Archives: January 2004

Just a reminder that tonight's listening party will be Holiday, at the usual time of 9:00 PM EST. Hope you can make it!

Margaret - thank you for sharing all your wonderful recent America experiences with us! It's been quite an exciting time. Anyway - I really enjoyed reading this article, too! Too bad their Beatles' I Need You song probably won't make it to the DVD. I so enjoy hearing them sing that. I guess that means they won't likely be able to put it on a CD, either. Oh well - LOTS to look forward to, anyway! Thanks for passing along the article. Karen

Since I won't continue my "Back from France" series, I will just say some details that we all find funny in school. I also realized some things there that I must admit:
1) Women always need a man. The first night Marilina, Angeliki and I couldn't colse the window, so we left it opened. The next morning i wpke up frozen, because of the light nightgown I was wearing and in addition, I was speeping very close to the window. So we decided to call a boy, Evangelos, a friend of us to close it.
2)Men always need a woman. Two boys, the older brother of ane of my classmates and a friend of his, came to our room, and asked us to wash them some T-shirts if we could. Fortunately we had invited another girl, Katerina, who accepted to become their washer without getting paid, and saved us.
3) When your romm is untidy, you know where your stuff is. When you tid it, you lose everything.
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One day, I was lying on my bed reading the book I had taken with me (Marilina and Angliki had left to buy chocolates), and Maria, the girl who stayed in the room next to ours and with whom we shared the shower, was using it.
Suddenly I heard her screaming: "AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! Kotronakis, is that you? Malaka, fyge tora! A!A!A! DON't OPEN THE DOOR! NOOOOOOOO!!!! Pousti, mono na se piaso sta heria mou, tha se skotoso!" (the words you don't understand are insults in greek that I don't want to translate).
I asked Maria what was happening, and she told me that the boy who came in my room requesting washers, was trying to open the door of the shower cabin while she was inside just for fun. Fortunately we could lock the door from the inside.
...
Some days later, I was in the shower cabin. As I was washing my hair, I saw the handle of the door going down. I shouted: "Maria, wait a minute! I'm washing my hair!" Than I heard Maria screaming again but this time accompagnied by her roommate, Efi. They were both screaming to me to get out, because the Yorgos was tryin to open the door again.
The first thing I did was to grab the handle with my right hand and hold it up. With the left hand I grabbed my towel and wrapped it over me. Then I screamed as loudly as I could: "MARILINNAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!! BRING ME THE RAZOOOOOOOOOR!!!!"
Now louder: "MARILINAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING? BRING THE RAAAAAAAAAAAZZOOOOOOOOOOOOR!!"
She and Yanna, a friend, heard the screams, Marilina opened the door from our rooms side and asked me iff i was okay. She had thought I saw a spider. I repeated again loudly that she had to bring the razor, she brought it and I shouted: "I AM HOLDING A RAZOR, YORGOS! IF YOU DARE TO OPEN THE DOOR I WILL CHOP YOU!"
We heard Maria and Efi laughing without being able to stop, and someone leaving.
As we say in Greece, "even the siant needs threatening".


Part 2 tomorrow.

I was shopping at the mall with my wife and what did I hear come over the speakers? A muzak version of Young Moon! While it wasn't (correction) America's version, it was nice to hear something that they wrote being played - especially one of their later songs.

Btw, if any of you still hasn't gotten America's Hourglass CD, I would highly recommend getting it. It is a great CD and Young Moon is one of the best songs on it!

I was shopping at the mall with my wife and what did I hear come over the speakers? A muzak version of Young Moon! While it was America's version, it was nice to hear something that they wrote being played - especially one of their later songs.

Btw, if any of you still hasn't gotten America's Hourglass CD, I would highly recommend getting it. It is a great CD and Young Moon is one of the best songs on it!

My throat is sore and dry, and i am starting to have a cold in head. That means only one thing: i will be ill by tomorrow...!
The worst thng is that I have my examinations in French at school on Monday, and I can't miss them.
I am creating a wallpaper for the ladies this month. I hope I finish it soon. I suppose you know who it is about...

Hello everyone, guess I must be the only person who hasn't seen the chaps in Australia this time out.But I have a huge amount in the pipeline at the moment,if all works out should be able to set the family up pretty well.Have also seen a magazine article suggesting more recording and perhaps with a modern touch as Gerry appears to like a number of more recent artists.Have enjoyed all the wonderful reviews,what a way to start the year a dvd and more recording.What has been a nice touch has been the personal way the guys have handled the Australian fans and seem to be quite aware of who they are,Jimbob must be one excited camper.

It said 8 cameras would be used.

I just did a search to find some photos of the Opera House to recommend and found a site of great interest.
www.undercover.com.au/news/2004/20040130_america.html

Sydney Opera House Saturday 31 January 2004
This was the big one. The setting was the same as the previous show, the anticipation was the same as the previous show, the songs were the same as the previous show and the buzz in the room was the same as the previous show. Visually, the stage looked different because a large yellow America logo on a circular, rather than oval, background was projected onto a black backdrop hanging behind Willie’s drums. America signage had replaced the Brisbane logo on the drums.
Comedian, Elliot Goblet, warmed up the crowd, as he has done at each show we attended. One of his clever lines is that when he told friends he was supporting America, they asked if he was part of the coalition of the willing. He has a knack of looking at the ordinary from a different perspective. We picked up on material derived from a conversation that we had had with him earlier so that was a nice personal touch.
Prior to the show an announcement was made that because of the filming for the DVD, photography was strictly forbidden. There were two cameras behind the mixing desk and one on each side of the stage. The cameramen weren’t intrusive but it must have been quite stressful for the guys knowing that they were under such scrutiny.
Friday’s seats provided us with a wonderful vista of the Concert Hall, the audience, and all of the stage. I bought Saturday night’s seats as soon as they went on sale and despite warnings that the front row wasn’t the optimum position because it is a high stage, we were thrilled to be there as we had experienced the big view and this time we just felt so much a part of what was happening. Thanks so much to the guys for the special smiles. That contact added another dimension to the show. We felt a great sense of excitement for the band as well as for us. We were close enough to see the Carl Wilson badge and the mB badge (excellent design!) as well as all the wonderful guitar work.
There was audience interaction with people yelling out requests. Gerry dealt with one promptly and when someone yelled out for a repeat of Lonely People Dewey asked if it was that bad!
The whole band was impressive. Rich looks like he is really enjoying being in the band and Willie and Michael continue to give it their all. The sound was crystal clear and the music was tight. We are constantly amazed at the precision of the endings. This band is so professional. We extend special thanks to Pete for saving the playlists for us and for the welcoming smiles. Pete has worked like a Trojan. It must be a long night for him because he has so much to do when the others have departed. We note that Erin assisted him last night.
We were so engrossed in the music that we lost track of time. Before we knew it Never Be Lonely was being played and that meant that the night was coming to an end. The shows seem to get shorter even though in reality that isn’t the case.
The audience response was so energetic and appreciative with everyone yelling and stamping their feet for more after Sister Golden Hair.
Gerry threw a pick that sailed past us. It threw Ross because it was earlier than his usual throws. Kindly he threw another after SGH. It bounced off us and I was able to pick it up from the floor.
When Gerry returned to the stage there were several squeals of delight for All My Life. Then total silence from the audience. This is a hauntingly beautiful song. We feel privileged to have heard it so many times live.
The rest of the encore was dynamic and enthusiastically received with the audience left wanting more.
The lights were turned on so the guys could witness the audience response, they said their goodbyes, Dewey blew kisses to his family and they left the stage, with Dewey looking over his shoulder one last time. They must have felt so emotional after such a special occasion. We did.
The guys should have been thrilled with the warmth of the audience response. They should have been thrilled with their performance. Dewey says America loves Australia. The reverse is also true.
We were honoured to have been part of something so important.
“a wonder night that spoke delight”.

