well rested having time off before and after; B) the venue was supposed to be a small one; C) I paid $30 a piece for the tickets. (Short sets are one thing for free but not so peachy for that much cash.) Well, as you may have guessed from my excitement, the set was all that I had hoped for and then some. They were down right spontaneous, off the script, and funny between songs. Did I mention that I just love these guys? The song selection in the set held no surprises but they were excellent. No matter how many times I see America play, I am always impressed with just how well they rock. Gerry's words, "We're not an Oldies band, we are CLASSIC ROCK." You tell 'em, Ger.
Allow me to back up a bit. The Seneca Niagara Casino is in Niagara Falls, NY. It opened recently in what used to be a convention center on the American side of Niagara Falls. The American side is famous for being so much less appealing than the Canadian side. Even so, it seems this area is beginning to undergo a facelift and was actually really nice.
We live in the Rochester area which is about two hours from Niagara. At first, I didn't intend to get a room but intended to head back home after the show since we had so much going on early on Sat. morning. Fortunately, I remembered that we had racked up quite a few points with Holiday Inn's Priority Club when we did our cross country trip. So, I used up some of the points and got a free room for the night. Cool. Well, there are two Holiday Inns within a block or two of the casino. Luckily, we picked the right one.
We had gotten a later start from home than we would have liked. So, as we arrived, I got out of the car to check in and sent Jeff along to park. As I had come into the hotel lobby by the side door, I saw a black Lincoln sedan out at the front door. I thought I spied Willie just as he was getting into it. Geez, I thought, I must have just missed them. As I got closer, I could see a second sedan and a really cute blond guy out there walking around. I went out to see if it was who I hoped it was. Sure enough, there was Gerry. Okay, now, you'll have to forgive me if the detail here is sketchy since when I'm around this guy I get a little...well...awestruck. Anyway, smiling ear to ear, I say, "Hey, Gerry, how ya doing?" reaching out to shake his hand. "Moser, how are you? I didn't know you were gonna be here." Shakes my hand. Why do I shake this man's hand? I ask you. I just can't bring myself to do the hug thing. Anyway...the rest is a bit of a blur but we got to chat for a few minutes while he was waiting for Dewey to come down to the car. Dewey kind of smiled as he arrived and hustled to the car. They said see ya over there and headed around the block to the casino. I turned to go back in to check into the hotel. No matter what the rest of the evening held for me, I knew it was already a great night. Teenage scream...hold your ears...EEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!
I had heard that there was not supposed to be a bad seat in the house at The Bear's Den inside the casino. That was certainly true. The stage came out into the room and was surrounded on three sides by a steep bank of chairs. Very nice view. As Dewey said, "Well, isn't this cozy?" It was a great place to see them, probably the closest thing to having them in your living room that could ever happen.
Gerry said to the crowd that it was their first time there and it was a sell out so, "Thanks." I think he had mentioned something like that to me earlier, again--sketchy here. He said something about they had told him they could have sold out the place four times over. I'm sure they could have. The availability on the internet was gone within a day or two. A few lucky fans got tickets that were released at the last minute by the casino. If they ever come back to this place again, I will definitely go. It was a great venue.
The crowd was very into it. I love it when the people are enthusiastic as opposed to my infamous other description, geriatric. There was energetic applause on nearly every song as they would start to play and people would recognize the song. There were several standing ovations. And, starting with Sister Golden Hair, some folks got up out of their seats to clap and dance. Luckily I was near the side aisle and got to stand up. It is always frustrating to have to stay in your seat, at least for me. For the Horse encore, a few people stood at the stage. Well, you know I was there. Gerry often throws picks out to the audience. I have gotten a few myself. But I was shocked and thrilled when he walked over and handed me a pick. I put it in my pocket and said thank you. I've changed clothes three times since then and have put the pick in each new pocket. Teenage scream...hold your ears...EEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!
What a night. It was great. We headed back to the hotel lounge that at first was empty except for a reluctant barkeep, Jim. We wondered around for a while and the next time we checked the lounge we found Willie there and some fellow America fans: Mehala from Buffalo, NY, Lynn and Derrick from Jamestown, NY, and Carol and Elaine from Canada. It turns out Carol and Elaine were at Casino Rama in April, too. We all sat around and talked for about two hours. Pete joined us after a bit and then Rich came by later, too. We got to hear a bunch of great stuff about how much of their stuff they carry along to each show and what has to be lined up locally, and Rich's days with Three Dog Night, and some insight into where they're traveling in 2004. (Hawaii, Australia--the Sidney Opera House, and possibly FRANCE...Gen...Gen, are you listening?) It was really gracious of Willie, PETE!!, and Rich to hang with us. Thanks. They are all such nice guys.
It was the next to the last show in the Fourth Decade Tour and it was an awesome one. Turning 40 has been kinda fun. Maybe I'll do it again next year...40, The Sequel. Anyway, here's an address that should hopefully take you to my pics for the night: http://www.pbase.com/moser/america_pics If that address doesn't work, please let me know.
Teenage scream...hold your ears...EEEEEEEEEE!!!! Did I mention that I just love these guys?
I second that Gen....Mo where are you?
Cindy F.T.South
Genevieve, yes, those are nice songs too.
Great picks Jeff ! For the moment I tend to like What about My Dreams & Broken Heart Smile better though. But Gerry's BV on Hazy Sunshine sound really really harmoniously great. Jeff & Gerry's voices mix perfectly it seems...
"Never enough time" sounds nice and acoustic. The guitar sounds great! My favorite song of the current soundclips is "Getting into yesterday" "Windblown mind" isn't currently on the clips list but that's my second favorite song. J.L.'s music has been compared to the Beach Boys, America and so on... and just as well it is. Lots of singer/songwriters are compared. J.L. has put out three (IMO)great sounding cd's in the last few years... "Fragile sunrise" being the latest. I think his music stands on its own.
Won't be long and we'll be breakin' out the "Holiday Harmony" cd. Truth is... I already have.
Excellent review, Ladd. It's really exceptional.
Ok... new sound clip on Jeff Larson's project page. New song is 'Never Enough Time' ... A song topic I'd love to discuss, if only I had the time to ! LOL
Great song again... I wonder which sample for the moment, you, Larson fans out there, have a preference for ???
And BTW, has anyone heard of Mo??? :-)
Hi everyone,
Hi Goanna, nice to hear from you !
Just wanted to share this... read on Indymedia Belgium (independent media). Thought it good fun, so...
Original article is at http://belgium.indymedia.org/news/2003/09/73790.php.
Verdict: A music nothing called the Beatles
by High Court Sunday September 28, 2003
Appendix to former Verdict
HIGH COURT
==========
(The Five Judges)
(Judge T., Judge B., Judge S., Judge M. and Judge K.)
Appendix to 1st VERDICT
-----------------------
"A music nothing called the Beatles"
------------------------------------
There is much more that can be considered and that can be revealed about the worst musicians on Earth, if musicians at all, namely: The Beatles.
Such bad musicians that George Martin had to pay a session drummer to record "Love me do", because Ringo was unable to play the elementary drumming of the song. Such an elementary drumming that even a beginner could play, but not Ringo....
Such bad musicians that they had to ask another two fingers bad guitar player called Eric Clapton to do solos on their songs because George Harrison could not produce reasonable guitar string vibrato....
Such bad musicians, if musicians at all, that at the studio they had to record their elementary songs over and over again about a thousand times because every take was full of blunders. In fact, on the Beatles' "white album" we hear John Lennon screaming "Í got blisters on my fingers!!", due to the many million times he had to repeat the thing at the studio.....
Such bad musicians that they used the same chord sequence in about 70% of their songs, (I-IV-V-relative minor and their permutations) meaning that they only composed one song and repeated it in different rhythms, Keys and permutations throughout 70% of their repertoire....
Such bad musicians that at the Cavern, about a couple of years back, McCartney had to start the elementary "I saw her standing there" four times because every time he got in he did it out of time. Ironically, the session musicians he played with that night started the song ok, but McCartney could not....
The Beatles were such mediocre composers that they stole other people's songs and made it their own, sometimes only changing title and lyrics. Other times they would play other people's songs backwards and steal the melodies and harmonies thus being produced. They've been listening to other people's songs played backwards since 1967. Since then, 40% of their "compositions" have been stolen from backwards-played songs. This trick was also used by "Oasis". They very well knew about this fraud of the Beatles....
George Harrison was taken to court by the "Chiffons" because of stealing one of their songs and calling it "My sweet lord".
The Beatles stole Trini Lopez's "Bamba" and called it "Twist and shouts", pretending it was their own.
The Beatles stole one of the "Salvation Army" songs' and called it "Strawberry fields forever".
The Beatles stole the end of the second part in "A day in the life" from "Men made of match sticks".
John Lennon stole a part of "Jealous guy" (..I began to lose control..) from "She's a rainbow".
John Lennon stole the guitar pattern of "Dear Prudence" from the guitar pattern of "Something in the air".
Paul Mc Cartney stole the bass line of "Susie Q" and used it in "Taxman" and did it again in "Rain". Stole the bass pattern of "Let's spend the night together" and used it in "Get Back" and in "I've got a feeling". Stole the bass line of "My girl" and used it in "Two of us", and so on, and on, and on, and on....
They even stole songs from their own songs. John Lennon stole the chord pattern of "You've got to hide your love away" from "I'm a loser". Stole the guitar pattern of "Dig a Pony" from the pattern in "Two of us". Stole "Merry go 'round" from "Flying". Stole the beginning of "Rocky racoon" from the beginning of "I'm a loser".
George Harrison stole the chords in "Isn't it a pity" from the beginning of "Eight days a week". Stole the first bit of "Fixing a hole" from "Michelle". And so on, and on, and on, and on, and many more ons....
The Beatles were very poor singers, if singers at all. They had no voice for singing. Their voice was very thin and nasal, with no depth, no body and with no vibrato. All they could do was shout. In fact, their lack of voice forced them to shout. The Beatles did not sing, they shouted. They should have left singing to Tom Jones, Humperdink, Joan Baez and so on...The poorest voices in the Beatles were Harrison's and Lennon's. Harrison did not have voice at all, not for even shouting. Lennon's voice was so nasal, that he always did the backing lower voice and when he did not then he shouted. He had a crow's tone. The Beatles had to always use special microphones to add depth to their skinny and nasal voice, and after that, they spent hours at the recording studio embellishing and concealing their nasality with equalizers and effects, that is HOURS....the Beatles were not singers...the Beatles were SHOUTERS....
Being homosexual Brian Epstein the forger of the Beatles project, Epstein instructed the Beatles to let their hair grow, so as to appeal to repressed homosexuality in people. Epstein noticed what the effeminate face of Elvis Presley did on people and the fame he gained because of it, so he played the same card. The Beatles boom was not due to their music, but to their appeal to repressed homosexuality. The Beatles opened the homosexual Aquarius era which is ruled by Uranus, the planet of homosexuality....Musically they were so bad that the A&R of the Decca record firm laughed in the face of Brian Epstein when he listened to the recordings of the Beatles, and he told Epstein that they sounded like tin and that he was not interested. George Martin told Epstein, when he listened to the recordings of the Beatles: "You better go back with your boys to Liverpool", because of how bad the musical quality of the group was.... it was with the idea of the long hair (that would appeal to repressed homosexuality in people) that Brian Epstein was able to convince George Martin.....
They were possibly the ugliest faces ever seen on stage. George Harrison's face looked like Frankenstein, John Lennon's face looked like a witch. (They really needed long hair to hide their ugly faces) Paul Mc Cartney had such an effeminate face that he always played the Miss Beatle role. (close friend of homosexual Mick Jagger).
The Beatles degraded the standard of music so much that they made stardom accessible to every music beginner. Thanks to the Beatles we see non musicians and bad musicians on stage. Thanks to the Beatles we have the audience on stage. Thanks to the Beatles anybody is a star, WHOEVER. Thanks to the Beatles we have sound pollution, known by the drugged minds as "rock music". Thanks to the Beatles people do not appreciate the work of quality musicians anymore. Of course the Beatles promoted drugs, so that because of drugs their elementary noise would be perceived as "music" through the handicapped state of appreciation of the idiotic limbo of slowed down mental processes. Thanks to the Beatles we see idiotic music beginners on the "greatness delirium" of a paranoid mental frame induced by drugs....Hebephrenic, Paranoid and Catatonic schizophrenics have become "stars". The stage has become a mental asylum, thanks to the Beatles...
Thanks to the Beatles and the electric guitar with distortion where any note you play would just fit because differences are not noticeable, we have the audience on stage. You just press any string on any fret, wherever...it will do....No one will notice a thing. Any noise would do.... In tune or out of tune, in the scale or out of it, who cares?...the distorted electric guitar will conceal anything...You don't need the slightest knowledge of music. You just buy an electric guitar and a distortion pedal and you are a star....Music?....what's that?.....Music?....WHO CARES?.....
Since the electric guitar was invented anybody is a guitarist,WHOEVER.. With such sensitive strings that even the wind can play just by blowing on it, also due to amplification, anybody can prostitute music,whoever. You just press the strings with the fingers of one hand and it sounds....you can use the other hand to make a phone call at the same time....Even the cat can produce sounds on the electric guitar by walking on the strings.....even your cat can be a star.....
You don't need to practice to play an electric guitar...it sounds on it's own....
Thanks to the electric guitar, bad non guitarists that play with only two or three fingers such as Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Peter Townsend, Keith Richards, John Lennon, George Harrison, Hank Marvin, Sting, Noel Gallagher, Steve Winwood, David Gilmour, BB King, Chuck Berry, and so on, and on, and on, have polluted music, but when you give them an acoustic guitar they can hardly do much,.....strum it at the most....
As a matter of fact, with the exception of "Yes" and "Emerson, Lake and Palmer", you can throw all the remaining "rock bands" into a dustbin....THE LOT....sixty or seventy years of noise making bad musicians or non musicians into a dustbin....together with electric guitars, drugs, "greatness delirium" and all.....
The same applies to synthesizers, samplers and all type of electronic keyboards with sequencers and any kind of electronic tricks that allow bad or non keyboard players to pollute the stage.....Just by pressing a key on these gadgets you hear fat symphonic sounds that resemble the body of a full orchestra, psychedelic ensembles for the drugged minds and so on, that sound as if the performer was using all the fingers of both hands to play it, but when you look at the fingers of the players, they are only pressing one or two keys, that is, they are only using one or two fingers on the keyboard, and sometimes the left hand is never being used, and when it is used, only another one or two fingers come into play....Once again, these gadgets place the audience on stage and allow UNTALENTED idiots to become "stars"....
As another aspect of the music degeneration and quality standard lowering brought about by the Beatles, we see untalented female "singers" with no voice making it big by showing tits and ass on the stage, or by using pornographic gestures, or by insinuating sex in one way or another. If they want to show their tits and asses they should be on pornographic magazines and leave the stage to talented female singers such as Janis Joplin, Joan Baez, Aretha Franklin, Ella Fitzgerald, Diane Ross, and so on...Just recently, one of these idiotic untalented female "singers" was seen on an American TV show performing side by side with Aretha Franklin attempting to copy what the great Aretha was doing...We still wonder how Aretha permitted it....The only way these untalented female "singers" can get on top of the stage is by going to bed with the managers or producers.....
And now, a list of untalented female "singers": Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Shakira, Britney Spears, Cristina Aguilera, Ricky Martin, etc., etc.,...once again, the audience on stage....
And finally let's talk about the "Harmonizer", the gadget that allows non singers and crap singers to "sing". Unfortunately for the Beatles, the thing was not invented at the time they were polluting the stage, otherwise they would have been taken as singers. You sing out of tune and the Harmonizer corrects your voice....Every note you sing that is out of pitch is taken to perfect pitch by the artefact....You have the tone of a parrot?...don't worry....with the Harmonizer you will sound like Caruso. It changes your voice to sound like the voice of any known voice virtuoso, and you can even choose which singer you want to sound like!!!...is that note too high for you?....you'll reach it with the Harmonizer....it will create it from one of your low notes!!!.....the gadget is incorporated in the "karaoke" devices used by the audience on stage.....you just BARK into the microphone and you'll sound as sweet as the nightingale....
All of this thanks to the Beatles and their counterpart the Rolling Stones who opened the door for THE AUDIENCE TO GET ON TOP OF THE STAGE.....
You have been informed.
THE HIGH COURT.
(The Five Judges)
P.S.
In the interest of mankind, you sould email our Verdict to your friends.
Hi everyone, it's been a while since I posted, hope all you guys & gals fit & well. Have been really busy over the last few months with a new job I took on earlier in the year, but I've been reading the odd chat message now & then. Seems like there's never enough hrs in the day.
take care
Goanna
Thanks for the tip. That GERRY is always making music, doing what he does best. This CD is very good as you mention.
Has anyone heard this bonus “Simple Life” track by Peek?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on Hearts, Ladd. While I have a different opinion on several of the songs, it was very interesting and refreshing to hear your thoughts. The long "Simple Life" was released as a single in Japan after being featured in a blue jean commercial over there. When the Japanese version of the album was released they included that single. It was also included on the "Highway" box set. If you go to the Sound Index page on the America Fans web site and scroll down to Simple Life, you can listen to a RealAudio soundclip of the single. The quality is somewhat lacking but it gives you the general idea.
--SteveL
The new Robert Lamm CD "Subtlety & Passion" is excellent. It has contributions from Gerry Beckley who wrote one song, "Another Sunday" and sang background vocals on "Somewhere Girl", "The mystery of moonlight", and "Another Sunday". Hank Linderman, who helped produce "Human Nature" (1998) and has backed up the band America, produced this album with Robert Lamm.
Check out the website www.robertlamm.org to listen to song samples.
Very interesting notes on each of the songs. And pictures of Gerry Beckley with others during the recording sessions.
Marshall
Rob, please let me know all about the Arlo Guthrie concert.
From what I hear Arlo puts on a very heart felt and marvelous concert.
He's very humorous and touching. God bless him for continuing his
music career. He has his Son Abe and Daughter who has an excellent voice. Arlo lets people record his shows too. As long as they don't sell them. I have a bunch of Arlo concerts dating back to the 70's and they are excellent. So let us know of your experience.
Thanks and have fun. Howie
[QUICK NOTE: I believe y’all know that I didn’t hear the America albums when they came out (I was too young) and starting in 1998 or so, I have been buying each of their albums one by one in order of chronological appearances (it just started that way by chance and then I kept it that way). I was disappointed with HOLIDAY and just got HEARTS and heard it for the first time the other week.]
The album starts off as an America album has ever started off. “Daisy Jane” is a strong opener. What a beautiful song. Is this the best song Beckley has written to this point? Arguably, yes. Martin of course gets back into the orchestration that really ruined HOLIDAY, but here it is more restrained. A tasteful violin or two, kept in the background mostly, allowing Gerry’s piano to really shine. A beautiful song on every level…
All that notwithstanding, “Half a Man” is the song where you know HEARTS is going to be a special album. Dan Peek is the experimenting heart of America, particularly at this point. This is where he starts on this album—with a big, fuzzy, good ol’ rock song. With some great bass playing by David Dicky and solid drumming by Willie Leacox, who is as good and as important as any other player on this album. Are those gorgeous black girls singing with the band at the end??? And listen to that horn arrangement!!! Did Martin suddenly get hip??? GREAT!! Wow, I could listen to this end section on Continuous Play and still be dancing with anyone on this board after 2 hours. Is that Dan Peek’s best song yet? I’d have to say “Arguably, yes”…
Interesting, “Midnight” is co-written by Dewey and Gerry. BIG QUESTION: Who is it playing guitar on this song? My guess is Peak. If it is Dewey, this is his best guitar work in America to this point. Beautiful playing (I’m thinking it’s Peek). I could listen to Dewey’s voice on Continuous Play and still be smiling with anyone on this board after 2 hours. Gorgeous, but now I think Martin is once again overdoing the orchestration a bit. This doesn’t need to sound like a bad 70s movie soundtrack. The boys should have kept producing themselves, but that is another topic altogether.
Hey, it’s “Bell Tree,” another gorgeous song by Gerry Beckley. OK… But this song is a bit too simple, isn’t it? Kind of like Gerry’s weak effort on HOLIDAY. But you have to remember that this might be his weakest song on HEARTS, but “Daisy Jane” and “Sister Goldenhair” are on this album. This is an amazing album for Gerry. He simply explodes, perhaps sensing that he didn’t give us his best on the last album. He more than makes up for it on HEARTS.
I play “Old Virginia” a lot on guitar. I love the bass notes that Dan picks as he winds his way through this piece. God is he great on this album—amazing. This song has so much good country soul, wow. I don’t want to say much about this one—just try to listen to it whenever you can.
“People in the Valley” ROCKS!! What a great song by Dewey, and listen to those great beats that Willie is kicking out. Man, I tell you this, Willie really understood this music as well as anyone. His playing on this album is fantastic, he just grooves and Martin gets him a nice, intimate, big sound. Dewey wrote some quirky, strange songs on this album and they all resonate with me. I love the story here. From his childhood in England? Some local festival or event that left a lot of childhood memories? HOLY CROW! Listen to that huge choral arrangement!! WHERE THE HELL DID THAT COME FROM??? I don’t know, but this was completely missing on HOLIDAY, which played it safe the whole way. I hope all three guys are singing here…
Sorry folks. I am not a big fan of “Company.” I think I can make this statement very safely: “Company” was the worst song Dewey had written to that point. I’m surprised they choose to play this live from time to time ahead of other songs. The melody here doesn’t quite come together, Martin again over-orchestrates (it always sounded worst when done to Dewey’s stuff), And these lyrics make so little sense that they neither feel personal nor make you care. That jam at the end gets me back a bit, though. That’s probably Peek’s fuzzy guitar, and damn does it sound good to hear America jam again!!! An element that really started to fade after the first album. Strong ending…
I have a whole new perspective on “Woman Tonight.” Because it sounds different after you hear “Half a Man.” Where I saw a terrible pop song before, now I see Dan Peak wildly experimenting musically and actually writing the first America song that could be called “progressive.” That synth is wild, too. Remember that Dan was great on keyboard as well as guitar. Hey David Dicky! Pluck some insane bass licks at me! Thanks! Good use of maracas, too.
Peek comes right back with “The Story of a Teenager.” And another co-writing credit, a relatively rarity for a band where each person contributes so much to each song (strange, isn’t it?). Beckley is here, and if you didn’t know it before, you do during the chorus. Can you write a beautiful song about thoughts of suicide? America says yes. They really infuse this with a great deal of hope, and I LOVE that breakdown at the end where the group once again brings in the lovely ladies (Whose idea was this? Martin’s? Great).
We all know about “Sister Goldenhair.” What you basically get here is one of the best America songs to this date, and Martin LAYS OFF on the orchestration, which is great, letting the acoustic guitars speak and breath. More great drumming by Leacox and bass playing by Dicky. I’ll say this about Martin—GOD did this album sound good. It sounds huge and fantastic. You can hear every note coming out of the rhythm section here. Every note. Every drum hit. By the way, why are the lyrics in America inserts always wrong? Is it because Germans made these CDs? I think so. This song is so great even the DOO WOPS at the end sound like works of genius.
Two songs to go, how will they finish it off?
Another Peek song, “Tomorrow,” here we go. Martin keeps the acoustic rhythm guitar in the left ear, interesting production approach. Really pretty chorus with Gerry as the second voice. This song is simple but beautiful. I DON’T like those organs they use later in the song, I disagree with the arrangement. But it’s not intrusive and the voices really carry this. Interesting jam with the strings. Martin was wild, just in traditional, stiff-lipped English manner. LISTEN CLOSELY TO THE DRUM FILLS BY LEACOX AS THE SONG FADES. That’s the best part of the whole song, it even makes Peek coo.
HATE THOSE ENGLISH HORNS TO START “Seasons.” That song DOES NOT belong in an America song, period. I hated those horns on HOLIDAY, too. Another quirky but deeply interesting song by Bunnell. And that hook with the percussion and the great groove by Leacox. I LOVE THAT!! Man, did they experiment and jam on this album and it sounds great. That had been lost on HOLIDAY altogether, but it’s back here. It’s an endearing lyric by Dewey if not a brilliant one. I’m telling you this percussion groove is also pretty progressive. I can’t get enough of that. It goes a long way to prove wrong the critics that didn’t see true brilliance in this band.
Has anyone heard this bonus “Simple Life” track by Peek? My CD didn’t have it.
Wow, HEARTS blew me away. What a great album. A lot of life was brought back here. It will be interesting to see what HIDEAWAY is like, because this was great, but if the wheels come off the car with Martin doing the production, it’s going to get VERY ugly.
Hey there everyone,
I am going to be going to the Arlo Guthrie concert tonight here in Massachusetts. I'm excited to be seeing one of the few artists that fits into the following category group:
-Arlo Guthrie
-The Beatles
-The Mamas and the Papas
-Willis Alan Ramsey
-John Martyn
-Ian Thomas
-Pages
I am referring to artists that America has covered their songs, in concert or in the studio. I guess I could have included the Pointer Sisters and Meat Loaf but I think those songs were written by a pro songwriter and used by the other group and America around the same time. I may be forgetting some groups also. So anyway, this will probably be a good show and I look forward to it.
-Rob
I am wondering if we can do the same as last year promoting Holiday Harmony and picking a song to push. Should we go with the Winter Wonderland replay or have another one we can push. I love Christmas in California - But whatever - I think we really can have some impact this year after opening some eyes last year....Never too early to put a game plan together
Thanks Gerry for the awesome bonus pic. Since I have never been fortunate enought to visit Niagara, I really appreciate seeing it up close. You really captured the drama, power and majesty of nature in one photo. Best wishes,
Sergio
I loved Robert Palmer. September has truly been a sad month. Such tremendous talents lost...so young.
Cindy F.T.S.
Gerry & Steve - thanks so much for your time and efforts in sharing these pictures! I always enjoy the VFTHW pictures, and I can't stop clicking on this bonus shot! Gerry, these pictures are such a nice connection between you and us fans. Thanks for bringing these places to us!! Karen
What an absolutely beautiful shot of the falls! Thanks so much Gerry for that bonus pic!! Like Nancy, I sure wish I could've made the trip up there today...
Sheldon
Me Again :) :) :)
WOW Double WOW! ~~ Thanks Gerry ~~ We couldn't have asked for a Better Bonus Shot pic. By the looks of the rainbow colors in the falls mist and the sky above your Hotel, it is as beautiful of a day there in NY as it is here in PA. ~~ Nice that you got there early enough to take in some of the nice sites there. ~~ Thanks for the Smile this has brought to my day ~~ I would have loved to be there for the show tonight and then to take in the sites on saturday. Oooooh well ~~ Hope there will be a next time to do this! :) ~~ Thanks Steve for posting this this afternoon! :)
Have a great time Mo! :)
Hi Elliot ~~ I sure hope you found 2 tickets!
Have a great weekend everyone ~~~ See ya, Nancy :)
Rainbows over the world of light
People rushing to the holy site
Sidewalks sizzle in a summer night
Of love
Come on baby hold me tight
Everything's gonna be alright
I can't wait for the morning light
To come ~~~~ Sing it for us Gerry ~ Gerry ~ Gerry :) :) :)
Gerry is in Niagara Falls, NY today. Click here to see the view from the hotel window. Gerry also sent a bonus shot.
Sad news... Remember Know by Now, You Are in My System, She Makes My Day & Simply Irresistible also were hits here in France/ Europe...
Steve Orchard has a weekly news column called Music News which is featured in his home town newspaper. He sends copies of the column to me and several other fans who frequent this Chat Folder prior to it's release on the printed page. As Nancy has already mentioned, Steve's 9-25-03 article featured a segment about Matt Beckley and Steve has given me permission to include it here. Congratulations Matt and great job SteveO!
BECKLEY'S "WASTED YOUTH"
Combining elements of 60's & 70's pop-rock, singer-songwriter Matt Beckley has released his first disk, "Songs Of My Wasted Youth." There's hardly anything "Wasted" about the disk though. Beckley, the son of "America" vocalist Gerry Beckley, has had plenty of time to hone his craft, and his influences are pretty evident throughout the CD. In a recent interview, Beckley told me "I consciously wear a lot of influences on my sleeve. There's definately parts in the recording where its like, 'Lets do the Paul melody here, or the Brian bit here...' I obviously am way into the Beatles and the Beach Boys, Zeppelin... the standard yardsticks of modern music. I think we all are, but to me, its the easy call. I'm way more stoked when people pick out the more esoteric influences like 'Low', 'Tripping Daisy', 'Jane's Addiction' or 'Failure'... stuff like that. At the same time, I'm most thrilled that anybody finds anything they like on the album."
If you'd like to find out more about Matt, check out his website at www.mattbeckley.com. You can also purchase the CD via the website, and check out his sample of MP3's as well.
Hi Everyone ~~ It is a crisp sunny morning here in PA, I awoke to my alarm all ready to play the backwards oldie song game, and even with it being playing backwards, I knew in an Instant that it was Gerry singing "Sister Golden Hair" so I jumped out of bed grabbed the phone and dialed it rang and Jack the DJ answered (my heart skipped a beat) and then he said Sorry you are caller #3 hang up and try again.... Darn! Ooooooooh well it was nice to hear this song to start my friday off. :)
Hi SteveO ~~ Yes just minutes ago I heard Jack the DJ say that Robert Palmer died at the tender age of 54 from an Heart attack, in Paris! ~~~ soooo sad~~ I too love his version of the great song Mercy Me, in fact that is one I call into request from time to time. It is playing here now on my comp speakers ~~~~ wooo ooooooh mercy mercy me, ooooooh things ain't like they used to beee, Nooo noooo where did all the Blue skies gooo, poison is the wind that blows from the north, the south, & east, ooooooh Mercy Mercy Meee, no things ain't what they used to be ... and then my most favorite part of this song Iiii want you, and I want you,(the right way) want me too, said I want you to love meeee, I want youuuu Ooooooooo oooh I'll give you all the love I want in return darling, your happiness is all I crave, ooooooh its just too bad, so sad, you don't want me now, but I'm gonna change your mind somehow, someday, I want you to want me just like I want you ~~~~ WOW!!! , and who could forget his song "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" and the Girls all dressed in black with that ooooh sooo dark eyeliner and red red lipstick and those oooh soo tight fighting black dresses, with their ever-piercing stares while they pretended to play their guitars and drums and organ and dance to this provocative, mind seducing song... ~~~ now when I bring you home, tell me if I'm not enough for you, I'm sorry baby Iii didn't mean to turn you on....Ooooooh I didn't mean to turn you on, you read me wrong, I wasn't trying to lead you on, I didn't mean to turn you on, I know you're expecting a one night stand, I know you didn't understand, I'm sorrry baby Iiii didn't mean to turn you on, now Iiii told you twice, I didn't mean to turn you on, you read me wrong, I wasn't trying to lead you onnn, ooooh Iiii didn't mean to turn you onnnn...... ~~~ Take it from there Robert ~~~ Wow he sure did have a way with his songs Didn't He? Definitely a one of a kind way! His music just added to the sensuality of his songs... Yep he will be missed. ~~~ Brian the lunchtime DJ is gonna have a tribute to him at the 80's addition at lunch today.... I just gotta say his song "Every Kinda People" was one of my faves of his too, I sang along with it every time I heard it on the radio ~~ that song takes me back to my just married days!
Steve O ~~ That is pretty neat you getting to see Robert at the Fair! ~~ Hey I enjoyed reading your weekly newspaper article last night ~~ Pretty neat you mentioning some of Matt's interview with you and his new CD along with giving his site address ~~ Some really nice exposure there. Yep you sure are good at your line of work! Nice :)
Well Mo ~~~ The Hours are counting down, and Ooooooh how I wished I was hitting the road to NY today... Have a great time, sing alittle extra louder for me and give out a Gerry ~ Gerry ~ Gerry & Dewey ~ Dewey ~ Dewey for me OK.... Too much Gen ~~ What a visual (French Kiss) too much for sure! Wooooooo! ~~ I'm sure Hubby Jeff will keep Mo in line at the show! ;)
Gee Bones ~~ You sure do head out to the Mohegan Sun alot! Sooo neat that you take in all of these music shows... Hmmm is your Mrs fond of attending these... I sure hope sooo, not like my Hubby who thinks 1 show a yr is enough..... Boooooohooooo! ;(
Hey JohnB ~~ Thanks for posting the 2nd part to Dan's interview, I will read it soon, my big brown eyes couldn't stay open last night! Hmmm you mention Free CD's has caught my inquiring mind... Do you mean you get lots of free CD's in persuing interviews...? Just wondering!
Hey there redddd ~~~ Robert's songs could very well be added to your list of Tunes to speed by! ~~~ Hmmmm soooo you forgot my name HUH???? too much! :) ~~~ I had another treatment this morning on my arm and I left there a Smilin for sure! ~~ Grab ahold of the Mrs and enjoy an absent Moondance :)
Well it is friday, get all of your work done and get ready to enjoy the weekend! See ya, Nancy :)
~~~~ Here I am, there you are, who would believe we could come this far, we're beneath this Magic Moon, the Ocean plays it's own sweet tune, the summer breeze it whispers low, it tells us something we both know, Tonight is for Dreamers, tonight someone up there has seen us, how we feel for each other, there could be no other, so they sent these words from up above, Tonight is for falling in Love awwwwwwww oooooooooh aaaaa, tonight there's magic in the air, look around it's everywhere, hear the sandbirds Bill and Coo, looking like they know it tooo, oooh Tonight is for Dreamers ~~~ Sing it for us Dewey ~ Dewey & Gerry :) :) :)
Sad to hear the news of Robert Palmer's death. Don't know how it was elsewhere, but here in the Philly area, Palmer was a darling of WMMR and other "underground" FM rock outlets the early 70s with "Hey Julia/Sneakin' Salley Through the Alley" and such LPs as "Pressure Drop" and "Some People Can Do What They Like." The 80s, high-gloss rock/funk thing was kinda good, silly fun, too, but what I liked most about that era was Palmer's wry wit and sense of humor. Even as he did his best cool-as-the-other-side-of-the-pillow rock crooner schtick in front of those fashion model types, I had the sense his tongue was planted firmly in his cheek. Lotsa people seemed to like the Power Station stuff. I thought it was just OK but, again, Palmer was always interesting, and he was a more substantive writer than I think a lot of folks gave him credit for.
Just saw the news this morning that Robert Palmer died of a heart attack at 54. Suffice to say,its been a tough year for Celebrity/Musician deaths. I was fortunate to see Palmer play at the U.P. state fair some years ago. Personal favorites of mine included "Every Kinda People"(1978),"Addicted To Love"(1986)"Mercy Mercy Me/I want you"(1991)and his hits as vocalist with the Power Station: "Some Like it Hot" and "Get it on(Bang a Gong)"(1985).
He will be missed...
Gen, Cindy F.T.S., and Bones,
I will keep your requests in mind (twist my arm). I must tell you though, I've never kissed nor hugged any of the guys--what WAS I thinking? I've only ever shook their hands. How prudish of me. I'll have to try to get more with the program, I guess. I do think I'll leave the French kissing to the French, Gen. Besides, I have to save my amorous advances for policemen, wink wink. (Actually, Bones, it was wink, wink...wink, wink, smile. To which the officer said, "M'am, do you have something in your eye?" That was when I figured I'd have to show him my tattoo.)
MOOOOOOOO!!!
Sorry was away yesterday... didn't catch it... are going to a concert??? I f sooo enjoy it A LOT as always and kiss all the guys for me ! NO French kiss though, cos a girl's got to behave herself ! You never know what boyzzzz will think of you then ! ;-)
Ok JUST kidding !
Love .
Gen
Hi Mo! You are so lucky!! Try to take some good shots if you can! Hug Dewey for me!
Cindy from the South
Happy Birthday, Jimbob!
I'll never forget you were one of the first people to welcome me to the chat folder via e-mail. I am sure it is a day later by now, so hopefully you've had a fun time already. I hope you'll get to see Dewey and Gerry perform in your homeland in the coming year. Best regards,
Sergio
Thank you, John B, for Dan Peek's Part Two interview. I enjoyed it thoroughly. Those were excellent questions you asked. I really look forward to reading Part Three.
Happy Birthday, JB! It may be Friday now for you, but either way, I hope you have/had a great one. I hope you're still enjoying playing your AMERICA autographed guitar.
By the way, Jimbob, AMERICA might be coming your way during a tour in the month of January next year as I understand it.
Hey Mo, are you sure it wasn't a: wink, wink, and smile at the police officer? have fun at the show. I'll be at the Mohegan Saturday night to see CC revisited. Are you going to be there?
Thanks, Sheldon, Nancy, and Red. I can't wait. Only about 24 hours to go!!! Yippee skippy. I guess I could starting chanting now...Gerry Gerry Gerry Gerry Gerry Gerry Gerry Gerry....
John,
Thanks for posting the URL to part 2 of Dan Peek's interview and the future site you are developing. Sounds interesting. I know the majority of us here on the chat board really do appreciate it. Best of luck,
Sergio
The arm statement was meant for you, Nancy!!!!!! Forgot ur name.
Here are some of my choices:
Slow Ride - Foghat
Foreplay/Long Time - Boston
Outlaw Man - Eagles
Woman from Tokyo - Deep Purple
Foreigner - Hot Blooded
Grand Funk Railroad - We're An American Band
Bad to the Bone - George Thorogood
Bob Seger - Get out of Denver
Roll With the Changes - REO Speedwagon
Beep Beep - The Playmates(not Hugh's pets)
Anything by Van Morrison
Have a nice time at the show, Mo!!!!!!!!
Don't go bowling with that arm now!!!!!!!!!!!!!
As I was motivatin' over the hill
I saw Maybellene in a coup de ville.
A Cadillac a-rollin' on the open road,
nothin' will outrun my V8 Ford.
The cadillac doin' 'bout ninety-five,
she's bumper to bumber rollin' side by side.
Maybellene, why can't you be true?
Oh Maybellene, why can't you be true?
You've started back doing the things you used to do.
Hello Everyone
Thanks so much for the feedback on the Dan Peek interview. We have just posted part two on the site. Here is the exact URL http://www.smoothjazzcanada.com/interview_dan_peek.htm . Or just go to www.smoothjazzcanada.com and click on any Andrew Gold banner - that will take you to our pop site. A few people have asked me why I have America Interviews on a Smooth Jazz site. Well we started a Pop section as a first step to building a totally different site. The new site will be called "Music For Adults.com" It will be up in November and feature different genre's of music that appeal to adults - Pop(lots from the 60-70s, Blues, Bluegrass, Jazz and Smooth Jazz. It will be a huge site. Anyone interested in reviewing some music please contact me, there's no money in it for now but tons of free CD's. Take Care and thanks John
Hi Hoo Everyone ~~ I am calling a Pitty Party for me right here and now, if only you could all be here to sense the frustrating thing that just happened to me... I was here bursting at the fingertips and I was posting, and then my stupid computer locked up and walla there went my Post.... to the Cyberville Ghosts! ~~ Bummer for sure!
~~~ Well I had mentioned that I went to see the Orthapedic Dr. today and he x-rayed my arm and I did fracture it and he also feels that I stretched a nerve or 2 ~~ Gee I shoulda just dropped my stupid Lap Top, I woulda saved myself a sore arm and tingling fingers and I would have gotten a New Lap Top ~~ Come on now everyone, I wanna hear a Lonnnnnnng Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww for me and my Poutin here! :) LOL!!!~~ Next step is to go see a Neurologist for some kinda nerve test... and then after the doc sees the results from this he will see me again... Now do you see why I keep on saying to myself " Why didn't I just drop the stupid Laptop" :)
Hmmm ~~ Today is Jimmmmmmmmmbob's birthday ~~~ sooo I just wanted to say Happy B'day Jimmmmmmmmmmmmm ~~~ hope your computer gets fixed soon! :)
Hi there JeffB ~~ Nice to see your post, and Yes I will second your request for song clips to be available when Gerry & Dewey & Andrew start working on the new cd.... I too can relate with your thought about Jeff Larson's songs... they do have that Magical reach out and grab you effect! Take care :)
Dewey is here singing Whole Wide World ~~~ cause I only want you to stay with meeee, with meeeee ~~ nice song .... :) You were shining like a living jewel, inside I knew time stood still with you....
Hi Robyn ~~ Thanks for stirring up some great songs in my mind with your Question about putting the pedal to the metal... I just gotta say that the first thing that comes to my mind upon hearing this phrase is Rusty Wallace and his ooooh soo nice smile and Dimple... I always say this to him at the beginning and during the Nascar races!
There are alot of songs that come to my mind and I too like Mo, tend to get carried away with songs if the volumn is louder. soo here is my recaptured list of songs...
1. Boys of Summer ( Yes rc this great song came to my mind first too) :)
2. In The Air ~ Phil Collins as well as some of the Genesis songs ~ Throwing it All Away!
3. Steppin Out ~ Joe Jackson ~~ This song can give me a Pick me up just like that!
4. In Your Eyes ~ Peter Gabriel
5. Without You, Jesus is Just Alright, China Grove and just about any of the Doobie Bros. songs ( Hmmmm takes me back to cruisin around with my friend when she got her lis.) :)
6. Witchy Woman, I Can't Tell You Why & Love will Keep Us Alive, Timothy B & The Eagles, and their oooh sooo ULTIMATE put the pedal to the medal song lyrics ~~ Put me on a highway and Show Me the Sign and Take it To The Limit One More Time..... :) WOW :)
7. Gold Dust Woman ~~ Stevie & Fleetwood Mac ~~ the Rumors cassette :)
8. Fly Like an Eagle ~~ Steve Miller Band ( Wow did this take me back to some nice cruising and parking days)
9. BTO's songs, the one with Let it Ride is trying to play in my mind.... WOW DanC ~~ I got those spine tingling chills when I saw you mention them and remembering these songs. Too Much :)
10. All I Need Is A Miracle ~~ Mike & the Mechanics
11. Eye in the Sky ~ Alan Parson's Project, From the Beginning ~ Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Crazy & Newborn Friend ~ Seal, Secret Ambitions ~ Michael W Smith, Wouldn't it Be Nice ~ Beach Boys, sooo many great effective songs for sure! ~~ Chevy van ~~ Sammy Johns my mind is a Riding with the Wind (Christopher Cross)
12. My AMERICA songs would be Company, Cornwall Blank (Hey Robl ~~ that is one great lyric line to crank up the volumn and sing along with ~ For Sure! :)) ~~~ Hmmm I wore out 2 Your Move & Perspective cassettes in our van... my 11 year old Daughter loved to tell me to hit rewind so she could hear Cast Your Spirit again and again... I can remember listening to my AMERICA, Homecoming, Harbor & Hideaway 8 tracks soo many times driving our big blue dreamboat Dodge Charger~ car when we first got married ~~ Wow that car drove like an army tank. ooh my :) Rob Thomas is here singing on the radio ~~ I'm not crazy, I'm just alittle unwell, I'm just a little unwell.... how I used to be... how I used to beeee... LOL!!!
13. I wanna go Back ~~ Eddie Money..... I could name oooh soo many more and most likely my mind will be running amuck thinking of songs... but enough is enough for now.
Ooooh DanC ~~ In my runaway post I too had mentioned to you that CCR was coming my way for a show at The Johnstown War Memorial Arena, this place is the very place I am hoping AMERICA will be coming for a show sometime soon. I was told by my daughters teacher last year that she saw Gerry & Dewey there back in 1979, I was too much in newlywed & pre baby making mode and Missed this show.... Darn! ~~ Soooo I do hope that I will be lucky enough to see AMERICA come there. :) ~~ Thanks for satisfying my inquiring mind for now! ~~ Hope the Cards are doing better, and that they make it in the playoffs... :)
Hi Sheldon ~~ I tooooo wanted to be heading out to the Seneca\Niagara show.... sooo much! ~~ Yes Mo have a great time, I will be there with you in my thoughts and take your camera and let us hear all about the show afterwards... Enjoy! :) Hey Sheldon before you know it, we will be posting to you to have a good time at the Bethlehem show in Dec.... WOW!!!
Hey WHIT ~~ Can YOU Hear Me ~~ My inquiring mind is a wondering if you are back from your road trip and if you got to take in 2 AMERICA shows with your family.... If you did, I hope we hear from you soon, come and tell us all about your adventures.... Okay? :)
Just wanted to say thanks to everyone for sharing the gift of gab late at night with me.... I got there soo late, it was good to see Mo and TimBuktu, AM Girl & Deputy Dawg & short but sweet Cupcake.... I was kinda drowsy from taking some advil to calm my aching arm down... The kids and I went to Wal Mart to shop and wow did I have trouble maneuvering that shopping cart.... one good thing, I had to not fill it up soo full, my arm was starting to hurt with each added dollar! :)
Well gotta get for now, take care all, seee ya, Numbfinger, Nerve damaged Nancy :)
~~~ ahead of their time, they wonder whyyy, shadows of the golden age, a generation was foregone, words carry on, only the strong, Only the Young can say let freedom fly away, sharing a same desire, burning like wildfire..... Sing it Steve Perry ~~ Only the Young! :)
Just a shot in the dark here...I got shut out of tickets due to the size of the venue....If anyone has 2 extra tickets please email me....
I have been a fan since 1972 and would hate to miss the boys in my own back yard...I live in Rochester
Looking forward to hearing those opening chords to "Riverside"
I can be reached at efoo@landam.com
thanks elliot
Hey Mo (and anyone else going) - have a great time at the show tomorrow night - sure wish I was going to be there! As always, be sure to give a full and very detailed report. Have fun!!
Sheldon
I really like Green Monkey, even the live version on the various Musikladen CDs. But the America rocker that I realllly like is Valentine. I thought it was the best song on the Albi album when I bought it 23 years ago and still do today. Another song that rocks on that album that I like is I Do Believe In You.
Robyn, Funny that you should propose this musical lead foot question just a day after I had gotten was pulled over for doing 58 in a 40. Luckily the police officer was nice and let me slide without a ticket. I'm not sure what particular song was playing at that moment as my head was filled with the sound of my racing heart. However, it had to have been something from Van Go Gan since that's what was in the player. Not a particularly speed inspiring album, you might think, so perhaps I shouldn't blame the music.
My theory on speed being proportional to music is more along the line of volume rather than content. When I am driving alone and have the stereo cranked no matter what the song is, I find that I don't pay attention to the speed as much as I should and can get myself into trouble.
Just the same, I was thinking of Molly Hatchet's Flirting With Disaster as a great road tune. Haven't heard it in a while though. It's definitely reminiscent of high school days and cruising through town on a Friday night after the football games. (It was a small town. We were easily amused.)
uhh that would be pedal not petal lol..
Sunset Grill(D.H.) is another one.
Not so much petal to the metal tunes but more like crank it up tunes for me.
Boys of Summer, All She Wants to Do is Dance...Don Henley
The Other Side of Life.. Moody Blues
Running With The Night...Lionel Richie
Domino..Genesis
Baker Street... Gerry Raferty
Actually when driving during the day I rarely have radio/music turned on in car.. But I am a late night, go cruising in the car person, especially on warmy balmy summer nights..*soon coming to an end, sigh* That's when I listen to stuff or just have a soft jazz station on..
Lots of good ones in that category, Robyn. A few right off the top of my head would be Sweet Hitchhiker (CCR), Give It Time (BTO), Like A Hurricane (Neil Young), Drivin' Sister (Mott The Hoople) and there are many more. A good one by America that could cause a ticket for me would be Hell's On Fire.DanC.
From a Moving Train can get my pedal foot going ... so can Green Monkey. Generally, though, America's stuff isn't really pedal-to-the-metal music to my ears. Other songs that can do it, just to name a few: Running Down a Dream by Tom Petty, Level Land by James McMurtry, Tried So Hard by the (Parsons-less) Burrito Brothers from 1970.
For the collector's of America stuff out there.. Was checking around Ebay today and found several things up for auction..Might want to check them out. Just copy and paste number into search box on ebay home page and will take ya right to it.
#3349959872 Iron on Transfer (History)
#3347372343 " " " (Concert)(Think Ger is in pink overalls but not sure lol)
#3349859600 Signed Photo
#3350029757 Promo Ad (View From the Ground)
#3350130386 Signed Photo
#3350257262 America '73 UK Advert (Now with this one, doesn't really show the band,or logo, but Hat Trick was #3 and released in '73 and there is a girl's arm in advert showing 3 fingers..I would ask seller or maybe Ger or Dew might know about it)
#3350370213 America Patch
#3350930474 America Patch
#3350837494 Highway Promo Poster
#3350751972 1976 America Concert Tic. Japan (used)
#3350937446 Tour Book 1977 (Although says 1977 only Ger and Dew on cover)
#3350849802 Un-used concert ticket. '87 America-3 Dog Night
#2560343027 America in Concert '85 LP (Sealed)
@2559871094 Hat Trick LP Signed by Ger and Dew
America can rock when they want to. Green Monkey rips it up. Only Game in Town is pretty intense. Cornwall Blank is one song I always turn up and yell out the window when I play it in my car.
"Got to find me a hoooooooooooooooome, got to build it with my hands!"
-Rob
When Highway came out it was in constant roation in my car. One day I was picking my daughter up from somewhre and "Green Monkey" was about to come on. I said "I've gotta turn this up" she rolled her eyes as teenagers do when their p's do something annoying. I turned it up a bit. The song starts up she says "oh it's THAT song" and CRANKS it. That's my dd!
And Nina, you are NEVER too old to rock and roll!!!!!
Often times when my niece and nephew visit (4 and 7 respectively), they request an America video. The first time they heard (and saw) Green Monkey performed, I covered my ears and clutched my heart and screamed "Oh No...Green Monkey!" (Loved the song in my younger days; a bit too loud for old auntie now!) Anyway, the kids got a real giggling fit about this, and now they tease me mercilessly about Green Monkey! My niece (who, by the way, is IN LOVE with Gerry Beckley) instructs me weekly on how I need to behave IF they play this song in concert when we see them in October. (I might hurt Gerry and Dewey's feelings if I show them that Green Monkey makes me sick!)
I haven't got the heart to tell her that one time I told Dewey I didn't like "Hot Town"!
Ok I have been spending an enormous amount of time in my car these days. I noticed that some of the songs make me want to drive faster ( aka a "reason to speed" song)When Radar Love by Golden Earring or Baracuda by Heart come on and the pedal goes down! so what song makes you want to excel the speed limit. It doesn't have to be an America song, but my tow America songs are Green Monkey and for some strange reason Here.
Hi Genevieve, Jeff L.'s music has caught my ear much the same way America's did all those years ago. My wife who's not much of a music person even comments on the soundclips. Of course, sometimes I holler into the other room..."come here you've gotta hear this"! If GB and DB happen to make another cd I hope they provide soundclips.
Thank you so much, dear Jeff! Nice to see you post now & then. Any other music discoveries you made recently? Let us know.
Gen.
Jeff Larson has another nice "airy" song on his website. The man has definitely got it together!
Hi Corusgirl
Sorry i missed the commercail break. Definitive America was the very 1st albunm i bought Its a great Album.
America Fans, Thanks for a great folder, love reading it. Love the reviews on the concerts over there, Maybe just maybe one day we will be able to post a review from a concert over here. We can dream
All the best
Chris
Holy Moly! All this "love" and attention just for me? You all shouldn't have. Really! :0)
Power Serge ~ Your earlier post here today reminds me of that Tom Cruise and Jack Nicholson movie, "A Few Good Men", because you truly are one of the few, MY BROTHER!!! I'm reminded of that famous scene from the movie - the part about handling the truth.
Kim ~ I feel good vibes that Derek's new treatment will be successful (and that he can hold that beer can at arm's length for the duration)!
Dan C ~ Shewww! When I first saw your post this morning and it showed the person posting as "Dan", I read the post thinking it was from Dan Peek. I feel SO much better that it was from you instead.
Steve L ~ My e-mail address is "yeehaa56@hotmail.com". No doubt you don't have it any longer since you surely would have written me a personal e-mail message instead - especially since we've been America friends for the past 5 years. Since you mentioned the topic of "past statements", do you think it would be possible (as well as equitable) that you advise the person who posts those off-colored sexual messages/jokes here to cease with them. Surely those postings have been a lot more offensive to a lot more America fans here, both male and female, than perhaps my selected postings of late. They've been going on far too long. Or, maybe that's just my opinion.
Bones (aka Dr. Bob) ~ A mere backstroke my friend, a mere backstroke.
Robyn ~ I guess you'll never know the answer to your last question. Believe it or not, yesterday's message to you was going to be the last from me on the topic anyway as hard as it may be for you to believe (as well as others).
Kevin ~ I enjoyed your "Research Department" findings! They were great. But please, don't have the department conduct the same research for the opposite gender because I would hate to read any result other than "100%" for: The percentage of MEN who are America fans and who have never slept with you.
Vic ~ You're the other person who belongs to the select club of "A Few Good Men"!!! You didn't mention that your "10 Commandments" post was ALSO a diet program. I lost 10 lbs of posterior when I "laughed my ass off!!!" Thanks Buddy! "How 'bout a cheer for the humor in MY BROTHER/That could brighten up the darkest nights/Whenever we [all here] would fight"
Mose! ~ You sure can bet on my posting more Sweetwater episodes! You "know it", sister. :0)
And MOST IMPORTANTLY ~ To each one of you who has written me personally today/tonight, I thank you SO VERY MUCH for your wonderful support!!! Sincerely!!!
PS: SteveL ~ Do you think you could do Vic and Mo a BIG FAVOR by going back and capitalizing the first letter of "my" of the 7th Commandment?
Back to the regular programming of "Steel Magnolias", "The Yaa Yaa Sisterhood", and "Oprah" rolled into one.
:0) :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) :0) :0)
lol Hi Steve,
Went to check out autumnal equinox picture thinking you took one of an egg either you or one of the family members got to stand on it's edge..
Although with enough patience you can get one to do it anytime, most usually attempt it during the spring or fall equinox..
But it was a nice picture just the same. Colors here don't peak till the 2nd week of Oct..usually
RC
7. Thou shall remember that I have never had egg on My face, never.
<<Don't Cross the River If You Can't Swim The Tide>>
Great song by Dan Peek- A classic song by America. Glad you remembered it Bones...And who said we can't get along...
Sergio
Thank you Nina. And please remember ALL, our guys that we adore (and the reason we are here) are "listening."
Cindy from the South
Don't cross the river if you can't swim the tide.
Hi Linda!
I'd have to pee in my pants before I left DURING an America concert!
Yes-19, No-5.
With talk about the end of Summer and Autumn leaves and all. I have to share my local weather with you. We have been having temps of 103 and 106 over the last few days, here in the Central Coast of California. (Inland, not on the actual coast.) This is okay with me though because I love the summer, and never want it to end! We will have cold weather soon enough! Has it been this hot down in southern Cal. Robyn, and you other Californians?
Weather is always a nice change of subject!
Bye FRIENDS, Valerie
Kevin, I just got to say, your sense of humor just slays me. You're not really Chevy Chase are you? And to you Nancy, I'm sorry I haven't responded promptly to your inquiries. As most know my beloved redbirds are just barely hanging on; maybe thats why I'm a little testy...No I did not get the latest Fogelberg record; don't know why just didn't. As far as the Aurora show; it's still in the air whether we go or not. I did notice that Steve posted something about five bucks off a ticket that I still have to check out. I would like to go and if I do you will be one of the first to know. Bummer that the pool is covered; that, to me, is the official end to summer. Still smilin' here for sure, and by the way this Male votes yes.DanC.
I just purchased the Definitive America cd this past weekend at a record show in Columbus,Ohio.The 23 tracks were remastered and it sounds very good.I was easily able to hear a difference between the songs on this compilation and the versions on Highway or the original cds.Now we only need the whole catalog to be remastered. I remember reading something about that a while back on this board.Has anyone heard anything further?
Steve
Good news/bad news: Good - According to the Dr. the infection is "reduced" and Derek was released from the hospital yesterday. Bad - Unfortunately the oral antibiotic he is having to take is very powerful and he is totally wiped out by it. He'll have to take it for 10 days. Now the REALLY BAD news (according to Derek), he can't even have a beer to help sooth the misery (or use mouthwash w/ alchol in it, etc) because apparently the reaction between the two would make him feel worse than he already does. This is a better alternative to additional surgery though!
Mo - Your potty question made me laugh. I have never had to leave in the middle of a show, but can understand the need if imbibing adult beverages. I have to agree with your choice of The Border.
Reunion Vote - Yes! Would love to see it happen, doubt that it will.
I would go to the concert, I'd buy the cd, dvd etc!!!
Ya'll take care.
Kim
Yep Me Again :)
Hi Gen ~~ I too was especially fond of Jeff's Broken Heart Smile song clip! :)
Well Vic ~~ All I can say is that I wish that you would have put your time and energy into creating that Nice project you mentioned to me a while back. ~~ I really feel your recent post was kinda LOW and Uncalled for!
Thanks Steve L ~~ for putting these song clips on, I will have to check them out later.
Hey there Red ~~ Smart thinking ~~ Wearing your Depends to a show, I will have to keep that one in my mind for my next show! ~~ Hmmm ~~ neat fitting song lyrics you posted there! :) ~~ Be sure and check out the Boyds Bear segments on QVC tonight, hopefully they will show the live 2 hr show from the Humongous Factory here in Gettysburg, PA again tonight! :)
Thanks Kevin S ~~ for your Questions, they are good ones! :)
Well gotta go take Laura to her dance classes ~~ See ya everyone ~~ Nancy :)
~~~~ it's alright to make mistakes, you're only human, inside everybody's hiding something, take time to catch your breathe and choose your momemt ~~~~ Don't Slideeeee, don't slideeeee, Don't Slideeeee, slideeee slideeee ~~~ Sing it for us Dido :)
This being a chat folder, and not a spat folder, I thought I'd open up a line of (hopefully) intelligent chat.
It's interesting in John Beauden's interview with Dan Peek that Dan said they were close to a reunion. Calls were made out of the blue, plans were set in motion, and a big time American producer was in place, then suddenly it all went away. Which led to his writing his America Story.
Makes me wonder: Was Human Nature going to be that album? Was Gary Katz (legendary producer of Steely Dan) the producer he mentioned, seeing as how that's who Oxygen Records announced in its initial press release was slated to originally produce Human Nature and then we never got an explaination of what happened to him? Who pulled the plug at the last minute? Why?
Was it after Human Nature? Was that why Dan suddenly stopped writing his America Story? And why he then resurrected it with a decidely more conciliatory tone?
I got more questions than a three-year-old.
KevinS.
Due to the response on the chat folder and some mail messages that I've received, I'm going to post a few soundclips from Etcetera for you to listen to. They'll be available for a week or so. The first 15 songs are from the Venus CD and the last 7 are various songs that have been sent to me by Guillermo. Enjoy!
Look At The Stars Now At Midnight
A Horse With No Name
Helen
I Need You
Baby I'm A Want You
Sister Golden Hair
Venus - Ella Es Tu Venus
Al Son De La Noche
Puede Que Si, Puede Que No
La Lluvia De Primavera
Evenenao
Cantando A Canarias
Columbie
Ventura Highway
Tin Man
Baby It's Up To You
California Dreamin'
Como Seda Entre Mis Manos
Days
Muskrat Love
These Brown Eyes
<<Thanks Gen for drawing my attention to these (ie : JL new samples)>>
You're very welcome, Nancy. Loved this Broken Heart Smile sound clip very much. Can't wait for next Spring ... Hopefully we'll have some NEW America material too with the guys collaborating with A. Gold ! Nothing like a little good (VERY good) music to cheer you up, hey!
Wonderful shot Steve. GREAT colors no doubt !
And thank you Nina for diverting us indeed !
And WAY better than some guys' inferiority complex is the news about a Definitive America cd commercial on UK tv screens! Thanks Corusgirl for telling us !
I can feel there's better days
Well, they're comin', they're comin'
I can see them through the haze
So can you ... :-)
( yeah , yeah... a Gerry 's song I know ! oh well ! ..:-)
Gen.
Vic, you forgot to capitalize My in the 7th commandment.
"The autumnal equinox marks the beginning of autumn. The rays of the sun shine directly over the Earth at the equator. Believe it or not, throughout the world, autumn is celebrated as the "beginning" of a new year. Summer, with its vegetation (the old year) has gone, and a new year is arriving. Many societies celebrate autumn as a special time. In Eastern countries, such as Japan, India, and China, rigid ceremonies and dances concerning ancestors and legends are common. Accompanying these ceremonies are large and diverse displays of food..."
There.
If, in any way, shape, or form I have diverted the negative energy away from this folder....then my work here is done.
Johnny,
I too enjoy your extraordinary knowledge of rock and America trivia, clever trivia games, and the best concert reviews on this chat board. I also hope that you continue to defend your views (in this recent case the truth) whenever the situation calls for it. Amigos en America,
Sergio
Well Johnny, Moser has spoken, and Steve has confirmrd her judgement.
The Ten Commandments of MOSER
1. Thou shall have the balls to use My name.
2. Thou shall quote Me verbatim instead of paraphrasing.
3. Thou shall not speak the name of d p on My chat folder.
4. Thou shall always give Me a pass when I speak the outrageous.
5. Thou shall get to know Me, then thou shall love Me.
6. Thou shall always remember that if I have ever offended thee, I don't give a damn.
7. Thou shall remember that I have never had egg on my face, never.
8. Thou shall always think kind thoughts towards Me even when I have blasted thee.
9. Thou shall remember that when anyone disagrees with Me, it is always "backlash".
10. When thou has been baited by Me, thou shall show the proper humiliation and embarrassment, for it is necessary for Me to dispay My superiority over you.
Hi Everyone
I was watching the news on GMTV in England this morning while eating my breakfast and they went into a commercial break.
My eyes nearly popped out of my head when an advert for the Definitive America album came on the screen. The songs in the advert were: -
A Horse With No Name
Ventura Highway
Sister Golden Hair
You Can Do Magic
Tin Man
The voice over was done by Paul Gambaccini, the DJ and writer and the commercial was for Tesco the large supermarket chain.
Let's hope people buy it and the boys gain some more new fans from the UK.
Personally, I just put on my Depends to wear to a concert and don't have to worry. But, if I had to make a run for the potty, I would definitely pick the Beatles I Need You version to go.
Holding hands, a lover’s glance
We could wait or take a chance
A love that’s true
It all depends on you
A chance for love, a chance for bliss
Full moon above, two lips to kiss
Or start anew
It all depends on you
Steve,
Thanks for posting the Etcetera web site link. I look forward to getting Etcetera's second album. Does the first one feature covers of America songs as well? By the way if anyone needs translating I can help.
Sergio
Some of you may remember Guillermo Albelo from the Canary Islands in Spain. He has been to several America concerts over the years in Spain and his band, Etcetera, has covered a lot of America songs. They are now finishing a second album titled "En California" and you can go to www.festivaldetenerife.com/festival/etcetera.html to read about it (it's in Spanish, however). Here's a list of the album tracks (I think you'll recognize a few of them):
Days (G.Albelo)
You Can dream (G.Albelo)
Never rains in Southern California (A.Hammond)
Lovely night (G.Beckley)
A horse with no name (D.Bunnell)
California Dreamin'
Our Christmas day (G.Albelo)
En California (G.Albelo)
Siete diferencias (G.Albelo)
Luna, dos y tres (G.Martín / G.Albelo)
Con el roce de tu piel (R.Díaz)
Mi mundo es al revés (G.Albelo)
Nada que decir
Ella es un huracán
I have Etcetera's first album which was called Venus and if the second one is like it, it should be great.
Me Again :)
Hey there Kevin ~~ that is one interesting what if you suggested! Hmmmmm Interesting!
Hi SteveL ~~ WOW ~~ that is too much how these red topped trees are kinda down in the middle of these mountain peaks, we have the dark reds here in our leaves now ~~ after Our ooooh sooo green spring and summer, I am more than anxious to see how the fall color show will unfold here this fall. My favorite time is when the sun is just going down and the way that the reflection from the sunset causes the colors of the leaves to glow soooo nicely. :)
Hi Nina ~~ Yep Bones sure has a way of cracking us up, he just be careful not to crack himself up too much! Ouch! ~~ Hey Bones how did you fare Isabel's tracks there in your neck of the woods, did she send more construction jobs your way??? ~~ Why haven't you joined us at the live chat lately?? How is Pete's dancing classes going?? ~~ Hmmm I know I am full of Question's ain't I????
Hey there DanC ~~ How are your Cards doing, is it almost playoff time? ~~ Hmmm I have asked You a couple times in my posts if you will be heading to the Oct 18th show it Aurora, Ill. ~~ well will you be going to it? You know me and my inquiring mind! :) Hmmm ~~ I was wondering too if you ever got around to getting Dan Fogelberg's ~ Full Circle yet?? ~~ Hmmm with your pool all sealed and the fall turning the grass brown ~~ hope it will allow you some extra time to come and join us at live chat a time or two. :) Hope you're still Smiling! :)
Hey there Red ~~ I did check out the Monday night football game there in Denver ~~ Wow what a stadium ~~ it was filled to the Max with cheering Bronco fans for sure! ~~ Hubby was happy to see them do so well over Oakland. ~~ I must say tho, my big brown eyes didn't stay focused on this too long, as with any sports events on tv (well except for the Nascar races) I fell fast asleep on the couch only to wake up in time to see the final score, as the game was just ending! Hmmm ~~ Musta been your loud snoring that stirred me awake! ;)
Okay gotta get again! Nancy :) ~~ Hmmm ~~ Steve you mentioning New England brought Barry Manilow's nice song Weekend in New England to my mind and fingertips!
~~~ but thoughts of me holding you, bringing us near, and tell me when will our eyes meet, when can I touch you, when will this strong yearning end, and when will I hold you again.... time in New England took me away, to lonnnnng rocky beaches and you by the bay, we started a story who's end must now wait, now tell me when will our eyes meet, when can I touch you, when will this strong yearning end, and when will I hold you again ~~~ Sing it Barry M :) ;) :)
Being in advertising, we tend to break things down into targetted demographic units in order to facilitate the important social task of selling stuff to people that they don't really need. So in order to get a true read on the gender breakdown of male vs female voting trends when it comes to an America reunion, I ran the poll results past our research department, and found the learning from that breakdown to be very illuminating.
Percentage of woman who want an America reunion: 15
Percentage of woman who are America fans and who have never slept with me: 96
That last number perhaps is the most enlightening when we delve into the gender differences between men and women when it comes to opinions on an America reuninon.
I hope you can use this poll to foster a better understanding of the mindset of the female America fan as opposed to the male America fan.
Humbly yours,
Research Dept.
Since Mo mentioned that today is the beginning of Fall, I thought it might be appropriate to share a picture I took yesterday after work. I found a place that had a great view of the Wasatch mountains above my home town with giant patches of trees that have turned bright red. Having lived in New England I can say that the colors in Utah aren't quite as spectacular as they are back east, but they're still rather nice. Click here to see the view from the webmaster's camera.
P.S. Johnny, I also enjoy the Stillwater installments and the plethora of trivia that you have to share rather than nitpicking at past statements or omissions. I look forward to hearing the next installment and/or trivia question.
Okay, then what if Tom Peek joined America?
Bones...You crack me up!
Hi Hoooo Everyone ~~ Hmmm ~~ My morning DJ was just saying that Fall has officially arrived something after 6 this morning... Mr Sun keeps trying to shine through the passing dark clouds ~~ Hey Red I think these clouds are heading your way, my raindance should work this time, I think I got the right rhthym this time... :) :) :)
Hi there Jenna ~~ WOW ~~ Lucky you getting to take in this Modesto show, thanks for telling us your thoughts on it. I am glad you got to hear the long playlist and I take it by your enthusiastic post, that you were able to see Gerry, Dewey & the Band alot better at this show, am I right? ~~~ Hmmmm my friend Mary & Her sister were going to this show too.. I wonder if you guys were close to each other, she usually has Roses and Unicorns that she places up on the stage for Gerry & Dewey. ~~ Hey there Mary, hope to hear from you soon! :)~~ Jenna ~~ I think this Oktoberfest would have been lots of fun, what a relaxed setting to take a show in. ~~ Hmmm I am too wondering if my busy busy friend Klaus took time off to take in a little bit of his homeland heritage and the show! :)
Hey there Mo ~~ when I saw that your potty song was The Border, I had this crazy visual of You running for the port-a-potty that was waaaaay back next to the parking lot border... LOL!!!! ~~ Hmmm terryt I guess your visual of all you dudes keeping rhthym to the music in the urinals, kinda onsetted my visual of Mo a running for the porta potty... Oooooooh my the mind is a terrible thing at times right Red? LOL!!!! :)
Hey there Johnny ~~ I gotta second Mo's request for you to go back to your Sweetwater way of Posting, it is much more enjoyable! ~~ I would say we all get along pretty darn good here on the chat folder, there are times tho when it gets off track and kinda heads the wrong direction. So focus on the road ahead rather than the tracks left behind please! :)
Hmmm ~~ I had been wanting to mention that I too took a listen to Jeff Larsons 2 new added song clips, I enjoyed getting to hear them ~~ sounds to me Jeff is on the right track for sure ~~ Nice songs ~ can't wait to hear them in full when your new cd is released... Thanks Gen for drawing my attention to these! :)
Well gotta get my butt in gear and get something done here, have a good day all! See ya, Nancy :)
~~~ Seldom seen a Scarecrows Dream, I hang in the Hopes of replacement, castles tall I built them all, but I dream that I'm trapped in the basement, and if you ever hear me calling out, and if you've been by paupers ground, between the worlds of men and make believe I can be found ~~~ Sing it for me Dan Fogelberg ~~ this has always been a favorite song, I can remember discovering Dan's album Netherlands the fall of 78, I had just gotten married that summer and it was the first time experiencing Fall through the windows of my newly made home.... Dan's songs sure had a way of carrying me away for sure! :)
Are you guys brother and sister, husband and wife, or just ex lovers. Christ, give it a rest.DanC
Johnny,
I implore you to go back to writing your Sweetwater installments. That was much more entertaining than this line of discussion.
Thanks,
Mo
Dan is not a touring member of the band. I see no need to mention him here. And no I did not join in the discussions when the solo cd was released. Do I have to comment on everything? Ok here it is of the two I have I like "driftin'" better. Nice island sound I find it very soothing. Gee, since you know the inner workings of my mind so well , WHY don't I mention him? I need you to enlighten me.
<<If I were Anti Dan would I have purchased several of his solo cds? No I don't believe I would have. But I own them.>>
You asked me a question, so I'll respond.
If you were truly anti-Dan, you probably wouldn't own any of his solo CDs. HOWEVER, before this point, you surely gave the VERY strong impression that you weren't much of a supporter of Dan, in my opinion. I don't recall ever reading any postings stating that you had purchased some of Dan's CDs when others would talk about his music here, and we all know that you like to contribute your thoughts about music you own. It was only until NOW -- from my vantage point -- did you volunteer to say you own some of Dan's solo works. As I see it, you basically stopped mentioning Dan's name on this website until recently. If you did, it was usually to say that you thought no reunion was ever likely. One might wonder why you stopped mentioning his name (or at least very rarely) if my observation is correct. I have my opinion, but I won't post it here. Anyone who has been present here for any length of time, probably has their opinion as to why, also.
The Border
Hi Cindy! Actually, I've never, ever left during an America concert, but if I really, really had to go, I figured I'd take a song that's pretty much in the middle so I'd come back to a lot more of the show. Did you say which song you'd miss if you really had to? Sorry if you did, this old memory isn't as good as it used to be. And Moser, since you brought it up, which song would you miss if need be?
~~Linda
Hi All,
Attended the Oktoberfest in Modesto Friday night, fantastic sound and performance as usual. As someone else said...can't think of a better way to spend a friday night than with Dewey & Gerry and the band! Couldn't pass up an opportunity to see them in Modesto since it was only 90 miles away. Can't say it any better than Jim or msmith since every song and show is flawless. Modesto really loves America and they were on their feet the whole night too! Whether it's indoor or outdoor it's just amazing the energy they have every night. Great to hear the long set list minus one or two that they did in Anaheim. Great to hear Company, 3 Roses & Hangover (Thanks Dewey!)and polish off some other gems.
Was pleasantly surprised to see Dewey introduce mB and band on Horse, was suprised they'd be passing through Modesto. Oh, and the Oktoberfest was fun too.
LINDA!! I agree with all you said, except pottying during Tin Man?? No No No!!
Cindy from the South
You funny Boner, you! :0)
Calling Doctor Freud, Calling Doctor Freud. Is there a Doctor Sigmund Freud in the house?
<<To quote another "famous" Angeleno "Can't we all just get along?"
Just like that Angeleno, a severe beating was required before this one here even thought about crying, "Can't we all just get along?"
Here is what will be my last word on the reunion question since there seems to be some confusion to my meaning. Unlike the bands that were named in the discussion of reunited bands, the Eagles, Fleetwood Mac or Simon and Garfunkel , America is and has been a touring band. Gerry and Dewey have been making music and thrilling crowds for 26 years without Dan. Dan himself has had a good deal of success with his solo career. I mean NO DISREPECT WHATSOEVER to Dan’s musicianship. I am not, as seems to have been asserted, a Dan hater. I just think that the band is not the same as it was and more importantly can never be the same. I suppose those of you who were not lucky enough to see the band, or not alive at the time in some cases, a reunion is a much-desired thing. In my case it is not and I don’t think it will happen but I put my crystal ball away many years ago. We were asked to voice our opinion and I voted no. This held me up to ridicule or lambasting. Frankly, I am disappointed that some of the postings bordered on personal attacks. This is not how it used to be here on the America Fans Chat folder. We used to be kind and considerate of one another’s feelings. I know I have not been as careful with my words as I should have been, but some of these posts are mean spirited.. That causes people to return in kind. To quote another “famous “ Angeleno “Can’t we all just get along?”
I know there will be repercussions for this.
I love John Lennon’s comment. In that case, America has a reunion regularly in my car or on the subway or in my living room.
This is a fun idea to work with. Name the reunion....hmmm....let's see...
...how about "Halfway"...cause thats what they'll have to do. Compromise and meet halfway for it to ever happen.
...maybe..."Home again".
...or perhaps..."Healthy".
But most of all I like..."Healing".
Which is defined as...
...To restore to health or soundness; cure.
...To set right; repair: healed the rift between us.
If the Reunion doesn't happen how 'bout if we call it..."Hostility".
Regards,
flywithabuzz
Hoping I'm allowed to comment on this ladies only topic.
Regarding "potty calls", whenever I'm enjoying a concert, I figure that if the guys are gonna stay up there and play, I'm gonna stay there and enjoy. If there's no intermission, then what's good for the goose is good for the gander. If their legs are tightly crossed, so are mine. If they're dripping with sweat, then dammit, so am I. If they're shivering or swatting bugs, I'll try to do the same while keeping the beat. The few times I HAD to make the trip, the music could usually be heard all the way to where we "went". A line of doods standing at the urinals and singing along with their beloved band still in earshot is definitely part of the whole experience. You come out better than when you went in and rocked the whole time through.
tt <--- then there were the "pot calls" but that's another post
Me Again :)
Thanks Sergio! :) I like your Homecoming II suggestion for a new release with the Trio.
Hmmmm Speech ~~~ Good Idea, them getting together to do a show for a charitable cause, I like that! Surely there is something that they all shared an interest in. My first thought suggestion after seeing Gen's "Hot Potato" was Hesitations. I thought about Harbor Revisited or Harbor's Haven, or how about Hankerings, my favorite one tho is Heart to Heart, cause I have always loved how their music has touched my Heartstrings in an ooooh soo nice way! Happenings, Hues, what about Hope or Hopeful.... Speech I don't think that Dan Fogelberg could have picked a better name for his Full Circle CD... What a great combination of songs and meanings coming together.
Okay Gotta go and get ready for work, see ya Nancy :)
~~~Sun radiates gold infrarays, time to prepare for the Falll, harvest the corn, watch for the storm, soooon we will hear Winter callll ..... Wind chimes along, rising at dawn, Seasons in circles too match, Each comes along, singing his song, Burying thoughts of the past........ Sing it for us Dewey ~ Dewey ~ Dewey
What about Home Repairs ? or Hoot ? hahaha!
Regarding the recent posts, to me, it's definitely....Hot Potato !!! LOL
It's fun to play around with, Sergio. Just a few ideas that have popped into my head: "Hard Part's Over," "Home Again" and (don't ask me why) "Horse Latitudes." I've probably got too much time on my hands.
Well first of all, I have never left their show to use the potty! That would take too much time away from those few precious moments to admire them! But, if I had to, absolutely had to, (dying or something) it would probably be during "Don't Cross The River". Now this in NO WAY is an insult to Dan, it's just my least favorite song on their playlist. Bye, Valerie
In my previous post I mentioned "Honor" as a possible name. However, "Homecoming II" might be nice too, to me "Homecoming" was their most inspired effort as a trio, "Homecoming II" would be a good place to start again. Given all that has transpired since the breakup "Healing" might be the more descriptive one...just kidding.
Sergio
Nancy,
You put it so nicely. I will go with your take on things. I couldn't agree with you more and I know music is your driving factor here. The "reunion wish" was never meant to offend or be divisive amongst us fans. Those who saw it as an insult to today's duo took that position which I can't even fathom. The music and efforts of today's duo stands solid, but idealistically, why wouldn't any fan of their initial 7 albums welcome a reunion of the three voices and tried and true chemistry that started it all. A chemistry that I am sure would still be there, musically speaking. Now if all three would open up their hearts to reconciliation...Dan has already stated he would, Dewey recently hinted it was not impossible, so perhaps Gerry will come around. Whether it would cause any waves in the music world remains to be seen, but like someone else here said in a previous post ( I think Rob), the time is ripe with all the 70's nostalgia that has come to surface recently. I think "Honor" might be a nice name for a reunion album. Should they reconcile, it would be in the "honor" of their words and spirit of forgiveness that would bring them full circle to where they began...What a nice thought, I stick with that dream.
Sergio
In light of Dan Fogelberg recently issuing a new work entitled "Full Circle," which is pointedly "retro" in much of its feel, I wondered what some folks here might envision for a reunion album title. OK, it's a little ahead of the game. I recognize that some folks expect it won't ever happen, but I'm inexplicably confident it will eventually take shape. Sooner or later, somebody mentions the right number or, being less jaded about it, the right cause turns up. Perhaps that's a key. The one thing that seems to be able to motivate artists to set down their grudges and misgivings is (besides the rent being due) a good charitable cause.