I think Utah would be a little easier for me, being from California!! How about it Steve?

I don't know about a convention, but we could certainly have a fan gathering here in Utah the next time the guys make it this way. Back in 1999 they played at a venue that was literally blocks from my house and we had a BBQ at my house prior to the show. Gerry and Dewey were going to try to attend but they arrived at their hotel at 4 am that morning and they needed to sleep before the show. Click here to see some photos from the BBQ and the show.

Margaret,

Just got "online" since yesterday evening and I read your terrific review of the Sydney Opera House concert. THANK YOU! What an incredible venue for "our" favorite group to perform in. I enjoyed the architectural tidbits on the Opera house and its surrounding info, you really seet the "stage" nicely. It has always looked so inspiring via photos, but to be there within its walls and lines must be something sublime. So glad their impassioned performance surpassed your every expectation, I can imagine you guys must still be floating, hovering over land, from the tremendous elation and excitement. Happy landing!;0)

Sir Joe

Hi Everyone :) Hmmm ~ I fell asleep last night with Visions of Sydney! Nice :)

Cheers Margaret ~~ I really enjoyed your "Take Me There" review of your experience at the Sydney show ~~ I must of reread it 3 times, and I got caught up in the descriptive atmosphere for sure. I have a pic of the Sydney Harbour Bridge here on my work computer as my Background.. in this pic the sky is Crystal Clear Blue Eyes. ~~ I can hardly wait to see the Pic of famous Opera House on the new DVD cover. Sooo neat you getting to see the Photographer that captured this magic in his lens for this. Sorry to hear you weren't able to get any pics ~~ Darn them Flash cameras, they ruin it for us all the time don't they? ~~ I can only imagine the way you must be floating right about now. WOW ~ What an exciting last week or so You & Ross have had. ~~ Thanks again for letting us experience a touch of this, through your eyes, ears and fingers. :) ~~ Thanks for highligting the Radio Interview for us too. WOW!!! :)

Hey there Jimmmmmmbob ~~ Only 2 ~ TWO more days and it is You & Fran's Turn ~~ It was great hearing your voice and sharing the Gift of Gab with you yesterday. I am sooooo Happy that You will be getting to see them again... as I told you yesterday, my thoughts will be with you as you get indulge on some AMERICA Heaven... I look forward to seeing some pics, and hearing all about your big day... Ooooh Yes How I would Love to get a Plane Ticket and be there to take this in with you. For sure! :) ~~ That would be Awesome to get together with You & Frann, Margaret & Ross, Goanna & Co & Chris & Family too... Yes, we would have no problem talking about Our Mutual Love for this great group we Know as AMERICA... Yeppers ~~ I love to listen to Now Sue in my headphones, I always hit the replay on it and end up turning up the volumn a little more each time... Nice :) ~~ Enjoy your music and get that guitar and strum a few songs for me... Okay :)

Hi Valynda ~~ It would be awesome to have a Fan Get Together Reunion and the More of Us that could be there would be the Better. Just like jimbob has said, no matter where The Energy that would radiate from Us would cause a Power Surge or possibly a Blackout ~~~ Too much! :)

Hi Gen ~~ I hope all is well for you and yours, another month has ended and it is starting to get closer to when you will get to experience your AMERICA Heaven too, as well as Bruno and family too. I can Imagine the Excitement is beginning to Mount already... Sooo Happy for You all! :)

Hi Hoooo Redddddd ~~ Is it Snowing there yet... did ya get more than 3 inches? Stay Warm & Enjoy your day ~~ See ya at the live chat tomorrow night ~~~ Some great songs on the Holiday album! ~~ It'll be fun! :)