Hi Hooo Everyone ~~~ A GREY windy, chilly last day of summer here! I have been indulging on the Musik Laden show here, it is on its 3rd replay ~~ It is AWESOME to watch this... :) :) :) All I can say is Gerry~Gerry~Gerry Dewey~Dewey~Dewey Dan~Dan~Dan Thanks to all 3 of you for all of the great music ~~ Then, Now & Toooo COME! :)
Hi there JohnB ~~ I really enjoyed reading your Dan interview on saturday evening, I read through it 2 times, I look forward to reading the next part! Hmmmm ~~ Yep kinda perfect timing I would say too! ~~ I have added your site to my favorites list! Thanks for sharing your neat way of sharing the gift of gab in interviews! :)
Hi there Windwave(Mark) ~~~ WOW ~~ Double WOW ~~ Nice to hear that you went to the Anaheim show, nice to see your post, it has been awhile! Hey you finally got to hear the lonnnnnng playlist, but I see no Windwave in that set listed Darn! ~~ Speaking of that great song, I just love getting to see the 3 of them singing and playing it here on the Musik Laden tape ~~ WOW! ~~ Dewey is here singing HWNN, and Gerry & Dan are joining in on the lalallalallalalla's :) ~~ Nice that Joe joined in on the Horse Encore! Yep Jimnak ~~ that will be a neat experience to see Beckley, Beckley, Beckley playing together ~ Over and over and over again... Stay tuned everyone! :) Take care ww and come join us soon at live chat! :)
Hey there Mo ~~~ I have been trying to pick out my gotta go to the potty song... after much hesitation on deciding this... I first would definitely make sure I went potty before the show as many times as I could soooo as to assure I wouldn't have to make this decision, but and I say but If I had to go that bad, I would go during "Hangover" ~~ Sorry that is the one song that I wouldn't mind missing, even tho I love the way they intro the song.... :)
~~~ Dan is here singing Lonely People and playing the Harmonica, while Gerry is playing the piano and Dewey is strumming the guitar... get ready everyone Windwave is next... I love getting to hear this as well as Rainbow song, Moon Song and Green Monkey too.... Dewey is singing ~~~ Got a hankering for something homemade, got to be brand new, I've gotta hankering for a Windwave, I got it through and through... this is a treasure just to hear them do this song on here... Thanks Steve O for suggesting we get out these to satisfy our hankerings on getting to see them as a trio... I definitely love my Homecoming audio DVD ~~ I get lost in it sooo many times and the replay button gets hit on all of the songs at least once or more while listening to them.... Oooooooh my Dewey is just begining to sing Rainbow Song.... I love how this song sounds here on this Musik Laden and it is sooo neat to see the big smile on Willie's face as he winds down the song with his drum solo.... Nice :)
Hmmm ~~ Regarding the sexist thing.... I was captured by the 3 of them from the first time I heard Horse With No Name and I went to the store to buy the 45 of it... and then bought the Album and listened to it sooo many times... and looked at their pics sooo many times... I love soo much about all 3 of them, they all are soo very gifted in many ways and all I can say is that when they were joined together.... they blended ooooooh sooo good. ~~~ David S~~ Hmm in reading Dan's response to the reunion issue... I too feel that they have come along way and as with all of us Time has a way of smoothing things over and the real friendship that formed at the start is still what is important and what can be built on again, if is meant to happen!
Well thats about it for now.... gotta get, Have a good day all, Nancy :)
~~~ ooooooh Heaven may be an answer, when you're looking for Eden in the sky..... Everyone I meet is from California, dancing in the streets in California ~~~ Sooo great to hear them jamming on this song together.... :) :) :) ~~~ Don't take me soo real that you forget how to feel, don't let the threat of the dagger turn your heart into steel.... smell the perfume of a silent dream, fly the ocean, read a story to me, speak the wisdome of the redwood tree, speak too mee.... Sooo great hearing Green Monkey too ~~ Rock on AMERICA :)
I am not anti Dan I am anti reunion. If I were Anti Dan would I have purchased several of his solo cds? No I don't believe I would have. But I do own them. Personally offended by Dan? As his comments were not directed at me, I was not "persoanlly" anythuing. Shocked? Yes. Disappointed? Yes And Dan himself knew that my comments about LA were rather tongue in cheeck.
Gosh Johnny it must be nice to have so much time to devote to my thought process Why ?
Sorry you had to wait so long for my answer Vic. You must have posted after I shut down my computer for the week-end. Of course I'd go to a reunion show with Dan. After all, I fell in love with the "America" sound which he had a hand in creating with Gerry and Dewey. I don't think this makes me disloyal to the present America.
John - Do you know if Gerry (Beckley) or Dewey (Bunnell) ever listen to your solo stuff? Do you guys communicate at all?
Dan - You know it's really been few and far between the last few years and of course they are very busy touring and they have their own complex lives I'm sure. (laughing) My life gets more complicated on a daily basis. I know for a fact we think about each other a lot.
John - Dan, you guys are okay with each other, right?
Dan - Oh yeah, absolutely. In some ways I may have stirred up a hornets nest with my online autobiography but it was all meant with love and forgiveness. We all get into situations sometimes where we're all not doing the best we can and maybe not being the best we can be with each other. We were kids back then and we loved each other but at the same time we tormented, hurt and harassed each other.
John - When I read about the friction you had with Gerry, specifically for instance, I took it as you telling us that's how you felt at the time.
Dan - Exactly, not today but back then. In a way it was terribly painful and in some ways I wish I hadn't written any of the more painful episodes but at the same time I thought geez if I'm going to do this I have to take the lid entirely off this box of whatever it is that happened. It goes from the beginning of the band, before the band and up to and including the band disintegrating or my leaving the band. It's still America now though. Even without me.
John - I'm sure you had to leave a lot out.
Dan - Believe me there's lots I left out and I could write a whole other book.(laughing) In the same sense I wish I hadn't said some things, I also wish that some of those things hadn't happened. Everything was so intense at the time it was just a great wonderful mixture of love but there's a friction that happens with anyone that's 24/7 together. Everyone is creative but everyone has an ego and everybody wants to be number one in a sense and I'm chief sinner among everybody. I'm an egomaniac you have to be in this business.
John - I noticed in your writing that you said that a lot. I could almost hear you think I felt when you gave a juicy tidbit about Gerry or Dewey you would try to balance it out by saying, "They were only human" and you also were guilty of the same thing.
Dan - Exactly. I hope that people like it in the sense of what formed the band, the crucible that really created us. The things that made us strong and the things that made us weak. The things that made us laugh and cry. The music lives on, the three fold quart will never be broken and the two of them are going on and I admire them. They're tough. I got out really because I couldn't take it anymore. I'm a wimp compared to them so I admire and respect both of them so greatly and it was such an amazing honor and privilege to be with them. To see them work and see what they would write and how we would take it and shape it together as a team. The whole experience was amazing and barely a day goes by that I don't think of some aspect of my life with Dewey and Gerry and being in America. (voice cracking)
John - When I talked to Gerry I asked him if he was sick of talking about you and he said not at all. Do you think you three will ever get back together?
Dan - Well, you know I would like to think it could, I really would. I guess I'm a dreamer but maybe unrealistic in some senses. You know some people wrote in and said that you have to be careful in burning bridges concerning the online book. One guy wrote in and said, "You didn't just burn the bridge you nuked the bridge." (laughing) In a sense I want to say there is no bridge, wait a minute, there's no bridge to burn here. When I left, the bridge disappeared in a sense. Yet I'm a believer in the power of music as a healer, as a unifier, as a tonic, as a panacea. There's still a romantic part of me deep inside that would love to see and here the three of us get back together at least once and make music.
John - Since you left America hasn't there ever been a time when a reunion at least came close to happening? Did you guys at least talk about it?
Dan - You know there was a time where I got some calls from people who said that it was happening which was really kind of jarring because in the final analyses when it didn't happen I think it left a bad taste in everybody's mouth. It was a situation where one day I got a call right out of the clear blue sky and the person who I won't name said, "Hey, a deals been put together where you, Dewey and Gerry make an album together. We we're going to use a very well known producer, not George (Martin) but an American producer guy of very high caliber." The whole thing was laid out but at the last minute some people pulled out. (laughing) It wasn't me so it didn't happen. In some ways maybe it was the thing that prodded me to write the book. I just wanted to clear the air once and for all. I thought if we are going to get back together then let's just do it. I don't think it would have hurt. If we can't make this thing happen with the resources put forward to try to get us back together than I just don't know. There were people jumping through hoops and making the phone calls and got favors done so on and so fourth. When it didn't materialize I thought it's time to pull the band aid off this thing clear it up and get fixed.
My guess is that Gerry & Dewey,and maybe even Dan,are being highly entertained by the words and comments we've all been expressing here in regards to reunion talk. I also think that the guys(Dan excluded)are probably rolling their eyes in amusement that this topic rears its ugly head every now and then. I guess it probably always will. First off,Thanks to John for the enlightening & In Depth interview with Dan! I look forward to part 2 next week! While I'm in the "Yes" group that would enjoy a reunion,here's something for all of us to consider: When you really need that "fix" of all 3 guys,just grab your MusicLaden DVD,or any of the first 7 disks,and indulge yourself in some of their finest recorded work. Better yet,invest in the DVD-Audio Format and purchase "Homecoming" for a quality listening experience. There are also some interesting bootleg copies of shows that tend to float around that focus on the trio from way back.
I thought I once read a comment attributed to John Lennon when asked about a Beatles reunion,and it went something like this: "If people really want a Beatles reunion,tell 'em to round up every single record we've done and play 'em back to back...." I can't quote it verbatim,but I got the point. Maybe the same could apply here too. Hey,just some ramblings to think about...
Johnny and Mark,
Thank you very much!
Robin,
I figured some might take offense and you certainly did, however no apologies here, it is how I "read the vote" and I felt I had to say it, if it was politically incorrect, that was not my intent. I still believe there is truth in as you say "my pet theory".
Huesos ("Bones" in my ethnic lingo),
Go ahead cast that elusive vote, I am sure that it would help the languishing "No's". But, hey I am just the self appointed vote counter, and I surely don't want my so called "pet theory" to hold you back, I am such an "upfront" kind of guy that I will even go so far as to give you my full ethnic background- I was born in Cuba so that would make me a Cuban-American (No, I did not wave a Cuban flag during Elian crisis). Now, to delve further into my ethnicity, My parent's ancestors came from Spain and France. Feel free to cast your vote, don't let me hold you back...
Vote update-By adding Mark and NSmith to the "yes" column, the count is now 17 to 5.
Take care everyone,
Sergio
While I usually just lurk here, I have posted about some of my America concert experiences, mostly because I knew you'd all understand my enthusiasm. I've been an America fan right from the start. I've grown so accustom to the current sound of Dewey and Gerry, minus Dan, and I guess you can count me as one who has never wished for a reunion. Would I go to a reunion concert if it ever happened? Yes. But I'd go to ANY America concert that I could get to. Would I purchase a CD of a reunion? Yes. I'd buy ANY CD that America puts out. But honestly, I don't care if the reunion ever happens. I realize that won't make sense to some of you. I've had the pleasure of having a few minutes' time to talk to both Dewey and Gerry, and while I'm sure they have no clue who I am, I still feel like they're old friends. I have a very comfortable feeling at their concerts. But I guess I look at it this way....this is a business to them. If I had my own business, one advantage would be that I could choose who I'd want to work with. I like to make others happy, but there's a limit to what I'd do. And my guess is that it's the same with Dewey and Gerry. They want to keep their fans happy, but it doesn't mean they'll agree with all our wants. And that's how it should be. I don't even care what their reasons would be for not having Dan join them. To me, it just doesn't matter.
This same topic seems to come up every now and then with Three Dog Night fans, too. Again, they were a favorite of mine right from the start, and I thoroughly enjoy them the way they are right now, minus Chuck. Sure, it's not quite the same sound, but that's okay. BTW, Michael Allsup was just commenting on America since they were in his home town this weekend. He was out of town so he couldn't be there, but he said that's one group he really likes.
Sorry if I'm rambling too much. Maybe this won't even make any sense to any of you. All I know is that America is great, just the way they are!
Oh, and Moser, my run-to-the-bathroom song would be Tin Man, providing the line isn't too long.
~~Linda
...the person I corresponded with earlier today via email. Please check you mail.
I thought the John B interview on smoothjazzcanada.com was a sound interview instead of a text one. After having read it a couple of times, I was VERY SURPRISED to read that a reunion had been planned in the past but fell through. Dan admits that some of the negative things he said in his bio episodes may have been prodded by his disappointment that the planned reunion failed to materialize. I can certainly understand his disappointment.
If there were plans the first time, why can't there be plans again?
Please Gerry and Dewey, as a loyal fan of the band from nearly the beginning, I hope you guys will reconsider it for us fans. Please. Maybe just a CD. After the disappointing sales of the last two CDs (which were wonderful CDs), it might be an appropriate time to come together as a threesome again. Just once.
Mark ~ I have always appreciated how sensible and level-headed you are when it comes to posting your thoughts here on the folder. I also appreciate how fair-minded you are.
John L ~ I liked what you said in regard to any possibilities of a reunion and that being it probably won't be that major of an event in the eyes of the music world.
I vote YES! I would love to see them get back together, even if it were only for one CD! Just for old times sake. I think Dan and Gerry have grown enough to be able to put their past differences aside and create some great music together (at least I hope so).
Will it happen? I hope so, but I'm not counting on it.
I think Sergio may be right about the gender thing. Gerry was the group's sex symbol back in the 70's and I think some (not all) of the ladies tend to be very protective of him still. Dan's venting no doubt raised the ire of some. Though there were some on the board, both male and female, who had an anti-Dan bias long before Dan started writing his story.
JMHO
Since we're on the subject of sexist issues, I have one that is a bit on the humorous side. Nina and I have discussed this issue before as it is a very pressing one for women, particularly women of our age, particularly women who may have carried a baby or two. You must be squirming already, guys. Anyway...onward to the point. Out of the set list that Windwave was so pleasant to post for us, which song is your "potty call" song? For those of you with a "y" chromosome, the potty call song would be the one you don't mind missing about half way or so through the set so you can...well obviously so you can go potty. I'm sorry, but there ain't no way I'm making it an hour and a half without it, especially if the venue is serving spirits, as it were. So here is WW's list, which song is it for you ladies?
1. california revisited
2. magic
3. don't cross the river
4. ventura highway
5. daisy
6. to each his own
7. company
8. riverside
9. three roses
10. i need you
11. i need you beatles
12. baby
13. wheels
14. tin man
15. border
16. woman tonight
17. only in your heart
18. california dreamin
19. lonely people
20. hangover
21. never be lonely
22. sandman
23. sgh
24. horse
Okay, back to the regular discussion...if we must.
Bones ~ You are a female, are you not? Well, on Friday and Saturday nights, anyway. Just kidding! I have known Bones to be anti-Dan for quite a long time. Well, maybe it's better to say "pro-Gerry and Dewey".
But Robyn, please! You clearly became anti-Dan during the writing of his bio episodes. You were personally offended by the statements Dan wrote about Gerry. You were a fan of Dan's up until that time. Then Dan said something disparaging about Los Angeles that you personally took offense to. So much so, that you either posted a message to his guest book or here on the folder telling him how offended you were. I was quite shocked (and disappointed) that Dan replied back with a message of apology which I didn't think was necessary because he was just stating his opinion of LA at the time he was living there -- as he saw it.
Robyn, you then posted a message to Dan's guest book saying that no offense was really taken and that perhaps Hollywood was quite weird back in the 70s. Basically, from that point on, you hold the opinion that you do now.
That's how I see it as someone who has been present here since 1998.
Two new -and excellent- mp3 samples on Jeff Larson's project page called Sepia & Broken Heart Smile .
Wow, Jeff ! Great great job again on these two songs... Can't wait to hear this upcoming album. Hope you can release it next spring (as you planned, if I remember well...)
http://www.new-surf.com/jefflarson/ppage.html
Btw, i'm here for the music too... Sad I have to make it clear here, to other members of my America family... And anyway, I do believe neither Gerry nor Dewey ever needed protection from us(???) How uncongruous that sounds to me, sorry brother Sergio.
Oh well, seems Dan proved me wrong indeed, showing that you can get fed up eventually with living in (the Caymen) Paradise, hey...:-)
But c'mon, c'mon guys! Feed us with some nasty, sexist theories just for FUN ! I'm real curious to read...
Having been raised mostly with boys, I know that you guys resent, despise or fear what you don't understand...WON'T tell you... sounds so sexist, no? HATE fighting anyway. And love you so, anyway! :-)
Have a great week everyone!
Gen.
I'm with you Robyn.
I'm going to wait until ethnic backround becomes known before I cast my vote.
Wondering if anyone who was at the Saturday night show thought the show would of been better if Dan was up on stage.
Not really. I for one am here for the music. It is a shame if you think otherwise. Sory if I can't agree with your pet theory.
I will probably get lambasted and crucified, but here is my personal theory...I believe some female fans are in this for the music, but they weigh in more heavily on their preference for a certain member, which in this case it's the "Gerry, Gerry girls". Guys are more in it for the music, less or none for the idolization of any individual member. They would be more apt to accept a reconciliation to reexperience the trio chemistry. On the other hand, some of the ladies are against Dan for the things he has said in the past about Gerry. In enssence protecting Gerry and castigating Dan.
Sergio
Yes indeed it was an explosive show, everyone standing & screaming by shows end. A packed house, GERRY & DEWEY, although this was the 4th show in 5 days, were fresh & energized. A few songs featured the Accordion of close friend Bobby Woods. And HORSE WITH NO NAME featured the no longer shy performance of the youngest BECKLEY, Joe.
Can you see it now, BECKLEY, BECKLEY & BECKLEY ?
I agree completely with MSmith. I'd love to see Dan either play and sing on stage with America or work on a new album with Dewey and Gerry but you can't blame the guys if it never happens. I'm civil with my ex-wife but I don't care to see her any more than I need to. It would be great for the fans if it happened but let's not hold our breath.
it'll never happen, but i'm a yes.
america shook up the playlist and shook up the crowd last night in anaheim. i haven't read the chat folder in a while, so maybe this is "old news" and i don't know it, but they didn't open with riverside. i'll post the play list below. this is one of the best concerts i've heard since i began attending america concerts--about 7 a year since 2000. maybe it was the fantastic acoustics at the grove, maybe it was the addition of rich campbell, but america having sung the same songs over and over again for decades is just getting better. the show had energy and sounded better than ever. rock on america.
1. california revisited
2. magic
3. don't cross the river
4. ventura highway
5. daisy
6. to each his own
7. company
8. riverside
9. three roses
10. i need you
11. i need you beatles
12. baby
13. wheels
14. tin man
15. border
16. woman tonight
17. only in your heart
18. california dreamin
19. lonely people
20. hangover
21. never be lonely
22. sandman
23. sgh
24. horse
Sergio, Thanks for keeping the reunion vote tally.
So far...
YES...15
NO....5
Question...If a voter votes "no", not in favor of a reunion, but then states that they will either attend the reunion tour or purchase new recorded material isn't that indirectly supporting the reunion?
How should those votes count?
Thanks,
flywithabuzz
Johnny, excellent point. I felt the same about the gender thing. It came to me the other night while reading the posts that it seems the "No" vote is predominately female based. While the "yes" vote is more balanced. Any theory's?
BTW, Perfect timing with the Dan Peek interview...
Johnny,
Good observation regarding the gender thing, I was thinking about it too, the reunion debate especially the "No" answers are so far driven exclusively by females~Moser,Robyn, Gen, Lass, and Nina. Stuck on 5 so far.
The "Yes" answers are a mixed lot,although predominantly male~ Nancy, Vic, Speechwriter, Janice, Alan, Valynda, terry t, Cindy, Flywithabuzz, Steve Orchard, Warren, JimMak, John Lussier, yourself and me. The list has grown to 15.
Fellow fans correct me if I've missed any voters.
This is really an off topic, but I just have to say it, someone whom I have been a fan off for many years even before America, has a birhtday today...Happy Birthday Sophia (Loren)! The lady and great actress who defies age made 69 today! I've been a fan and admirer since I saw her in "Arabesque" circa 1966 and she asked Gregory Peck to "zip her up". To these eyes and to this day, no creature on this earth has ever looked more beautiful.
Ciao for now,
Sergio
Thanks a lot, John, for the information about the new Dan Peek interview. I look forward to hearing it at the local public library where I can access sound.
Very ironic timing, I think.
By the way ALL ~ It's quite interesting how the lines regarding the reunion debate seem to be divided by gender. Even Jimnak agrees to a reunion. Well, sort of. :0)
Hi Folks
John Beaudin Here from www.smoothjazzcanada.com . Thanks to everyone who read our interview with Gerry Beckley a few months ago. We have just posted a brand new interview with Dan Peek on the site. In late August we talked to Dan for almost two hours. We have posted about 30 minutes so far - more to come next week. The exact URL is http://www.smoothjazzcanada.com/interview_dan_peek.htm or you can find it in our Pop section (soon to be a self contained adult pop website) just click on any banner with Andrew Gold. Thanks a lot for your time. John
Hi Folks
John Beaudin Here from www.smoothjazzcanada.com . Thanks to everyone who read our interview with Gerry Beckley a few months ago. We have just posted a brand new interview with Dan Peek on the site. In late August we talked to Dan for almost two hours. We have posted about 30 minutes so far - more to come next week. The exact URL is http://www.smoothjazzcanada.com/interview_dan_peek.htm or you can find it in our Pop section (soon to be a self contained adult pop website) just click on any banner with Andrew Gold. Thanks a lot for your time. John
On second thought, let's just drop it. Johnny
Since you posed a question to me Robyn, I'd like to offer up a sincere reply other than "Maybe, maybe not". Without slinging any mud, I would SINCERELY like to know what you are attempting to say. So to your question, "Clear enough?" Unfortunately, it's not clear to me at all. Perhaps you can clarify your stance.
You said to me, "If they choose to make a record together, am I insulting them by buying it? What pretzel logic is that?"
That is EXACTLY the question I was/am attempting to ask you: What is YOUR logic. What do you mean by, "...wishing for a reunion is insulting to the work they [Gerry and Dewey as a duo] have done, in my opinion."
I am not the only one here who is puzzled by your post. In a post from yesterday, Speech said, "...but I don't see the logic behind the assertion that wishing for an America reunion somehow insults the band's work without Dan Peek."
It is my understanding from what you have said here, Robyn, that you believe it's insulting to D&G's work as a duo if you were to wish for a reunion. However, you don't seem to have any problem with purchasing a release from a reunion gathering. Your having a reunion CD in your possession would be no different than someone wishing for a reunion which you believe is an insult. The end result is the exact same and that is -- music performed together from the former trio of Dewey, Gerry, and Dan.
Please tell me what it is that I'm not comprehending logically. I am asking in a civil and sincere manner.
I was there last night, and yes, MB & friends joined them up on stage for Horse. They were introduced after the song and again in a "last bow" with Gerry.
<<CLear enough for ya John?>>
Maybe, maybe not
Hi Everyone ~~~ An absolutely gorgeous day here in PA ~~ Wall to wall blue-eyes sky, not a cloud in site! :)
Hi Gen ~~ Thanks for mentioning Steve posted Kim's pics ~~ I went and checked them out. WOW Kim these Pics are one of those Mastercard Moments ~~ The Smiles on Gerry's, Dewey's faces along with getting to see a Pic of David Dickey joining them on stage ~~ WOW ~~ Sooooo nice! ~~ Nice to get to see pics of you and your daughters along with Johnny too. I said it before, I'll say it again ~~ this had to be one Magical Night for sure! Thanks for sharing them with us. I was sorry to read about your hubby's set back, I hope the antibiotics will kick in fast and have him back on the full recovery road soon. :)
Hey Mary ~~ I hope you & your sister had a great time at the show last night. We would love to hear all about it! :)
Hi John L ~~~ Yep your post made sense to me, nicely said! <<<< But Gerry and Dewey have simply gutted it out, performing flawless show after show after show, year after year. Dan has put out some great music too. But most people don't know that. A real shame for sure. Just as it is a shame most people don't know Gerry's and Dewey's newer stuff and how rich and wonderful it is. >>>>
Hmmm ~~ Regarding my Vote for Yes to a Reunion ~~~ I guess I better clear up my want of it. I would love to get to see a one time show with them together, whether it be an A&E Live By Request, or something in the setting of their choice, the important focus words being "Their Choice", that is the only way that this could ever happen in any way at all. I have always said I respect their decisions about this, and always will... I guess I am just stating my desire, that I would love to get the chance to see them do a show together. ~~ If asked if I had to pick between a brand new CD of songs from AMERICA, I would want that CD to be done by Gerry & Dewey. I can see some of your points that some things are better left alone, better not returned too. ~~ Hey ~~ Maybe it will take them getting asked to perform at the show for them to be Inducted into the Hall of Fame for this chance to happen. ~~ Hmmm then maybe when they got together to do this, the easiness would be there, and they could work with it from there... All 3 of them are here singing on my comp speakers ~~~ Don't wait for me at the Willow Tree, love will be waiting for you, the wind with the leaves play a symphony, harmony, rhapsody tooo ~~~ Don't bend with the wind, love must not end, but begin.... Hmmmm ~~ I guess my love for them and their music is on the trio foundation, and I treasure that magic they shared with us in all of their songs, not to say I don't treasure their seperate works, cause I sure do... I have said so many times on here, that I feel we are sooo lucky, we have the Full Pie ~~ We have our Trio albums & memories, we have all of Gerry & Dewey's Hidden Gems, as well as their newly released projects, and then as an added bonus, we have Gerry's Solo stuff and Dan's too. ~~ Leaves us with one complete package soo to speak, but yet there are those of Us who have a longing desire to see them as a Trio, if only just for 1 time. ~~ I guess we just gotta have Hope and let the rest come to be if it is meant to be! :) I just Hope Gerry & Dewey & Dan don't find us as selfish, when we go on like this at times. I hope they can see that it is our love and admiration for them in all aspects of their highway that we love partaking in it all! Thanks AMERICA the TRIO, DUO & SOLO.. You guys are the Best! :)
Hi Warren ~~ Welcome back aboard to the chat folder! ~~ Hmmm I'd say get to know Mo alittle bit better, you will find that she too has that very love for AMERICA's music...
hi flywithabuzz ~~ We all treasure hearing the Trio songs, and always will. I can relate to your missing Dan. I hope you can see tho where we still have Dan, in all of his solo albums as well as his newly released Guitar Man. I hope you were at Dan's site www.danpeek.com lately and saw where Dan was soo generous to make copies of his Crossover\Electrovoice albums for those who wanted these.. When I listen to these songs I can Hear that very Dan that we loved in the AMERICA songs. His new CD too has a nice touch of this as well.
Hey Lass ~~ Sorry to hear you won't be able to go to the Seneca show next week, I too was hoping to head there, but so many unexpected expenses has emptied my check book and pocket book. ~~ I too am hoping that they will come to Pittsburgh or back to Seven Springs, or maybe even the War Memorial arena in Johnstown next year for a show! ~~ I hope your recovery from your surgery goes well! :)
Hmmmm ~~ I gotta agree with Gen ~~ I too don't like to see the chat folder turn into an attacking board. I just want to say my added t2 cents about Robyn using the word Slap was in no way directed to her, I just wanted to say how I feel about Gerry Dewey & Dan and their past and present talents.
Hey there Reddddd ~~ I really got a Pick me Up from your Woody post, as always you add a nice touch of Spice to my day, you had me a SMILING for sure! ~~ Have a great weekend! ~~~ Hmmm be sure and check out the new Foreighner CD at the store, and how about taking along that roll of film that needs to be developed ~~ Okay??? :) :) :)
Hey Johnny ~~ I do have Celine's Let's Talk About Love Cassette and I just looked at the inside sleeve, there is a pic of Celine with Sir George and she wrote a personal note of thanks and admiration to him, It looks to me that he produced the song called "The Reason" . I will have to take a listen to this cassette. It has been awhile since I listened to it.
Well I hope I haven't stirred anymore negativity with my ramblings here, that isn't my intent ever... I just love having AMERICA's music, this site, this chat folder, this group of friends in my every day life. Thanks everyone! Have a great weekend! Nancy :)
~~~ While I'm driving onward through the pouring rain, there's a ticket waiting, I've gotta Catch That Train, a yellow racing dreamboat on Calif. air, single engine cowboy, out in county fair, sooo ooooh baby, hurry here to me, ooooooh baby come see me, oooooh baby let the hours flee, ooooooh baby come see meeeeee ~~ Sing it for me Dewey, Gerry & Dan ~~~ Yep anyone that is lucky enough to be taking in the show at the Grove in Anaheim ~~ please let us see this through your eyes and words... :) :) I would have loved to have a ticket waiting for me!
Like I said before, I really didn't remember who it was that posted that exact quote. In my mind, it just stick out as the epitome of Dan's under-appreciation. As I also said, I came here to talk about America, and my memories of them, not fight with people. As far as the "Balls" thing goes, I guess since I was pretending to be bothered by it, I can pretend to explain that it sucks to have to think about that kind of stuff when you're in your early twenties.
I guess I "use" America as sort of an escape from those kinds of things, you know.. real world problems. Dewey's lyrics give me the physical energy I need, Gerry's give me the emotions, and Dan's give me the idea that after the physical and emotional needs of this world are no longer needed, there is a spititual world waiting.. another life.
Or Another Try, if you will.
It's sad to see some people proudly projecting the bitter defensive attitude and chip-on-the-shoulder that groups like Nickelback and Puddle Of Mudd literally thrive on.
So anyway, go ahead and fight about it, cuss one another, whatever... Then when America does reunite, reguardless of your vote, you'll buy their new album and go see them if they come to town!
Gee Johnny, how was I DON'T THINK THEY SHOUD BRING DAN BACK evasive???????? sure I maqy be curious enough to see how a reunion would go but am I clamouring for it NO Do I thin it will happen NO
I ft eh choose to make a record together Am I insulting them by buying it/ What pretzel logic is that?
And yes there are a few people here who like to bait one another....
CLear enough for ya John?
Yes Gen ~ Life if full of contradictions as you said, but I'm merely asking Robyn to explain what she meant by her two statements. She is fully capable of stating her thoughts. If a person is willing to post their thoughts to the folder then that person should be equally willing to explain their statements when it's not clear to the reader. Maybe Robyn mis-wrote one of her statements. We all here don't know whether this is the case unless she gives us her reply.
Regarding the bio that Warren referred to, Mo made it part of her public bio for all to read and she, no doubt, is very proud of her bio. Warren or anyone else here, therefore, has the full right to comment about it. If Mo doesn't mind her comments being accessible to the public via this website, then she shouldn't have minded Warren stating his opinion regarding it.
Thanks for the nice pics, Kim ! And thanks Steve for taking the time to post them. Kim, hope your husband is perfectly ok soon...
I'll second Mo's request : anyone attending the Modesto gig, give us details please.
Btw, after reading carefully all your posts on the subject, I've finally made up my mind about this reunion thing... and my vote is no.
I don't wish for a reunion, I don't dream of hearing the old stuff performed by an artificially re-united trio. BUT I long to hear some new, very fresh & modern material by America the duo !...
And frankly I'm no more interested in other (recent) examples of reunion efforts. I resent but can understand the business part in it. But artistically speaking, I don't see the point of raising the dead???
Flame me if you like, but to some extend, I was a bit sickened by some of the posts that were (to me) almost hysterical ... sad some resorted to personal attacks.
And Johnny - you know I like & respect you very much but - i'm surprised you should present the concept of contradiction as sth wrong or unnatural. Life itself is a contradiction since death is inherent to the very principle of life... Proving some ladies on this board are full of contradictions is no exploit in itself, to me at least. It's just natural that people should be so. I'm proud to be anyway.
And Warren, 'have the balls' is such a common expression that even the girls use it between themselves (even in my language by the way !)... pretending to take it as a personal insult or rather as an unwelcome ref to your health state seems quite unfair from my point of view. I've been used to more 'communion' spirit on this board over the years... Oh well !...
And anyway, who would want to disturb Dan's peaceful retreat in the Caymen Islands, hummm??? If I were in his place with all my time for myself, to paint, compose, write & record, I wouldn't want anyone to bother me with any new showbizz plans ...So, don't count me in! :)
Gen.
Sergio, I vote YES in favor of the reunion.
The Reunion will NOT take place, not because of Dan, but ONLY BECAUSE of Gerry and Dewey.
We have a new geography teacher at school.
She's quite young, but in everyone's opinion absolutely silly! She also has an odd voice. Have you ever heard a deaf person trying to speak? It's something like that, but her hearing is perfect.
Well, now I will analyze the word "silly". In our second lesson, ten minutes before the bell's ring for the break, someone in the clasroom made that noise, and Mrs. Helen, left us go!!! We are still wondering who did it. The person who did it, didn't want the teacher to leave us go, for sure, cause he/she wouldn't imagine the ending!
Hey, don't think we are trumps. We still can't believe what happenned!
I read on mB's journal this morning that he, Mike, and Leonard played with the guys on Horse at Modesto last night. Was anyone there who could elaborate on that? Did they get introduced or just join in without fanfair? Details, details, please.
Warren, welcome back. Hope the prostate thing is going your way. Lost my Dad to it 5 years ago. That won't happen to you though. You are young and you will beat it.
You've pretty well sized things up here on the chat folder and have handled yourself quite well.
May I email you?
Robyn ~ I have read through the postings you have submitted regarding the discussion of whether DG& D should reunite for a tour or series of concerts. Only now is it obvious that you are against it. Your initial reply was extremely evasive:
"If Dan came back to play a tour with the band today would I go? Maybe, maybe not."
You went on to say in one of your postings, "...wishing for a reunion is insulting to the work they have done, in my opinion."
Yet, in one of your other postings, you said, "Would I buy any release by them all together?" You answered, "Yes".
Okay, you are entitled to your opinion. HOWEVER, if you are willing to buy any music by the trio if offered as a reunion release (as you stated you would) wouldn't such a purchase by you be "insulting to the work they [Dewey & Gerry as a duo] have done" based on your own words?
I don't understand why you would be willing to purchase a release from the reunion, yet you believe a reunion would be an insult to D&G work as a duo. The two statements appear to me to be a gross contradiction, no?
Ditto for me regarding everything SteveO said about any possibilities of a reunion. Personally, I don't believe it will ever happen. I do, however, respect Gerry and Dewey's choice to remain a duo.
(Kim ~ I hope the antibiotics are successful in treating Derek.)
It's all right, I can see how it would've been taken rudely, although, trust me: If it's that big a deal to "get me" then who cares... lol. I don't have enough time or on my hands to fight over a biography in a chat folder.. I was just commenting on something that's on every America fan's mind anyway...
However, some people.. Oh, wait.. lemme clarify.. "some people" doesn't mean Mo specifically, it means (cupping hands over mouth) SOME PEOPLE! ...need to sit back and realize that the era which this type of music best represents is one of peace and love.. why call yourself a true America fan if you get a kick out of "baiting" people into an arguement? ...oh, well. I didn't come here to argue with anybody, I came here to talk about America.
Besides.. I'm young and she's old. HA!
Red Oak ~ Is that the title of your new autobiography? :0)
Hi Warren ~ Welcome back to the fold(er), Brother!
As hard as it may be, try not to let Moser get the better of you because she loves to bait some folks here on the folder or at least me, anyway. She has freely admitted doing so (or used it as an excuse in trying to explain what seemed to me to be a contradiction she made that I had pointed out in the recent past).
Mo ~ I welcome your rebuttal if I have said anything inaccurate above.
Yes, I guess I wouldn't mind seeing the guys as a threesome... but I have to say that I think the only people who would truly notice would be us die-hard fans. The general public, unfortunately, wouldn't know the difference and I am sorry to say that, in my most uninformed opinion, a reunion really wouldn't generate the interest nor the $ that many of you think it would. If Dan, Gerry and Dewey had gone off on their own and had huge solo careers with several hits each then of course the public would be clammering to see 'em reunite. But Gerry and Dewey have simply gutted it out, performing flawless show after show after show, year after year. Dan has put out some great music too. But most people don't know that. A real shame for sure. Just as it is a shame most people don't know Gerry's and Dewey's newer stuff and how rich and wonderful it is.
Not sure if any of this makes sense. Long week and on my third glass of wine.
j
For what its worth,consider me a "yes" vote for a reunion. Would be great to see some of Dans songs performed Live by Dan himself,most noteably "Todays the day". Its the one top 40 single the guys had that never gets performed. While I think Gerry & Dewey do a fine job on "Lonely People" and "Don't Cross the river",it sure would be nice to see all 3 of them doing the vocals on their own songs.
I miss the obvious and the intangibles that Dan Peek brought to America. Over time I've come to appreciate more and more Dan's contributions musically and vocally. I miss his background filling "over the top" style harmony that he provided with those vocalized ouhhh's and aaaah's.
How about on Gerry's "Another Try"...Dan's harmony added so much to the overall sound of that tune. He had a sort of "Beach Boy" Brian/Carl Wilson sound.
Gerry's "Till the Sun Comes Up Again" ends with Dan singing..."won't know till the sun comes up again" in a third part over the top harmony. It's fantastic. I play that song on guitar at least once a week still.
Again Gerry's "Lovely Night" with Dan's powerfull backing vocals filling with Dan's famous "aahhh's".
And Dewey's "Amber Cascades" with Dan singing background harmony plus Dan's ripping lead guitar work on his Gretsch. Listen to these songs again if you haven't in a while and you see how much Dan's sound made those songs complete. What would a new America song sound like with his contribution?
Gerry's "Who Loves You"...my sister still loves this song...has Dan's backing vocal tracks which color the song beautifully.
"God of the Sun" features Dan's "bah dap bah dah aah aah aah" backing Gerry. Dan's voice makes that song!
How about Dan's lead work on Dewey's "Are You There"! We haven't heard riffs like that on any recent work....again I'm missing Dan.
Dewey's "People in the Valley" has the America three part harmony which I find lacking in their current work. Dan's "ba bop ba bada ba bo" filling the background. That to me was the staple sound of America, Dan's added vocals harmony. And his added blistering electric leads. What would "Donkey Jaw" have sounded like without Dan's powerful work.
Now, don't get me wrong. I love the work Gerry and Dewey produce together so I don't want anyone out there thinking otherwise. But, I honestly miss what Dan brought to the table. The complete sound of the three of them is what hooked me at the age of 17. I've followed all of them ever since. Every piece of music they released either apart or solo I have. Yes, Dewey and Gerry have a different sound than Dan currently does. But Dan still has those harmonic backing vocals to add and I'm sure some licks of his own.
I think Gerry and Dan's greatest collaboration was on "Story of a Teenager". Their two styles where blended perfectly as each one wrote their part of that song. Great tune.
Dan and Gerry also harmonized on Dewey's "Tommorrow". Play that one and you remember how wonderful Dan's voice worked with Gerry's.
I'm hoping they reunite. Do a new CD. And tour again.
Not neccessarily get back together but reunite for a "project". Not totally up end their lives to do this as some have stated they would do. This would not be a marriage. But a collaboration.
Do I think this would happen...I don't know.
But in life you operate in one of two ways.
From strenght or from weakness.
Dewey and Gerry can let Dan back in for a "project" and do it from a position of strenght...tour, creating the sound the 3 of them had and possibly produce some new music.
Or Dewey and Gerry can operate from weakness being concerned that if they do get back together for a "project" and if the reunion is a huge success it may be said that it was due to Dan's return.
I feel a reunion would absolutely help America's possibilities to be voted into the HOF.
Twenty five years later and I still miss Dan Peek.
My .02
flywithabuzz
Hi all,
So far this reunion discussion has been fun, animated, and in the last hour a bit over the top... Cool your jets guys...Let's respect each other! I think we can all agree that we will probably continue to be their tried and true fans reunion or not, so what's the point in fighting.
I can't help but wonder, if "they" would ever consider our opinion should it come to a serious vote amongst themselves? If so, this might be more important to the cause than what it seems. Whatever the case may be, I find it interesting to see how this group has voted so far~ We have 11 (I counted Warren and Heather as one) in the "yes" column, and 5 under the "no" column; there are those that sound like "yes", but have not voted an outright "yes" or "no" to be counted. Then there are those who have abstained in silence or jokingly, let's hope they get around to voting. The bottom line up 'till now is that "Pro-Reunion" is beating "no-reunion" 2 to 1.
Speechwriter and Warren,
I too agree that Dan was an equally significant force in those treasured first seven albums and that he brought an invaluable lyrical and musical contribution to the group's enduring legacy.
Today, I drove to and from work listening to my cd of "Hideway" and the years just melted away with their music and harmonies, I was suddenly back in 1977 driving my "peacock blue" Buick "Regal" listening to my "Hideaway" 8-track, and there was Gerry singing the romantic and fun "Lovely Night", Dewey painting his canvas with "Amber Cascades" and Dan plaintively bearing his soul in the sublime songs "Today's The Day" and "Can't You See."
Which only served to reaffirm to myself that a "Live" reunion of these three great guys could be nothing less than sensational.
Sergio
See, now.. I've only been back for a day, and already someone's upset. To tell you the truth.. er.. "Moser".. I must've had something else on my mind the day I read your bio, because for some reason I couldn't remember that it was you who wrote it. Sorry!
I was merely using that quote, because it stuck out in my mind from whenever, so I guess you should feel good that I remembered it, with your super creative writing ability and all. Actually, I had no idea you were so important that everyone here immediatly knew it was you that the quote came from.. must be nice!