Okay gotta get now, take care all and have a good weekend, See ya, Nancy :) :) :)

~~~~ When you're Flying High Take MY HEART ALONG, I'll be The Harmony to every Lonely Song that you'll Learn to Play, when You're soaring through the Airrrr, I'll be Your Solid Ground, take every chance You Dare, I'll still be there when You come Back Down, when You come back downnnn ~~~ and I'll be on that other end when You Call ~~ waiting for your Calll ~~ The Memories, the Sushine, Every New day Brings, when You're Soaring through the airrrrrr, I'll be Your Solid Ground ~~~ :) ;)

Hi to all,
Margaret, thank you for that beautiful description of The Opera House, and the concert! Wow!!
And thanks to the rest of you, Jimbob, Goanna, holiday, for sharing the excitement Down Under. I can truly feel that energy from all of your posts!

Goanna, Love your idea about the convention! Sydney would be awesome to visit. But I think Utah would be a little easier for me, being from California!! How about it Steve?

Bye, Valerie

Hit the wrong button! When I met Margaret the energy was electric! It will be the same, I know, no matter where we are! But.... Utah is good! Then again so is anywhere! As an aside, I was listening to Van Go Gan tonight, and Now Sue, played thru headphones is quite different than normal playing. Like, thru the headphones we hear lots more vocals; have you all noticed this?

Hey Goanna! Yeah man, lets all meet up! The energy that we all have is fantastic, isnt it? I

Hey Margaret,

3 Cheers...!!! great review, I was going to post a website address on a message so that everyone could see what the opera house looked like, but hey, your description beats that idea, well done...

JimBob, the coffee's brewing man.... get ya butt over bro, and Chris too,,, here's an idea...! maybe we could have a mini "America" convention in Sydney and all get together,,, do the swap meet thing
have SteveL over with others and have a party...!!!! how about it guys...??? or maybe SteveL, let's have an "America" covention in Utah...!!! now that'd be somethin.


Goanna

Hi Margaret - loved your word pictures and the energy and enthusiasm of your review of a magical evening in a magical setting. The atmosphere sounded electric - truly "A Concert To Remember." Great that you got to meet the guys in Canberra too - can you share any of the conversation with us?
All the best for tonight.
jimbob - great idea - count me in, if everyone can make Sydney sometime, pehaps on the guys' next trip?
Chris

Now THAT is a picture I would love to see!!

Cindy...from the South

Thanks Sir Joe! (Is there ANYTHING that Steve L. doesn't have on this site? LOL!)

I don't have a photo of Gerry and Dewey standing by the pool in Canberra!!!

Hey MARGARET! Fantastic review! The way you describe the Opera House and the area around it is right on! You write well, I could really feel the place as I read your words. We are hoping to get to Sydney around April, so see you and Ross for a coffee then! No wonder the guys enjoyed playing there so much; there are few places, if any, that Ive been that has so much energy. Is it the best America concert youve seen? Its Saturday afternoon here and it seems almost unbelievable that Frann and I will be seeing them on Tuesday night! As much as I love Auckland, it doesnt have QUITE the magic that Sydney has, especially the Circular Quay area. Darling Harbour I love too. I had a long telephone conversation with Nancy last night. Hope the call wasnt TOO expensive Nance! Its amazing, I was in shorts and tee shirt and she was describing the huge isicles hanging off her roof! Snow all around and a brilliant blue sky! Nance you will have to get a plane ticket to Sydney and we can meet up with holiday, Goanna and Margaret, and we can have a brief discussion about America! Yeah, RIGHT, we would talk about nothin' else! Anyway Margaret, as I write, only 5 hours to go till the show, enjoy! Cheers, Jimbob.

The setting
The Sydney Opera House is approached along the harbour foreshore. The building dominates Bennelong Point and almost appears to float on the surrounding water. To your left is the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge as well as numerous bars, restaurants and cafes and around to the right you overlook the Botanical Gardens and the rest of the harbour, busy with ferries, yachts, floating restaurants and cruise boats.
Sydney Opera House is a stunning building and was designed by Danish architect Joern Utzon for an international competition. It has recently celebrated its 30th anniversary. The distinctive curved roofline is derived from segments of a sphere and alludes to the billowing sails of yachts on the harbour. The interior exudes a this-is-a-special-place feel.
We found two large America posters, one outside the lower entrance to the Concert Hall and another that we had seen before Christmas, was located near the undercover walkway near the bars and cafes. Now that would make a great photo if we could get Gerry and Dewey there!
Photos
Before the show we spoke to a photographer who we had seen at numerous concerts. He had taken publicity photos of the guys, the photos for the cover of the DVD and was going to take photos during the first four songs. I take my camera just in case an opportunity should arise and was very reluctant to check in my large bag when ordered to do so by a security guard. Immediately after, I saw plenty of other large bags that went unchecked. Then despite a no cameras announcement plenty of photos were taken, but unfortunately, none by me. Looks like a discreet digital camera will go on the long- term wish list. (The broken diamond ring from the last show in New Zealand still hasn’t been re-set, so I might be waiting a while!).
The Show
Right from the outset the place was jumping. People were on their feet right from the start. While we have enjoyed all the shows we have attended on this tour, nothing compares with the energy of this one. The guys were excited, they played with passion and the audience loved it and the sound was excellent.
The guy’s love of Sydney was apparent. Gerry announced their 100 – 150 shows a year and said that this was the top of the list for tour destinations. He said that two sell-out concerts at the Opera House meant the world to them.
The play-list was the same as the other concerts that we have been to on this tour. We thought we were going to have a variation to routine when Gerry announced that they don’t usually do requests, but their promoter Paul Dainty, asked if they would do one and apologised if they were rusty (my term, I can’t remember Gerry’s). Well they played Lonely People and when it was over, Gerry said, with a grin, he was trying to remember the last time they did that one. After due consideration he said he said it was Canberra on Wednesday night!
This was a special night for the guys, not only because of the stunning venue, but because of audience members who were special to them including Jim Morey, Dewey’s wife and daughter and Young Moon.
One of the touching moments that we picked up on, but probably others didn’t fully appreciate was the return for the encore after thunderous ovation. We thought we weren’t going to get to hear All My Life because Dewey followed Gerry back onto the stage, as he would ordinarily do. Dewey quickly retreated. For us it summed up his excitement for the evening. He had a grin from ear to ear all night. We loved his genuine enthusiasm.
They will never forget the night. Nor will we. We were buzzing with elation for hours after the show. Special thanks to everyone who contributed to this great night. All the best for tonight. We are really looking forward to it.

Hi Margaret,

I think that ABC Radio keep trasncripts of their interviews with everyone, and they are available for purchase... I'll have a hunt on the website and find out for us. I've grabbed a few interveiw tapes from other stuff a few years ago, which were quite long and about $25.

will investigate

Goanna

I had almost completed a message before going to work yesterday and lost the lot, so here is another try.
I hope no - one goes to the Opera House on a fictitious date after 28 February hoping to see America, because they will have missed out on a treat. We all make mistakes but that one shouldn't have got through. One word can make a huge difference, as can one letter. In my Canberra post, I missed a letter. The security people were pouncing, I missed the u.
The guys were interviewed on 702 ABC Radio by broadcaster Angela Catterns about 8.45 yesterday. There is not one functioning tape recorder in our house, so after taking the phone off the hook, I jotted down a summary. Here are some of the points covered.
- the name and how it initially grabbed attention, but now the music speaks for itself;
- early start, Gerry is a morning person;
- first Opera House show sold out, a few seats available for second show, DVD to be filmed then;
- Opera House, jewel in the crown of this tour;
- play in a variety of venue types;
- different generations in audience;
- Definitive America went Gold here, pleasant surprise;
People phoned up to suggest what song should be played and some asked questions.
- at the suggestion of Muskrat Love, Gerry said something like between you and I, not a chance;
- recollection of seeing them in Balmain in ‘80s. Gerry asked who joined them on stage – Harry Nilsson;
- Gerry chose to play SGH, said his mother thought it was about his sister but she hadn’t listened to lyrics;
- questions about alligator lizards and Tropic of Sir Galahad.
This was a terrific interview and Angela Catterns found the guys impressive.

Thanks Sir Joe! (Is there ANYTHING that Steve L. doesn't have on this site? LOL!)

Anita,
Go to the "Songs" tab on the web site header menu, once you are in scroll down to "Con Tu Pelo Tan Dorado" and "ahi veras la letra de la cancion".;0)

Sir Joe

Gerry, thanks for the wonderful VFTHW of the Centrepoint Tower -- What a terrific shot! Hope you're enjoying your time down under.

Just finished listening to the Spanish version of Sister Golden Hair from the Honored #2 CD and I thought it was terrific! Right down to the "uno, dos, tres, quatro" by Gerry at the very end. Does anyone have the words to this in Spanish? Thanks in advance.

nother date for the list: 10/19/80 Academy Of Music Philadelphia, PA

Seeing this song title reminded me just how much I enjoyed the America version in concert. It seemed to these old ears that the guys sang this song better than the Beatles themselves! It was such a strong energy level and such great harmonies they were putting out there in concert and just this week I had a few Beatles albums in my CD stack (along with America of course) and songs like "Nowhere Man" and "In My Life" from RUBBER SOUL (my favourite) really brought it home to me where our guys have always drawn their major inspiration. The "la la la la" harmonies of "Nowhere Man" instantly draw comparison to the harmonies of America. Have they ever covered "Nowhere Man?" Not that I want them to cut down playing their own songs, but maybe they could tell us something more about their Beatles meetings over the years and rotate one or two covers in place of George's "I Need You"