Oh, and uh.. by the way.. "Have the balls", eh? Nice thing to say to someone who might have prostate cancer.
I apologize though, but only because it's pretty useless to argue about America with someone who even questions Dan's input. Sorry, folks, but I guess I should've stayed gone.
<<To be truthful, I have read some other people's Bio's on this page, and without naming names (or causing flames, I hope), I think that those of you, particularly one in particular who happened to make the comment about Dan's departure: "Don't let the door hit you on the way out" are ignorant to the point of scary, and grossly ill-informed about America, period.>>
In case there was any lingering doubt, let me clear it up--those are my words. I always enjoy it when my words incite emotion. That's the point, isn't it? That's what the written word is supposed to do. I guess I prefer positive emotional responses over negative ones, but you can't win 'em all. Therefore, when you quote something I had written nearly a year ago, I can only take it as a compliment. My words obviously made an impression. That's a good thing. Next time you quote me though, do me two favors: 1) Have the balls to use my name--everybody knew you meant me anyway. 2) Quote me verbatim instead of paraphrasing. Thanks.
I agree there must be a re-onion.
The invitees are:
CLARICE, SARAH, FRED the PIGEON, MARY, OLD MAN TOOK, INSPECTOR MILLS, SAMMY & SUZY, TIN MAN, DAISY JANE,SERGEANT DARKNESS, CAROLINA, SUE, SISTER GOLDEN HAIR. W/this bunch, a grand time will be had by all ...
I pretty much agree, Nina, with what you said, (except for the 50 years) but are you for or against the reunion, or are you abstaining?
Yes we all know that Dan's contributions to the success of the group are invaluable. I have grown to appreciate his contributions more in the past year than ever before. But do I want the guys to reunite? No! Why? Dewey and Gerry have been a duo much longer than than the group was a trio. They have soldier on without Dan, providing us with over 2 decades of entertainment that in it's self is quite and accomplishment. If Dan were to rejoin the band now and by some chance they had another charting hit single due to that reunion, imagine the press that would result. Dan would get all the credit, not Gerry and Dewey, not the two guys that have keep the "America Sound" alive all these years. My vote for a reunion is a resounding NO!
If by some remote chance they were to reunite and record a new album, yes I would buy it. As for the reunion tour, would I go? I don't know! This year every time I have plan to go an America show, something has happened to prevent me from attending. I had planned on going up to Niagara Fall to see the show up there next week but won't be making it as I am recovering from some major surgery, due to an accident. Oh well I guess there is always next year!
I pretty much agree, Nina, with what you said, (except for the 50 years) but are you for or against the reunion, or are you abstaining?
In my comments, I never meant that Dan's contributions during his time were any less than Dewey's or Gerry's. I simply think that a reunion is not possible, IMHO. Thanks for a lively discussion.
I pretty much agree, Nina, with what you said, (except for the 50 years) but are you for or against the reunion?
Re: My point is, Dan was a bigger part of the group than we now realize, because of his absence. Don't discount his input simply because he decided he'd had enough of the lifestyle...
Well put, Warren. In addition to his own unique guitar stylings, and his songwriting, Dan Peek was the frosting for those chilling three-part America harmonies. That's probably the first thing I noticed about the Dan-less LPs of the late 70s and early 80s. In addition, and I've said this before, Dan provided a hard-to-describe songwriting sensibility. Obviously I'm generalizing in the extreme, but Dan's writing struck me as adding a welcome degree of introspection to the America lyric brew.
Well, I haven't posted here in so long, I had to go and get myself a new password. lol.. Lots of things have changed, although I can't say I haven't been here at all in the last 7 years.. I tend to check up on the guys from time to time. Anyway, allow me to introduce myself.. My name's Warren. I don't want to go into an autobiography here, but in short, I'm a "musician from the mountains", (I hope that doesn't conjure up an image of a guy in over-alls with a white beard playing washtub bass.. I actually work in the marketing department at the nearby Homestead Resort.)
Ok.. about the musician thing: although the traditional music of my hometown never did anything for me, I found a copy of the Grand Funk Railroad album "Survival" at age 4, and learned how to spin it. That was my intro to the world of rock and roll, which would eventually lead me to America in high school. A far cry from Grand Funk, I know, but my tastes have always been very eclectic.
Now, I was "hardcore America" for years to come.. strangely enough, this was long after their real hey-day (I forgot to mention, they were the soundtrack for my senior year of high school and that summer of 1997). It seems like only yesterday I was 17 and walking along my favorite hiking trail here in Virginia, gazing at the summer sunset, which seemed to be playing the final piano chords to "Who Loves You" from it's misty valleys.
Yes, those were the days.
Unfortunately my job, along with a bit of trouble with my physical health (prostate trouble at age 22.. go figure), and trying to bring a DeLorean automobile back to life as a side project (dear God) have kept me from focusing on America as much as I did in my more care-free days. However, I have recently begun rediscovering their music, although not with the youthful energy so exerted in my original profile, written when I was 18. (see: America Fan - Warren Woodzell).
The reason for my so-called reappearence is to comment on a recent discussion.. the possibility of a reunion. I think it's a fantastic idea, simply because there were so many things left unsaid and undone when Dan left. To be truthful, I have read some other people's Bio's on this page, and without naming names (or causing flames, I hope), I think that those of you, particularly one in particular who happened to make the comment about Dan's departure: "Don't let the door hit you on the way out" are ignorant to the point of scary, and grossly ill-informed about America, period. What would the debut album be without "Never Found The Time" or "Rainy Day"?
..What would Homecoming be without "Don't Cross the River"?
or Holiday without the beautiful "You"?
My point is, Dan was a bigger part of the group than we now realize, because of his absence. Don't discount his input simply because he decided he'd had enough of the lifestyle.. Besides, without him, how good would Harbor have been?.. again.. just my opinion, but come on.. really!
AMEN Nina!
I personally think a reunion between Gerry, Dewey, and Dan will never take place...unless, of course, the group gets inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and are asked to perform. An eternity of time has passed since they split in 1977... more than enough time to make it happen if all the parties involved agreed. If there's one thing I've learned in my almost 50 years on this planet, it's this: Although you CAN go home again, sometimes it's just better NOT to.
Everyone is surely entitled to his or her own opinion. No disrespect intended, but I don't see the logic behind the assertion that wishing for an America reunion somehow insults the band's work without Dan Peek. I didn't read anyone saying they wished that Gerry and Dewey had never cut their post-Dan recordings, or that they should all be melted. I read people saying they'd like to hear -- and see-- the three of them back creating music again as a unit because because that particular synergy is what started it all, and what captured our ears (and imaginations) in the first place.
Well.... we thought Derek was doing great. He has unfortunately developed on abcess/infection and we have had to put him back in the hospital. They are trying to avoid having to do surgery, so they are giving him antibiotics (and morphine) through an IV and he will be re-evaluated on Monday. Hopefully the antibiotics will work. He's in pretty good spirits though and was laughing (okay maybe not laughing-more like a ha) about this being one long Sweetwater adventure. The good news is 1) we are at home and 2) we were able to catch his folks in San Antonio before they headed back home to Tucson, so they are up here to help me with the kids and with Derek.
Ya'll have a great weekend - mine will be spent at the hospital!
Kim
What I meant was that wishing for a reunion is insulting to the work they have done, in my opinion. They have been a duo longer than they were a trio. They are reaping the benefits of 26 years of work AND the groundwork they laid out as 2/3 of America. That's all I'm saying I know it is an unpopular opinion and some of you will roast me for it, but it is how I feel.
I received a note today from the executive director of the Paramount Theatre in Aurora, Illinois. America will be playing there on October 18 and the theatre has a special deal for the fans. Simply mention that you read about it on the America Fans Chat Folder and they'll give you $5 off each ticket. You'll need to call the box office directly at 630-896-6666 rather than going through Ticketmaster to get the discount. Here's a link to the Paramount Theatre web site where you can get more information: http://www.paramountarts.com/
When you are jet-setting around to America concerts, pay attention to this:
Subject: Woodpeckers
A Hawaiian woodpecker and a Californian woodpecker were arguing about
which place had the toughest trees. The Hawaiian woodpecker said that
they had a tree that no woodpecker could peck. The California
woodpecker challenged him and promptly pecked a hole in the tree with no problem.
The Hawaiian woodpecker was in awe.
The California woodpecker then challenged the Hawaiian woodpecker to
peck a tree in California that was absolutely un-peckable. The
Hawaiian woodpecker expressed confidence that he could do it and
accepted the challenge.
After flying to California, the Hawaiian woodpecker successfully pecked the tree with no problem.
The two woodpeckers were now confused.
How is it that the California woodpecker was able to peck the Hawaii
tree and the Hawaiian woodpecker was able to peck the California tree
when neither one was able to peck the tree in their own state? After
much woodpecker-pondering, they both came to the same conclusion:
Your pecker is always harder when you're away from home
TGIF everyone!!!!!!!!
Tell me, are you hot mama, you sure look that way to me
Are you old enough, will you be ready when I call your bluff?
Is my timing right, did you save your love for me tonight?
Yeah I'm hot blooded, check it and see, feel the fever burning inside of me
Come on baby, do you do more than dance? I'm hot blooded, I'm hot blooded
Here's a link to a web page with information about the Modesto Oktoberfest: http://www.modchamber.org/calendar/details.asp?EventID=27. Thanks, Don, for giving us the information.
Nancy ~ The Celine Dion CD is titled, "Let's Talk About Love". Which song(s) Sir George produced, I'll have to check tonight.
Janice ~ Glad to hear things are going your way. Also, a "hi" to Howie L who popped in for a sec earlier this week or so.
On the comment about hard-core fans loving it when the Dan turns up for a concert and plays obscure stuff from its catalogue instead of the hits, I totally agree. When I saw Steely Dan at the Tweeter Center in Camden, they came out and opened with The Boston Rag from their second LP, Countdown to Ecstasy. That LP contained no "hits," per se, and Boston rag was one of its oddest. It was the same when I saw them at the Borgata in A.C. recently. They came out and opened with the long, multi-phased Aja, and also played stuff like "Don't Take Me Alive" and "Kid Charlamagne" while ignoring the obvious stuff like "Do It Again" and "Rikki ... " I'm greedy. i'd have liked to hear them do those two, but it is nice to be pleasantly surprised. I liken it to having Dewey and Gerry come out and open with the title tune from "Hat Trick" and, maybe, transitioning into "Donky Jaw."
As usual. :-)
Just received another "window" picture and was reminded of how long it has been since visiting the folder here. By the way, I liked the recent picture of Gerry's image in the picture he was taking.
Let's see, Yes to a reunion (or at least a reunion concert) and the promise to purchase anything recorded, (of course.)
Hope the east coasters are staying safe and dry. I remember a visit from "Hugo" right after buying this house..(huddled with 3 kids and surrounded by moving boxes), Geez..and people are afraid of California earthquakes? Then again, I wouldn't want to choose between the two.
Fall is upon us (my favorite time of year) and I'm looking forward to some Smokey Mtn trips. First, however, will be a week-long Cedar Keys Florida trip in November with Ronnie to do some shelling and "commune with nature". I'm homeschooling him this year, and he is fully enjoying being the "only child", as AJ joined Ryan in college last month. AJ is visiting this weekend, and I will love having him here.
Ryan has expanded his business and has been receiving formal training in "Whole Hog II"...which I guess is a big rig lighting unit, and he'll become fully certified in November. He wants to give up "formal college" in order to attend "Full Sail" in Florida, which I gather will expose him to more of the technical production stuff he wants to be involved with. Exciting times for him!
Thanks to the many of you who keep in touch. I count you along with the many blessings that I am thankful for these days, as it appears that I am back in remission. Delta continues to be supportive, and even gave me my 20 year pin and fancy engraved clock. Woowoo!!
Well, take care everyone and may God bless all of you.
Janice
Nightowl Nancy here ~~ Reporting live from the Laurel Highlands region of Central PA where the time is 2:17 am fri morning ~~ Hurricane Isabel is making her presence known here now it is raining ooooh soo hard and the winds are cranking up the amps pretty darn good ~~ Dewey is singing in my headphones ~~~ blowing leaves, broken dreams, seventeen, dancing queen, dancing queeeeen ~~~ Iiiiii fell asleep on a rainbow hiding from the wake of a tide, Iiiii fell asleep on a rainbow hoping for the rest of the ride, ~~~ can you feel it moving inside of you, can you let it gooooo, purple ghost of England in wintertime whoooo I used to knowwww (Ooooooh how I love to let my fingers sing along with Dewey to this great song) :) ~~ Ok get a grip Nancy ~~ stick to the topic on hand ~~ It was announced earlier today that all the schools were cancelling classes for friday and Gov Rendell placed a State of Emergency Plan in effect.. Nathan said to me upon getting in the van after school, Mom did you go pick up the Cake we won from Bi Lo, and did you know there isn't any school tomorrow! I said Yep Yep to both! ~~ When I went to the grocery store, and while waiting for the Bakery lady to get my cake, I heard a familiar song playing on the store speakers.... Nope not an AMERICA song, but it was The Thorns singing their great new song I Can't Remember :) Pretty neat! ~~~ Sooo the kids helped me carry all of my potted flowers into the basement, we picked all the pears from the tree and all day long the birds were eating up a storm, and Maggie the Dog stayed close at hand, she seemed to sense this prestorm apprehension! ~~ I guess the hardest rains and winds are too hit during the night here. Our lights flickered earlier this evening, but our power stayed on so far. There is a flood warning in effect for our whole area. We aren't getting hit as hard as those in NC,MD,VA and NJ & Washington DC! My thoughts and prayers go out to all of our chat folder friends in these areas, I hope all is well! :)
Thanks Steve L for that neat Pic of Isabel ~~ Wow that is one Awesome view of the magnitude and size of the Eye of this Hurricane, I was reading that this was the same size as the state of Colo. passing over us ~~ Tooo much! ~~ Dewey is here singing ~~~ Please be sure and say a word at night for all your brothers feeling blueee blueeee, feeling blueeeee :)
Hi Gerry ~~ Thanks for the Surprise wall to wall blue-eyed sky pic from Kimberly Wis, WOW ~ that was one Panaramic shot for sure! I bet you could see the rainbow colors all which ways! :) ~~~ Hmmmmmm your VFTHW pic from Wash. brought an inquiring thought to my mind... Upon looking at this Pine tree with the oooooh soooo skinny branches at the top, have you ever wondered just how a bird can land on the very tip of these trees and not cause the branch to tip or fall over? LOL :) ~~ Hmmm our skies here looked much like these 2 pics, yesterday was a magnificent day and this morning the rippled rows of dingy colored cottonball ocean clouds filled our sky too! ~~~ Hideaway Part 1 is playing here now and Wow what an appropriate sound to accompany these pics, I must say these 2 instrumentals have always carried me away to another place and time in my imagination, all the peaks and valleys just flow into one as I listen to these.... :)
Welcome dofd ~~~ Thanks for drawing our attention to this Dewey interview, I enjoyed reading it, and I loved Dewey's response to the question Did you ever think you would still be performing with your friend for 30 years ~~~~ Sooo nice reading Dewey's response that they have never entertained the thought of breaking up ~~ Yeah I love it! ~~~ Hidden Talent is playing here now ~~~ Sing it Gerry & Dewey :)~~ Hey dofd ~~ Lucky you getting to take in this AMERICA show out there in sunny Calif. have a great time and come back and let us hear all about it after you come down from this oooh soo nice High! Okay? :)
Hmmmmm ~~~ Dan is here singing ~~~ Don't Cry Baby ~~~ Hmmm what a nice song, love it for sure.... I too vote Yes to all the questions regarding a Reunion, Just like Alan I too have never seen them perform as a Trio ~~ I would buy the new released CD too. ~~~ Hmmm Robyn you are very lucky to have seen them perform as a trio as many times you have ~~ Wow ~~ I gotta disagree with what you said about Dan playing with them being like a slap in the face now.... My 2 cents about this is that ~~ They all 3 of them were the songwriters, singers and musicians that made up the Trio and experienced the Magic together, that Magic still is inside of them I am sure, what an Awesome experience this had to be for them. ~~ I would have loved to be a little mouse in Dirt Pit Manor, getting to hear them sitting and just strumming the guitar and adding lyrics and these great songs coming all together... Dewey is here singing ~~ Nothing's sooo far away as yesterday, I recall how it used to be, and I can feel it, feel it surrounding meeeee, nothings sooo far away as yesterday woooo ooooooh ~~~ WOW! :) ~~ I just would treasure getting to experience them playing together, I know that their harmonizing would not be the same as then, that doesn't matter to me. Just picture them singing Head & Heart, Hat Trick ~~ soooo many more. One more thing regarding Simon & Garfunkel ~~ on David Letterman, they said they weren't doing this just to call it a reunion tour, they wanted to do this, cause they said it felt good at this time to be playing and singing these songs again. ~~ I read Steve O's music column for this week just before coming here, and it is on Simon & Garfunkel, Nicely said Steve O and thanks for your perspective on their reunion tour. Your articles are always filled to the brim with neat info. :)
Hi KarenL ~~ I was a smiling for sure seeing the complete Gerry Poem collection ~~ Nice :) ~~ I will look forward to Dewey's as well, I gotta agree with you on the Kaleidoscopically 3D colored dreams having to be in there somewhere ~~ Dewey is here singing a magical song in my headphones Young Moon ~~~ Wow How I love the descriptive Visuals that are in his lyrics in this song ~~~ Dewey at his Best for sure! :) :) :)
Hey there Rob ~~ I hope you enjoyed listening to the View From The Ground songs on your way to work ~~~ WOW ~~~ I woke up this morning and Dewey's ooooooh sooo great song came to my mind, I got an instant hankerin to hear YOU GIRL ~~ Another song where Dewey is at his best ~~~ When the winds blow cold, am I left alone, to remember times gone by, was it all in vain, did the faces change, and I never questioned why, now the answer is clear, and I need you here, cause everything I'll ever want, everything I'll ever need is in You Girl ~~~ and my most favorite part ~~~~ You are my love todaaaay, my life tomorroooow, Ooooooh my very souuuuul, and I've searched over the Mountains, all through the shadows, under the water toooo, alll to find just to find, that everything I'll ever want ~~~ take it from there Dewey ~~~ Such a great song, have loved it from the get go! :), and Yep this is one great album, I called and requested "You Can Do Magic" on the radio the day I went to see them in April.... and what a Magical evening that turned out to be! :) :) :) ~~ I enjoyed reading about your Lecture and that this Professor feels that AMERICA will find their way to the HOF! ~ Yes Yes Yes!
I know I am getting more than carried away with this post, Sorry, I had sooo much bubbling in my head, I just had to spill it all out! Thanks for reading my ramblins.... :)
Hi there Terryt ~~ Yep Sergeant Darkness is one great song! good to hear from you! ~~~ Hmmm have you been playing any of these great songs on your guitar lately? ~~ I hope sooooo! :)
Oooooooh Redddddd ~~~ Your Bullshit Bingo post is too much for sure! I will give this a try at my next monthly board meeting... I can just see the Boards faces when I let out my Bullshit Bingo yell! hahhahahah :) ~~ Hey it is almost 4 am here and I am wide-eyed and bushytailed awake ~~~ Weather With You is playing in my headphones, what a great way to wind down on a stormy night! :) ~~~ Red don't snore soooo loud Okay? ;)
Well Mo ~~ I have been contemplating this latest Rumor of yours and I too just love the fact that this nutty girl left this cat out of the bag... Hoax, Halibut, HankyPanky, Humongous, Halmark, Halfmoon, Haven, Headphone, Heart to Heart .... soo many possibilities for another H title... I just love the thought of a new CD.... I just love the thought of hearing my DJ friend say and now Here is a New Song from the Group AMERICA.... WOW!!!! :) :) :)
Hmmmm Johnny ~~ I am curious to know which Celine Dion Cd Sir Martin produced ..... I have most of her stuff. I too love her way with putting her every emotion in her songs! :)
Carry on all, this chat folder has been buzzing in the best kinda way for sure lately! Nitey Nite all, Nice Dreams, stay safe and warm! See ya, Nancy :)
~~~ God of the sun, I'll be around till the days begun, one sign of your ray takes the night away, Oooh But when I walk through that door take my hat and coat off, waiting for you to call, I say Not right now Lady I got work on My Mind, I'll call you soon, always remember when I called you an echo was all that came back ~~~ Sing it for us Gerry ~ Dewey ~ & Dan too.... :) :) :)
...Steely Dan, that is, for just a second if I may. I thought it was interesting when someone here not too long ago said Steely Dan wasn't playing many of their hits in their recent concerts and that it wouldn't be a good show unless they did, and their hit songs would be expected if money were to be shelled-out for one of their shows.
As you all know, that's exactly why our guys play so many of their hits and very few of the ones that aren't yet we'd like it to be the other way around as hardcore America fans -- unrealistic as it may be.
It must be quite cool for hardcore Steely Dan fans to attend a Steely Dan concert where a lot of non-hit songs are being played.
On an entirely different matter, I bought a Celine Dion CD for a buck at a garage sale the other day. I was very surprised that Sir George had produced one (or perhaps two?) of her songs on the CD. I figured it would happen, but I had never heard it mentioned anywhere before. Sir George scored a "hat trick"... the Beatles, America, and Celine (even though the latter probably isn't too popular among many of us here).
Hello everyone,once again the annual reunion talk is well underway as for my part I wouldn't mind seeing Dan add backing vocals and some guitar to a new recording and see how it goes from there.What America does have is its very own sound,many critics in the UK had suggested that the 70's music was when the group was at it's best.As for the Eagles well they are going to milk the "cash cow" for all its worth,I loved much of their work but saturation on radio (not their fault)tends to spoil much of it.Poco are a joy and "Rose of Cimmeron" has to be one of the best tunes ever,Timothy B also wrote some super numbers "Keep on Tryin" and "Starin at the Sky" but hardly gets a look in with the Eagles which Henley and Frey seemingly rule with an iron fist.I very much look forward to America recording and if and when it takes place I'd love to see some pictures of the chaps working in the studio.
I wanna play, I wanna play! Here are my answers to the possibilities.
Q: If Dan came back to play a tour with the band today would I go?
A: Maybe, maybe not
Q: Would I buy any release by the three of them?
A: Maybe, maybe not
Q: Do I think it's going to happen?
A: Maybe, maybe not
(hee, hee)
Jim, hang in there - the Dewey poem is in the works! "Release date" set for January 19, 2004! (Is everyone working on it?) Jim - you (or Nancy?) just HAVE-HAVE-HAVE TO include your line about Dewey probably dreaming in color and 3-dimensionally . . . kaleidoscopically! I love that!!
Here's my take on a DP reunion. I would love to see a reunion tour and possibly an album accompanying the tour but that's as far as I would like to see it go.
There are 2 reasons - 1) I have never had the opportunity of seeing them as a trio (selfish reason) and 2) I think it may spark enough interest to give them a shot at the HOF and getting back to the top, if only briefly.
The main reason I would only wnat a one-time reunion rather than a permanent one is that I am afraid that putting Dan back in the mix could cause all the resentment and hard feelings that existed at the time of Dan's departure to come back that could eventually destroy the band. It seems to me that D & G get along really well since Dan left and have forged a great relationship, both professional and personal that I would hate to see put in jeopardy. And even though the Eagles supposedly mended their fences and put it all behind them, there's still rumors of the infighting and ego clashes that were there before. Look at what happened w/ Don Felder. I think as they have matured, they have been able to keep it check better than in their younger days, but it is still there nonetheless, waiting to rear its ugly head. I would hate to see this happen to America. I think they could handle one album and a reunion tour, but I'm not so sure about the long-term.
My 2 cents.
Alan
America's concert in Modesto tomorrow night is part of the Chamber of Commerce's Oktoberfest at the local minor league baseball stadium. For $40, you get all you can eat bratwurst, all you can drink beer, and America! I can't think of a better way to spend a Friday night. Only problem is, since I'm driving down from Sacramento, I'll have to get a room if I partake of the all-you-can-drink beer.
Wow! I had no idea I would stir up so much controversy with my rant! I feel I must respond to some of the other posts. I was orin\ginally going to respond individually, but with my time being limited, I am just going to respond in general to these posts.
First of all, as I stated at the beginning of my post, I am very much a fan of the Eagles. I was merely pointing out how much more bands like America and Poco have given back to their fans than the Eagles have.
I never had the opportunity to see the Eagles when I was younger because they never toured anywhere near where I live in Rural Maine. I always swore that if they ever got back together I would see them, no matter how far I had to travel. Well, when the reunion was announced back in 1994 and I found out they were playing Great Woods (now the Tweeter Center), I bought tickets for myself and my wife. At the time I had just changed jobs, had young children and had recently bought our first house. We scraped up the money for the show - $120 a ticket. I will say it was one of the most incredible concerts I have ever seen. At the time the HFO tour was announced, so was the new album of the same name. I was waiting in line to buy it the day it was released, thinking it would be an album of all-new material. Imagine my disappointment at finding only 4 new songs, with the rest of the CD full of live versions of their old songs, culled from the kick-off shows for MTV. I almost never listen to HFO since I bought the video. I much prefer watching them live than listening. Ever since then, I have been hoping against hope for an all-new album. Several times I heard rumors, but nothing ever came of them. I thought they coming out with a whole album to go along with their CD/DVD single "Hole In
The World", but apparently that's not the case.
To be perfectly honest, although America has always been ONE of my favorite bands, for the longest time I considered the Eagles to be my absolute favorite band. But the more they have disappointed me over the years, the more cynical I have become about them. I guess seeing America again recently and seeing Poco for the first time just really got me thinking about how much more these bands have given their fans than the Eagles have.
As far as the Eagles never having their "Perspective" (and I would tend to throw "Your Move" into that category, too, although there are a couple of gems on the latter to give it some redeeming value) as a result of not having recorded during the 80's, I would have to agree. But, as far as I am concerned, "The Long Run" is no prize, either. Aside from the hits, there are only a couple of tunes on it I really like ("In The City" and "Sad Cafe"). It is unfortunate that America became married to 80's recording techniques, but look at all the GOOD music they recorded as well (despite the drum machine) that we would have never heard had D & G decided to call it quits after Harbor instead of deciding to forge on w/o Dan. And let's be fair, most of what caused YM and Perspective was the control that Capitol records had over them at the time. From comments I've read, I don't think D & G were very pleased at the outcome of those 2 records, either.
I think we can all agree that America is deserving of HOF. And as far as Poco not being "HOF material" - in terms of commercial success alone I have to agree. But they were an integral part of the whole counrtry rock phenomenon, just as much as the Eagles. And they had a strong following as well. I think Asylum did a better job marketing the Eagles that Poco's label (Warner/Reprise, I think)did for them. I'm sure the fact that Poco's sound was not quite as slick and polished as the Eagles probably hurt them some as well. But I personally would stand their body of work up against the Eagles' any day. Yeah, Poco had a few "Perspectives" as well (Blue and Gray, Ghost Town and Inamorata to name a few) as a result of recording in the 80's, but like America, they had some real gems during that time as well. What did the Eagles give us during that time (other than hope of a reunion some day)?
And while we are on the subject of country rock and artists deserving of HOF - I think Gram Parsons should be there too. After all, if it wasn't for his vision of uniting rock and country, we wouldn't have the Eagles. Indeed, the Eagles, Poco and other country rock bands as well as most modern country artists owe a great debt to that man (and the Stones, too for the country influences in some of their songs, like "Wild Horses"). I think he would have gone a lot farther (both solo and w/ the Flying Burrito Bros) had he not drank and drugged himself to death at such an early age.
There is more I would like to repond to but right now time does not allow, so I'll have to weigh in on the rest later.
Alan
http://www.modbee.com/arts/story/7433689p-8351837c.html
Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in Arlington, WA.
just curious ... anyone have a sense of whether, on balance, they've had good or bad experiences with reunion 'product' over time? I can recall thinking the original Byrds' reunion LP, 1973's "Byrds," was disappointing. And I've felt that way about a few others over time as well. I liked the new songs on the Eagles reunion CD "Hell Freezes Over," and I hear the new Poco CD is pretty good. Seems to be a mixed bag ... sometimes you get new creative sparks, sometimes just a bunch of individuals dredging up tunes from their "unwanted demos and dead dogs" files.
Make sure you yell out "Bullshit Bingo" I win and show em ur game card, ha!!!!!! That would be one for the camcorder.............
Thanks Steve. Here in Raleigh, NC we are hunkered down, right now I have no power, and toughing out 40 mph winds. It's scary, I'll be glad when it's over.
Cindy from the South
If Dan came back to play a tour with the bend today would I go? Mybe, maybe not, I was lucky enough to be able to see the threee of them play together five or six times "back in the day" and they were wonderful. Would it be as good today? Probably not. Their musical styles have taken divergent paths and I do not know if they would mesh.
Would I buy any relese by them all together. Yes.
But do I think it's gonna happen? No.
Robyn, haven't (literally) heard your vote yet... or are you saving it for Arnold? ;)
No I am leaning toward Angelyne.....
I'll post on the other vote in a bit.
Great job Karen L !
wow sure would like to see a DEWEY version.
Hey everyone,
I have been reading all of these recent posts about the always-topical reunion rumors and about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. I think that it would be awesome if America got inducted, I'm sure i'm not alone on that in this chat folder. I figured that I would share some news, i may have posted this before but just figured that I would post it again. This spring I went to this informal lecture at my college that was about Rock and Roll in the 60's. It was a great lecture/presentation given by this guy named Barry something, I wish I could remember his last name, he goes around to different colleges and gives these great multimedia presentations with music, lights, and a slideshow about the history of rock and roll music in a particular decade. He also does a 70's presentation, which I wish I could have gotten to see that. I went up to him after the lecture, and a bunch of people were asking him about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and he mentioned that he was on the voting committee for it. This voting committee consists of rock critics and journalists, including Dave Marsh and Jon Landau and others. Many of these critics think that America is a mediocre band which I have never understood why they think that. They do tend to be trendy types, so I guess that has something to do with it. If you asked the average rock critic what he/she thought of Neil Diamond, they would probably start talking about how bad "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" without remembering his great rock songs like "Cracklin' Rosie" "You Got to Me" "Cherry Cherry" etc. I'm rambling...anyways. But this lecturer said that he thinks America will eventually get in to the R&RHOF. He said and I quote, "They will probably get in the year after we induct Kenny Loggins/Loggins and Messina, but I think they'll get in." I was happy to hear that he thought they would get in. Plus, with the musical style pioneered by America/CSNY/Loggins and Messina coming back into style with groups like The Thorns and The Jayhawks, it is possible that America will be looked at in a favorable light once again, even by Dave Marsh and other critics who have a big voice in the R&R HOF.
Anyway, so I just wanted to pass along that information, sorry if I had already posted that here.
Hope everyone's week is going well.
It is cool to hear talk about the new album. I am very excited for it. I can't wait to rush out and buy my copy of the "Hoax" CD today. Or "Halibut" whatever. hehe lol
My friend Matt and I were talking about America and their H thing one time and he said as a joke, "Maybe America will put out a metal album and call it "Hell"." I remember laughing at this suggestion...that would certainly be a weird change of pace for the guys.
I gotta go to work now, i think i'm gonna listen to the View from the Ground album and enjoy the late summer weather on the drive there.
Take care,
-Rob
Wow! Our Chat Folder here is sooo entertaining! I sure enjoyed reading all of the Eagles/America/Mending Fences stuff! I agree with many of you, doubt if Dewey, Gerry, Dan will perform together again. But, IF it does happen, I will be in the front row!
Hey Red Oak, LOVED your business meeting game! I'm still cracking up!
Great rumor Moser!
Bye, Valerie
Just shows how us foreigners can get a bit mixed up. When I saw it I thought the WI was short for the West Indies. It never occured to me that it was Wisconsin.
Red - Thanks I needed that game years ago! (hahahaha) I work for a Bank and just heard maybe 18 of the 25 phrases listed in a conference call this morning. I'm sure I'll win when I hear the rest of them in the next meeting today!
Funny thing, my uncle's ex-chauffeur works at the same Olive Garden, in the kitchen, but on that particular evening had to also wait some tables due to a personnel shortage. Uncle T tells me that Rubin definitely heard the word "halibut" being tossed around.
My vote, Serg Darkness, is a definite AYE, but I'm having a problem with the NaySayers who still want to attend a trio concert anyway.
Speech, all I can say is... You said (and continue to say) it all for me, too.
Robyn, haven't (literally) heard your vote yet... or are you saving it for Arnold? ;)
Love you all and I love America!
Gerry wrote back and said that it was a private gig. The reason we don't usually post those on the web site is because the general public can't attend.
a break, this could be what you need:
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strategic fit
core competencies
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revisit
take that off-line
24/7
out of the loop
benchmark
value added
proactive
win-win
think outside the box
fast track
result-driven
empower(ment)
knowledge base
at the end of the day
touch base
mindset
client focus(ed)
ballpark
game plan
leverage
4. Whenever you hear one of those words/phrases during the meeting,
make an X through the appropriate block.
5. When you get five blocks horizontally, vertically, or
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VFTSC = View From The Space Camera. Click here to see a close-up view of Hurricane Isabel that was taken by one of the Expedition 7 crewmembers onboard the International Space Station. Good luck to all of you who will be affected by this hurricane. I hope that nothing serious happens to you or your property.
Maybe Steve L. could shed some light on why the band was in Kimberly, WI tonight?
I'll see what I can find out. Gerry sent me the photo on the 16th so if it was a private gig, it was likely that night.
Just for the record, my vote is "yes." The reunion cycle often goes album-concerttour-livealbum. Sap that I am, I'd shell out for all of 'em.
Hi Mo & Karen - I too loved the rumor! How funny - I especially found it funny because there isn't an Olive Garden in Kimberly, WI. HA! But seriously, I am still curious why they were there--anybody know? Mo I enjoy reading your posts so much--what a sense of humor!
Hi Mo - I love the rumor! Cousin's brother's girlfriend - how funny! Yes, some nutty people do show up at live chat, don't they?!!?:) And "Hoax" - good one. I wouldn't care what they call their new album - I'm sure it would be good. Thanks for sharing this "information" with us!
Gerry, thanks for the surprise picture!! We didn't expect you to be in Wisconsin! Looks like beautiful weather in that part of the state, too! Do you feel like you just can't get away with anything with us?!!? : ) These inquiring minds always want to know what you're up to! I hope it doesn't deter you from occasionally sending another surprise picture to us.
Karen
Okay, here's the skinny on why Gerry is in Kimberly, WI. I heard this from some nutty girl on live chat who said her cousin's brother's girlfriend spotted Gerry and Dewey with Andrew Gold at an Olive Garden in Kimberly discussing what they should call their newly completed album. I think she said they settled on Hoax.
But, seriously, it's a good rumor. Should we run with it?
I agree Speech. And as a fan who has been there from their first note, I'd love to see the three of them perform again. I am a definite yes.
Cindy from the South
THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT GERRY . . .
There once was a songster named Gerry,
Who looked at his best when most hairy.
He wrote songs of love,
As if sent from above
For lucky girls Di, Daisy, and Mary. (Mo)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, that handsome, talented blond
Of whom we all are quite fond
Still looks just as young today
On this, his 51st birthday. (Karen)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our Gerry we've known since he was young and so fine,
Better now is he, like an expensive fine wine. (Cindy)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes there's something physical about Gerry
Radio-active in nature, obviously :
He's the one who had Mo lose her mind
Though she's given him more than a ten
For the heart break
He'd never meant...
There's something chromatic about Gerry,
Like this early light at dawn,
His radiance we want to chant,
His (window) reflection we glorify!
But inside is where his beauty lies
Sweet-surprise-music-brother,
We celebrate in you the songster
Perfect performer & fun photographer... (flove funny falliterations!)
On this special day fans, friends & family,
Make sure you treat him lovingly ! (Gen)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy birthday Gerry from the guy who always shouts
During "Lonely People" when you bust your harmonica out! (Rob)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gerry, Happy Birthday, from a long time fan
you are my number one music man
From guitar to piano and harmonica too
I just have to tell you that I love you
When I get to your show, there is no doubt
That smile of yours just knocks me out
So on this day of yours, I just want to say
your songs will be in my life each and every day. (Linda)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He's the spectacled Gent
With the technical bent
On the riffs from "Horse", "Moon" and "V Highway".
To the guys, he's The Magician
On guitar and piano, accomplished Musician
For the girls, some say it's his shy way.
Happy Birthday, Gerry! (Vic)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Although you'll be 22 years beyond 29
You still look great
You're still in your prime
Thanks Brother G
For all the songs that you play
I send to you good vibes
For your Special Day (Johnny)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gerry ~ Gerry ~ Gerry
You're More than Extra Ordinary
Your many Talents We Treasure
Your Smile & Dimple oooooh such a Pleasure
Your VFTHW Pics Nicely capture Life's Colored Hues
And help to chase away the Blues! :)
Soooo on Your Special Day
I am here to say
We Appreciate You in Every Way!
I Hope your day is Filled with the Brightest Rainbow Colors
and May Life's Continuing Hwy bring Nothing But the Best Always!
Thanks For Giving Us the Kiss of Life in sooo many ways! Nancy :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have much more to say
But how do you write a poem to a poet
It's like teaching God to pray
So, although my words are few
And my irreverent comments may not show it,
Please know that I have always admired you.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Gerry (Mo)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What can I add about Gerry...
...except that he makes me quite merry....
...when I need him, he's there....
...like he hasn't a care.....
...and that's what I love about Gerry! (Nina)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Gerry, el miembro del pelo dorado
El de la banda que yo mas he admirado
Le deseo en este dia de celebracion
La mas sincera felicitacion
Gracias por compartir de tu alma en cada cancion
[To Gerry, the member with the golden hair
from the band that I've admired most
I wish you on this day of celebration
my most sincere felicitation
Thanks for sharing a piece of your soul in every song.] (Sergio)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gerry, 51 you may be
But here's the deal
You still haven't
Lost your sex appeal
What more can I say
That hasn't already been said
Happy Birthday to you
Best wishes for the year ahead (Lass)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I want to send my Birthday wishes to Mr. Gerry B.
And let him know just how much his music means to me!
It calms my nerves, soothes my soul, and makes me feel so free!
So thank you Gerry for your many songs,
Happy Birthday to you from me! Love Valerie
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Roses are red, violets are blue
Three roses were bought for you.
He writes wonderful songs of love and a setting sun
Many went on to number one.
(Whenever I hear DaisyJane I come undone)
I admire your photography skills,
many remind me of the Berkshire Hills or Beverly Hills.
Also, have great admiration for your writing ability
Each song is written with much versatility.
Thanks for the many years of great music
You truly are a great talent and a genius.
Sending best wishes for a Happy Birthday to you
May all your hopes and wishes come true! (Jenna)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There's something about you Gerry
I just have to say
Your music brightens my life each and every day
From my favorite song, "I Need You" to "Another Try"
Your songs make me happy and chase the blues when I cry
So I just want to thank you and wish you love and happiness
On this special day, your birthday
You truly are the best!!!!
Love, Cathy
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A birthday prayer for Gerry
May you be blessed with
a wealth of love & cheer
and only the best of times
in the coming years.
And when each day has ended
I hope that you will know
that many hearts were mended
by your piano virtuoso.
Happy Birthday!
Jenny
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gerry at the piano
there is no better sight
there is no better sound
Gerry at the 12 string guitar
there is no better sight
there is no better sound
Gerry at the 6 string guitar
there is no better sight
there is no better sound
Gerry on stage
We know he is at home
We know we are his guest
We know just how lucky we are, so
Gerry play, play & then play .... (JimNak.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, Gerry - we hope you like our birthday poem
And know we think of you while across the country you roam.
We appreciate the writing, recording, touring & photographing you do,
And we hope the year ahead is wonderful for you! (Karen)
Maybe Steve L. could shed some light on why the band was in Kimberly, WI tonight?
Hi Joan! I was also shocked - I always have my eyes out for when they're coming to WI. Although, I couldn't have made it to that one anyway due to distance and other various reasons. (Then I jokingly thought, they must be trying to hide from that Karen in WI who always wants to meet them!) I think Kimberly is in the neck of the woods that Penny is from - maybe that has something to do with it. In any case, it's nice to know they visit our state often, it seems!
Reunion? Never gonna happen.
I spent 30 minutes typing my thoughts on the matter, then I got dumped for using the wrong ID name. That's painful! So, I'll be brief this time and get to the point.
HARBOR was the last "acoustic" based album for America. (i realize they still use lots of guitar, but you know what i mean) Since HOLIDAY, Gerry has gravitated strongly to the "pop side of the fence." His pop leanings helped the early AMERICA stuff. I think his lead guitar and keyboard riffs created much of the "magical AMERICA" hooks. But, the "earthy" early AMERICA hasn't been around since- 1976?
I think it would be very hard for Gerry to pull away from the "pop" thing. Dewey? Maybe not as difficult. Dan? What day of the week is it?
What really hurts? If you have heard THE THORNS new cd, you know they have not only captured the acoustic/harmony magic of early AMERICA, but the artwork/pictures of the project look like they came straight off the HAT TRICK printing press! Everything comes back around.
I was so shocked to see the picture from Gerry's hotel window from Kimberly, WI. This must have been a private party because I didn't see any listing for it. How sad that they are so close to me in Menasha, WI and I can't see the concert! Hope the guys come to Wisconsin again real soon for a concert. The Performing Arts Center in Appleton, WI would be a great place for them to perform!
I'll be hitting the streets tomorrow and polling people.
Perhaps someone, who knows how to, can start a poll and we can vote.
Maybe something like...
1..Vote yes for America reunion and will attend America reunion tour.
2..Vote yes for America reunion and will not attend America reunion tour.
3..Vote no for America reunion but will attend America reunion tour.
4..Vote no for America reunion and will not attend America reunion tour.
Or how about...
If America re-unites and publishes new music material I will.....
1..I do support the reunion and will buy their new material in a heart beat.
2..I do not support the reunion and will not buy their new material.
3..I do not support the reunion but I will buy their new material.
Suggestions please. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you,
flywithabuzz
Perhaps someone, who knows how to, can start a poll and we can vote.
Maybe something like...
1..Vote yes for America reunion and will attend America reunion tour.
2..Vote yes for America reunion and will not attend America reunion tour.
3..Vote no for America reunion but will attend America reunion tour.
4..Vote no for America reunion and will not attend America reunion tour.
Or how about...
If America re-unites and publishes new music material I will.....
1..I do support the reunion and will buy their new material in a heart beat.
2..I do not support the reunion and will not buy their new material.
3..I do not support the reunion but I will buy their new material.
Suggestions please. Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you,
flywithabuzz
I like your idea Sergio.
Let's start a vote/poll and see where it goes.
I for one would like to see a reunion. A new CD with some new material also covering some older materia...remix kinda stuff.
It seems to me the publicity alone would be good for the band and perhaps bring in a whole new younger generation turning them onto America. BTW, I like the picture above of the three of them together.
Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in Kimberly, WI.
Nothing like a little reunion discussion to get things going a bit, eh?
My final (I think) comment:
Call me a hypocrite if you will, but let me make myself perfectly clear. Even though I've cast my negative vote, I reserve the right to go see the Reunion Tour if it ever does happen!!
I was gonna throw my "two cents" in here speech...but you said it all for me! Great response!
Happy Hump Day one and all! :) It is a beautiful calm before the storm day here in PA, wall to wall blue eyed skies, hardly no cottonball clouds to be found anywhere.... :)
Hmmmmm ~~~ I have alot going on here, but I just had to cast my Vote... As much as I know it AIN"T Gonna Happen, I too WOULD Love to see Gerry, Dewey & Dan do some sort of reunion show! ~~ Yep I agree with you Sergio ~~ Speech you sure hit the nail on the head, nicely said sentiments! ~~ Yep Mo it probably has been said here over and over.... and I do see your side of it as well, along with what Red mentioned that it isn't any guaratee that the Trio Magic will reappear. ~~~ All I know is that my love for all of their Peak stuff is the foundation for my Love for this group and their music, and being that I never got to see them as a trio in a show, a part of Me of my insides has that Want to see them as a Trio... I have said many times that I respect their desires and opinions regarding this issue.... and will always be grateful to have all 3 of their talents to enjoy! ~~ Yes their early Magic did take them to the top, and Mo sure hit it on the head when she said does performing and doing what you love, and not having shows at bigger venues for bigger prices, mean that You aren't successful... sooo true, the rewards are much more meaningful in this situation I would say. ~~ I won't knock the Eagles, cause I have been a fan of theirs forever too, it's great that they can continue to fill the stadiums for the price of their tickets... I have also voiced my 2 cents on the eagles live chat, that there are those that can't afford to pay this to see a show of theirs, and that it would be nice of the Eagles to take these fans into consideration and to release one of these concerts on DVD so that we could see it that way.... I must too add that I am kinda bummed that the Eagles don't take the time to meet with their fans, for pics and autographs.... I would like to think that part of what the fans want to say to them would want to be heard by each and everyone of the Eagles. ~~ Heck one of their fans has traveled to soo many of their shows this summer and it is ashame she has never got to talk to them. In a way I have something better than what she has come away from this with.... I may not be able to go to all of the AMERICA shows I want to.... I did get to meet with Gerry & Dewey and to tell them Face to Face just how much I appreciate them & their music and how much it has been a big part of my life.... Soooo sad to think that if I were to pay the big price and go to see the Eagles in Pittsburgh in Oct.... that the chances of me getting to look Timothy B as well as Don, Glenn & Joe in the eyes and tell them what their music has meant to me.... would be Slim to None in Happening! Kinda makes me sad! :(
Hey Redddddd ~~ I loved your post, and yes I think You know just how much I would love to see the Eagles! I am an old Fart at Heart! :) I too can relate to paying the big price to get to hear the nice lonnnnnnnnng playlist of the Eagles, I would also say that a Dream or a Hankering of Mine would be to get to see AMERICA do a show filled with all of their Hidden Gems ~~ to me, that would be one of those Mastercard Moments ~~ No Price would be too high! ~~ The Eagles have found a way to make their success this time around stand out from their early days and I applaud them for that... I do enjoy my Hell Freeze's Over VHS tape and I can only imagine just how nice it would be to get to hear the full experience of their shows now.... I just need someone to convince My Hubby of this worth! Or better yet, the time is now for me to go out and buy that Power Ball ticket and hope that all 3 of my Genie wishes comes true! :) :) :)
Hmmmm ~~ I too and will always feel that AMERICA deserves to be in the Hall of Fame! I would gladly sign a petition or take one around to voice my belief on this. ~~ I feel the time is now, for them to be Shining Brightly, even if it means just a couple brand new songs released on a Greatest of Greatest Hits CD.... To take one of Timmy's ooh soo nice song lyrics.... We gotta Feed the Fire! The spark is there ~~~ we just gotta get more exposure turned Gerry & Dewey's & Dan's way... I would love to hear my dj say and now here is a brand new song by AMERICA on the radio! :) ~~~ Hmmm even if it is just "9 Fans" hmmmmm these 9 fans can be heard better than 1,000 fans in one way, don't ya think! :)
Hey there Speech ~~ Interesting LP you found there, I have never heard of Quiver, but The Sutherland Bros. is familiar sounding for sure! Let us know more about the songs on this LP Okay?
Hey it is wednesday night, time for live chat... hope to see you all there... Nancy :)
~~~ allll around listen and you can hear the sound, on cloudy days seems like I always feel this way ~~~ Sing it Gerry & Dewey :) ~~ Yep sooo many of your hidden gems deserved more and better recognition..... For Sure! :) ~~ Every chance I get, I say to anyone or everyone that will listen, Do you know of the Group AMERICA's songs and they will say yes, then I say well I Hope you know of their Hidden Gems as well, and if they say No I tell them to go and Look for HourGlass and Human Nature and Holiday Harmony & Grand Gayman too... that they will love discovering these songs! :)
Speechwriter,
Eloquently said as always. Thanks,
Sergio
Can anyone tell me anything about a 1971 LP by the band Quiver on Warner Bros.? The album, which I just stumbled upon in a record store at lunchtime, is on the same, original green label as that debut America record. It was recorded at Morgan Studios in England and released in 1971. It features well-traveled British session and tour guitarist Tim Renwick (Racing Cars, David Bowie, etc., etc.) on acoustic and electric guitars and flute, and there are two other members. I am aware there were LPs issued by an act known as the Sutherland Brothers and Quiver in the mid-70s, and maybe this is the same Quiver. I'm interested in this particular record because it's a trio record, issued in 1971 on America's label, it features acoustic instrumentation and a semi-rusticated cover art photo. Looks interesting. Just wondering if anyone has it, and can tell me what side of the street, musically, it lands on.
I would like to see America, the original trio, perform again. Period. I am not trying to legislate anyone's life. And I am not trying to slap anyone in the face. America, the duo, gets to tour the world, record new music, and make solo LPs (OK, one solo LP) because of the bedrock laid by America the trio. Dan Peek wrote some of the band's most enduring songs. He also laid down spine-tingling harmonies, and innovative guitar parts, on many other of their most toweringly popular recordings. Obviously, if they don't elect to reunite, it's their prerogative. Gerry and Dewey might even be lauded for refusing to do the "reunion thing" -- an easy payday -- when they simply can't feel good about working with Dan now. But I am weary of the suggestion from some quarters that those seven original Warner studio LPs with Dan on them were, somehow, more formative (with hindsight) and less important than the work Gerry and Dewey have been doing in the past two decades. The reverse is true. Gerry and Dewey have kept the creative lamp lit, they have continued to grow as artists and to tour. But in total, nothing they have done since 1977 has ever, to my ears, rivaled the vitality of those original LPs. Recording artists often have one or two more "careers" after the first one, but they rarely have more than one real creative peak. For America, the peak was when Dan was on board (no pun intended).
Good one Gin & tonic!!!!!!!!! Since you are probably too young to appreciate the Eagles, I will excuse you on never having seen them. It takes us old farts to appreciate the finer things in life!!!!! Just stating my opinion, which duznt mean diddley.
26 years later, and the debate rages on. I doubt there is anything that could be said that has not already been said...over and over for that matter. So, if you want a one word vote, then mine is, "No."
I suppose I have become cynical, but let's see if Simon and Garfunkel tour and for how long. Don't get me wrong I love them, but their reunion is a bit different to me . After all there has been NO S& G while America has continued to tour in it's current form for a good number of years. To bring Dan back now, in my thinking, is a slap in the face to all those years. Over the years, I am sure Dewey and Gerry have had many many people express the same sentiment as you are now.
Robin and Mo,
I don't feel that I am voting IN their lives, you are correct in saying that is something that they can only do and by no means am I trying to be intrusive... But as an idealistic fan, I certainly feel I have a right to "suggest" or voice a wishful opinion, I mean we all do! They (America)in turn have a right to listen or ignore. If your logic of never going back holds true then we wouldn't be enjoying Simon and Garfunkel's reunion or any of the other groups that have put their differences aside for a greater good and "have gone back".
Sergio
What the Eagles did unwittingly -- or quite calculatedly, depending on how cynical you are -- was achieve an effective synthesis of country and pop (with some occasional "rock" trappings.) They were gifted melody writers, singers and players and -- let's not pretend it doesn't matter -- they successfully developed their "star quality."
All of the same applies to America as well, but I think it's fair to say that the perception -- if not the reality -- was that the Eagles sound offered a bit more grit and authenticity. In addition, lots of FM radio lovers embraced the later Eagles for supposedly rocking hard, while America chose to go merrily down the Penny-Lane production route for its later efforts. Although I absolutely swear by the catalogues of both bands, they couldn't be more different. And I think trying to compare them in any serious way is hopeless. It's worth noting that "the critics" may have loathed America, but they loathed the Eagles with equal intensity. If you check out the Rolling Stone Record Guide, America is ripped for its thin sound and the "Mickey Mouse conceit" of starting all its LP titles with the letter "H," but the Eagles fare no better. They are slagged for their "rich boy whines of sensual suffusion," and mention is made of Joe Vitale, a "real drummer" being plugged in to help Henley on tour. Ironically, Rolling Stone and other critics started to romance Henley after his string of solo successes, proving once again that what the critics say doesn't mean a whole lot. By the way, for my money, the greatest true synthesis of country and pop was achieved not by the Eagles, but by the Flying Burrito Brothers on their LP "Flying Burrito Brothers," on A&M Records in 1970. Bernie Leadon and Rick Roberts never did better work. Talk about being in the right time ... if that record had surfaced in 1974, I think it would have been immense.
Thank you, Robyn, for paraphrasing my point. That was, I think, what I was trying to say. It's not up to us. Be thankful for what we've got and move on.
You really can't go back again. What the three of them had over 26 years ago is gone. A pleasant memory for us, maybe not as much so for them. All of them have moved on and have had sucesses in their work. As for a vote, nice thought but we don't get a vote in their lives. The only ones who do are Dewey, Gerry and Dan.
<<Believe me, all America fans want this to happen.>>
<<Ah-hum. (Clears throat.) Ah, no...not ALL.... Please, speak for yourself.>>
You are correct Mo, not all of us agree on that and I respect that. Hey, we are a Democracy and that's the greatness of it...I for one think it would be a good thing (not to paraphrase Martha Stewart)and a boost in popularity for the group~ under the "reunion" banner they could reestablish themselves in the mainstream of music and perhaps in a better light to be considered for the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame induction. This would probably translate to bigger venues and more $$$ for the members of the group. However, wouldn't it be interesting to quantify the votes either way among us fans. It would be interesting to see where we stand on the subject. I would like to suggest that we take a tally. Any takers? Again my vote is a resounding "YES".
I would like to submit a new theory regarding why there has not been an America reunion. Perhaps each of the three guys likes things the way they have turned out. Have we considered that?
Gerry and Dewey have continued to tour and make a seemingly comfortable living doing so. It seems to me that they're likely grossing over 2 million this year for their appearances. That's a guess, obviously, but it's gotta be a nice sum no matter what numbers you use. And although they are not the most famous musicians in the world (might be the most underrated but that's a different post), perhaps that has its advantages. Other than a handful--9 of us as Gerry likes to joke--of fanatics like us, these guys can go through life today pretty much unnoticed. They're not the subject of the papparazzi, in other words, and hopefully enjoy a measure of privacy because of that.
As little as I know about them, I know even less about Mr. Peek's current life. I do know that he has continued to record. Perhaps he, too, is content with the way things are now.
It all comes down to how you define success. Does getting into the Hall of Fame mean you are/were successful? And, if so, does not getting in mean you weren't successful? Does selling overpriced tickets to your concert mean you are successful? Or, does doing what you love most in the world for over 30 years and making a good living at it make you successful? Ultimately, the answers to those questions are only up to 3 people, Dan, Dewey, and Gerry.
This is all conjecture, of course. I would merely like to submit that although the early, heady days of fame were seductive, these quieter more manageable days may be preferable to the guys.
It's my approach to be thankful that they are still out here sharing their talent with us at all. They perform often and it's not that expensive. Pretty good deal from my perspective. Basically the "Perfect Prize" to me.
The question is " When was the last time you plunked down $150 a seat for America?" I like the Eagles but they have priced themsevles out of my range ( I called the last tour the "greed takes over" tour)
WOW Red! Hahahaha...So... if i don't particularly like the Eagles, have NEVER bought any albums and have NEVER been willing to spend the least euro to attend any of their concerts, I'D BETTER NOT TELL YOU I guess !!! LOL
"Been excommunicated cos I'm cold..." (R Orzabal)
Well, for starters, when comparing the Eagles to anyone else, it's like comparing apples to oranges. They don't need to come out with something new to sell out concerts. They have enough of a catalog to keep throwing in old not-recently-done-in-concert material to keep the crowds wanting more. For a band to have had only 6 studio albums, have 3 albums sell over 10 million each, and still be able to draw millions today is quite an achievement. More importantly, what they did to spruce up their live shows with the horn section, can only be described as brilliant.
While America and all the others are very good at what they do, the Eagles are in a class by themselves. Their quality of concerts today are better than I've ever seen before. While they still falter on some songs, no one has blended voices together to give such an invigorating sound. So, the Eagles are well deserving of everything they have attained. I also believe America could get in to the Hall if they would bring Dan back. But, it's no guarantee that the magic would reappear.
When comparing the Eagles to any other 70s band, remember this.
When was the last time you heard the Eagles do a short set??????????? Nuff said.
Like Neil Young said "It's better to burn out than to fade away." Like Kevin said The Eagles had a high-profile burnout at the peak of their popularity, while America kind of just faded from the big stage. They kept touring and recording, it's just that the venues kept getting smaller and so did the record sales. The average America fan could still get their fix, where in the case of the Eagles they stopped everything so there was more pent-up demand.
While I really like Poco, I'm not sure their resume qualifies them for the HOF. While they were early pioneers of mixing country, rock, and pop, they weren't the only ones and only had 4 top 40 hits. They seemed to be almost a "farm team" for the Eagles - whenever the Eagles needed someone they seemed to get them from Poco. Don't misunderstand me, I like Poco alot and they were a very good band and recorded some excellent songs. I'm just not sure that they are HOF level.
I think America on the other hand does have a resume that qualifies for the HOF. 11 top 40 hits, half a dozen or so hit albums, achieved "super-group" status in the mid-70s that rivaled the Eagles, and were one of the biggest selling acts (both in record and ticket sales) of the 70s. But since many of the critics who have influence over the HOF look down their noses at America, I am not optimistic about them being inducted. If America could have one more "comeback" hit, I think they might make it. But without some way to get the attention of the major market media outlets (like maybe a reunion with Dan) I think the likelihood of them getting the airplay needed to fuel a hit are slim (Hourglass and Human Nature had several songs that were good enough to be hits, but were ignored in the major media markets).
I still can't believe you turned her down. She must be crushed.
As for Dewey and Gerry as they are both happily married, I guess that clears the road for you,Bones!
<<Hey fly, it ain't nice to bait your fellow fan.>>
But the true master of baiting should belong to the person here who posted not too long ago, "...and you should recognize bait when it's staring you in the face".
That's a debate that's unwinnable because it's all opinion. But aside from being a huge fan of America, I am also one of the Eagles. I think America deserves much more credit for its success than it gets. And I think the Eagles have earned and are justly due all the credit they get.
While The Eagles didn't record as much as America, maybe they should get credit for knowing when to say when. Sure, they didn't record in the 80s. But that also means they didn't have their Perspective. And they didn't fall in love with 80s production techniques they can't shake.
Sure, The Eagles are relying mostly on their old catalog to sell out shows. But what group isn't? Go to an America concert. (Or buy their box set or their Greatest Hits complilations.) It's mostly the America-as-a-trio era songs. That's not a shot at America, it's reality in the music business. Bands tour to play the songs people know. People know the hits.
One reason that The Eagles sustained their popularity might be because they broke up at the height of their success. The mystique never died, it only grew. Also, the Eagles restocked with people who had proven followings in their own right, with Joe Walsh and Timothy Schmidt.
The Eagles got credit for capturing the California state of mind at the time, for being the unofficial voice of the west coast. Right or wrong, they were in the right place at the right time, saying the right thing.
I can see why they still hold the place they do in rock history. I wish America held a similar position. But every time I worry about that, I pull out Homecoming or Hat Trick or Alibi or any number of other America recordings and say, "Hey, at least I get it."
KevinS.
Tom, (think that's your name- correct me if not)
From what's been posted on the topic here over the past years I'm not even sure a majority of America fans really want this to happen... actually, I'm not totally sure what I'd feel about it, but right now I find the idea rather disturbing ... a little morbid. But well, I was not thrilled to hear about all the reunions you mentioned either.
Guess it's also a matter of wishing America to go on being creative and ever PRESENT rather than use their audience's nostalgia like some acts who are trying to renew with their past success. Think Dan has his own musical/lyrical identity now, and don't find them exactly 'close' to what I hear on my America cds... So not sure what the 'experience' could bring in the end, but doesn't seem to bring much enthusiasm in me for the moment. I probably fear the commercial aspect that is inherent to those reunions ... Just MHO... Gen.
I'm selling one of my mint 1997 Taylor 614GB Gerry Beckley Special Edition guitars. Taylor only produced 31 or 32 of these fantastic guitars. These are very rare. It's in mint condition. It's a Grand Auditorium body style with quilted/spalted maple back and sides finished in gloss natural stain. White body and side binding with alternating black/white perfling. Abalone rosette. Gold tuners.
1 3/4" nut width. Fantastic action. A real collector show piece. It has Gerry's name scrolled on the 12th fret along with the Taylor Star fretboard pattern as seen on his black Taylor 614GB that he currently plays. Ebony headstock with large star. The top is golden. Highly silkened and has Taylor's vintage toner. The top is surrounded in abalone. It's beautiful.
I'm offering it here first to America fans before I list it on the Taylor Guitar Forum and then eBay. $2000 plus shipping. Includes Taylor's hard shell case. Always humidified and stored in my non-smoking music room.
I can email pics.
Thank you for your consideration.
Flywithabuzz
Hey fly, it ain't nice to bait your fellow fan.
Hi Kim, Looking forward to seeing the photos. You must've had great seats!? How does one get a chance to get photo's? Every venue I've been to doesn't allow camera's and/or otherwise my seats are pretty far away. Glad to hear the Derek update.
Hey Alan, I thought the same thing when I noticed the artist's who were nominated to the R&O Hall of Fame recently. Among them George Harrison, Prince, John Mellencamp; ZZ Top and others who are all very deserving but I've always wondered why America hasn't been nominated. It's beyond me??? I was afraid to say anything since it's probably been mentioned here many times over the years. (And I've only been visiting the site for a short while) It must seem like bringing up the topic again is repititous??
Yeah, America has remained together for more than 25 yrs. I don't seem to recall Prince and J. Mellencamp being around that long? What does one have to do to get nominated? Is it just Industry professionals, journalist's etc, etc...who nominate artist's?
As the King Biscuit re-release states they remain the 1st band ever to begin their career with a number one single & album. Didn't they start the unplugged phenomenom? Hey Nancy, you agree don't you?
Alan: Go, boy, go!
Enjoyed your rant. Feel free to vent anytime.
<<Believe me, all America fans want this to happen.>>
Ah-hum. (Clears throat.) Ah, no...not ALL.... Please, speak for yourself.
Ever since seeing America again last month at the Hatch Shell and Poco last Saturday in Rockland for the first time ever, I've been doing a lot of thinking about the inequities of the music business and I need to get a few things off my chest, and this seems like as good a forum as any for my rant.
Let me preface my remarks by saying I am a big fan of the Eagles. I think they have great music and stage presence. But when a side-by-side comparison is done between them and bands like America and Poco, I get really frustrated that they don't get the kind of respect that they deserve.
First of all, the Eagles broke up and didn't get back together again for fourteen year. During that time, America and Poco continued to tour and produce new music.
Since the Eagles' reunion in 1994, they have released a grand total of 5 new songs! (4 from "Hell Freezes Over" and their new DVD single "Hole In The World") Yet, the Eagles still play all the top venues and command top dollar for their shows. In fact, the Eagles' Hell Freezes Over Tour was the top grossing tour of 1994 (and yes, my wife and I swallowed hard and paid $120/ticket for only moderately good seats to see them at Great Woods that year). America and Poco play mostly samller venues and their shows are very often free (of course, I see the advantage to the fans in this as well).
The Eagles were inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame several years ago, with a total of only 7 albums including new material (including HFO w/ only 4 new songs, the rest live versions of previous songs). America has nearly 20 albums with new material and Poco over 20, yet repeated requests by numerous dedicated fans to get these bands into the HOF have fallen upon deaf ears.
I guess the thing that upsets me the most is that the Eagles have been able to carry themselves mostly on the orginal material they produced before they broke up, with very little effort being devoted to writing new songs and yet, people still line up in droves to buy overpriced tickets to their concerts. Because of that and the other above-mentioned items, I have much less respect for the Eagles than I do for America and Poco, who have worked so much harder tom please their fans. I also get the impression that meeting fans and signing autographs after the show is somehow beneath the Eagles, while it is quite common for America and Poco to do this. it just doesn't seem fair that a couple of bands that work so much harder and are so much better to their fans don't end up with half the glory, fame and fortune of a band that doesn't do any of that, yet repeatedly plays the same old tired songs to sell-out crowds in major venues.
At the Poco concert last Saturday, a woman came around asking the fans to sign a petition to get Poco inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame. From the number of signatures she already had, I'd say she'd been to quite a few shows and collected a lot of signatures. My wife, daughter and I all signed it. I have no idea if this is anything is going to come of it, but I had to admire the fact that a single, dedicated fan was will to take on such an overwhelming responsibility. Anyway, I was wondering if anyone has tried to do the same at America concerts. I would gladly sign a petition if I had one stuck in front of me at an America show. Or what if a bunch of us did this at any shows we attended and had one person we could all send the signatures to that could forward them to the R&R HOF. Maybe that would get their attention.
Just a thought. Maybe this has already been tried before, I don't know. But it is something to think about.
Thanks for listening to (reading, actually) my rant. I'm feeling much better now.
Alan
Bones said: "J-Lo, give me a call."
I said: "Bones ~ You must be the only guy J-Lo has yet to contact." :0)
Robyn said: "Why Johnny, what did she say when she called YOU?"
Well Robyn ~ I'm so glad you asked. J-Lo told me she's saving her last contact for the very best. SO, that means it's either Gerry, Dewey, or BONES!!!
Your next question?
It's great to see Simon & Garfunkle get back together after all these years. They've overcome huge inter-personal problems between the two of them with the passage of time. I won't go into how deep their "relationship" problems were but it's easily available to anyone who is seriously interested. They've matured. They've grown up. They have realized what a gift they have together and are now touring and making great music again.
Time passes...and people grow up... they look at the big picture.
Fleetwood Mac did it....
The Eagles did it.......
Aerosmith did it.........
And if Simon and Garfunkle can do it then.. darn it... it's time for our favorite group to do it.
Mend the fence America! Re-group with Dan Peek. Tour and do a new album. The reunion would be huge. Huge! Beleive me, all America fans want this to happen.
Show the world that not only is America a super group, but that America is also capable of overcoming their own problems that were brought upon by youth and the pressures of the music business.
It's time to make a change...time to re-arrange...sooner or later it's something you've gotta do...
Thanks for listening,
flywithabuzz.
Hi Kim ~ I re-sent my message to you this morning, but upon arriving home about a half-hour ago, I see that I rec'd a message stating another delivery failure for the message I attempted to send you this morning. I don't know why it's failing to send. Anyway, the answer to your question is "yes".
Genevieve:
Thanks very much! Don
Don,
Rocket appears as one of the bonus songs on the French and Japanese versions of FS only. You might be able to purchase them from Melody Blvd I guess. For the record, FS is currently unvailable/out of stock on the French Amazon pages (Amazon.fr)... I am personally looking forward to hearing more of the upcoming cd... Jeff, you know we love the music... We're impatient to hear the new songs ;-)
Hi All:
I want to buy my first Jeff Larson CD. Love the song "Norman" so I'm thinking "Frgile Sunrise" would be a good choice. Love the song "Rocket" Is it on any of his CD's? Thanks, Don
I did get the pictures that Kim sent me and they turned out very good. Kim, I'm not sure why the ones without the flash didn't work if you were using 800 speed film. Perhaps there is a setting on your camera that needed to be changed. My digital camera works very nicely without a flash. I'll get the photos posted as soon as possible but it might be next week. I am back in the saddle as a Scoutmaster and this week I am attending basic training every night and then I have my first Court of Honor on Friday. So there isn't any spare time to post the photos until after all of that.
I sent my pictures from Sweetwater to Steve and he said he'd post them when he got a chance. Unfortunately the ones I took during the concert without the flash didn't turn out, but the ones I took during the encore did. In my enthusiam at the end of the show, I forgot to turn the flash off for HWNN. Thank goodness for that or I wouldn't have had any pictures. If anybody out there has any 35mm pointers I'd sure appreciate it. I bought 800 speed film, because I knew it was supposed to work in low light, but every picture I took without a flash looks like I was moving. I was really trying to be still, but it may be the only way to get it to work is with a tripod. Oh, well at least I got a few of the guys taking their bows, and I got quite a few after the show too.
Derek update - He is doing just fine. He's back at work and chomping at the bit to get back on the golf course. The surgeon told me no golf for 6-8 weeks, Derek is insisting he meant 3-4. We are currently having "discussions" about the appropriate timing (which I'm probably going to lose)! Thanks again to everybody for all the get well wishes.
Johnny - I never did receive your message back. I tried to send you another e-mail this morning w/ only one picture attached and after about four hours received another "delivery failure" message. Not sure why this is happening as I know Steve received all of the pictures I sent just fine.
Kim
Bones ~ You must be the only guy J-Lo has yet to contact. :0)
Why Johnny, what did she say when she called YOU?
I gotta love that Paul! He shaved almost ten years off my age in his recent post! My eternal thanks to you, Paul,...but I was in college when "Hearts" was released!!!!
Me Again :)
WOW Triple WOW!!!! ~~~ Thanks a bunch Steve! :) ~~ I too like Cathy just have the original "Like a Brother" ~~ Wow this song is sooooooo AWESOME ~~ I have hit the replay button at least 20 times now... what a nice way to unwind to a crazy day. ~~ I really appreciate this, more than my words can show! :) :) :)
Hi Rob ~~ Nice of your Dad taping S&G's performance on David Letterman for you, and also nice that you have such a fine taste in music! Yes Simon & Garfunkel had a way of blending their vocal talents back in the beginning and this has stood the test of time. All I can say is what David kept saying "this is nice" ~~ I hope you get to see them perform together soon. Here is the site address for the article done on them along with their concert schedule that I found on VH1 ~~~ http://64.4.8.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=98294161f85e4a5f0289ae0700ef5fce&lat=1063338343&hm___action=http%3a%2f%2fwww%2evh1%2ecom%2fpartners%2fredirects%2fns_redirect%2ejhtml%3furl%3dhttp%253A%252F%252Fwww%2evh1%2ecom%252Fnews%252Fstories%252F1478057%2ejhtml%26pid%3d4%26mjid%3d11510 ~~~~ Enjoy! :)
Hey there Bones ~~ Your cry out to J-Lo had me feeling mixed emotions, I hope she gets back to you soon! On the otherhand Hey there Ben Affleck ~~ Give me a call! ~~~ Wooooooooo :) Dream Onnnnn :)
Hi Cathy ~~ Thanks for asking about my arm, I hope your hubby's therapy is coming along good. The pain has somewhat left my arm, but I am still having problems with my first 2 fingers staying numb and tingly, my PT has tested me for carpul tunnel, and said that I passed both times, meaning that he doesn't think I have this, it is still puzzling why I have this in my fingers, he said the inflamation must still be putting pressure on my nerve enough to cause this. ~~ I can relate to you with your sons schedule and how kids seem to adapt better than we do... soo true, my daughter is taking 2 dance classes this year, both on teusday evenings, I wanted to sign Nathan up for cub scouts, wouldn't you know it his meetings are on Monday nights, the one night I gotta work away from home, so I considered signing him up for another local towns scouts.... and too much they have their meetings on teusdays at the same time as dance class... so I guess Bessie the Van will be driving this way and then that way! :) Ooooooooh well ~~ they grow up way too fast, and before you know it they are moving away! So just go with the flow and hang on for the ride! :)
Hi Karen ~~ I look forward to seeing the Complete Poem post~~ Thanks for your great Idea! ~~ Yes waiting to Jan will be hard to wait till, to see Dewey's poems! :)
Yep Jimnak ~~ I too agree with you Dewey has got to dream in 3D, he is singing Peace in the Garden in my headphones ~~ I cannot begin to count how many times I have hit the replay on this Awesome song :) ~~ I will think kaleidoscopically WOW what a visual! :) ~~~ a breeze has come I'm carried along sooooo follow the path through the knowing trees, and each time you Laugh it is Love you release, that Love will come back to You in the Garden of Peace ~~ sing it once again Dewey! :)
Time for me to head back to my big soft pillow now to my Dreams! Nitey Nite all ~~ Nightowl Nancy :) ~~ Hopefully Mr Plumber will be able to make sense of the mess that the new owner of my inlaws farm caused when he was digging to put in a water line to the barn for the cows and he somehow hit into our main water line and all of the yuck and guck and dirt and debree headed right into our water lines and oooooooooh nooooooooooo what a mess it has caused. I came home from work this evening to find my bathroom floor covered with water, the pressure had built up and it blew the one faucet fixture right off of our sink... and water was flying everywhere........... Bummer :( ~~ Now do you all see why I find such pleasure and comfort in my music! ~~ Explain it to my Hubby for me Okay! Ooooooooooh boy! :)
~~~ Baby I can't tell you what is real, I can only tell you what I feel, why must every line of the page end with a question mark, it keeps me in the dark, it keeps me in the dark, ~~~ time am I really that much older, where did the highway divide, baby I remember every dream, I just can't remember what they mean, still I find them hiding in my heart, thats the crazy part, it keeps me in the dark, it keeps me in the dark, it keeps me in the dark ~~~ Sing it again Gerry :) What a song for sure ~~ I love it! :)
But Bones, is this really the woman that you want to spend the rest of your life with? You know, there's a chance, that it may not last.
Hi Kim ~ I received your message you sent me today... the text message only. I replied back to you, but I received a delivery failure message. I tried a second time, and I rec'd another failure message. I will try again in the morning before I leave for work around 8:15 AM MT. Johnny
Bones ~ You must be the only guy J-Lo has yet to contact. :0)
Hey everyone,
Just figured that I would post as i haven't posted in a little while. I also was able to enjoy the David Letterman show performance by Simon and Garfunkel. My dad was able to tape it for me because i was going out that night but wanted to get to see it anyways. Now i will be able to see over and over again, as many times as i want. It really was a great performance, both of the songs sounded great. They were very mellow and soothing singing and Paul'g guitar work. It seemed like they were doing well and were happy to be playing the show. It was great to read the post you posted Nancy with regard to your watching this same thing on TV. I hope that i am able to get a ticket to see Simon and Garfunkel when they come around my area this year. The last time they toured a big major tour was in 1983, and I was only three years old then, so this is really my first chance to see them perform together at a concert. I'm psyched. Their voices were very good, I could see the different musical vocal styles they had both picked up over the years since their breakup in 1970, but I thought their voices blended nicely as well. America and Paul and Art are my favorite rock bands of all time. I like the folk-rock music, i guess you could say. That's about all for right now. Take care people.
-Rob
J-Lo, give me a call.
Love
Bones
Hello everyone. Haven't had much time for posting lately and have had trouble from time to time getting on the internet and then being bumped off~~bummer. Don't know what's causing it. Thanks SteveL for posting a link to download "In The Dark". Can't wait to listen to this as I have the US version of the Like A Brother CD and have never heard it before. I love that CD.~~I haven't had much time for posting lately because I'm trying to get used to my son's third grade routine. Between helping with the additional homework which makes first and second grade look like a walk in the park and his busy social activities~~he has both soccer practice and Cub Scouts this Wednesday night, I've had some adjusting to do. Kids always seem to adapt to things easier than their parents. Fortunately my son loves school and does very well. Sometimes I feel like I'm back in school, but it is neat to see what they are learning. School seems more interesting and fun for them than it was for me way back when. Karen L and other parents, I can relate very well to running around all over with your kids. I really enjoy it though and wouldn't have things any other way.~~Johnny, thanks for the Sweetwater show installments. You are keeping us in suspense every step of the way. Like Nancy, I have a feeling that this has a very happy ending. Anxious to see if I'm right. And Kim, hope your husband is recovering nicely~~keep us posted.~~Also, Nancy hope your arm is feeling better. My husband hurt his arm over a month ago and has been going for treatments too. Well, I'd better wrap this up and get my son off to bed.~~~Cathy
Hi everyone - It's been a busy few days and I haven't had much time to post. (Not to mention my three sons who are allowing me on the computer less and less time these days.) Anyway, it sure was nice, those of you who made the effort of putting together your "Gerry" poems on Friday and over the weekend! Our collective poem wouldn't be complete without them; so when the house is quiet and I'm less likely to make a mistake, (hopefully late tonight or very early in the morning) I plan to compile one more version that includes those most recent poem segments, as well as the TITLE! (I can't believe I forgot to put the title in there.) I compare this latest "complete" poem version to something similar to AMERICA - The Complete Greatest Hits, "as opposed to the incomplete greatest hits", as I once heard Gerry say at a concert.
In the meantime, I'm off to pick Ryan up from another night of 7th and 8th grade football games. I had to drive for over an hour to get from work to his game tonight and it was the end of the 3rd quarter when I finally got there :( The good news is: they won 7-0, it was a BEAUTIFUL late afternoon/evening for a drive in southern WI, and Gerry & Dewey kept me company the entire way there and home (via the CD player, of course). Ryan stayed to watch the 8th grade game and ride the bus back to our school, as required. Now I'm off in the car, AGAIN, to pick him up. I'm sure some of you parents can relate.
Karen P.S. It's going to be difficult to wait until January for Dewey's poem, but it will be fun.
Nina - when when you were 14 years old listening to Hearts on yor 8 track, you didn't forsee these issues with your kids!
Steve - Thanks for posting that great song. Like a Brother is a wonderful CD and Gerry's contributions are great. This was a nice added suprise.
All-hope you are well. Topsfield next!
"In The Dark" was released as a bonus track on the Import version of Like A Brother in 2001. It will be available to listen to on the Chat Folder for a very brief time by clicking here.
Hi Hoooo Everyone ~~ A grey rainy monday here, and I am a Hankerin to hear Gerry's song " In The Dark" in its entirety, my real player keeps on breaking it up. I just love this song!
Hey Johnny ~~ I gotta feeling your Sweeetwater episode 7 or 8 is gonna have a happy outcome! ~~ Gerry is here singing keeps me in the dark, keeps me in the dark, keeps me searchin..... I enjoyed reading your detailed episode. I look forward to seeing if my hankerings are right!
Hmmm ~~ I kinda forgot to post about getting to see Simon & Garfunkel on David Letterman, my big brown eyes stayed open long enough to hear the final note of their song the Boxer and then it was off to lalllla land. It was neat to see them, David was soo excited about having them on the show and he kept telling them this over & over. The first song they sang was Coming to AMERICA and then they came over and talked with David alittle bit, he asked them what it was that made them decide to do this get together tour, Art G said that when they were asked to perform for the opening of the music awards show,and getting the Lifetime achievance award.... that upon getting together and rehearsing, that it felt good and comfortable to be singing these songs together at this time, so they decided to do a short touring schedule which will wrap up in time for the Christmas Holidays. ~~ I enjoyed getting to hear them sing together, they sounded good. The Boxer has always been a favorite of mine.. It takes me back to my days of babysitting at my aunts and uncles and when I would get the kids to bed, I would listen to Simon & Garfunkel's & Glenn Campbell's albums.... I do believe Mary Tyler Moore & the Jeffereson's would be on the tv then too. ~~ Anyhow hearing the Boxer had me a hankering to hit the replay button, or as I did then I would lift the turntable needle and strategically place it to play the Boxer all over again for me. :)
Hey there Nina ~~ I am glad to hear you are planning on heading to the Topsfield fair show, I am sure your sister will give in.... :) Nice to hear you are heading there too Alan. I think it is pretty neat that your wife and children get into going to the shows more than once... not like my hubby, he thinks one time is sufficient.... Bummer! :(
Well Gerry ~~ I hope I am not being too bold in requesting you to allow Steve to put the mp3 for your song "In The Dark" here on the folder for us to download.(thats if it is possible to put it on here) I would love to get to hit the replay button on it and to hear it unbroken from my sloooooow connection and real player... It is one nice song! :)
Well that is about it for now, I gotta get ready for work, have a good rest of the day all! See ya Nancy :)
~~~ Why must every line of the page have a Question Mark? It keeps me in the dark, keeps me in the dark, it keeps me in the dark, keeps me in the dark ~~~ Sing it for me Gerry, time am I really that much older, where did the highway devide, baby I can remember every dream, I just can't remember what they mean...... what a song :) :) :)
Hi Alan! Yes, I'm planning to be at Topsfield Fair for the America show. I'm a little disappointed already because it IS a "school night" and the 5:00 PM concert time is causing quite a debate over at my sister's house...concerning the bedtimes of 4 yr.old niece and 7 year old nephew!!! My sister is threatening to veto their trip unless Auntie Nee (that's me) promises to get them home by 8:30 PM. (Highly unlikely...considering the traffic AND the fact that the kids want to talk to Gerry and Dewey IN PERSON, so we'll have to wait for autograph signing time! What's an auntie to do?!