KarenL - Article proceeding, March publishing, excitement level building, fellow co-workers will be calling (we have over 3,000 at my Bank where I work in HR). I will surely be sending it to Steve.

Margaret - thanks so much for your tireless efforts with travel, comments and updates ... jimbob: I hope you are getting plenty of rest 'cause I know Feb 3 is going to be one BIG adventure - let us know if you can sleep on the 2nd. Maybe they can call 'Groundhog Day' for the 3rd - you'd never want that to end!!

Goanna - enjoyed the story of how you got that name. Yeah, we grow everything big up north, including the crocs and the sharks; we get big goannas (and sharks) down south here too. When you look at the map, I think we're bigger than Texas ...
Chris

Do you have real Player? You need that program in order to play the sound clip. It can be download in Macintosh format from the real player web site.

tskogg: I too have a Mac. I'm on OSX. It opened on Real Player. I don't know if you've tried that. I don't know how to convert the Real Player file to MP3, but I will ask one of the tech-heads at the office tomorrow if they can. If I'm successful, I'll email it to you. If not, I'll listen to it a few more times anyway and say to myself, "if only tskogg could hear this."

KevinS.

Margaret,

Looks like the Sydney Morning Herald article is off by about a month... "it states there are still tickets available for Feb. 31st" ?? Doesn't the schedule state they're at the Sydney Opera House this weekend? Intriguing! Wow, I'm losing track of all the cities you've been too so far and all the miles you're logging! Are you running out of money yet? You go girl!! I'm sure those Sydney shows will be great.... looking forward to an upcoming dvd!

Thanks! I tried that but it won't run on my Mac. Is there anyone who can convert it to an MP3?

Go to the Soundclip Index Page on the America Fans web site and scroll down almost to the bottom in the Miscellaneous section (just above the MIDI files). There you will see a link to a RealAudio soundclip of America performing George Harrison's I Need You from the February 10, 2002 concert in Hallandale, Florida.

Does anyone have a copy of America performing the Beatles' "I Need You"? Thanks

Hi Everyone :) Another SNOOOOOOOOOOW DAAAAAAAAAY Here! Hmmmm ~~ I wanna know who's gonna Stop the Snow from falling down, I said I wannna know who'll stop the Snow ~~ Sing it this way CCR LOL!!!! :)

Oooooh My Goanna ~~ Yeppers this is the same song that I sang sooooo many times, I can't believe this, and to think there is a page here on the web where you can go and check it out ~~ Unreal~ too much, upon reading the real lyrics this song did come back to me 100%, I Kinda have OAK trees on my mind, rather than Gum trees... I got a kick out of the made up lyrics for this song... Thanks a bunch for taking my mind back to some really carefree days... Isn't it funny How some of the craziest things stay with a person over the years! LOL!!! ~~~ AHA now I see why you picked Goanna as your ID name, thanks for sharing this story with us... that would have been rather overwhelming, especially when it came to giving up your Steak Sandwich, I bet that Goanna was a licking his chops for the rest of the day... I would have been out of there too... Thanks for the Laughs! ~~ Wow down to Cloud 9.8 ~~~ Hold onto this feeling as long as you can, its no fun when the PADS start to set in!!!! Booo Hooo !!

WOW Triple WOW ~~ Margaret ~~ You sure are on a Roll, I didn't know you were going to the Canberra show as well, Nice Nice Nice ~~ Good to hear you & Ross got to talk with Gerry & Dewey, were you able to get a Pic taken then, it would be nice to get to see a pic of you and Ross to complete the Aussie Fans Pics? Hmmmm ~~ I happened to notice the outline of the Orange Slice Mr Moon last night in the sky here, it was nice to catch a glimpse of it, it has been wall to wall snow clouds here lately... Tooo much your hubby getting stopped by the police on the way home for a random breath test, what a Bummer! ~~ WOW Home and back up and off to work, You must be running on Sheer AASE~ After AMERICA Show Energy! :) Soooo will you be going to the Sydney show as well? I am assuming it is later this evening right... If you are ~~ What a way to end your tour of shows... I am sooo Happy they are filming this... WOW ~~ Thanks soo much Gerry & Dewey & Erin and Whoever else is invovled in this decision... :)

Regarding the Herald Newspaper article that insists this AMERICA show is on Feb 30 & 31st... I wondering why this hasn't hit them yet, especially with them wondering if Americans observe Leap Year Day ~~ Tooo much... Yeppers Robyn ~~ I can remember Sadie Hawkins dances at my middle school too ~~~ WOW this has brought back my first major crush on a boy... He had the cutest Dimple, kinda like Gerry's ~~ tooo much ~~ Nice Nice Nice :)

Hey there Jimbob ~~ Can you hear me, Wonder if you will read this? ~~ Only 4 more days till your big night... I sure hope You will come and share all of your happenings with us. I bet you will be Shining for sure! I hope Frann takes some pics so you can share them with us! Have a great time!

Thanks for all the fun at live chat last night! Talk to you all on Sunday!!!! :)

Gotta get now ~~ take care, have a good day! See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ This land is your land, this land is my land, from the gulf stream waters to the red wood forrests, lalalladadalalladala ~~ Wow these songs from my Girl Scout years are coming my way for some nice fun memories... :)

>>Do Americans observe leap year?<<

Yes we do! When I was a kid we had a custom known as "Sadie Hawkins Day" based on a character for the comic strip Lil'Abner. Sadie was always after him to marry her and on Sadie Hawkins Day ladies could proposed marriage. We used to have Sadie Hawkins Day dances where the girls would ask the guys to the dance.

Hiya Magaret,

Yep,,, I reckon we were really lucky getting our photo's too... indeed, a treat we will never forget. I hope we weren't the cause
of a possible crackdown. Melbourne concert did have a few flash bulbs go off especially ours...

Goanna

Further to my observations last week, this was in Column 8 in The Sydney Morning Herald on 29 January 2004.
Do Americans observe leap year?
A Warrawee reader saw in This Paper last Saturday an ad for the rock band America. " Intriguingly it tells your readers that its concert for February 30 has been sold out, but there are still tickets available for Saturday 31 February."

Apologies for the delay with this review. 24 hours ago we were driving home from the Canberra show after experiencing a happy night in the national capital.
Yesterday was the last day of my holiday and going to an America concert was the best way to spend it.
We were delighted to be able to speak to Gerry and Dewey before the show. We are very grateful to them for this special treat. The time passed quickly and questions that we had thought of were unasked, for example the significance of lyrics in some of the songs being played at the moment, such as Company and To Each His Own.
Our seats were distant but a friendly theatre usher showed us where there were some vacant seats halfway between there and the stage.
The security people were dynamite. Goanna, there is no way that you would have been able to take all of your great photos in Canberra. They were even intercepting people with incoming text messages and were on the prowl and poncing as soon as a camera appeared.
When Gerry said they would be doing the long set, he asked if people had to be anywhere soon. For a split second I thought of bed, but even on limited sleep, I wouldn't have been anywhere else.
The audience was appreciative, anticipated and responded to the hits straight away and people were singing along with the songs and lots were up on their feet noisily applauding.
The show was really dynamic and passed far too quickly. Sadly, the Sandman introduction heralds the beginning of the end, but we were thrilled that we again experienced the bonus encore. I can't speak highly enough of All My Life. I overheard a conversation praising Gerry's solo work. I'd like to add that we also thought that Dewey's voice was in fine form.
The playlist was the same as Wollongong and Melbourne.
The drive home was again accompanied by a selection of America tunes. Even changing the tapes at one stage, we heard SGH on the radio. I've noticed that more America songs are being played on the radio and last week, copies of The Definitive America were being given away.
Driving home, right away from the city lights, the sky was covered with twinkling stars and was illuminated by a low hemispherical moon.I kept thinking of Lovely Night because the sky was clear and the stars were bright and we had indeed had a lovely night. It was a strange coincidence to see this song mentioned on the Chat Folder tonight.
We left Canberra at 10.30 pm and at 1.40 am Ross was Random Breath Tested. Maybe the police knew about Dewey's Hangover observations in Australia. With no alcohol in his system, the policeman wished Ross a good night. We'd already had it!
We arrived home at 1.50 and rose soon after 6 for work. It was a shock to the system. Company has been in my head all day. We've really enjoyed hearing it, as well as all the other songs with great solo parts. The band has been terrific.
Thanks for another wonderful night.

I wonder if these people have any idea :o)....Thanks Gerry...great pictures!!

Erin :o)

Hi Nancy,

I think the song is about a Kookaburra, pronounced (cooka) (burra)anyway, dowunder we have a similar song that goes like this...

go to this website, and it plays the sound too...!!!

http://members.iinet.net.au/~oneilg/scouts/songs/kookaburra.html


Also,

Thank you everyone for your kind messages on the Melbourne concert
in Australia.... The guys are in Sydney I think and play tomorrow night at the opera house.... GO MAGARET & ROSS,,,GO FOR IT....!!!

To cut a long story short for the Aussie crew on the chat folder & you guys too,,,, the nickname came about when a 6ft goanna came over our mess tent and tried to persuade me to part with a delicious Steak Sandwich that I was half way through eating... Nobody said anything & I look around and there was this humungous lizard about 2ft away from my lunch and me...!!!!, consequently, I perfromed the 100mtre dash in 5 secs...!!!! minus the sandwich...!!!

I don't mind saying that my friends had a good laugh at my expense...

so the name stuck...all this time....

Chris (Holiday)... it was way up the top end in W.A. at Kunnanurra near the Argyle Dam... they grow them big up there. It's not the Croc's you worry about it's the lizards...!!!!

and Cloud 10 is about a 9.8 still..... PADS is kicking in badly...

see ya

Goanna & Co

Me Again :) :) :)

Thanks Steve ~~~ I always wonder why I can't post site addresses the right way on here.... It is a very informative site.. I have it saved to my favorites.... never know when the kids will have to do a neat report...

Sleep well everyone... 2 hr delay already announced tomorrow for here... Gee I am getting spoiled with all of this late day starts... Nitey Nite... Nancy :)

~~~ Kukla beara sits in the old oak tree, merry merry king of the bush is heeee, Laugh Kukla beara Laugh Kukla bear ~~ Yep i have flipped.... don't ask me what brought this song to my mind, we used to sing it at girlscout camp... hahahahhaha Nitey nite all...

The link that Nancy gave didn't work for me but I found out what the real link was. In case it didn't work for you either, here's the link: http://australian-animals.net/goanna.htm

Very cool. Thanks for sharing Nancy and Goanna (Greg).

Me Again :) :) :) Tooo Much!

Geez Gerry what a view! You have me Laughing sooo hard! I would love to be able to see your reflection in the water when you were taking this pic, sooo we could see the sly grin on your face... You had to be cracking up too! Tooo much! ~~ Now anytime I visit a Hotel swimming pool with my kids.... I am gonna be sure to check out who is taking pics from the balcony room windows... Oh wow!!! I second Mo's we Miss You.... Tiny Bubble Carry our Guys back home safely... and let the Jet Lag be kind. I Bet Your Mrs Misses You a Bunch! Thanks sooo much for your ways! :)

Nitey nite all, back to live chat now!!! See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ soooo follow the path through the knowing trees, and each time you Laugh it is Love you release, the Love will come back in the Garden of Peace ~~~ Sing it for me Dewey :) :) :)

Mr. Gerry--
Your sense of humor is priceless. Looks like some of the Canberra persona could use a few laps in that lovely pool!! We miss you over here. Come home soon.

Gerry Gerry Gerry...you just don't disappoint! Love it!!

Cindy....from the (melting) South

I am going in! Anyone going to join me

Happy Hump Day Everyone :)

Hi there Karen & Chris ~~ Thanks Chris for telling me what a Goanna is.... I also recieved an email from Goanna with a very neat site <<<<http://65.54.174.250/cgi-bin/linkrd?_lang=EN&lah=ac031afb88d9c411cb169dae84c6a67f&lat=1075338981&hm___action=http%3a%2f%2faustralian%2danimals%2enet%2fgoanna%2ehtm>>>>> Thanks a bunch Goanna ~~ I see they also have info on one of my favorites animals from down under ~~ The Kaola Bear! I just think they are adorable... :) Yes Karen I second your saying that it is always nice to see pics of those that we get to know on here. :)

Only 2 more days till the Sydney show! Wow where did January go too?

Yeppers Rob ~~ Lovely Night is one great song! ~~ Good to hear you will be getting to see them soon. :)

Hi there Sergio ~~ I do think we all are suffering PADS big time, and would love to see a show coming our way soon.