Johnny,
Thanks for the Sweetwater installments. I really enjoyed the part about your collectibles... I've been a collector of all my life and I can appreciate it. Look forward to Episode #6,
Sergio
Alan ~ I'm glad to hear that you had a great time at the Poco concert!
Vic ~ In real life, your choice would indeed be better. :0)
If there's a WILL(ie), there's got to be a deWEY and Gerry! Dewey said during the concert that they were staying at the Holiday Inn Express. That happened to be the same hotel Kim and her family were staying at as well as myself. Maybe, just maybe, I could still have an opportunity to get a couple of autographs, but when would the guys be checking out of the hotel?
As mentioned in a previous post, the guys staying in the room next to my were talking loudly and having a good time up until 1:00 AM. I wasn't able to fall asleep anytime prior to that. As it turned out, I wasn't able to fall asleep until around 2:00 AM.
The guests next door were up around 5:30 AM, I believe. When they left, they slammed the door which woke me up. I was only able to toss-and-turn as I was thinking how disappointing it was to me that the guys (D&G) weren't available for autographs after the show. Pete did mention to me right after the show that the guys had gone to a private club on Robert Lee Street. He thought maybe I could catch them there. It was very thoughtful of Pete to try and help me out, but I wouldn't even consider attempting to invade the guys' privacy that way. Instead, I thought I'd "invade their privacy" another way. I just hate the thought that I was doing that, but I rarely have the opportunity to attend their shows.
Unlike the Eagles' song "Hotel California" where the guests check-in, but they never leave, America would probably be checking out that morning but I wasn't sure since they didn't have another concert to be at for several more days. I thought maybe they were planning to stay in Sweetwater to spend some time with David and Maggie. I believe it was around 6:30 AM when I thought I could possibly wait in the lobby of the hotel just in case the guys were to check out that morning. Plus, I wasn't having to be back home at any particular time that day. If not checking out, maybe I could catch the guys as they were going into the hotel restaurant. But then again, maybe they would be ordering room service instead, and I'd miss out anyway. What to do, what to do???
I jumped out of bed, brushed my teeth, and shaved. I usually shower in the morning, but I thought to myself, "What if the guys check out before I get to the lobby. That would be a major bummer!"
I packed my belongings and headed out to the parking lot to load up the car. I quickly walked to the lobby with my America memorabilia in tow. Most of my America items were inside a briefcase I had brought along. I had the following items in there: a "Highway" box set with Dan P's autograph on the front cover which read, "Best Wishes Always!, Dan Peek"; another "Highway" box set with Dan's autograph and the message, "To Johnny Yee, Fasten your seat belt!! Dan Peek" (the message was in reference to his upcoming bio episodes he was writing at the time); two America album covers from the first album -- both without "Horse" on them; a "History" album cover with David Dickey's autograph on the back that I obtained the night before; a "Homecoming" album cover; two postcards issued as a promo item for the first album; a postcard issued as a promo item for "Alibi"; the sheet music for "The Story Of A Teenager"; a very rare magazine page advertising the release of their first LP with the words, "Riding on America"; and also a blue car license plate from Michigan with white letters that had the word, "DEW". I thought the plate would be a pretty cool item to have autographed by Dewey. I also had a couple of other rare America items. I'm sure you all are thinking I'm nuts if I expected the guys to autograph all of the items. That would be nuts. I only brought all of the items since I wasn't sure which ones I would like to have the guys autograph.
I think it was now around 7:00 AM. I decided to check out of the hotel since I was already there in the lobby. I saw the tour bus still parked outside. I mentioned to the desk clerk that the tour bus' engine was running. She said it had been so since 2:00 AM, but no one had yet checked out. Her shift ended at 7:00 AM. As she was leaving, she wished me good luck in my pursuit to obtain autographs.
In the lobby, I found a very comfortable tan leather couch with a television next to it. Before leaving her shift, the clerk handed me the remote and said I could watch anything I wanted as I waited. <---More evidence to how friendly the residents are in Sweetwater
It must have been around 8:30 by then. Surprisingly, Kim and her two young children entered the the lobby area on their way to the hotel restaurant. They came to chat with me. Kim told me about Derek being admitted to the hospital earlier that morning. I was extremely surprised when she told me Derek had an emergency appendectomy at 2:00 AM! It seemed a bit unreal. We chatted for a short while. The kids were very eager to visit the restaurant for something to eat. While we were still talking, I spotted Rich Campbell sitting in the nearby hotel computer room using the only guest computer. I mentioned it to Kim who agreed it was indeed Rich. Kim and I continued talking. About 10 to 15 minutes later, Rich leaves the computer room and enters the lobby area on his way outside. As he passes by, I wave and said, "Hi". He smiles and says "hi" back as he makes his way out the hotel lobby to the outside. I figured he was headed to the tour bus.
Episode #6 yet to come.
Sergio and Nancy,
Yes, David LaFlamme and his wife were both announced as original members and founders. The drummer and keyboard player were also originals. The bassist and guitarist were younger, not sure how long they had been with the band. They did play White Bird, not sure about the song "Anytime." The other big song that everyone seemed to know was "Hot Summer Day." They were also pumping their new CD and had it for sale there. People were lining up in droves to purchase the CD and get it signed by the band members.
Crazy Love was awesome. In one part of the song they repeated the chorus, saying "OK, it's your turn" to us in the audience. Kay Sue, Tamara and I were really belting it out (alomg with a bunch of others). They seemed really impressed (and somewhat gratified) that so many people remembered the song. Of course I could have jumped up on the stage and played it along with them as I have been playing it for years now on my guitar. It was nice to see that I have been playing it exactly the way they play it. Some other favorites they did included "Call It Love", "Good Feelin' To Know", "Keep On Trying" and "In The Heart Of The Night". They also did "Rose Of Cimmaron", which is one of my favorites, but it was such a different arrangement from the album version that I didn't enjoy it that much. I think a little embellishment is good, but not to the point where it changes the whole feel of the song.
They are hoping to bring both bands back next year and both Poco and Beautiful Day seemed quite happy with that prospect. Of course, if I have anything to do with it, America will be joining the lineup too.
Alan
Nancy, Can't wait to read your DEWEY poem, think kaleidoscopically !
I bet DEWEY dreams in color, 3 dimensionally.
Hi Everyone ~~ The Cottonball Clouds are on Parade here in the big blueeeee sky. Hmmm ~~ the sky has been putting on quite the show the last couple of days. On friday evening I went out to sit on the swing and was looking up at the sky and noticed an arch of a Rainbow forming, funny thing is it wasn't even raining or any site of a raincloud in the sky...Too Much :) Off to the right the sky was soo blue and there were white clouds then off to the left side there were layers of Indigo hued clouds. I watched this till the last drop of color stretched into the big cottonball cloud. Pretty Neat! :)
I enjoyed reading the rest of the birthday poems for Gerry, thanks sooo much SteveL for sending them to Gerry and thanks Soooo much for your Reply back to us Gerry! :)
Hi Jimnak ~~ Yes I will be working on my Dewey Poem, it has been on my mind since I finished Gerry's... I too think it would be good to wait for his Birthday to post these. ~~ I liked your Gerry Poem ~ Nice Visual for sure! :)
Hey there Red ~~ I got a Chuckle out of the Visual your "As a Public Service" Request.... Ooooooooh Boy! ~~ The thought had occured to me too that what is good for the goose is good for the gander, soo I also pictured all of us ladies sitting out in our lounge chairs with our razzmatazz's and you guys all on parade in the buff... hahahhahahahah! :)
Hey Johnny ~~ Regarding your Joke, I too was thinking along Vic's line and My 3 wishes would be thought about very carefully before making them! :)
The Beach Boys are here singing their version of "Under the Boardwalk" hmmm what a perfect song to sit and take in the Sky show this weekend. I have a digital camera now and was kinda experimenting taking some pics today... Now to see how I can download them onto the puter... I wished I would have taken it with me last week to NY, I could have captured a really nice sky from just about every which way I looked. Nice! The Beach Boys are singing Caroline No now... such a nice song, I love Timothy B Schmidt's version of this song as well!
Well thats about all I got to say for now, enjoy the rest of your day everyone! See ya Nancy :) :) :)
~~~ White bird in a golden cage, on a winters day, in the rain, white bird in a golden cage aloneeeee, the leaves blow cross the long black road, to the darkened sky in its rage, but the white bird just sits in her cage unknown, white bird must fly she will lie ~~~ white bird dreams of the aspin tree with the white leaves turning gold, but the white bird just sits in her cage growing old, white bird must fly or she will die..... the sunsets come the sunsets gooo ~~~ take it from there It's a Beautiful Day )what a name for a group) definitely very 60's - 70's music in this song.... :) :) :)
Hi there Alan ~~ Thanks for your review of seeing Poco, Nice to hear you got their CD and that they signed it for you. I loved the visual I got from hearing about the Harbor and the Music being heard from all angles, sounds like a really relaxing event to take in. ~~ Like Sergio I thought it was pretty neat to see you mentioning you saw the group It's a Beautiful Day, their song "White Bird" is playing here on my puter as I am typing this ~~ Reddddddd :) told me about this song ~~ tooo much you getting to hear them play ~~ Did they sing White Bird by chance? This song is 6 minutes long and I can hear quite the variety of musical instruments in it. ~~ Boy Sergio, by the sounds of it You have taken in Lots and Lots of Musical concerts ~~ WOW! :)
Hi Alan,
Thanks for sharing your experience at Harborfest. I too am a fan of Poco, "Crazy Love" is one of my all time favorite songs. However, I was amazed to hear you mention It's a Beautiful Day. Wow, what a blast from the past! I never knew they were still around, they were such a part of the late 60's early 70's hippy movement...I was lucky to catch them twice in concert back in 1972 and 1973 here in New Orleans at the "Warehouse". I loved their music back then (I still have their landmark self titled album and "Choice Stuff". "White Bird" and "Anytime" were favorite cuts from those albums. Amazingly, this San Francisco hippy band never had a top 100 hit, but they were hugely popular on "FM" and within the college culture of the time. I am curious to find out if David LaFlamme, the band's originator, was part of the line up at Harborfest?
Thanks,
Sergio
Hey Nina - gonna be at Topsfield this year?Let me know.
Alan
First of all, a belated Happy Birthday to Gerry. I haven't been on the chat folder for a week or so and I missed the actual day. Sure hope it was a great one for you.
When I mentioned Poco playing here in Maine a couple weeks ago, somebody (I'd have to look through the archives to remember who) asked me to report on it. The event was called Harborfest and it took place yesterday. My wife, oldest daughter and I went.
Harborfest took place in Rockland, a beautiful coastal town. It was in Harbor Park, looking right out over the harbor, so the bands playing had a spectacular view from the stage. There were 5 bands in all, 3 of them local and 2 national. The bands started playing around 12:30, shortly after we arrived. We got our beach chairs set up right up near the stage, then wandered around the park. There were food and craft vendors that we checked out. We also sat on a bench on the boardwalk for quite a while looking out over the ocean and enjoying the beautiful, idyllic day. It was perfect - around 80 degrees (unseasonably warm for Maine in mid-September) with just a few wispy clouds and a slight breeze blowing in from the ocean. Wherever we went, the music was always within earshot. The only band I didn't really care for was a pure country band (I love country influences in music, but straight is a little hard for me to take) called "Deisel Dan and the Long-Haul Truckers". With them, my only complaint is that most of their songs sounded alike (a common complaint of mine of a lot of country artists, actually).
One of the local bands I particularly liked was a bluegrass band (I lost the program and can't remember their name). The had an accoustic guitar, banjo, mandolin, dobro and an upright bass. They had just one microphone set up and they all stood around it playing and singing. Almost every song featured a solo by each instrument and as ther players had their turn, they would step up close to mic, stepping back when they were done so the next soloist could come up. It was the epitomy of simple, grass-roots music. After one song, the of the guys jokingly said "I hope our music isn't too slick for you all"
The first national band to play was "It's A Beautiful Day". I had actually never heard of these guys before, but I guess their hey day was back in the mid 60's. Their hits included "White Dove" and "Hot Summer Day" They had quite a few groupies there (mostly gray-haired). They were an incredible band! The lead man and songwriter of the band plays a 5-string electric violin. The top string is tuned to a low C, giving him the full range of both a viola and violin. And boy, could he play that thing! A few times I thought he would set those strings on fire! And the sounds he got out of it were absolutely incredible! When his playing got really intense, he would step right up to the edge of the stage and get this look on his face like he was in incredible pain. They were very enjoyable to listen to and very personable, too. The guitarist and keyboardist were also very talented and were given ample opportunity to shine a some solos of their own. In fact, the guitarist and violinist traded off solos a lot throughout the show. They came back on for an encore and stuck around for autographs afterward. Since I didn't bring anything to sign and was saving what little money we had to eat and buy the new Poco CD, we didn't bother to go meet them.
At last, the moment arrived when Poco took the stage. They started off w/ the song "Legend" and played most of their hits and a few songs from their new CD. They also featured the new bass player (Jack) on a couple of songs, which I thought was really cool. After they announced this, one fellow in the audience shouted "Way to go, Jack!", to which Rusty Youg wryly replied "Hey Jack! Your fan is here!" I think it is neat that they have made him a contributing member of the band, not just a bass player. And his music and playing style are a good fit for the band. The tight harmonies of Rusty Youg, Paul Cotton and George Grantham sound absolutely incredible live. The only problem with being last was that they could only play until it got dark, as the stage had no lighting at all. They also didn't do an encore, but they did stick around for autographs afterwards. We bought Running Horse, their new CD and got that signed. I also brought a couple other of my favorite CDs and my "A Good Feelin' To Know" album -the very first Poco album I ever owned. Rusty remarked what good condition it was in. I also asked if I could get a picture of them with me in it. When they agreed, my wife and daughter went right over to be in the picture, too. So I asked the guy next in line if he would mind taking it so I could be in it, too. I hope it comes out OK, as you never know how good at picture-taking someone else is.
Poco was everything I hoped they would be, and more. Like our guys, Dewey and Gerry, they are very down-to-earth and very fan-friendly. The only way the day could have possibly been any better was if America was playing, too.
Although the event was free, they had volunteers passing around buckets looking for contributions to use as seed money to sponsor an even bigger event with more bands next year. I dropped a 5 in the bucket and said i would put more in if they invite America to play next year. The event was sponsored by Clear Channel, Anthem/Blue Cross and the local Chamber of Commerce. I visted each of their booths and put a bug in the ear of everyone I talked to: "You ought to invite America next year!". I think they got tired of hearing from me (I hope so anyway). I even got the name of the guy that books these bands and I intend to stalk him for the next year hoping he will book them just so I will leave him alone.
The only down side to the day was that we all got bad sunburns from being in the sun all day.
Dewey and Gerry - this is an incredible venue and we really want you here next year. I will be doing everything in my power to make it happen.
Alan
As most people here aren't amiss to hearing the odd joke now and again (clean ones of course) on this chat folder I thought I'd send one.
Q Did you hear what happened to the group of contortionists?
A They all went 'round the twist.
To Gerry and Dewey
As I know how much you appreciate all of your wonderful fans how about writing a song especially dedicated to all of them.
Just an idea
Like everyone else I look forward very much to hearing new material in the future.
ANY PLANS TO VISIT THIS NECK OF THE WOODS. REMEMBER YOU HAVE LOTS OF
LOYAL FANS HERE.
We should definitely wait til his b-day.
Johnny, what the woman should have done, had she really been thinking clearly, is instead of wishing to be beaten half to death as her third wish, she should have opted for another nice wish like, say, a 100 foot yacht. She follows through with the divorce. Once the divorce is final, she ends up with THREE large beautiful new houses, 3 billion dollars, 3 100 foot yachts, she avoids a terrible beating and the ex-husband suffers for the rest of his days. : )
Jim - Count me in on the poem for the legendary Dewey Bunnell!! Thanks for suggesting it. I was thinking of that same thing the other day. Maybe we can all get our thoughts down on our own and tuck them safely away until closer to his birthday, in January. What do you all think? Karen
Lol Dad and I know the same joke in greek. I thought to post it in my language, but no one would understand it, so I left ths idea immidiately.
After many years of marriage, a wife is fed up with her husband's bad habits and devious ways. After just having a terrible argument with her husband that ended with both of them agreeing to a divorce, the wife decides to get away from her soon-to-be ex-husband long enough for him to pack up enough clothing to leave the house. She takes a long walk along the beach nearby.
As she's walking along, she finds a very old metal lantern that washes up on the shore. She picks it up thinking perhaps she should give it a couple of hard rubs to see if anything happens. Sure enough, when she rubs the lantern, a genie pops out much to her great surprise. The genie says, "I have been sealed up in this lantern for nearly a thousand years just waiting for someone to find me so I can grant them three wishes!"
The lady was no longer depressed upon hearing what the genie said. She thinks long and hard about what her first wish will be before she comes up with her first request. She says to the genie, "So I can start a new life without the person I've been married to, I wish for a large beautiful new home!" The genie replies, "Your wish shall be granted, BUT whatever you wish for, your soon-to-be ex-husband will receive twice that. He will receive TWO large beautiful new homes." The lady wasn't happy at all hearing what the genie had just said, but she finally agrees saying, "Well, okay, but I don't like that last part one bit."
Next, the genie asks the lady for the second wish she would like granted. She thinks lonnng and hard and says, "I wish for a billion dollars!" The genie replies, "That's no problem. Remember though, your soon-to-be ex-husband will receive twice what you wished for. He'll get 2 billion dollars!" Again, the lady wasn't happy hearing the last part, but she's willing to accept the condition that her soon-to-be ex-husband will receive twice what she wished.
Next, the genie said, "You have only ONE wish left for me to grant you. What will it be?" The lady thinks REALLY long and hard. Before she makes her last request to the genie, the genie says, "Remember, whatever you wish for, your soon-to-be ex-husband gets TWICE what I grant you." Once again, the lady thinks lonnng and hard. Soon, a huge smile appears on her face. The genie says to her, "What will your last wish be that I will grant you that your soon-to-be ex-husband will receive twice as much of?" With a large smile still on her face, the lady replies, "I wish you would beat me half to death."
MORAL OF THIS STORY: You don't need to resort to sexual comments to be humorous. Physical violence will do just fine. :0)
Hey I had to give this a shot for the legendary GERRY BECKLEY. Anyone want to do one on the legendary DEWEY BUNNELL ?
Gerry at the piano
there is no better sight
there is no better sound
Gerry at the 12 string guitar
there is no better sight
there is no better sound
Gerry at the 6 string guitar
there is no better sight
there is no better sound
Gerry on stage
We know he is at home
We know we are his guest
We know just how lucky we are, so
Gerry play, play & then play ....
Happy Birthday Gerry - hope you had a beautiful day! Best Wishes, Linda and family
A birthday prayer for Gerry
May you be blessed with
a wealth of love & cheer
and only the best of times
in the coming years.
And when each day has ended
I hope that you will know
that many hearts were mended
by your piano virtuoso.
Happy Birthday!
Jenny
There's something about you Gerry
I just have to say
Your music brightens my life each and every day
From my favorite song, "I Need You" to "Another Try"
Your songs make me happy and chase the blues when I cry
So I just want to thank you and wish you love and happiness
On this special day, your birthday
You truly are the best!!!!
Love, Cathy
Steve - thanks so much for your efforts in e-mailing our poem to Gerry! I appreciate you making the connection between us and him! We can always count on you. Have a good weekend! (It's finally RAINING at our house!) Karen
Rob,
May I add the great Gregory Peck and the great Salsa singer, Celia Cruz (She was the "Elvis" of Salsa). May they all rest in peace.
Sergio
to the war on terrorism, I humbly submit this eloquent idea. As a consumate American, I will be observing this undertaking most thoroughly.
Show Your Patriotism
Because the Taliban cannot stand nudity and consider it a sin to see
a naked woman that is not one's wife, next Saturday afternoon at
2:00 p.m. EST, all North American women are asked to walk out of their
houses completely naked to help weed out any neighborhood terrorists.
Circling your block for one hour is recommended for this antiterrorist effort.
All men should position themselves in lawn chairs in front of their
homes to prove that they think it's OK to see other women nude.
(Since the enemy does not approve of alcohol, a cold six-pack at your side
is further proof of your anti-Taliban sentiment.) Notify the appropriate
authorities of any people who do not participate.
Your efforts to root out terrorists will be greatly appreciated and
indicate your desire to demonstrate your patriotism. To achieve 100%
participation, forward this note to other similarly minded patriots.
Cool...thanks Steve for letting us know that. It's always great to hear that Gerry and Dewey are really interested in what's happening here and to what we have to say. Aren't they just the greatest?!?
On another note, I was sadden to hear about the passing Johnny Cash. I was never a big fan of his, but he holds a sentimental place in my heart as "I Walk The Line" was one of the first songs that I learned to play on the guitar (some 30 years ago). I was also shocked to hear about the sudden death of John Ritter. His comical antics on Three's Company always made me laugh.
While in Las Vegas at the end of August, I walked over to the Tropicana Casino from the MGM where I was staying. While walking outside the casino, I heard music that I recognized. As I stopped to listen, I suddenly realized that it was AMERICA singing "You Can Do Magic". I immediately starting searching for the source of the music and figured out it was being pumped out by the speakers on top of the waterfall outside the front of the Tropicana Casino. While I know it is probably a canned sequence of music played in a loop, I never magaged to be walking past the Trop while that song was playing again. Hummm, I wonder if the Casino is paying royalty rights for all the sounds the are constantly playing outside on their loudspeaker system all day?
Johnny Cash made a contribution that can't be measured, not only for his own music, but for his open mindedness with regard to each successive generation of artists. I don't recall exactly when it was on -- must have been in the late 60s or early 70s -- but Cash's TV show was appreciated by modern rockers of the time for its "no BS" flavor. Artists were encouraged to perform "live" as opposed to lip-synching, and were apparently given wide latitude. In a book about the Guess Who, it is recalled that the band, riding high at the time and getting mileage out of their "we're provincial Winnepeg folks and proud" schtick, wanted to drape a Canadien flag over the piano or somesuch. Although some top people within the ranks of the show balked, Cash said it was OK by him "as long as these boys believe in it." The flag went on, and so did the show.
Hi all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY GERRY! I too called in to my local radio station to wish Gerry a Happy one! I requested Daisy Jane! Bye, Valerie
I keep a close watch on this heart of mine
I keep my eyes wide open all the time.
I keep the ends out for the tie that binds
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
I find it very, very easy to be true
I find myself alone when each day is through
Yes, I'll admit I'm a fool for you
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
As sure as night is dark and day is light
I keep you on my mind both day and night
And happiness I've known proves that it's right
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
You've got a way to keep me on your side
You give me cause for love that I can't hide
For you I know I'd even try to turn the tide
Because you're mine,
I walk the line
-Johnny Cash
I just thought I would post these great lyrics to commemorate the life of Johnny Cash. I was shocked today to find out that both Cash and comic actor John Ritter had passed away. The entertainment world has certainly lost some great talents in the past year. I'm thinking of Cash and Ritter, but also June Carter Cash, Warren Zevon, Barry White, Edwin Starr, Ed Townsend, Sam Phillips, Katharine Hepburn, Charles Bronson and others. I hope I'm not forgetting anyone there. It's a sad post but at least the music and the art lives on.
-Rob
Keith and I would like to wish Gerry a happy birthday with many many more years of good health, happiness and love.
Deb and Keith
Gerry asked me to thank everybody for their poems & wishes and to let you know that he has read them all.
Have a wonderful birthday, Mr Beckley. Hope you are doing something fun!
My boss was testing a new portable sound system in our showroom this morning and was nice enough to cue up Sister Golden Hair for me. Sounded pretty darn good on a pair of Bose Panaray 802-III speakers. Well, it sounds pretty good anytime, I guess. Anyway, it was a good substitute for hearing it on the radio.
On a different subject, we play music throughout the day here at the office and I am limited as to how much America I can get away with playing. The office mates get restless if we don't have some variety. So, now playing, at Home Performance is the "I Am Sam" soundtrack. It is a CD of 17 Beatles cover tunes. Very good CD. I figure since the Beatles are a musical cousin to America, it is a fitting CD to play on this hallowed day. One thought, why didn't Gerry sing one of these covers? That would have been way cool.
Speaking of musical cousins, I've wanted to mention this and I keep forgetting. mB played "Paperback Writer" for his sound check at the Gengis show that we attended in July. I thought that was very cool since it is clearly from his direct rock royalty lineage.
Have a great weekend everyone. Especially you, Mr. Gerry.
Hi Everyone :) Kinda a chilly morning here in Pa, the sun is trying to come out from the thin layers of clouds! Gerry you are here singing ~~~ in this world of lost horizons, where your dreams burn fast but your nights goo soarward, ever find where you're compromising all your hopes and fears just to get to know her, sooo you take a walk down the goodbye hwy. the hello goodbye way, its a long long road ~~~~ and we take a stroll down the goodbye highway, the someother time way, try to ease your load hmmmmmm ~~~ the hello ~ goodbye way its the lonnnnngest road ~~~ so you take a walk down the goodbye highway, the hello goodbye highway its a one way ride ~~~ :) Sing it Gerry :)
Happy Happy Birthday Gerry ~ Gerry ~ Gerry! ~~ Enjoy your day, I hope it is filled with an overabundance of Life's Simple Joy's! :):) :) ~~ Thank You for all the Simple Joys that I get from all of your songs! They sure do add a nice touch of Honey to my days! :) You are here singing Sunrise Sunset ~~ Oh my what a song! :)
Hey there Johnny that is one pretty neat of thee I sing song lines, had me smiling for sure!
Hey Mark ~~ That was pretty neat you hearing CNN playing HWNN and wishing Gerry a Happy B'Day! Nice :)
Hmmmm ~~ I had another physical therapy app. and my arm is coming along quite well, had one of those nice slowhand massages along with those little jumper cable stimulating treatments and then had to do some hand exercises with some hand weights and Red you were right, Matt my therapist got out this little container with some gooooey green stuff in it and, yeppers it was my long lost childhood friend silly putty.... I had to do 5 mins of squeezing motions! :) Needless to say my arm is feeling pretty peppy, but my first 2 fingers are a Tingling still... I gotta go back next week for 3 more rounds of this! :) ~~~ Hmmmm Gerry is here singing Now Sue now :):):) ~~~ Make up our minds, now sue it gets more and more, sue it gets more and more, we are walking, we move mountains, we want you to want us, but what can we do, they sit in darkness as they sewwww~~~ Keep on a singing to me Gerry :)
I just gotta say again, what a Rush of Mixed Emotions has brought my way this week... I awoke to my radio dj Jack Michaels saying that the well known John Ritter had passed away suddenly of a Heart attack... Hmmmmmmmmmm WOW~~ He sure did have a way of bringing a Nice touch of Laughter into our everyday lives... Sorry to see his hwy had to end this soon! ~~ I guess God needed his touch of Laughter up in the Heavens! ~~ Also the country legend Johnny Cash passed away too, He sure has lived a full life filled with chapters of learning life the hard way! ~~ I don't know if any of you have seen his video to his latest song "Hurt", hmmm it sure had a way of hitting me like a brick... I bet he was missing June sooo much that he wanted to join her! ~~ I happened to catch some of the MTV music awards show, the part where Johnny's video was nominated along with Justin Timberlake and some of the newer groups 50Cent, well Justin won and upon making his acceptance speech he said that Johnny should have won this, and that he proudly shares it with him, and that Justin's grandfater raised him on Johnny Cash's songs as a boy.... There were others that paid tribute to Johnny, I think it was ColdPlay that said this song is for you Mr Cash and he began to sing a song that I wasn't familiar with....
Well gotta get busy here, have a great friday all! See ya, Nancy :)
Hey Gerry ~~ Carl Wilson is here singing his beautiful song I Wish For You ~~~ Soooo I am gonna let my fingertips sing along with him in Honor of your Special Day ~~~~ Days when the sun is sooo clear and bright, a dream thats as real as the stars in the night, I wish for YOUUUUUU ALWAYS a heart that can heal when you love in vain, a friend who can hold you through all of the pain, I wish for You always, I wish you hope through your share of tears, I wish you peace all your living years, when the Mooooooooon is hight I'll wish you were here.... Sing it and Play it for me Carl Wilson, this song is filled with some powerful Lyrics for sure! :) :)
While driving to work this morning, I phoned in a request to "my" station asking for Sister Golden Hair in honor of Gerry Beckley's 51st birthday. Then I got to work and tried to tune in the station, and it was too fuzzy to even hear. Major bummer. Well, if they play it, I hope they mention the b-day wish and someone (although NOT me) gets to hear it. It's a Clear Channel station anyway so they probably won't play it since it seems they have their programming completed into the next millenium and don't welcome requests.
FYI - I copied the poem from the chat folder and e-mailed it directly to Gerry just in case he doesn't check in today. I certainly hope that he's off doing something fun!
Lynn, it's very possible that the guys are playing for the DEMA show in October. However, since that's a private show it likely won't show up on the concert list. There are a few private shows that do get listed, but many of them don't. The reason the private shows don't get listed is because the general public isn't invited and those who are invited already know about it. I hope that makes sense.
Happy Birthday, Gerry! Hope you have a wonderful day! (Even my little niece and nephew asked me to send you their HAPPY BIRTHDAY when I told them it was your big day! So, HAPPY BIRTHDAY from two of your youngest fans!) They can't wait to see you at Topsfield Fair in October! Me, too!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GERRY!
Nicely done, Johnny.
Gerry ~ Wishing you a VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Here's a little something for you from America song lyrics but mainly from yours. Following each lyric is the America song title from which it came.
"OF THEE I SING"
THINK I'LL WRITE A DIFFERENT SONG (Till The Sun Comes Up Again)
EVERYONE SING ALONG (What Does It Matter)
THERE'S A STORY TO BE TOLD (Watership Down)
THIS IS RIGHT, THIS I KNOW (Unconditional Love)
DUE TO THE SITUATION THIS MORNING (Coastline)
LOVE COMES WITHOUT WARNING (Love Comes Without Warning)
SOME CAN SEE IT'S POETRY (Company)
IT'S JUST A LITTLE HISTORY (What Does It Matter)
FOLLOW ME AS WE WIND OUR WAY (Clarice)
HOW 'BOUT A CHEER FOR THE PIANO VIRTUOSO (1960)
HE PRACTICED 61 MINUTES A DAY
GERRY PLEASE (Sarah)
PLEASE BELIEVE IN ME (She's Gone)
OF THEE I SING (House Of Cards)
IT'S SOMETHING I CAN'T EXPLAIN (Here)
I GUESS YOU'RE REALLY TO BLAME (Daisy Jane)
THIS IS TO ME THE ONLY WAY (One Day's Duning)
YOU ARE ON MY MIND EACH DAY (And Forever)
AND FOREVER
SOMETHING I UNDERSTAND (Van Go Gan)
YOU'RE OUR HOMECOMING MAN (No Fortune)
COME TO [YOUR] PARTY, THE DRINKS ARE ON ME (Hollywood)
FOR FREE
THERE'S A CLOCK TIMING THE WORLD AS IT TURNS (Hope)
THERE'S A MAN MARKING THE [BIRTHDAY] CANDLE AS IT BURNS
ONE MORE CALENDAR COMING DOWN (Houses In White)
ONE FULL CIRCLE, ROUND, ROUND, ROUND
REMEMBER ALL THE TIMES YOU HELPED US THROUGH (She's Gonna Let You Down)
WE ALL HAVE EVERY FAITH IN YOU (Goodbye)
AND EVERYTHING YOU DO
UNCONDITIONALLY YOU (Unconditional Love)
LIKE A SLOW MOVING TRAIN (Kiss Of Life)
KEEP ON MOVIN', KEEP ON PLAYIN' THAT GAME (Lovely Night)
PROMISE ME YOU'LL STAY THE SAME (Moment To Moment)
PROMISE ME YOU'LL NEVER CHANGE
OF THEE I SING (House Of [Birthday] Cards]
Happy 51st Gerry! Eat lots of birthday cake and lots OF THE ICING, too. Enjoy!!!
Your fans all shout hooray, as today is your special day. I wish you peace and joy and lots of fun!
I was watching CNN Headline News this morning when I heard the familiar sounds of Horse With No Name coming from the TV. The newscaster then said that it was "Gerry Beckley of the group America's birthday. Horse With No Name was their first hit." Or words to that effect. It was a nice surprise.
Gerry - Happy B'Day! Have a great day! Thanks for the many years of the greatest music - looking forward to many more!!
Sheldon
Happy Birthday, meine liebe.
Have a GREAT birthday....you made the celebrity birthday list here in Reno! Best wishes today and in the year to come!
Erin :o)
Hi Karen, sure include both,just put the narrative translation in parentheses to set it apart, or however you wish, just a suggestion. Take care,
Sergio
Happy biiirthdayyy to youuu,
Happy biiirthdayyy to youuu,
Happy biiirthdayyy dear Gerry,
Happy biiirthdayyy to youuu..
-WHOSH!- (sound of smoeone blowing the candles)
Happy Birthday, Mr Beckley!
Ìéá öéëéêÞ óõìâïõëÞ! Åëðßæù íá ìç äéÜâáóå ôï ðïéçìáôÜêé ìáò ç ãõíáßêá óïõ, ãéáôß èá ìáò êõíçãÞóåé êáé èá Ý÷åé êáé äßêéï...!!!
There once was a songster named Gerry,
Who looked at his best when most hairy.
He wrote songs of love,
As if sent from above
For lucky girls Di, Daisy, and Mary. (Mo)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes, that handsome, talented blond
Of whom we all are quite fond
Still looks just as young today
On this, his 51st birthday. (Karen)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Our Gerry we've known since he was young and so fine,
Better now is he, like an expensive fine wine. (Cindy)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yes there's something physical about Gerry
Radio-active in nature, obviously :
He's the one who had Mo lose her mind
Though she's given him more than a ten
For the heart break
He'd never meant...
There's something chromatic about Gerry,
Like this early light at dawn,
His radiance we want to chant,
His (window) reflection we glorify!
But inside is where his beauty lies
Sweet-surprise-music-brother,
We celebrate in you the songster
Perfect performer & fun photographer... (flove funny falliterations!)
On this special day fans, friends & family,
Make sure you treat him lovingly ! (Gen)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy birthday Gerry from the guy who always shouts
During "Lonely People" when you bust your harmonica out! (Rob)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gerry, Happy Birthday, from a long time fan
you are my number one music man
From guitar to piano and harmonica too
I just have to tell you that I love you
When I get to your show, there is no doubt
That smile of yours just knocks me out
So on this day of yours, I just want to say
your songs will be in my life each and every day. (Linda)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
He's the spectacled Gent
With the technical bent
On the riffs from "Horse", "Moon" and "V Highway".
To the guys, he's The Magician
On guitar and piano, accomplished Musician
For the girls, some say it's his shy way.
Happy Birthday, Gerry! (Vic)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Although you'll be 22 years beyond 29
You still look great
You're still in your prime
Thanks Brother G
For all the songs that you play
I send to you good vibes
For your Special Day (Johnny)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gerry ~ Gerry ~ Gerry
You're More than Extra Ordinary
Your many Talents We Treasure
Your Smile & Dimple oooooh such a Pleasure
Your VFTHW Pics Nicely capture Life's Colored Hues
And help to chase away the Blues! :)
Soooo on Your Special Day
I am here to say
We Appreciate You in Every Way!
I Hope your day is Filled with the Brightest Rainbow Colors
and May Life's Continuing Hwy bring Nothing But the Best Always!
Thanks For Giving Us the Kiss of Life in sooo many ways! Nancy :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I have much more to say
But how do you write a poem to a poet
It's like teaching God to pray
So, although my words are few
And my irreverent comments may not show it,
Please know that I have always admired you.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Gerry (Mo)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What can I add about Gerry...
...except that he makes me quite merry....
...when I need him, he's there....
...like he hasn't a care.....
...and that's what I love about Gerry! (Nina)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A Gerry, el miembro del pelo dorado
El de la banda que yo mas he admirado
Le deseo en este dia de celebracion
La mas sincera felicitacion
Gracias por compartir de tu alma en cada cancion
To Gerry, the member with the golden hair
from the band that I've admired most
I wish you on this day of celebration
my most sincere felicitation
Thanks for sharing a piece of your soul in every song. (Sergio)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Gerry, 51 you may be
But here's the deal
You still haven't
Lost your sex appeal
What more can I say
That hasn't already been said
Happy Birthday to you
Best wishes for the year ahead (Lass)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I want to send my Birthday wishes to Mr. Gerry B.
And let him know just how much his music means to me!
It calms my nerves, soothes my soul, and makes me feel so free!
So thank you Gerry for your many songs,
Happy Birthday to you from me! Love Valerie
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Roses are red, violets are blue
Three roses were bought for you.
He writes wonderful songs of love and a setting sun
Many went on to number one.
(Whenever I hear DaisyJane I come undone)
I admire your photography skills,
many remind me of the Berkshire Hills or Beverly Hills.
Also, have great admiration for your writing ability
Each song is written with much versatility.
Thanks for the many years of great music
You truly are a great talent and a genius.
Sending best wishes for a Happy Birthday to you
May all your hopes and wishes come true! (Jenna)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
So, Gerry - we hope you like our birthday poem
And know we think of you while across the country you roam.
We appreciate the writing, recording, touring & photographing you do,
And we hope the year ahead is wonderful for you! (Karen)
It's 2:30 AM on the west coast - that counts - hope your birthday is everything wonderful, Gerry. :)
Hi Karen, just changed one word and corrected one mispelled word from my part of Gerry's poem. Vic
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi everybody - here's the current version of the poem, I think! Please help me out and if you notice I've missed anyone's part let me know; I'd feel terrible if I left anyone out. Should we say we can add to it until midnight tonight and I can put a final version out here in the morning with the subject line of "Happy Birthday Gerry from your fans" (or any better suggestion you might have)? I don't think I'll ask Steve to send it. Sounds like Gerry will see it out here. Gotta get these boys off to school and myself to work. Have a good day!
There once was a songster named Gerry,
Who looked at his best when most hairy.
He wrote songs of love,
As if sent from above
For lucky girls Di, Daisy, and Mary. (Mo)
==========================
Yes, that handsome, talented blond
Of whom we all are quite fond
Still looks just as young today
On this, his 51st birthday. (Karen)
========================
Our Gerry we've known since he was young and so fine,
Better now is he, like an expensive fine wine. (Cindy)
=============================
Yes there's something physical about Gerry
Radio-active in nature, obviously :
He's the one who had Mo lose her mind
Though she's given him more than a ten
For the heart break
He'd never meant...
There's something chromatic about Gerry,
Like this early light at dawn,
His radiance we want to chant,
His (window) reflection we glorify!
But inside is where his beauty lies
Sweet-surprise-music-brother,
We celebrate in you the songster
Perfect performer & fun photographer... (flove funny falliterations!)
On this special day fans, friends & family,
Make sure you treat him lovingly ! (Gen)
=============================
Happy birthday Gerry from the guy who always shouts
During "Lonely People" when you bust your harmonica out! (Rob)
=============================
Gerry, Happy Birthday, from a long time fan
you are my number one music man
From guitar to piano and harmonica too
I just have to tell you that I love you
When I get to your show, there is no doubt
That smile of yours just knocks me out
So on this day of yours, I just want to say
your songs will be in my life each and every day. (Linda)
=============================
He's the spectacled Gent
With the technical bent
On the riffs from "Horse", "Moon" and "V Highway".