Okay gotta get now, see you all at live chat a little bit later.. See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ I've been sooo brokenhearted, you've beeeen soooooo farrrrrrr away, I don't know How it Started, to be this wayyyy, I want to tell YOU something, I want to play with Fate, come over hear and listen it's not toooo Late, we Need to feed the fire, gotta stir the wind, I will Never Tire and I Won't Give In, there's a Shadoooooow outside my window, I'm just trying to beee True and I Can't Stop Thinking of Youuuu, Sometimes I Dream in Colors, it always happens when I find myself with others that don't pretend, I see you in the Ocean, I hear you on the Phone, I Feel Your Touch & Wonder Why I'm Aloneeeeee ~~~ Sing it for me Timothy B :)

Click here to see a bonus shot from Gerry in Canberra.

Chris - thanks for the lesson on what a "goanna" is! I was wondering too. Thanks for asking the question, Nancy. (The next time my sons have to do an animal report for school, I'll have to have them research goannas and alligator lizards:) And - now that I've seen the pictures from the "Goanna & Co." Melbourne experience, I now know WHO our Goanna & Co. is - Greg, Lili & Jordan! It's always nice to see the faces that go with the names. So, Chris - has that article on your experience been published yet? Karen

Here's another date for the list: 6/15/86 Tower Theater Upper Darby, PA(This was a co-headliner with Stephen Stills)

thanks so much i would love to see them!!! Annette

Welcome to the Chat Folder, Nettie. Unfortunately, the videos that I have posted in the past are very large and I can only leave them on the web site for a short time. Perhaps I'll upload the one video that everyone could see (You Can Do Magic) again in the future. So, stay tuned to the Chat Folder.

Does anyone know what of the vintage songs they may be doing in 2004?

Rob, if you look at the Wollongong concert playlist page you'll see the FULL list of what they're currently playing. The odds are good that the songs they'll be playing will come from that list.

Greg, What a treasure trove of autographs! Great photos!!! You lucky "Goanna", you!;0)

A BIG THANKS to you, Chris and Margaret for sharing your wonderful AMERICA experiences "down under" with us "up above and over". I'm literally dreaming of the day when IT might happen to me...

Sir Joe

I just wanted to let everyone know i just got tuned to these chat folders and i really like them!!!!!! How do i get to view the videos past present and future? Goanna you go!!!!! I would love to be backstage at any given point with one of my favorite bands , how do you do it? That is awesome!!!!! The pictures are great for all who are sharing them!!! Thanks!!! Peace and Love to all!!! Annette aka Nettie

Looking forward to seeing "America" at end of February. Does anyone know what of the vintage songs they may be doing in 2004? I loved hearing "Company" last year. I'd like to hear "Lovely Night".

GOANNA ... Way2go man - you have rubbed shoulders with legends and it is amazing how a lot of their magic rubs off on you - an instant euphoria trip and it is sooo great that we can share this great experience right here in OZ; from one side of the country to another - well done mate. Your photos are awesome and will give you a permanent reminder of a temporary feeling that you never want to lose. Enjoy your memories and momentos - look forward to hearing more as the days pass and you re-enter our atmosphere .... hee hee

Nancy - A goanna is something you would remember if you were to tread on one. It is a big, big lizard, something akin to a 'mini-me' dinosaur, long body, long neck and long legs - they can move pretty quickly, but luckily for us, shun contact with inferior species such as humans ...not like our Goanna - how did you get that name anyway G?

Margaret - I hope the finances hold out for a couple of more shows, you and Ross must be getting as tired as SteveL. It is great that you caught up with Goanna. Happy for you that you will be seeing the best band in one of the best locations on the planet.

jimbob - I hope you got my email, I have been having pc problems (from before the latest virus scare) but know that you are going to see the guys - just get to the venue real early. I am really looking forward to your upcoming adventure.
Chris

Sean, I had The Border video available to download for about a week but most people couldn't watch it because it requires a special CODEC that most of us don't have (and I don't know what it is!). I've heard from a few people who were able to watch it, but there weren't very many. The strange thing is that I can watch it on my computer at home but not on my computer at work. I've tried downloading every CODEC I can think of at work and doing everything else that people have suggested but I can't see it on my work computer. Until I figure out how to do that (and I've given up trying for now), there's no need for me to make it available. Sorry about that!

hey americaSL i was wonderign if you set up that border video yet? It's great your making new links to America's videos. Sean Lee

Hi Gerry ~ I hope you don't mind me asking you this question on the folder, but I don't have any other means to ask.

In Sweetwater, did you and Dewey each receive the two items I gave Pete to pass on to the both of you? With all the items Pete has to pack after each concert, it would be easy for the items to be misplaced. A simple "yes" or "no" will suffice. Thanks in advance for letting me know. Johnny

Gerry - I just love the variety of your pictures! I like how you "tell it like it is". :) Karen

Thanks for the heads up & warning on the virus.

You're very welcome, Jenna. I know that not everyone who visits this Chat Folder is Internet/PC savvy so I do what I can to warn them. It's really sad that we have people out there who create these viruses and do other things to cause problems.

When do you sleep? :)

I once was found sleeping between 2 and 3 am (LOL)!

I meant 1.9 meters!

That pool is tempting, just don't try a high dive from your window, Gerry, 19 meters is too shallow :>)

Ok Gerry, this one is my favorite so far, so unexpected. (I love a guy who makes me giggle!)

Cindy ....from the (icy, shut down) South

Steve,

Thanks for the heads up & warning on the virus. My pc was infected with it yesterday as was my company's whole sytem. This virus is nasty....and my pc has to be re-imaged. Sincerely hope nobody else gets it! Many thanks for your hard work, efforts, and all the updates! And for the heads-up warnings. When do you sleep? :)

Good one Gerry!!

Erin :o)

Hi Margaret, so good you got to meet Goanna! I can well imagine the conversation you guys were having next day with the energy of the show still surging through you! No I didnt hear the radio interview you gave when last in Auckland, but I remember you telling me about it. Wish I HAD heard it! You are right, the final Crowded House concert did attract around 250,000! Whenever Im by the Opera House I think of that show(I wasnt there, but have seen the video numerous times)and marvel at how so many people could have crammed in there! Im not surprised Ross and your daughter enjoyed seeing Neil Finn in concert; Im sure most AMERICA fans would also enjoy his music! In fact, to me, next to Gerry and Dewey, he's the one! I perfectly understand you not being able to get to Auckland this time, heck, Ive been trying to get to Sydney again since I last saw you! And Goanna, wow man, what an experience! Great photos! And yeah, those belt buckles sure must be pretty rare indeed. Was it one of Johnny's? I seem to recall one being on EBay a while back. Thanks for the great reviews; it sure makes the countdown even more exciting! Talk soon, Jim.

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in Canberra, Australia.

A fairly new virus began circulating yesterday and it works by impersonating e-mail addresses and sending them to other people so it can infect their computers. Since my e-mail address (AmericaSL@byu.net) is plastered all over the Chat Folder and the America Fans web site, it's very easy for these virus programs to use my e-mail address. I've stated this many times before but let me say it again, I NEVER SEND ANYTHING OUT FROM AmericaSL@byu.net. It is an INCOMING mailbox only. If you ever receive anything that was sent from AmericaSL@byu.net you can promptly delete it.

Hi hooooo Everyone :) Hmmmm ~~ My sky today is a thick wall of whitish~grey clouds ~~ and all white ground, along with leafless tree sculptures... Look Out another Blast of Winter is coming my way today! :)

Thanks soooo Much Gerry for the Bonus Pic ~~ Wow soooo Gorgeous ~~ Had to be Breathtaking for sure. :)

Yeppers Goanna ~~ Time sure does fly by when we are in the Midst of that oooh soo Magical Moment, and I felt the exact way... there were soo many thoughts running round in my mind, things that I wanted to say, and soooo caught up in the AWE of just how comfortable I found myself experiencing this all. ~~ I just gotta say WOW ~~ I do believe that you got a one of a kind pic to share with us... I just loved your pics, especially the one with You & Your family along with Gerry, Dewey, Woodzy,Willie(wow), Richard & Erin... this pic is very special WOW thanks for sharing them with us. I loved the comfortableness of all your Pics, and it was soooo Nice to See Erin with a Big Smile on her face! ~~ I am sure these pics will help keep these precious memory keepsakes alive for along time... ~~~ Hmmmm ~~ You had mentioned that Penny said she had nearly stopped on a Goanna when they were in Brisbane ~~ I'm not sure what goanna means, could you enlighten my wondering mind? ~~ Sooo nice that Penny was there to enjoy this trip... Hmmm ~ One last comment ~~ Isn't it neat how when we are lucky to meet up with other fans from here, how nice and comfortable it is to share the Gift of Gab! :)

Just gotta say it again Margaret ~~ It is nice how you and your hubby both enjoy going to these shows and look forward to them. ~~ Enjoy the Syndey Show ~~ I'm sure it is gonna be AWESOME!

Okay gotta get now, take care all, See ya, Nancy :)

~~~~ There's a Song in the Heart of a Woman, that only the Truest of Love's can Release, there's a song in the Heart of a Woman, Set it Freeeeee, ooooh set it freeeeeee, set it freeeeee, ooooh set it freeeee, set it freeee, oooh set it freeeee, (Play it for me Gerry) aaaaaaahhhhhhhh Sing it for me Dan F ~~~aaaaaaaahhhhhhhh, there's a Light in the Depths of Her Darkness, there's a calm at the eye of evry storm, there's a Light in the Depths of Your Darkness, Let it Shinnnnne ooooooh Let it Shine, Let it shinnnne, ooooh let it shineeee, ooooh let it shineeeeeeee .... Oooooh how I love this song! :) ;) :)

Hi Everyone,

Further to what Magaret has mentioned, we bumped into Magaret & Ross the following day at the National Victorian Art Gallery, which is about 100 mtrs from where the guys played the previous night... talk about chance...!!! and yes we left off from the same conversation we were having as well.... over a long coffee... it was great.

I've also had a day or so to think about more to say, well,,, what I can say is that meeting the guys backstage goes extremely quick, the time just flew, and it was like I had a hundred words to say but couldn't get them out fast enough. It's just buzzing all around when and the time just goes.... I did manage to say to Gerry that I thought his 2 solo albums are exceptional, The guys also really appreciate the effort that Steve puts into this website, as well as everyones kind words and comments on both websites...

My son Jordan was really excited just before the guys came in backstage, he had been waiting for weeks to say hi to the guys and couldn't sit still for a minute, when they finally arrived, he just yells, Dad, "they're here, they're here",,,, and the eye's just lit up when Dewey & Gerry shook his hand. I don't know who was more excited in our family... we had a good opportunity to say hi to the other guys as well, Woodzy, Rich & Willee are so laid back and just really cool.
Woodzy remembered us from visiting Australia about 12 years ago. We use to own our own surf shop in a coastal town north of Sydney about 8 hrs drive, the guys played there years ago and came in for a few minutes... so it was great the guys all remembered us.

I think one of the most fantastic things about everyone in the band and Erin of course, is their approachability when you meet them and just say G'day... real cool... Dewey's wife Penny was also there and it was great / funny to hear that she nearly stepped on a "Goanna" when they were in Brisbane last week a good laugh had by all...
I work away from home during the week, and call home each day... my wife Lili said to me today... "that was the best weekend we've had for years"... and I could'nt agree more, it's going to take a while to get back to some normality I'm afraid...

Goanna & Co.

Great photos Goanna! You didn't mention that we met earlier than expected. We were looking at Jackson Pollock's "Blue Poles" in the Art Gallery the next morning when we ran into each other. We were able to continue where we had left off the previous night.
Nancy, Ross enjoys going to the shows as much as I do. It's something we've been doing together and looking forward to since the first tour here in 1976. His major concern is when we have to spend hours driving home and then go to work a few hours later.
Jimbob, Ross is stressing that after this we are in austerity mode, so I can assure you that as much as Auckland is a temptation, we can't do it. As for those radio interviews last time, they were stress-inducing! Did you hear them or did I just tell you about them? I was so scared when I was asked to do them, but felt I had to do them for the band. I'm lying low this time. Enjoy Auckland and tell us all about it. Re Crowded House, our daughter was at the final concert at the Opera House and found it awesome. I looked for her video of the show to check the numbers present. I thought it was 250,000 and Ross agrees. He went with our daughter to see Neil Finn at The State Theatre, where we saw America the last time they were in Sydney. They had seats very close to the stage and said he was fantastic. Great melodies, lyrics and acoustic guitar. Sounds familiar?
Gerry, thanks for your reply to my question about the badge. We look forward to catching up with you again soon.

Steve ~ I appreciate the very descriptive post regarding Goanna's AMERICA belt buckle. I look forward to seeing a photo of the priceless buckle.

Goanna ~ Way to go! That was great of Gerry and Dewey to autograph the buckle as they did. As well, I'm very happy for Jordan. I look forward to seeing all of your photos from the gathering.

PS: Not only was the buckle obtained via eBay but also through 'yeeBay'. :0) I now know for sure that your purchase was worth it to you.

FYI - I received a message from Gerry tonight confirming that the face on the badge is Carl Wilson (as Eddy has already stated).

Thanks! The city lights and the beautiful sky are a nice combination. What a contrast - a busy city and a peaceful sky. I'm really enjoying all the pictures. I'm also enjoying the reviews from the America concert experiences and adventures! Sounds & looks like all (fans and band) are having a good time!! I'm looking forward to more pictures and reviews.

Robyn has reminded me that we have already done Homecoming, so we'll be moving on to Holiday this coming Sunday. We'll try to stay in order after that. Thanks!

Gerry sent me a bonus shot from Melbourne. Click here to see a beautiful Melbourne sunset. Thanks Gerry!

Hi everyone:

Last night's listening party was fun as always. Next Sunday night at 9 pm EST we'll listen to Homecoming. Hope you can be there.

Also, my extra front row tickets for Gulfstream are still available. Please email me if interested.

I got the photos from Greg (Goanna) this morning and they turned out great. I'll get them posted as soon as I can.

Johnny, to answer your question about the belt buckle, it was autographed by both Gerry and Dewey on the back of the buckle. Gerry signed it on the top and Dewey signed it on the bottom. In the middle of the buckle it says "Jordan, Best Wishes" (Jordan is the name of Greg and Lili's son). As I said above, I'll get the pictures posted (including the buckle) as soon as I can but it might take a few days. I appreciate everyone's patience.

Goanna ~ I'm very pleased to hear that you had a grand time, and way to go with getting your memorabilia signed especially the belt buckle! How was it signed? With only the last name and did you get Dewey's autograph on the buckle, too? I bet you're one of the very few that has an AMERICA buckle that's autographed. Those babies are hard to come by... so good going!!!

Happy Monday All :) ~~~ It is a Snow Day here, no school for the kids, I slept Innnnn ~ Yeah! :) One storm is here still now and then tomorrow, the weatherman is gonna hit the Replay button and we are gonna have it all over again...

Hello way Up There on Cloud 10 ~~~ Goannnnnnnnna & Family! :)

WOW ~~~ Spinetingling ~~~ Exhilarating ~~~ One Fantabolous Review! :) Thank You, Thank You, Thank You! :) :) Sooooo Great that you got to meet with Gerry, Dewey, Woodz, Willie & Richard ~~ just the thought of you getting to experience this gave me those nice chills remembering getting to meet them myself almost 10 months ago... Oooooooooh My has it been that long already, no wonder PADS is setting in on my bigtime! Ouch! ~~~ Soooo cool you got lots of pics to share with us, I look forward to getting to see them. WOW ~ WOW ~ WOW!!!! ~~ Aren't they Just the Bestest of the Best, they give their all and then some more! ~~ Thanks again Goanna for adding this excitement to my drab Monday Morning.... Keep on enjoying your ride up there on Cloud 10 ~~ I sure hope it lets you back down oooh sooo easy... All My Life ~~ Done for you too.... soooo Awesome! :)

BOY Vic I really got the PADS now ~~~ Booooooo Hoooooooo ~~ Last night at live chat I kept saying I wanted to be In Australia, Geez ~~ How I wished I was in Australia right about now!

Just wanted to say we had a great time at the group listen to the Great Root Songs on the AMERICA album last night at live chat, 5 of us Die Hards braved the Stormy weather. Thanks Anita ~ this is fun, fun, fun, Nice to have Valerie bring us some sunshine from calif, Trav was there to as well as Red & Me too ~~ I did manage to hit the replay button on some of the songs, that had me a smiling for sure... We had a couple others come later and share the gift of gab with us, let me see there was Julie, sunsurfNndsand77 and that guy hmmm what was his name, it is a famous Movie title... hmmm Oooooh yeah I told him he should of come on as Snowman instead of Rainman ~~ tooo much, and we had a nice surprise from Maggie Dickey, she just stopped in to say Hi, sooo nice seeing you Maggie! :) :) ;) Thanks, I sure had a lot of fun till the wee morning hours... Hey there Mo ~~ Where were you, how come you didn't come join us????

Well let the countdown begin for the Sydney shows ~ Margaret, I hope some nice Magic is there for you & your hubby... and then last in line is Jimbob and Frann ~~ I hope this show is more than a Dream come true for you Jim!

Okay gotta get now, Have a great day all! See you, Nancy :);)