To the guys, he's The Magician
On guitar and piano, accomplished Musician
For the girls, some say it's his shy way.
Happy Birthday, Gerry! (Vic)
===========================
Although you'll be 22 years beyond 29
You still look great
You're still in your prime
Thanks Brother G
For all the songs that you play
I send to you good vibes
For your Special Day (Johnny)
===========================
Gerry ~ Gerry ~ Gerry
You're More than Extra Ordinary
Your many Talents We Treasure
Your Smile & Dimple oooooh such a Pleasure
Your VFTHW Pics Nicely capture Life's Colored Hues
And help to chase away the Blues! :)
Soooo on Your Special Day
I am here to say
We Appreciate You in Every Way!
I Hope your day is Filled with the Brightest Rainbow Colors
and May Life's Continuing Hwy bring Nothing But the Best Always!
Thanks For Giving Us the Kiss of Life in sooo many ways! Nancy :)
==============================
OK, 8.00 am here already, so it's..........HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GERRY !!! Hope you enjoy this special day!...
Gen
Hello AMERICA! Last night I met with the infamous Captain Carl and he told me that your band is supposed to be playing for the DEMA, (Dive Equipment Manufacturer Association) show in Miami this October. I don't see that posted on your web site. Is it true???? Please give me any details on this, because I think you guys are FANTASTIC! Hope to see you soon.....
Lynn Ormond
Quite impressed with everyone's writing ability and poetic style! Here's my sophomore attempt...tried to think of something more original than "roses are red" but I'm a slow thinker today.
Roses are red, violets are blue
Three roses were bought for you.
He writes wonderful songs of love and a setting sun
Many went on to number one.
(Whenever I hear DaisyJane I come undone)
I admire your photography skills,
many remind me of the Berkshire Hills or Beverly Hills.
Also, have great admiration for your writing ability
Each song is written with much versatility.
Thanks for the many years of great music
You truly are a great talent and a genius.
Sending best wishes for a Happy Birthday to you
May all your hopes and wishes come true!
Yes, please. Thank you.
PS: The poem thing...a really great idea. Thanks for thinking of it.
Hi Sergio - I was thinking I'd include both language versions of your beautiful poem when I compile our final version. Is that ok with you? Thanks! Karen
Hi Mo - ok with you if I include BOTH your poem segments -- the one from last weekend AND the one from today? I hope that's what you intended. Thanks! Karen
I want to send my Birthday wishes to Mr. Gerry B.
And let him know just how much his music means to me!
It calms my nerves, soothes my soul, and makes me feel so free!
So thank you Gerry for your many songs,
Happy Birthday to you from me! Love Valerie
Me Again :) Gotta be short here, gotta head to the high school this evening to hear whats new regarding my son's senior year. This has been one emotional booming week!
Thanks for the birthday wishes rc (Robin)& Howie! :) :) :)
rc ~~ thanks for sharing the Light some Candles, I haven't seen this one, I love John Lennon's song Imagine! what a powerful way for all of us to show our Unity. You can bet my home will be all lit up tonight! :)
Hey there Howie ~~ Soooo good hearing from you! ~~ I did go back and read the posts from 2 years ago (thanks Steve L), my that had to be one scarey experience. I am glad that this folder and the AMERICA fans were here to help you out, in contacting your loved ones! Nice :)~~ Sooo when I was watching all of those people on TV that were walking across the bridges the night of the Blackout, you may have been among them if you hadn't of had the assistance of an Angel by the name of Colleen, WOW! ~~ Thanks for letting us hear from you and as far as I am concerned no posts on here are never tooooo lonnnnnnng :) :) :)! Take care!
Hi Danae ~~ Yes you are oooh sooo right, Sick Minds for sure! ~~ and yes I too Hope the Nightmare is over for good!
Thanks Steve for this Microsoft Virus warning! ~~ I sure don't want to catch any of these nasty viruses.
Hi Lass ~~ Glad you joined in on the Poem fun for Gerry's B'day! :)
Hey Sheldon ~~ You can betcha I am gonna try my darnedest not to fall asleep and miss Simon & Garfunkel on David Letterman, the way I missed Dido on Kraig Kilborne last week ~~~ Boooo Hoooooo! I just love Dido's new song White Flag! :) Her new album will be released here in the states on Sept. 29th. She has a really unique way of singing her emotions at times. :)
Hmmmm ~~ Regarding live chat last night, I got there oooooooh soooo late, was glad to still see my fellow no lifers there! ~~ Hey Dex ~~ nice of you to join us too! ~~ Mo ~~ I had some pretty interesting dreams last night! :) Sorry I missed you Robyn ~~ Have fun at mB's show and let us experience it through your eyes!
Ok gotta get now ~~ Take care all and be sure to light up those candles tonight! And check out the Full Moon too! See ya, Nancy :)
~~~~ You can paint with all the colors of the wind..... sing it again Vanessa Williams ~~~ Hmmm would tonight's moon be classified as a Full Corn Moon????? :) ;)
Simon & Garfunkel will be performing on the David Letterman show on Friday, Sept. 12th - tomorrow night! I'll be staying up to catch that performance, it should be great!!
Sheldon
Gerry, 51 you may be
But here's the deal
You still haven't
Lost your sex appeal
What more can I say
That hasn't already been said
Happy Birthday to you
Best wishes for the year ahead
It's hard to believe that two whole years passed since the terroristic attack to the Twin Towers...
I was one of the last that heard it. I was extremely tired and I was sleeping when it happened.
When I woke up, I found Mom watching the TV. I asked her which film she was watching. "It's not a movie, Danae. It's real. Today morning a plane crushed on the Twin Towers in N.Y.". She also told me about the attack to the Pentagon.
I can't understand how they didn't mind about the thousands of people they killed. Sick minds...
I don't live in the States, to know exactly how you felt whe it happened. But I fully understand the pain some of you felt, when you lost beloved people, the fear, everything. Remember that someone in the other side of the Atlantic will always be thinking of you...
My best wishes to keep going on. The nightmare is over -I hust want to hope so...
Since Howie brought up the topic of viruses, let me share a little information and caution with all of you who run on Microsoft Windows computers. Yesterday Microsoft issued another "vulnerability" warning in their Microsoft Windows operating systems. No viruses exist for this vulnerability YET, but you can rest assured that one will eventually. Microsoft has created a web site that tells users how to protect themselves from these viruses (go to www.microsoft.com/protect). In a nutshell it says you should 1) Use an Internet Firewall, 2) Update Your Computer, and 3) Use Up-to-Date Antivirus Software. I have spent quite a bit of time recently helping friends and neighbors either recover from these viruses or protect their machines from attack. If you will at least do items #2 and #3 above, you should be OK. Click here to read about the latest Microsoft warning.
Hi everyone, long time no talk. The mood here in NYC is very quiet.
As I worked to work from the Port Authority, I saw alot of different police and firemen from Texas, Ireland, etc to come give their respects. Last year sometime I had went downtown to deliver a letter somewhere and I got on the train thinking it was going uptown. Wrong..
It went downtown and I inquired and got off at the next stop. Up the stairs I went and walked right smack dab in the middle of ground zero where the steel beems were standing. I stood there for an hour just thinking about that horrible day, etc. I was mezmerized by silence and people just staring up at the sky. The father 2 houses down from me was killed in the 2nd tower where he had 2 client meetings and never got out. I think I'll pay my respects to his wife and family.
Our friend Ling who worked on the 85th floor is having a really bad time coping. For everyone, I think this day will never be forgotten as long as we live and again life will never be the same. Even this past summer we went to Florida, I was terrified of flying, but didn't show that feeling to my kids.
Blackout*** oh that was real fun here in the city. About 411P everything in the office went dead, computer lights, radio, etc.
About 430P our president said just go home. Me and a coworker headed for Port Authority and walking in the streets was something to experience. Regular people help directing traffic. No cops were in sight at all!!! People everywhere!!!!we got to the Port and it was closed. people just waiting for it to open (and it never did til the next day.) My coworker said let's go to the ferry. We started walking and I called my wife about 545P. usually I'm on the bus at 518P and she said oh you're on your way home on the bus. I said Shari do you know what's happening here in NYC? She had no idea. I said go watch the TV, because it's a major blackout. She was horrified. Our area didn't get hit by it. So back to the port we went. I caught up with one of my neighbors and we stuck together. People were looking for any kind of way to get home. Thumbing it, trying to get on any bus, you name it. They were letting people on buses. But no one knew where the buses were going. My neighbor started to get on a bus and I followed. He let us out on the other side of the Lincoln Tunnel and
my neighbor and I said what do we do now??? we started asking for rides and boom our guardian angel named "Colleen" came to our rescue.
She said where are you going? Marlboro we said. She said I used to live in Manalapan, next to Marlboro..I'll drive you home because I'm going that way. we got home about 830P. People waiting for the ferry didn't get on til like 845p and didn't get home till 1130P. Car services were asking $200 to drive them anywhere they wanted to.
I don't think so. But still the power was not back the next day.
I had a nice day off. My sister lives in the city and people were just hanging out all over the place drinking beers, looking for drinks, etc. she didn't power back til 11A the next morning.
Fun, don't want to do that again.
Oh and lastly the virus. About 2-3 weeks ago, we came in to work on a Thursday and nothing worked when we booted up our computers. we went home early that day and came into work that Friday. Still computers didn't work. We got hit with the blaster virus and about 400-500 computers had to be addressed individually. REAL FUN!!! They were back the next week.
Hope everyone had a great summer. We had 2 great weeks in Florida.
Highlight of those 2 weeks: my parents house face a big lake and in this lake is ole' Ally (gator) what a huge one. Everyday he appeared
looking for something to eat!!!
Happy belated birthdays to Gerry and Nancy. Hope you had a great one.
Sorry this is so long, it makes up for my absense.
Anybody here from Janice. Hey Janice how are you doing?
Good I hope.
Peace all...............Howie
Would like to say Happy Belated Birthday to Nancy and any others who had celebrated one recently, and Happy Birthday to Gerry, and everyone who has one coming up soon!
Also would like to send Happy Anniversary wishes to the Beckley's and may you have many more good years to come..
Take Care All..
Robin C.
This email has been making the rounds the past few days. You may received it.. I would also like to add to remember the men and women of the military who have lost their lives fighting abroad and their families, as well as all the innocent people around the world who have lost their lives because of terrorist acts in one form or another.
Light some candles 9/11/03
On September 11th, our country will come upon the second anniversary of the tragedy of 9-11. We remember the days that followed and that one evening where we all lit candles by our front doors, on our front lawns, our porches, our decks.
This year, let us join together to show that we will not forget
those innocent people that lost their lives that morning.
The passengers, the pilots, the people that were working at the World
Trade Center and the Pentagon. Let us join together to show our
appreciation for the brave firefighters, police officers and EMT
personnel that ran to help others. To show our remembrance, our
strength, our resolve and our love of our country, let's join
together again.
On the evening of September 11th, rain or shine, light up the
front of your home, your yard, your street, your walkway, your
porch, your front steps.
Take time and remember the events of 9-11, howe deeply you were
moved, scared, touched.
Pray that our nation continues the fight on terrorism so that
events such as this do not happen again on our soil.
Pass this along and hopefully by 9-11 it will have reached many
throughout the USA and perhaps even the world. What a statement to our nation, our
neighbors and especially to those lost on that tragic day.
We have not forgotten. Light some candles the evening of 9-11-03
Imagine
Writen by: John Lennon
© Bag productions inc.
Imagine there's no heaven,
It's easy if you try,
No hell below us,
Above us only sky,
Imagine all the people
living for today...
Imagine there's no countries,
It isnt hard to do,
Nothing to kill or die for,
No religion too,
Imagine all the people
living life in peace...
Imagine no possesions,
I wonder if you can,
No need for greed or hunger,
A brotherhood of man,
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world...
You may say Im a dreamer,
but Im not the only one,
I hope some day you'll join us,
And the world will live as one.
Thank you Mo and Nancy for your kind comments- My heart is with yours and all of AMERICA today as we remember 9/11. I listened to "Sandman" early this morning on my way to work, befittingly from the "History" cd.
Nancy, I too had a difficult time making any sense of it to my daughter, as you know is in special ed, doubly hard for kids that already have a hard time processing any information. Hard lessons for anyone to process...
On a happier subject, all you poets out there have been so eloquent in English! I've really enjoyed the verses. Which brings me to my predicament, I am not much of a poet in any language, but given Spanish is easier to rhyme, I am going to take the easy way out and post it in Spanish (Viva la diferencia?), here is my effort in my birth language:
A Gerry, el miembro del pelo dorado
El de la banda que yo mas he admirado
Le deseo en este dia de celebracion
La mas sincera felicitacion
Gracias por compartir de tu alma en cada cancion
Sergio
For those of you that can't read/understand Spanish:
Here is a rough and unpoetic translation~
To Gerry, the member with the golden hair
from the band that I've admired most
I wish you on this day of celebration
my most sincere felicitation
Thanks for sharing a piece of your soul in every song.
It's amazing that as I put the final touches to this post, "Sister Golden Hair" came on Kool 95, the radio station I listen too...Sing it Gerry!
<<... the September 2001 Chat Folder archives... brought back even more memories of that fateful day... memories of how everyone (including America fans) worked together to help in any way that they could...>>
So right & true, Steve, regarding the on-the-scene reports & predicaments for some of this bunch at that time. I also was just now thinking of Howard and expecting to maybe see a post from him with his thoughts & feelings. It all seemed to me such a surrealistic drama unfolding at the time & in a lot of ways still does, always will. After visiting Ground Zero last April, this 2nd anniversary hits me harder than the 1st.
tt (there's definitely somethin' about that Sandman song)
I was reading through the September 2001 Chat Folder archives (www.kingbiscuit.com/america/chat/chat0109.htm) and it brought back even more memories of that fateful day. It also brought back memories of how everyone (including America fans) worked together to help in any way that they could. For example, if you read message #18698 by Howard Lieboff asking for help to contact loved ones and then the responses to that message, you'll see the true human spirit coming through. Disasters like this tend to bring out the best in people as they overcome the results of evil actions.
Hi Everyone ~~ Hmmmm it is a chilly but nice sunny morning here, much like it was 2 years ago today! Ooooooooh soooo true Sergio, we will never forget this Unbelievable Tragedy, and what we were doing, and how in hearing of it, it stopped us and held us captive to every waking event. I will never forget the stillness that was in the beautiful blue eyed sky that morning, and how not a bird was singing. Little did I know that the very plane that crashed here in PA had flown over the town where I grew up not more than 10 mins away from here. ~~ I will never forget the way my youngest son looked at me when I picked him up from his bus, and not knowing just how to answer his questions about this. ~~ I can't even begin to imagine how hard it had and has to still be for those that had to tell their children that their Mother or Father was gone. My thoughts and prayers with all of those that were affected by this in any way. :)
Hi Sergio ~~ For sure I am playing Sandman here right now.... what a thoughtful idea for all of us to join in playing this song! :)
Take care everyone, and have a good day! Nancy :)
~~~~ Ain't it foggy outside ~~~ all the planes have been grounded, ain't the fire inside, lets all go stand around itttt, Sing it for us Dewey, Gerry & Dan :) :) :)
...except that he makes me quite merry....
...when I need him, he's there....
...like he hasn't a care.....
...and that's what I love about Gerry!
(Sorry for the split poem...my principal walked in as I was creating!!!)
I'm never too busy to add best wishes to "our boy", Gerry! So here it is, off the top of my head:
What can I add about Gerry...
I've been agonizing over this for days. Here' what I've settled on.
I have much more to say
But how do you write a poem to a poet
It's like teaching God to pray
So, although my words are few
And my irreverent comments may not show it,
Please know that I have always admired you.
Happy Birthday, Mr. Gerry
Ok, ok... I give up! You're all unbelievable!
!!!WARNING!!!: If Kathy starts sending you viruses, I won't be responsible!
(Hey, hey, I'm just KIDDING!!)
Hi everybody - here's the current version of the poem, I think! Please help me out and if you notice I've missed anyone's part let me know; I'd feel terrible if I left anyone out. Should we say we can add to it until midnight tonight and I can put a final version out here in the morning with the subject line of "Happy Birthday Gerry from your fans" (or any better suggestion you might have)? I don't think I'll ask Steve to send it. Sounds like Gerry will see it out here. Gotta get these boys off to school and myself to work. Have a good day!
There once was a songster named Gerry,
Who looked at his best when most hairy.
He wrote songs of love,
As if sent from above
For lucky girls Di, Daisy, and Mary. (Mo)
==========================
Yes, that handsome, talented blond
Of whom we all are quite fond
Still looks just as young today
On this, his 51st birthday. (Karen)
========================
Our Gerry we've known since he was young and so fine,
Better now is he, like an expensive fine wine. (Cindy)
=============================
Yes there's something physical about Gerry
Radio-active in nature, obviously :
He's the one who had Mo lose her mind
Though she's given him more than a ten
For the heart break
He'd never meant...
There's something chromatic about Gerry,
Like this early light at dawn,
His radiance we want to chant,
His (window) reflection we glorify!
But inside is where his beauty lies
Sweet-surprise-music-brother,
We celebrate in you the songster
Perfect performer & fun photographer... (flove funny falliterations!)
On this special day fans, friends & family,
Make sure you treat him lovingly ! (Gen)
=============================
Happy birthday Gerry from the guy who always shouts
During "Lonely People" when you bust your harmonica out! (Rob)
=============================
Gerry, Happy Birthday, from a long time fan
you are my number one music man
From guitar to piano and harmonica too
I just have to tell you that I love you
When I get to your show, there is no doubt
That smile of yours just knocks me out
So on this day of yours, I just want to say
your songs will be in my life each and every day. (Linda)
=============================
He's the spectacled Gent
With the technical bent
For the riffs from "Horse","Moon" and "V Highway".
To the guys, he's The Magician
On guitar and piano, accompished Musician
For the girls, some say it's his shy way.
Happy Birthday, Gerry! (Vic)
===========================
Although you'll be 22 years beyond 29
You still look great
You're still in your prime
Thanks Brother G
For all the songs that you play
I send to you good vibes
For your Special Day (Johnny)
===========================
Gerry ~ Gerry ~ Gerry
You're More than Extra Ordinary
Your many Talents We Treasure
Your Smile & Dimple oooooh such a Pleasure
Your VFTHW Pics Nicely capture Life's Colored Hues
And help to chase away the Blues! :)
Soooo on Your Special Day
I am here to say
We Appreciate You in Every Way!
I Hope your day is Filled with the Brightest Rainbow Colors
and May Life's Continuing Hwy bring Nothing But the Best Always!
Thanks For Giving Us the Kiss of Life in sooo many ways! Nancy :)
==============================
Nice idea and sentiment, Sergio. Thanks.
I know we have all been fittingly wishing happy anniversary and happy birthday wishes to Gerry on 9/10 and 9/12 respectively, but sadly, I know the date in between those two dates brings other things to mind, in just a few hours we will all remember the infamy and sadness of the horrific events that unfolded before our eyes just a short two years ago. My thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and anyone who was directly touched by the evil events of that day. A date and day that we will never forget, as when Kennedy was murdered, (for us older folks) we will always remember it as if it was yesterday, remembering where we were and what we were doing. Let's all of us America fans make a point of playing "Sandman" tomorrow as a way of remembering... and to show the unity among us. God bless all,
Sergio
Gerry, even though I've never had the honor of meeting you, I hope you and Kathy have a happy 15th Anniversary, and may you have many more. My wife, Lourdes, and I just had the pleasure of celebrating our 30th wedding anniversary last August 25th. Which by the way, in the numbers game it's Two Five, and when juxtaposed turns into Five Two the year of my birth and yours! Add to that,in approximately 25 hours you will be 51 like me~Happy Birthday! 51 ain't so bad! Have a great one!
Sergio
Aja was perhaps their most popular and succesful album. That said, in my opinion, it was also their best work. Just after Aja, Steely Dan released the title track from the movie "FM".
Aja was far superior to Gaucho in many ways. Although "Hey Nineteen" was their biggest hit, the album seemed like they were trying too hard to recreate the purity of Aja.
Shayne
"So useless to ask me why - Throw a kiss and say goodbye
I'll make it this time - I'm ready to cross that fine line" - (Deacon Blues)
Hey there, Kim Cabrina. I was thinking about you today when I was using my Paaaaaaalm Pilot (always say that to the tune of Sky Pilot). You had posted this the other day, "There was a lesson we both learned though: we will never, ever leave home without the following things, even if it is only a one night trip. 1. Our daytimer address book...." You are so right. You need all of that stuff at your finger tips at the oddest times. That's when a PDA comes in handy. You can load all kinds of good info into those little buggers--even insurance info or health info like drug allergies or whatever. Then you carry the thing in your purse and always have it handy. Mine is the very simplest model and it is actually from Handspring but uses a Palm Pilot operating system. You also have the software on your desktop at home and can "sync" the two machines so they always are up to date with each other. I use the memo feature to keep a running grocery list because you always think of stuff to buy when you can't find paper and a pen. I also have used the memo to list the directions to somewhere that way you know you have them with you when it counts. Well, anyway, you get the idea. I didn't think I would use it that much when I first got it, but I really love it. Just a thought. By the way, I'm glad your hubby is all better.
Gotta quick make supper and head out to a Sunday school teachers' meeting at church tonight. (I teach 2nd grade Sunday school at St. Mary's. See - I told you I'm usually well behaved!) I'll compile the latest version of our poem later tonight, when I'm not in such a hurry. GREAT additions, EVERYONE! (I've had the one about the spectacled gent with the technical bent in my head all day long!)
Johnny -thanks for sharing the details of your trip. How nice of Maggie and David to take the time to seek out fans. Nice too of the bus driver, seeing a disappointed kid, giving him somthing to remember the experience by.
Kim I am glad your dh is doing well. What a trouper!
And I am looking forward to the New Year's Eve Show. Anyone else going?
Gerry & Kathy - wishing you a very happy anniversary!! Looks like the band is between shows right now, so it's nice you'll be able to be together. Pretty neat about the Five One, One Five coincidence - good observation, Mo!
Agreed. I think you'd find that the length of Aja, in terms of minutes of music, is consistent -- maybe even more generous than the norm -- for its era.
Hi everyone!
Want to partake to the general enthusiasm here... and wish a Happy 15th to Gerry & his wife Kathy (though I may never know what it can feel like to be married for sooo very long !-LOL) ...Opens up a whole world of possibilities to me, hahaha :-)
Great additions to the poem, Cindy, Vic, Johnny and Nancy. We're progressing... Karen, you got some new collection job to do... nice, no?
Was just made aware of the publication of B Wilson's 2004 European tour dates by a friend & have to do some 'clearing things out for me' job tonight. As far as I know, A LOT of London/UK dates but only one Paris concert apparently for the moment in -not so big but world-wide famous venue- Olympia theater. G! Will have to be quick!
You UK fans out there (?) can check it out from http://www.brianwilson.com/tour/
Go read the article to see what a BIG event it is here - considering the memories the GREAT performances of 2002 left behind.
Also says <<For the first time in his 40-year career, Wilson will perform his mythical unreleased masterpiece, "SMiLE." In addition, the concert will include classic Beach Boys and Brian Wilson favourites as well as selections from his new solo album>>
Oh & there's also a very nice & interesring interview of Brian by Sean Lennon in the samples section. Found it really 'fresh'.
See you.
Gen
Happy Hump Day Everyone ~~ It is a beautiful sunny moring here in Pa. My arm is feeling much better, just had my 3rd treatment today, the therapist said on friday he will show me some exercises to start... I still got Tingly fingertips, he said that should go away soon. Little Miss Melina is here with me today! :)
Happy Anniversary Mr. & Mrs Beckley ~~ Wishing You Lots Happiness & Blessings as you begin another Chapter in Your Book of Marriage! :)
Hmmm ~~ Karen here is my Poem addition for Gerry's Birthday
Gerry ~ Gerry ~ Gerry
You're More than Extra Ordinary
Your many Talents We Treasure
Your Smile & Dimple oooooh such a Pleasure
Your VFTHW Pics Nicely capture Life's Colored Hues
And help to chase away the Blues! :)
Soooo on Your Special Day
I am here to say
We Appreciate You in Every Way!
I Hope your day is Filled with the Brightest Rainbow Colors
and May Life's Continuing Hwy bring Nothing But the Best Always!
Thanks For Giving Us the Kiss of Life in sooo many ways! Nancy :)
Hi Vic & Paul thanks for the birthday wishes :) :) :)
I am really enjoying reading everyone's Poem additions ~~ Nice :)
Hi Johnny ~~ You may not have gotten to meet G & D (hey always a good excuse to take in another show ~ You can meet them next time), but I must say that is pretty neat you getting to meet Maggie & David & David signing your History Album Cover! :) I hope when you guys get the pics back you will send them to Steve for all of us to see!
Hey there Reddddd ~~~ Thanks a bunch for sending me the Pic of Gerry from Pollstar in an email, thanks SteveL for posting the site address and Mo ~~ I did notice the pic of Cheryl and that other guy, I guess I didn't stay there long enough for it to change to Gerry's pic... My computer is running low on Memory space and is soooo slow at times.... I have soooo many things saved on it.... I gotta get a Memory Upgrade soon! :)
Well I went to see Nathan's teachers last night, and tonight is Laura'
s teachers... Hey tonight is Live Chat I hope to make it there, probably will be later tho.... Have a great day all! See ya Nancy :)
Hey Gerry be sure and sing "All My Life" to your Mrs today if at all possible ~~ hmmm or better yet, I bet you wrote a song especially just for her, that we haven't heard! :)
Happy Anniversary...have a wonderful day.
Erin :o)
Okay, at work now. Boss is "in the field" today so I'm stealing a moment of time to add this post. Light is slow to dawn on this Marblehead, but I got to thinking on the drive in to work about the whole 15 years thing. Quick math...I've been married for 17 years. So, back when I was a sweet, young thing (and thin)(and single), Gerry was actually single and available too? What the heck was I thinking? Luckily for everyone concerned, I suppose, it's a good thing that I was not in one of my America phases. But, geez, talk about your opportunities lost. (Shakes head, looks dejected.)
I've got to get myself a life, man.
You are absolutely right, Mo. Gerry and Kathy were married on September 10, 1988.
Although you'll be 22 years beyond 29
You still look great
You're still in your prime
Thanks Brother G
For all the songs that you play
I send to you good vibes
For your Special Day
Hey, Five One, thanks for the heads up regarding the anniversary wishes. Now that you mention it, I do recall from Jorge Luna'a fan bio that on September 10, 2001, when he got to meet the guys, Gerry had been trying to reach the Mrs. by phone since it was their anniversary. That date stuck in my mind since it was the day before the infamous day of 9/11/01 and the terrible tragedy that ensued. I think I've got that right but I'm sure someone will check it out, so I don't have to.
So, happy anniversary, Mr. & Mrs. Beckley. I hope you enjoy your day. Gosh, what a great week to be you, Gerry Gerry Gerry with an anniversary (one-five) and a birthday, too (five-one). It's good to be the King. (That's a movie quote for the cinematically impaired.)
Off to work, lads. 'Ave a good'un.
"There is no more lovely, friendly, and charming relationship, communion, or company than a good marriage." -Anon-
Happy fifteenth anniversary to Gerry and Kathy from a longtime fan. Wishing you health and happiness for many more years to come.
Thanks, Steve--the link to Melody Blvd and the yuming CD worked. Much appreciated.
He's the spectacled Gent
With the technical bent
For the riffs from "Horse","Moon" and "V Highway".
To the guys, he's The Magician
On guitar and piano, accompished Musician
For the girls, some say it's his shy way.
Happy Birthday, Gerry!
Happy Belated Birthday, Nancy! : )
Go to this Gap webpage to see the "Tempted" ad: http://www.gap.com/asp/shops/gap/mfalltv.asp?wdid=10
I, too, am a Squeeze fan!!!
I have 9 of their CDs as well as Glenn Tilbrook's solo CD, "The Imcomplete". I just love the COOL songwriting style of Tilbrook and Difford of Squeeze especially the funny stories told in so many of their songs!
I have yet to see (and hear) the TV commercial with "Tempted," but I look forward to it.
I, too, really like Steely Dan. I have all 7 of their releases from 1972 through 1980 which is "Can't Buy A Thrill" to "Gaucho" in addition to Donald Fagen's two solo releases, "The Nightfly" and "Kamakiriad". The latter of the two solo releases wasn't very appealing in my opinion. I thought "Aja" was excellent although you can detect a change in their style of music... became more 'jazzy'.
I wholeheartedly agree with those here who said Steely Dan's music was better in the early 70s than their later music although I like "Gaucho" and "The Nightfly".
Kim ~ Thanks for posting your three-part Sweetwater adventure; I really enjoyed reading it. I'm glad to hear that Derek is doing well.
Here is my Part 4:
Kim, Derek, their son and daughter, Brian and his wife Deb, and I were walking back to the front of the building after we all had learned that the guys had already departed. As we were approaching the front, a lady stopped us and said something to the effect of, "Hi Johnny. Hi Kim. I'm Maggie Dickey." I replied, "Hi Maggie, it's great to meet you!" She said, "If you all follow me, I'll introduce you to David. He's out back." I believe Kim or I introduced everyone else to Maggie, but I'm not positive since it was a big surprise to meet Maggie outside as we did. I had never met Maggie before nor did I even know which person she was up until that time.
As we all were walking back to the rear of the building, there was David signing autographs. I watched as a boy asked him to sign his "History" album cover. David said to him, "I'm the little guy on the back in the red suit. I'll sign it there." As he did, I saw that David had 4 or 5 copies of the "Highway" box set in one of his hands. He held on to them as he signed.
We were all in the lit alley which was in the back of the auditorium. The tour bus was parked right next to us. After David finished signing the album cover for the boy, Maggie introduced him to Kim and me. I remember David saying, "Hi John, it's nice to meet you." I said, "It's great to meet YOU, David! We all really enjoyed the show." I then asked David if he would mind signing the back of MY "History" album cover which he very kindly did in the semi-dark of the alley. Others were waiting for their chance to speak with David as well as to get his autograph. I thought it was a wonderful gesture for David to make himself available to the crowd. He was definitely enjoying himself from what I observed. We all thanked him for bringing the guys to Sweetwater. I didn't see Maggie again, but I truly appreciated her introducing herself to us!!! That was very nice and thoughtful.
Other America fans were gathering with their America memorabilia in hopes of getting an autograph by Gerry and Dewey. I saw America items ranging from the "Hat Trick" poster and the yellow "Live" album cover to the "Highway" booklet. I asked several fellow-fan if they were familiar with the chat folder. None were. I wasn't too awfully surprised. We informed them to go the the bottom of the VH.Com home page to find a link to the folder.
One person, a young pre-teen boy, said, "Look Mom, I got a sticker from the bus driver!" His mom turned to look. I said, "May I see what it is that you were given?" It was a colorful round sticker about 4-5 inches in diameter with a drawing of a bus among other things that I can't clearly recall. I do remember that the drawing on the sticker reminded me somewhat of the "Keep On Truckin'" drawing... the guy with his leg extended out and foot being very prominent. It was something about the lettering and the graphics, I suppose, because there certainly wasn't a guy stepping out with his big foot. I said, "Wow, that's 'nice'," but in a bit of a sarcastic way. We all laughed because we knew the "cruddy" bus sticker was WAY SHORT of what the boy was hoping to receive while back there. It was also funny the way the boy showed me the sticker and his answer to what was on it. He said something like, "It's a bus and it says, 'On The Bus'. What does that mean?" Again, we all laughed. I'm sure those that he showed the sticker to were also thinking, "What the heck is that sticker about?" The bus wasn't an official America tour bus, I came to learn the next day. It was merely a bus the guys had chartered.
Afterwards, the seven of us walked back to the front of the auditorium. I heard Brian say that he wanted to retrieve the fairly large America advertising banner across the street from the auditorium. That was exactly what I had in mind before I heard him say that. I thought to myself, "Darn! I was going to get that as a souvenir myself!!!" I then thought, "Oh well, you snooze, you lose."
As we all walked up to the banner, someone came out of the building to retrieve it. One of us said something like, "Hey, we were hoping to get that." The guy removing the banner was someone local involved with the show. He asked us if we wanted a flyer of Dewey and Gerry that was used in advertising the show. I don't remember if there were any takers other than me. I followed the man to his vehicle where he pulled out an unused flyer. I thought that was very nice of him, and I thanked him accordingly.
Before the banner was removed, however, the seven of us posed for photos with one another. It's quite amazing to think how Derek endured the discomfort he had to have been feeling or starting to feel. He deserves big kudos for that for sure!
Afterwards, we all went our separate ways. I went to get something to eat and to gas-up the car. I then headed back to the hotel after having a great time at the show; meeting the Rothas, Brian, and Deb; meeting Maggie and David; and, of course, getting David's autograph. As nice as all that was, I was sad that I didn't get to say hi in person to Dewey and Gerry. Plus, an autograph or two would have been icing on the cake. I didn't even get one of those "On The Bus" stickers! :0)
After I had parked my car at the hotel, I sadly left my America items in the trunk of my car that I had brought to Sweetwater in hopes of meeting D&G in person.
Part 5 later on.
We had recently discussed the work of Steely Dan. Specifically, we were talking about the Aja album. If my memory serves me right, someone mentioned that the album was a few songs shy of a load. ("A few bricks shy of a load..." may be a regional saying--western Pennsylvania-ism. If so, sorry 'bout that. I guess my accent may be showing, y'ans guys.) Anyway...I was listening to this CD in the car the other night and I got to thinking about the length of it. Yes, it is only 7 songs long. More than a few of them, though, are quite long--upwards of 7 minutes or so. I didn't take the time to add up the track times to get a total album time, but I would guess that if someone did, it may turn out that the album is an average length. Perhaps that is why it wasn't sold at a discounted price!!
Nancy, If Gerry's pic is not on www.pollstar.com when you first load the page, just hit refresh once or twice. It seems that the photo right at the top center of the home page is a rotating shot of him or Sheryl Crow or some guy named Robert Cardine. I don't know how long until they would update it to someone else though.
Also, I have to say it, I hope I'm not repeating something someone else already said here. That Pollstar picture is def Gerry as Schroeder. Take a look, I think you'll see what I mean.
Very good Linda. I love it!
OK, I had to add my 2 cents to this poem because when I think of Gerry, I cannot get past that smile. So here goes:
Gerry, Happy Birthday, from a long time fan
you are my number one music man
From guitar to piano and harmonica too
I just have to tell you that I love you
When I get to your show, there is no doubt
That smile of yours just knocks me out
So on this day of yours, I just want to say
your songs will be in my life each and every day.
I, too, have been without a computer for about 36 hours and have started to feel the pangs of withdrawal. It will be worse over the weekend while I will have to endure about 3 days puterless. But, oh, I had forgotten. We're headed to PA to visit the Rents. I can hit up my sister's machine. Okay, well then, never mind about that.
And now back to my point. I haven't caught up on the posts I missed but I wanted to jump right in and write this about yet another commercial using one of "my songs." On one hand, I think it's a crime (hence the felony possession remark) and a sellout on the artist's part. On the other hand, it does make the inescapable TV commercials more bearable to watch. This latest one is a Gap ad for jeans. The song is Tempted by Squeeze. This is arguably my favorite song on the planet when not considering anything Beckley or Bunnell. I flew into the the family room to get a glimpse at the set at the first notes of Tempted, just to see what product it was being used to promote. My huff was deflated while I watched a very handsome young man in his well-faded and well-fitted (read between the lines: really nice butt) jeans go through his day. He starts out bare chested and finishes up bare chested. Hmm. Nothing here to get huffy about. Three of my fave things rolled into one. Good jeans, good genes, and Squeeze. Pardon me, Mr. Madison Ave. Exec. Yes, it's me, over here. Yes, I was wondering--do you sell video cassettes of your ad at the Gap stores? Okay, thanks. I'll take two.
Very cool picture of you Gerry.
Cindy F.T.South
I'm just now getting around to responding to this post that "Playitlive" shared on this chat folder over the weekend:
An interesting quote I read on the the web site of talk radio's GLENN BECK: Stern Magazine: Mr. Depp, what is your favorite easy listening song from the 70s? Depp: I love Ventura Highway, America is ... a great band.
Thanks for sharing that - I don't know much about Johnny Depp. My husband, sons and I thought he was very entertaining in "Pirates of the Caribbean" which we saw twice this summer; and because of him we can't wait until it comes out on DVD. (Personal opionion, I know.) Now I like him even more!!
Just wanted to alert everybody that the new Robert Lamm CD is out via his website at www.robertlamm.org Its called "Subtlety and Passion".
Gerry does alot of work on this CD,and the liner notes are quite extensive and viewable via the site. Lamm is an original member of Chicago, and the liner notes also show a number of noteable guests including Timothy B. Schmit and other members of Chicago. I understand a domestic release for retail outlets is set for October,but if you want to get your copy now,you can order it via the website.
Hi everyone - just caught up on reading all the recent posts! Such a fun way to unwind at the end of the day. Ryan had his first football game tonight. We won't talk about the score, but it was a late night as the 7th graders (he's one) stick around and watch the 8th graders game which follows theirs. Not much time for anything else tonight.
Thought it might help you to see where we're at with the poem. I hope I haven't missed anyone! Thanks, Rob, for participating! I've made a slight revision to my lines - thought about a better choice of words that is more like my usual reserved self and probably more what I meant to say anyway. Hey - it's still in rough draft form anyway, right?
There once was a songster named Gerry,
Who looked at his best when most hairy.
He wrote songs of love,
As if sent from above
For lucky girls Di, Daisy, and Mary. (Mo)
==========================
Yes, that handsome, talented blond
Of whom we all are quite fond
Still looks just as young today
On this, his 51st birthday. (Karen)
========================
Our Gerry we've known since he was young and so fine,
Better now is he, like an expensive fine wine. (Cindy)
=============================
Yes there's something physical about Gerry
Radio-active in nature, obviously :
He's the one who had Mo lose her mind
Though she's given him more than a ten
For the heart break
He'd never meant...
There's something chromatic about Gerry,
Like this early light at dawn,
His radiance we want to chant,
His (window) reflection we glorify!
But inside is where his beauty lies
Sweet-surprise-music-brother,
We celebrate in you the songster
Perfect performer & fun photographer... (flove funny falliterations!)
On this special day fans, friends & family,
Make sure you treat him lovingly ! (Gen)
Happy birthday Gerry from the guy who always shouts
During "Lonely People" when you bust your harmonica out! (Rob)
Linda - crazy it was! Did your girls make you put on an America CD for the ride? Glad you had a great time. Nancy thanks for your nice comments and "happy birthday," of course!
I found the way to express my non-smoking feelings here. I have been begging dad to stop smoking, but I don't see any results. And when I was younger, I used to hide my grandpa's cigarettes!
Anyway, I am against smoking. I don't understand why people keep smoking, although they really know they destroy their health. I read in a magazine that each cigarette "cuts" five minutes of your life...
Does anybody know if Gerry or Dewey smoke?
Here's a direct link to Gerry's photo on the Pollstar web site: http://images.pollstar.com/photos/aug03/00003361h.jpg
Nancy, find features listed on the right side of page, look for archive, and then photos. Click on Photos and Gerry will be listed.
Hi Everyone ~~ Still Smilin here! I think I am gonna like being 46! Gotta head to school tonight for Open House night to meet Laura's teachers. Plus Laura has jazz and tap dance lessons tonight sooo I gotta be brief here! :)
Just wanted to say thanks to Rob, Jenna, Linda, Nina ~~ All of your warm wishes have helped make this a very special birthday for me, one that I won't forget for a long time to come! :)
Thanks Kim ~~ for sharing your one of a kind AMERICA show experience!
Hmmm ~~ I am still working on my Gerry poem ~~ just about got it done!
Hi Sheldon ~~ I went to Pollstar, but couldn't find Gerry's pic!
Okay gotta get for now! see ya, Nancy :)
~~~ Thank you for being a friend, thank you for being a friend ~~ sing it Mr Andrew Gold :):) :)
Regarding Warren Zevon ~~ I've read some of the articles that were here on the net about him! I remember hearing him sing Bob Dylan's song "Knockin on Heavens door" at the pool this summer.
There is a photo this afternoon of Gerry at http://www.pollstar.com
Sheldon
Part III
The kids and I left the hospital about 7:00 a.m. and headed back to the hotel for breakfast. I had to stop at the desk to make arrangements to extend our stay and who do I see first thing but Johnny. (I knew before I headed in there my “running to the store for one thing, so why put on makeup or fix your hair, I never see anyone I know, only to run into half of the PTA” theory would probably being working overtime) I know I looked like death warmed over, and the kids not much better, so I shared our hospital adventures with him. As we are standing talking, Jared (my 5 year old) told me Mom there goes that new guy from the band. Sure enough it was Rich. Then Woodsy came by. I met Woodsy briefly, and then had a nice visit with Rich – he is very nice and friendly. In the meantime Dewey was in and out, but I didn’t meet him. By then the kids were climbing the walls (they slept all night so they were raring to go) and I felt like I had a hangover – without the benefit of the fun from the night before- so we said our goodbyes and headed to the room.
The rest of my stay was spent visiting Derek in the hospital, and keeping the kids entertained. D was determined to get released from the hospital ASAP so he was up walking (doing laps as he called them) half the night Monday, so the Dr. released him Tuesday morning and we were on our way home. All and all it was a very memorable trip. We saw a great concert, met some really nice people, and hey, we got a great story out of the whole ordeal! There was a lesson we both learned though: we will never, ever leave home without the following things, even if it is only a one night trip. 1. Our daytimer address book 2. Cell phone charger. It’s amazing all the different people who need to be contacted, (school, daycare, local doctor) when something like this happens, and me with no phone numbers and a phone with a battery that was rapidly dieing.
Hey and before I forget, here is the set list. There was only one song that was crossed off the actual list and that was Moving Train. This is the longest set I’ve seen yet – and it is never long enough!
1. Riverside
2. Ventura Highway
3. You Can do Magic
4. Don’t Cross the River
5. Daisy Jane
6. To Each His Own
7. Company
8. Three Roses
9. I Need You
10. I Need You – Beatles
11. Baby It’s Up to You
12. Wheels Turning
13. Tin Man
14. The Border
15. Woman Tonight
16. Only in Your Heart
17. California Dreaming
18. Lonely People
19. Hangover
20. Never Be Lonely
21. Sandman
22. Sister Golden Hair
23. HWNN
kim
David, MelodyBlvd got back to me and told me how to find the CD. Go to the Various Artists link in their catalog and then page forward until you find the Yuming CD. Here's a direct link to it for your convenience: www.melodyblvd.com/products/2304.html
David, I can't find the CD on the MelodyBlvd.com web site either but I received a message from Scott saying it was available. I'll check with him today and see if I can find out where the exact link is and then I'll post it here.
I was very excited to get home yesterday and find my brand new mB tshirt in the mail! Very, very cool. You should all order one.
Erin :o)
Happy birthday Nancy! Sorry I missed it yesterday - first full day of school and we were all beat! Haven't gone to bed that early in a long time! Hope it was great - that was cool you won a cake!
Paul, I was at Norwalk with my two girls too - they are 7 and 4 and know all the words - watching them get into the show is priceless. Was a little crazy getting out of there though, wasn't it!
Just wanted to say "Happy Birthday" to all the September people including Nancy, Bones, and of course, Gerry!!! Haven't had much time for posting lately, but I do check in from time to time. Hopefully things will calm down soon here at school ("PLEASE CALM DOWN") and I can communicate more often! Everyone have a good day!
In a previous post, it was said that the above CD was available from Melody Blvd., but when I went to search for it, it didn't come up. Do you have a link for ordering this CD?
Nancy,
I'll be one of the 50 folks here to wish you a Happy belated Birthday! You're still a youngster. Sounds like it was a great day. It was great chatting with you at live chat...you're a ton of fun!
Always enjoy reading your cheerful, funny posts! Hope you're on the mend.
Jenna
Kim & All ~ I'll probably post a short message tomorrow night starting with the moment you, Derek, the kids, Brian, and Deb ran into me outside the auditorium after the show. This was right after I had spoken with the bus driver, Willie, and Pete backstage and knowing the guys had already departed but before you guys were told about the bad news of their departure.
I wanted to echo everyone's sentiments that Warren Zevon will be sorely missed in the rock and roll fan community. He will be greatly missed by his fellow singers and songwriters I'm sure, as well. I like the Warren Zevon songs I've heard and will probably be buying some of his stuff in the future. He definitely was a part of the same California singer/songwriter community that America flourished in during the era from Homecoming to Harbor or so.
-Rob
I can't say I'm really too familiar with Warren Zevon's music, but I do have a CD single of his song, "Searching For A Heart". I liked the song well enough to purchase one of his CDs, "Transverse City". I look forward to hearing more of the music he wrote.
May he "R.I.P." as one fellow America fan wrote to me today.
Me Again ~~ Gee I am speechless! Happy Tears are a Flowin here for sure! ~~ This has got to be ONE of MY BEST Birthday's EVER! ~~ Now for my second round of Thanks to Sergio (hmmm ~~ Glue you say, well I would say this glue has found lots of special friends to hold firmly together)~~ I hope all is going well for your son at college), Sheldon :), AM GIRL (Yep this was one fantastic day):), KarenL (it is sooo nice sharing the Gift of Gab with you too,hmmm if you were to ask me how most of my day was spent, I would tell you that I talked with my Mom, Sister and lots of my Aunts that called me, my son Jeff called me when I got home from work this evening too, Cathy (nice to see a post from you, I was wondering why we haven't heard from you for awhile :),) Valerie (Your son Has ONE Great MOM for sharing these great songs with him! ~ Nice), and last but not least DanC (Hmmm I was beginning to think you got sooo waterlogged in your pool that You would never dry out enough to Post again ;) LOL!!! ~~ You are all the Best! ~~ I said it Once before, I enjoy this chat folder and site, it adds such a nice touch of honey to my life, and with my Posting, I set out to Give Back to Other's what I have recieved from All of You on this folder! ~~ I sure could call a Group Hug right about Now, on the count of 3 ~~ 1.... 2.... 3.... Bigggggggggggggg Hugggggggggggggggg! :) WOW! :)
Hi Kim ~~ Nice to hear Part 2 ~~ Your Hubby is one Trooper for sure! The timing of all these events along with the small town Hospitality that was bestowed on your hubby and you, just goes to show how the Simple things in life have a way of helping things work out sooo nicely! ~~ Sooo neat that you got David Dickey to sign some of your things! :) ~~ I hope things will settle down for you soon! ~~ I can definitely relate to your withdrawels of not catching up with the posts on the folder! :)
Hi Paul ~~ Great that your daughters enjoyed the AMERICA show with their Dad ~~ what a nice visual you gave, I bet you were a smilin from ear to ear Allll Night.... I love hearing that younger kids love Our AMERICA Gems... I hope all of this great music stands the test of time and will be there for our great grandchildren's grandchildren! Nice! :)
Hmmm one last tidbit to share and then I am off to Dreamland! :) ~~~ My youngest son Nathan, was sooo blue this morning when I got him up for school, I guess all the excitement of the weekend along with knowing that Jeff will be staying there kinda had his emotions bouncing off of the wall, he didn't want to go to school ~~ sooo we had a talk, I told him Jeff would come home on his breaks and that we could email him, I told him he could write emails to Jeff that, that would make Jeff's time go by faster... We headed off to the bus and I always say to him see ya later alligator, be good, Listen UP and Learn LOTS ~~ Have a good day! ~~ He was smiling when he looked out the bus window to wave as the bus pulled away..... Yep Mo ~~ You can betcha I will take all of the Hugs I can get... Before I know it, my 17 year old son Adam graduates this year from high school and is getting all of his applications ready for college, and then before I know it Laura will be a senior (she wants to be a vetrinarian) and then OOOOOOOOOOOOOOh Nooooooo ~~ it will be Nathan's turn to go off to College ~~ Hmmmm don't ask me what that day is gonna be like, mixed emotions will bring back all of these treasured moments for sure! ~~ Well I kinda got sidetracked there, (I am soooo good at that HUH!) LOL!!! My reason for mentioning that was because I wanted to do something to brighten Nathan's mood, sooooo the evening DJ on my fave radio station, gives out a Free Birthday Cake from a local grocery store to one person each day, all you gotta do is email her and tell her your Name, BDaay and etc.... well her show is called Cryin, Laughin, Lovin or Leaving.... sooo I emailed her telling her that it was my birthday and that, my son said Mom are you gonna make a cake.... I said that I felt it would cheer him up some, that he would find it to be Neat that Mom won a Birthday Cake on the Radio! ~~ I hit send, got ready for work, got home from work around 8 pm and she played that oooooh sooo familiar oldie song ~~ You say it's your birthday, we're gonna have a good time ~~~ and then she said today's lucky birthday winner is Nancy Holtz of Hastings, PA ~~~ You can betcha it brightened Nathan's mood, he is all anxious to go and pick out the kinda cake he wants to have! ~~~ :) :) :)
Okay Nitey Nite all ~~ thanks for reading my OOOOOh soooo Lonnnnng Posts! Nancy :)
~~~ You can dooooo Magic, You can have anything Your Heart Desire's, Magic, and you know you're the one who can put out the fire, Magic, You can doooooo Magic ~~ You can have anything Your Heart Desire's~~ I ended my email saying that I was a big fan of AMERICA's music, and that my song request for her to play was their song "You Can Do Magic" ~~ Take it from there Gerry & Dewey :) :) :) I love the MAGIC your music has brought my way! :)
Mark, equally saddened. Thanks for your post. Paul
Alan, Rob,
The concert seems to be the last day of the fair. 5pm start unusual although it's Columbus day (Mon) and in Mass it likely a holiday. Just saw them at E Norwalk and it was a wonderful show. Can't say that traffic won't be terrible, but it would be worth it. California Dreamin' has been the best I've ever heard and you're likely going to hear "Don't Cross the River" and "Woman Tonight" in addition to other greats. Paul
Hey everyone,
I have been reading these posts about Gerry's upcoming birthday, and I guess I will join in with a few little lines.
"Happy birthday Gerry from the guy who always shouts
During "Lonely People" when you bust your harmonica out!"
hehe.
Also I wanted to say "Happy birthday!" to Nancy. You certainly are an active part of the folder and I always enjoy reading your posts. Thanks for posting so much and so thoughtfully.
-Rob
Hey Nancy, I could not let the day go by without wishing you a very happy birthday. See, I have'nt forgotton how to post.DanC
Made it to the Oyster Festival with my 2 girls and it was a night to remember...they were thrilled! They've always prefered a few cuts from the DVD to a bedtime story (me too!). They slept on the way home with the great melodies in their heads. I was their age when I got hooked...are you getting how good this feel as a dad!???
Very sad. I had two of his albums when I was in college. Excitable Boy and Bad Luck Streak In Dancing School. Excitable Boy was and is a classic. Not a bad song on it. Of course it included his big hit Werewolves of London, but several songs on it got radio play. Bad Luck Streak was good also. Sad to see him pass.
My 12 yr. old son is in 7th grade. He was given a homework assignment to write down words to a song. The teacher asked for a poetic song, with no bad language. Jeremy of course came to mom and asked for my America CD's. He said that when he thought of songs using poetry, America was the best! I'm So Proud!! By the way, he chose Ventura Highway for his assignment. Bye, Valerie
Hi Nancy, Happy Birthday To You!! I hope your Birthday was Great! I agree with all of the wonderful things that the others on the chat folder are saying! You truly are like a dear friend that we've known for years! Your contributions make this site so much fun! -Valerie
Nancy, Happy Birthday!!!! I'm just catching up with posts after being on vacation and then not having access to the internet for some time after I returned. I missed everyone and certainly could not let today go by without sending warm happy greetings to you, Nancy, on your special day. I feel like I've known you a long time too, and thanks for being such a great friend to us all. Enjoy your day and hope your arm is feeling better very soon. You must be so proud of your son. I hope that you will get to visit each other often while he is away at school. Children grow up so fast. My son just started third grade last week and my husband and I were just thinking that in another ten years he will be ready for college. I'm sure those ten years will fly.~~Cathy
Hi Nancy - Happy Birthday to you!!!! Goodness, I'm sure we could have been writing a collective poem to you, too!! You are certainly special to everyone here on this chat folder - speaking for myself, I feel like I've known you for a long time and that I could just sit down and carry on a conversation with you for hours! You take the time to "listen" to all of us. I hope you had a nice day and that you'll have a wonderful year ahead. Karen
Hi Nancy,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!! Have a FANTASTIC Birthday!!!!!!!
Hi Nancy - I didn't want to let this day end without wishing you a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Hope you've had a great day!!
Sheldon
Warren Zevon was always one of my favorites. At least he had a chance to write his own epitaph some three dozen times over the course of his career.
john
Nancy,
I had a very busy weekend (out-of-town guests and a visit to my son who is a couple of hours away at college)and I need to catch up on reading the posts, but I couldn't let wishing Nancy (the "glue" of this board)a happy birthday pass me by. A very warm and happy birthday to you my cyber chat room friend. I hope you had a great one and may you have many more. Best wishes and felicidades,
Sergio
AAGGHH!!! Sorry for the dealy in Part II - I spent all day Friday running Derek to doctors and then I finally get back to work on Monday and our internet has been down all day. I'm going to post this before catching up on the rest of my reading (I've been having withdrawals all day not getting to catch up on the folder!).
Johnny - best not to wait for me to post the rest of your adventures. It may take me the rest of the week at the rate I'm going!
Part II
My family and Brian and Deb all finally headed outside to see if the guys were signing outside by the bus and ran into Johnny again. (Note: Derek is dutifully following me around this whole time never saying a word about not feeling well-even though I do remember thinking he was being awfully quiet.) While we are outside we met Maggie Dickey, who introduced us to David and we were able to get him to sign a couple of things. (Derek still following) I wanted to get pictures with everyone we met at the concert so we headed over to an America banner for pictures, which yes, I did have Derek take (are you sensing a pattern here?!), and for which he also posed. After we visited a little more (D still hanging in there), we said our good-byes and headed for the hotel. Finally, once in the car headed back (D’s driving by the way), he mentions that he’s really not feeling well and we might need to go the emergency room. My jaw about hits the floor, but then he said maybe it’s just gas and let’s go back to the hotel and see how he feels later.
We were in the room about 20 minutes when he finally decides we needed to head to the ER-this was 10:30 Sunday night. By 1:00 a.m. D was in surgery having his appendix removed. We were a little apprehensive about going to a small town hospital, but we both agree he probably got better and more personal care in Sweetwater then he would have received back in Arlington. From the moment we walked into the ER, the folks who worked there were the friendliest and most helpful people I have met in a long time. Not only did they take great care of Derek, but they made sure the kids and I were comfortable as well. And it wasn’t just the hospital staff, as soon as Larry learned Derek was in the hospital he came by to check on him and so did Maggie and David. We cannot say enough as to how grateful we both are for the concern and care that was shown to us by everyone we met in Sweetwater.
More later...
Kim
Hi Hooooo Everyone ~~~ Thank sooooo much Red (WOW~ What a song to post for my B'Day (Smilin for sure :) ~~ Thanks Red, Mo, Gen & Johnny for the birthday wishes too! I sure have been blessed with some wonderful friends in all of you! ~~~ Thanks too for all of the Fun, Laughter, Honey & Spice you bring to my days! ~~ Yep Red you guys are the best! :)
Hi Karen L ~~~ I just wanted to apologize for my Oooops in my post late last night.... I put Thanks Linda for the great idea for Gerry's Birthday, I knew it was you, why I posted Linda, I musta been getting soooo tired! I did go to my therapy this morning and I have a couple poem verses I am trying to downsize to add to Gerry's B'Day Poem... I think it is a really neat idea. I hope it Brings a Smile and some Joy to Gerry's special day. He has give soooooo much to us fans! :)
Hi Danae ~~ Regarding our posting towards Gerry, it is all done in good fun, nothing more. I gotta second Mo's thoughts on how Mrs Beckley may look at this. She is the Puzzle Piece that completes Gerry's Puzzle! I admire her as well, I have nothing but the best Of Admiration & Appreciation for Gerry, for the way he has enriched our Lives with all of his Musical abilities. It has been said many times here before, but yes I will say it again Gerry & Dewey both have aged like fine wine in the persons they have grown to be and in their talent. ~~ We are more than lucky to get to partake in this highway of theirs! :)
Thanks Steve for all of the updated pics on the home page. I enjoyed the show pics Jenny & Nick. ~~ Thanks Jim Kelly :) for sharing those neat pics of Roseberry Topping, this looks like a really magical place to take in. Thanks Kiri for the article still, I plan on reading it soon.
Well I had my physical therapy session this morning and he told me to wrest my arm more.... so that it stops spasming sooo I best close this for now. Talk to you all later, have a great day! Nancy :)
Hmmm 2 songs kinda tie up my feelings towards having AMERICA's music, this chat folder and all of you special friends in my life
1st ~~~ Your Love is better than Ice Cream, better than anything else, Your love is better than CHOCOLATE ~~~ :) :) :) sing it Sara McLaughlin
2nd ~~ When you love someone, its gonna take some time, come on and save meeee, save meeee, pull me from deep water Give the Kiss of Life, Nowww is the Momeeeent Treasured, Breathe the Kiss of Life into the Words we Speakk, into the words we speak, we come across the meadow, like a slow moving train, lonnnnng determination, over every name..... when you love someone, it's gonna take some time, come on save meeee, save me, breathe the Kiss of Life into the Words we Speak yeahhhh yeah ~~ Sing it for me Gerry Gerry Gerry :) :) :)
Hi Everyone
Yes Speech ~~ I have my alarm set to wake me up with music and Jack Michaels the morning dj, said here is the song Werewolf's of London by Warren Zevon, who has lost his battle with cancer yesterday. ~~ I thought of you Robyn upon hearing this. Your post as well as Speech's nicely says it all! I am sure there are many fans and fellow music artists that will always remember and respect Warren's contributions to the music business. :) I too extend warm condolences! Nancy :)
Danae,
Mo's right ! That's JUST second degree ( or twilight zone type?) humour of course !
Sad news indeed !
Ooooh YES, YES, YES, Nancy ! A very HAPPY B-DAY to YOU ! On this perfect day, remember the love we feel for you !
Gen.
I have been a fan of Mr Zevon since sometime around 75-76 when I found a copy of his self titled album in of all places, the Pacoima Branch Library! I had the good fortune to be able to see him in concert on several occassions, including a memorable evening at the Universal Ampitheatre before they put the lid on it. He came out and played an encore, despite the fact that the house lights were on and the management was having kittens about the noise. It was "Desperados under the Eves" I mourn his loss but am thankful for the time he was with us. His music has enriched my life, made me laugh, made me cry and made me think. My condolences to his family and the people who knew and loved him.
I see that Warren Zevon has succumbed to cancer. Don't know how many Zevon fans are on this folder, but I, for one, am saddened. I didn't like everything he ever put on record, but I think he was a gifted writer, and the music world was enriched by his smart, witty, often irreverent body of work.
Happy, Happy Birthday...Nancy! Enjoy!!! :0)
With an apology to Neil Sedaka, I submit the following:
Tra la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
Happy birthday sweet forty six
Tra la-la-la-la la-la-la-la
Happy birthday sweet forty six
Tonight's the night I've waited for
Because you're not a baby anymore
You've turned into the prettiest girl I've ever seen
Happy birthday sweet forty six
What happened to that funny face
My little tomboy now wears satin and lace
I can't believe my eyes you're just a teenage dream
Happy birthday sweet forty six
Have a great Bday, Nancy, you deserve all the best!!!!!!!!!
Formerly known as Red Oak
Happy birthday to you, my dear Nancy. I'm glad you enjoyed the sights in New York. I can only imagine how hard it is to leave your baby at college. Take heart, though, you know that he will love it there and is making a great future for himself with his studies. Keep your chin up, sister, and hug those little ones an extra time or two for a while.
Danae, I can only guess, but I would say that Mrs. Beckley would be amused and hopefully flattered by our adoration of Mr. Beckley. It's all in good fun and harmless. Hey, she's the lucky one, right? She gets to deliver her birthday card in person!!
Have you ever thought what will happen if Gery's wife reads those poems? Have you ever just thought about it? Just hope she doesn't read the Chat Folder! ÄéáöïñåôéêÜ, áëßìïíü ìáò!
Hi Everyone ~~ It is very late here in my little corner of the world and what a Fantabolus night for a Moondance :) ~~ It was soooo hard leaving NY this afternoon. ~~ What a weekend filled with Mixed Emotions (Gen ~~ Thanks, I'm quite fond of You too,and believe Me I can relate with your expressions of Anger and how it can tear apart the soul!) ~~ The View From our Van Window to and from Seneca Falls, NY was Breathtaking to say the least. WOW DOUBLE WOW! Soooo much Green and Heavenly Blue skies on the way up, and add to that the sight of Sailboats on the Finger Lakes, I was a singing Windwave for sure. We stopped to grab a bite to eat at BurgerKing and I was a smiling for sure as I took a bite from my fish sandwich.... why??? Well " You Can Do Magic" came on the radio, right there in Burger King! :) :) :) ~~~ We got to the New York Chiropractor College around 3:30 and my hubby and son unloaded all of his stuff. We headed to the Auburn, NY Holiday Inn around 6:30 and ordered pizza in. On our way there I could see the sihloette of the almost Full Moon :), Laura & Nathan our youngest kids went along with us too, they loved getting to go to NY and to see where there big bro Jeff was gonna be living for the next 31/2 yrs. This was their first time staying at a Hotel too and they were wide-eyed and full of curiosity. ~~~ Hmmm around 8:30 I found my mind a wondering to the Oyster Festival ~~ and thinking WOW what a YOUNG MOON Magical night for Bones, Linda, Leah & Rich... the race was on and upon hearing the Bud commercial, I tipped my glass to Bones and said this Bud's for YOU! :)
Thanks Gerry ~~~ I Love this VFTHW pic in Conn ~~ WOW! :)
Hey Linda ~~ What a great Idea for Gerry's B'Day, I will give some thought to my poem verse tomorrow at my pt therapy app. ~~ Even tho Jeff already has 4 years of college under his belt, moving him to NYCC felt like moving him back 4 yrs ago, I hope that makes sense... It was very hard saying Bye to him there, even tho he is very sure about completing this course he set for himself, it is hard having him soooooo farrrrr away from Home!
Well my eyes are soooo heavy and I gotta head back to my big soft pillow. Gotta take one more look at Mr Moon tho! :) :) :) Nitey Nite all, Nancy :) ~~~ Gerry your pic and my sights of the weekend as brought your song Van go Gan to my fingertips!
~~~ From this day on, I watch the setting sun, as if it might be my last, as I view the changing color hue, I see the long shawdows pass, Van Go Gan , Van Go Gan, get a grip if you can, van go gan, van go gan, watch it slip through your hands, and through these eyes, all the starry skies in my mind will explode, and as I lie in my bed at night, I see my life flying abroad, van go gan, van go gan, grab ahold if you can, van go gan, van go gan, something Iiii understand, sooooo much waiting Sentimental Memories, hessitating~~~~ Sing it for me Gerry Gerry Gerry ~~ Your songs have a way of helping me cope with the everyday tugs at my heartstrings! ~~ :) Hmmmm you are here singing ~~ I know you're Only a Kid at Heart! ~~ Hmmm soooo true, I turn 46 today, funny when I look in the Mirror, I look older, but still feel like a Kid in my Heart In sooooo Many Ways! :)
Thank you Thank you Thank you for the photos!!!
Cindy F.T.S.
Hark! Be still my heart. Is that a pair of Red Tag Levi's on my favorite famous guy? Man...you lucky oysters.
Have a great week everybody.
PS: Saw my first two trees with fall colored leaves today. I hope the fall foliage lasts long enough to see the colors in NE over Columbus Day weekend. Love Fall. Love New England. Love America. Topsfield here I come!!
Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in Wooster, OH.
Nicholas Cacchione was at the Norwalk Oyster Festival and he has posted some great photos from that concert. Click here to see the view from the America fan's camera. Thanks Nicholas!
Maybe we can ask Steve to please help us out and take whatever we have at the end of the day Thursday and send (e-mail) to Gerry - what do you think, Steve? I'm not sure if we can count on Gerry getting a chance to see it just by checking the folder - or can we? (Steve, please feel free to contribute, too!)
I'll be glad to do that although I'm fairly confident that Gerry will read it on the chat folder. He's rather good about reading it on a regular (almost daily) basis. As Gerry and Dewey put it to me one time, if you had a Chat Folder that was talking about you, wouldn't you read it?
I hope some of you gentlemen AMERICA fans will also contribute to our collective poem to Gerry! It doesn't all have to be mushy, you know! : ) I'm sure you're working on it, right? I don't mean to rush you, we do have a few days to work on this.
We're off to a nice start (THANKS, all of you who have put in your two cents)! It would be nice to get more in there to acknowledge his musical talents. I'm sure you guys can help us balance it out and let Gerry know how much we appreciate that! Anything else about his life so far that we could add, even something about his younger days (notice I say youngER, as he still seems young). Is there something about a concert or a certain song that you could add? Whatever's on your mind.
Maybe we can ask Steve to please help us out and take whatever we have at the end of the day Thursday and send (e-mail) to Gerry - what do you think, Steve? I'm not sure if we can count on Gerry getting a chance to see it just by checking the folder - or can we? (Steve, please feel free to contribute, too!)
<<Di is from track 14 of Go Man Go, "Daisy & Di (The Bells of Alfriston).">>
Oh, okay, thanks. I have only "Van Go Gan" so I'm not familiar with the title of any songs from "Go Man Go".
Thanks Kiri and Steve for posting the 1975 Circus Magazine Article. Enjoyed both reading the article and watching those timeless, extraordinary photos...:-)
Gen.
Di is from track 14 of Go Man Go, "Daisy & Di (The Bells of Alfriston)." It is a reference, I believe, to Di Farrelly whose voice is part of the Emma recording, "Hello there. Hello, Gerry." She is also the voice in Daisy & Di saying, "Bye bye, now. Thank you very much for listening."
Daisy, of course, is from "Daisy Jane" as well as "The Farm". Mary is from "Only In Your Heart," but which song of Gerry's is Di from?
There once was a songster named Gerry,
Who looked at his best when most hairy.
He wrote songs of love,
As if sent from above
For lucky girls Di, Daisy, and Mary.
==========================
Yes, that handsome, talented blond
Of whom we all are quite fond
Still looks just as "HOT" today
On this, his 51st birthday.
========================
Our Gerry we've known since he was young and so fine,
Better now is he, like an expensive fine wine.
=============================
(my loooong & bombastic homage ... :-)
Yes there's something physical about Gerry
Radio-active in nature, obviously :
He's the one who had Mo lose her mind
Though she's given him more than a ten
For the heart break
He'd never meant...
There's something chromatic about Gerry,
Like this early light at dawn,
His radiance we want to chant,
His (window) reflection we glorify!
But inside is where his beauty lies
Sweet-surprise-music-brother,
We celebrate in you the songster
Perfect performer & fun photographer... (flove funny falliterations!)
On this special day fans, friends & family,
Make sure you treat him lovingly !
Linda, sat in the 9th row, end seat. THANKS for an awesome show guys.
Hey Steve...and many thanks for your dedication to this site. I know I've said this before, but we America fans are very lucky to have you. There is GREAT stuff here. And the photos are my personal favorite.
A Grateful Cindy F.T.S.
hey all - great show last night - met with Leah and her family who was nice enough to hold us some seats - thank you again Leah! Was a beautiful night - weather couldn't be better - bones, where were you? We were asking everybody if they were you :-)
It's still amazing to me how much stuff is hidden here. I just keep looking when I have time.
FYI - The America Fans web site consists of 5,471 files in 42 directories which take up over 217 megabytes. I had to write a separate program just to validate all of the links because there are way too many for me to check. I think there is enough for you to look at to keep you occupied for quite some time. Enjoy!
This Chat Folder is on a separate server and it's size depends on how many unarchived messages are on the server at any given time.
You missed a great show tonight Mo.
Our Gerry we've known since he was young and so fine,
Better now is he, like an expensive fine wine.
Anytime Mo. I really enjoyed them, too. Those close-up shots of Gerry in denim were particularly fine. It's still amazing to me how much stuff is hidden here. I just keep looking when I have time.
Cindy F.T.S.
Cindy F.T.S.,
Thanks for the heads up. I know I've seen those pics before, but then again, I think I've seen every one of them at least once. Sad, sad life I lead. Just kidding--it's a wonderful life--so not to worry, Danae. Anyway, I enjoyed seeing them again. I especially love the third picture on the Corvallis link. Gerry Gerry Gerry clad in Levi's denim, smiling and sporting that delicious dimple. NOW that would classify as Moser Heaven for sure!! Thank you, Cindy, you made my evening.
Hey, it's 9:00 p.m. here on the east coast so I've cued up my Cayman CD and raised a cold one (to salute Bonesy's BD) in an attempt to create my own little simulcast with all those Oysters at the festival in Norwalk. Would have loved to be there, too, but as much as I hate to ever say this...I couldn't make it. Football and more football today and tomorrow for the kids and Riley's eighth birthday tomorrow, too. Shucks. Well, enjoy, you guys. I'm thinking of you.
An interesting quote I read on the the web site of talk radio's GLENN BECK:
Stern Magazine: Mr. Depp, what is your favorite easy listening song from the 70s?
Depp: I love Ventura Highway, America is ... a great band.
Peace
Have you checked out the bio from Alan Dutton (Oregon) in the "wonderful fans" link? It's been there for a couple of years, but I just looked at it randomly. If you haven't seen it, you need to check it out. There are LOTS of fabulous pictures attached to it...it is "Moser Heaven"!
Cindy from the South
Hey everyone,
I thought I would share the rumors/news (is it really news if it's still in the rumors stage) that Simon and Garfunkel are supposed to be reuniting for a national arena tour. As fans of acoustic music, America, folk-rock etc. I thought this bit of news might be of some interest to some of you on the folder. I am a very big S & G fan, both America and Simon and Garfunkel are tied for my favorite rock group. This link tells the story of the tour rumors in some detail:
http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=529&ncid=529&e=9&u=/ap/20030906/ap_en_mu/music_simon___garfunkel
Thanks to you, Alan, for the information about the Topsfield Fair show. I am probably going to try to make my way to that concert this October.
Hope everyone's weekend is going well.
-Rob
Hey, Gerry - how'd you do that?!!? Cool. These pictures get better all the time! Please keep your VFTHW pics coming. Thanks, Gerry!
Gerry...Headless Horseman With No Name.
Cool picture.
Hahaha ! GREAT pic, Gerry. Thanks for the fun ! My perso fave now.
Johnny, good point these Children lyrics ! Reminds me of Human Nature cover art. Was also thinking that it could be Gerry's personal version of Beatles' Nowhere Man... could be go as No-head Man...
<<Doesn’t have a point of view,
Knows not where he’s going to,
Isn’t he a bit like you and me?
Nowhead man, please listen,
You don’t know what you’re missing,
Nowhead man, the world is at your command.
He’s as blind as he can be,
Just sees what he wants to see,
Nohead man can you see me at all?
Doesn’t kave a point of view,
Knows not where he’s going to,
Isn’t he a bit like you and me?
Nohead man, don’t worry,
Take your time, don’t hurry,
Leave it all till somebody else
Lend you a hand....>>
First it happened to Mo and now it happened to Gen.
PEOPLE, WILL YOU PLEASE STOP GUESSING THEIR AGE INCORRECTLY. IT'S UPSETTING TO THEM!!!
(Of course, just kidding with you, Gen!)
Thanks Bones....I'm bringing my 8 and 10 year old girls. They're hooked on the CD and insisted on coming...flashback! Happy birthday and enjoy the show.
That was a cool "VFTHW" from Stamford. It reminds me of a lyric from "Children".
Aw, come on children, get your heads back together
Paul, not sure about seats. Last time they played there was in 1988 and it was bring your own chair or stand.
Thanks Mo!!!!
I'm off, GOD Bless America.
I just score my tix for New Year's eve! Thanks again to SteveL for posting the list or I might have missed another wonderful night
Sure I could... but strangely this simple solution didn't occur to me then. And anyway, I'm no adept of this nasty little habit...
I'd rather reach that sublime detachment state by denying the guy existence as homo sapiens, that is get my fangs out of the skin, look down and call what's left 'dead meat' - yeah ! OK , JUST KIDDING! The power of imagination :-)
The funny side of it is to realize that after all these years, I still need to purchase a full suit of armor !
Mo, I LOOOOVE your lines !!! Too much ! Great fun in perspective it seems... Go, Karen, go !
Gen.
Click here to see Gerry's view from the hotel window in Stamford, CT.
Johnny - I had a good laugh over your "skunked" comment. I think maybe we have a new phrase we can all use now when we return from a concert not getting to meet D&G. We'll know what that means! Looking forward to Part 4 and hearing more from Kim as well.
Hi Gen - yes, I agree with Johnny. We can all probably relate. It's only human nature, after all. Don't be too hard on yourself, and thanks for the good advice. It is good to learn from others, too.
Well, I'd better get back to cleaning my kitchen . . .
Building of Mo's beginning . . .
There once was a songster named Gerry,
Who looked at his best when most hairy.
He wrote songs of love,
As if sent from above
For lucky girls Di, Daisy, and Mary.
Yes, that handsome, talented blond
Of whom we all are quite fond
Still looks just as "HOT" today
On this, his 51st birthday.
Hi all....does anyone know the format tonight? Outdoor general seating etc. Any help would be appreciated? The family is begging me to take them along.
Gen & Moser, you made my day! I've been cleaning the kitchen and needed a break, so of course checked in on the message board. I'm glad you actually think our collective poem would be a good idea! (I actually was 1/2 really excited about the idea and 1/2 sort of embarrassed.) So - let's do it! All of you other dedicated AMERICA fans, please join in!!
Mo, I like the lines you threw out there already. As far as I'm concerned, we could start with those. Unless you really didn't mean for those to be part of the poem. Either way, you can certainly also use the two cents worth you are thinking on now. I'll get started on my two cents. We'll have to figure out how to know when we're done, and how to put it all together. It should actually be fun. I hope it makes Gerry smile on his special day. (It would be fun to do it for Dewey, too! They each have different special qualities, so I'm sure we could put together a poem unique to Dewey - closer to his birthday, of course.)
Thanks,
Karen
Happy birthday, Bones. Hope you have fun this evening. Give Gerry hugs for me.
There once was a songster named Gerry,
Who looked at his best when most hairy.
He wrote songs of love,
As if sent from above
For lucky girls Di, Daisy, and Mary.
But, seriously, I think your collective poem idea has some merit, Karen. I'm thinking about my two cents right now. Anyone else?
Gen ~ I think we've all been there regarding being so angry, you could spit, as they say around this part of the country.
Karen ~ Funny about running into a skunk near the hotel you and your son stayed at after not getting to visit with Gerry and Dewey after the concert. Actually, my not getting to see D&G directly after the Sweetwater show, wasn't too different than your experience. I, too, was "skunked", as a figure of speech.
There will be a Part 4 to my Sweeeetwater Adventure; however, I'll wait until Kim reaches a certain point in her report before I post it.
(Aah, Steely Dan! I, too, like that band.)
Hi everyone,
Nancy, regarding the article, you're very welcome. Always my privilege to share with you, fellow fans. Hey, I'm sure fond of you ! :-)
And regarding Gerry's birthday, Karen, I do think your suggestion is interesting. A collective poem could be great fun to do, anyway. Gerry sure would smile but would probably also appreciate the effort... Or maybe last week was so bad for me that I'm simply ready for a little fun (?) Well, the idea seduces me in any case. Let's see what other people here think.
Talking about last week - because week-ends offer more moments for reflexion - I hope none of you guys will ever experience the negative emotions I felt early this week when someone I do care for, made me really very very very angry. Like never before in my whole life.
Anger is the WORST feeling of all. It poisons your mind & your heart, and quickly spreads the bitterness inside. How terrible it was, I can't really tell. Fortunately, I could remain cold enough and more or less in control eventually...
Sorry this sounds very personal but as I'm obviouly not using them for myself, I thought maybe someone could take my advice after all... so you guys, NEVER get angry that way !!! It hurts. And don't mistake satellites for the sun you're looking for... they burn you the same, but never get to make you warm... Ok, enough with that !
So, Karen, will you be the one to start the poem ?
In the meantime, have a nice week-end everyone! And the luckiest among us, please, don't forget to post these reviews & opinions that keep us, far away fans, on the track.
Gen.
Hello everyone! Not that I'm a consistent message poster anyway, but with our boys (7th, 5th & 2nd grades) getting back to school this week I definitely haven't taken the time to post - just read. BTW, Nancy - our first day of school didn't bring anything but sunshine and temps in the 70s. Nice weather, but I would have traded it for some of your rain!! Southern WI has seen about as brown a summer as I can ever remember, and it's usually very green here.
I've been wanting to thank you, Johnny & Kim, for the update on Sweetwater. Also, it sure was nice to hear from David & Maggie too! Johnny, when you mentioned how sad you felt about not being able to catch Gerry & Dewey, I felt that pang of sadness I also felt recently when we weren't able to say hi to them. Even though my son and I tried not to get our hopes up, we were still disappointed. Then we walked back to the hotel and saw a skunk - of all things! Our joke that night was, "Well, we didn't get to see Gerry & Dewey, but we saw a skunk!" (Definitely NOT what we were hoping for!) Kim - I hope your husband is recovering nicely. What an experience, huh?!!?
Nancy - glad to hear you're getting some help with your tennis elbow. Reminds me when our oldest boy, Ryan, was little and got something called "Nursemaid's elbow". With that one, though, the doc just holds the elbow and twists the arm a certain way, we hear a pop and all is well again. Maybe you should bring your AMERICA music to your next PT session! Also, good luck getting your son off to college. I've lost track, but he must be your first to go off to college?? Let us know all about your VFTHW. When you mentioned Finger Lakes, I think that one of the executives I used to support at CMG has a son that was going to college in that area. It was definitely NY, and I'm pretty sure he talked about Finger Lakes. Not that it's a big deal to you, but just another CUNA Mutual connection you and I have!
Gerry's birthday - while I was waiting to pick up Ryan from football practice, I was trying to think of what we as fans could do for Gerry for his birthday. Before I realized it was probably too hokey, I thought we could do a collective poem for him titled, "There's Something About Gerry" - you know, each of us add two lines/our 2 cents. Then I thought, no - maybe too goofy. Any other ideas?
Alan & Rob - have fun at the Topsfield show. I hope you are able to avoid the traffic snarls this time, and let us know all about the fun!
Bones & Linda - Be sure to fill us in on the Oyster Festival. (Happy Birthday to you, Bones! Be good, and I hope you do win the lottery!)
Ok that's probably my post for the next couple months. Have a good weekend, everyone!
Karen
hi all - hey bones, the mood sounds perfect for tomorrow - nothing like a nice summer night under the stars listening to our favorite band - I will be there too with my family and a few friends - have to say I've never been to an "oyster" festival - see you there - I'll be the lunatic pushing my way up to the front with my two little girls - what a role model!
Robsl:
My wife and I and some of our kids are planning to go. I went 2 years ago as well and got caught in the traffic. In fact, we only got to hear the last 3 songs of the first show, but we got to talk w/ Dewey and Gerry and get some things signed. in fact, that is where Gerry signed my Van Go Gan CD. He seemed really surprised when I handed it too him. That is also where I got to meet Nina for the first time. The evening show was the first time I got to hear "Wind Wave" live, which was quite a thrill.
I had gone to Topsfield the year before and got to meet D & G for the first time ever after the first show (in fact, that is where the picture of me & my family w/ them is from on my bio - Alan Collins from Maine if you want to check it out).
Anyway, the traffic wasn't bad the first year we went, so we left about the same time the next year only to get caught in bumper-to-bumper stop and go traffic about 5 miles out from Topsfield. This time we