~~~ Anothere evening the SNOW pouring down, its been a lonnnnnng time, since you've come around, A little laughter and we had it ALL, it's soooo Misleading the things I recall, Turning the Pages, we Open the Cages, now Iiiii Know that Nothings sooooo Far away as Yesterday wooooo oooooh, take a look at the person inside, you realize there is nothing to hide, I remember the things that we said, simple the lives that we led..... I recall how it used to be, and I can feel it, feel it Surrounding Meeeeeee ~~ Turning the Pages, we open the Cages, noooow Iiiii know that Nothings soooo farr away as Yesterday woooo ooooh , I recall how it used to beeee, and I can feel it, feel it surrounding meeee woooo ooooooh ~~ Sing it again for me Dewey! :) ;)

Well everyone,,,
I'll continue.....

FANTASTIC,,,!!! FABULOUS,,,!!! UN-BELIEVABLE,,,!!! STUPENDOUS,,,!!!

That's the least we can say about these phenomenal musicians...

The Melbourne concert can only be descibed as a class act....!!!

These guys are like a good bottle of red.... they get better with age...!!!

The (long) playlist was to Magarets specs, the same, and to tell the truth I've only just had a chance to see that list on the web. Chris (holiday) I know how you feel now... we haven't seen the guys for nearly 4 years and it's been worth every year to wait to see them again. Vic, yes it's already started...PADS, (Post America Depression Syndrome) we have arrived home tonight, a 3 1/2 hr drive West from Melbourne, and we so miss the atmosphere of last night...!!! :)))

The guys were really gracious in allowing us backstage as well, Thank you Erin Edwards & Steve L for contacts and direction.

Johnny, yes I did get the belt buckle signed Gerry said, "You got this off e-bay..."? I also had a chance to get most of the rest of our collection signed too... un-beleivable, the guys were so generous. I have sent SteveL the photo's of the concert for everyone
my appologies if they are a bit rough, the concert hall was packed and I was a bit concerned that we might have been told to settle it down with the camera a bit... We went a bit crazy with it mind you :))) Jimbob, you are in for a treat mate... they are looking forward to catching up as well with you guys in New Zealand soon.

We also caught up with Magaret & Ross which was great, fantastic people & we hope to see them again soon... those guys are hard core followers of the band, their tour schedule is nearly as hectic, going to most shows up and down the east cost of OZ, Margaret hunted us out and spotted us in front of their row. How could you miss other die hards yelling and screaming...!!!!

Again, the band played un-believable, the opening set was filled with energy and vibrance, Dewey & Gerry at their best, Woodzy, Willie & Rich getting down and rockin...!!!!

We thought the playlist was fantastic. A mix of everything, we know and love plus more. Gerry doing an un-plugged rendition of "All My Life" was our favourite, that guy just knows how to do it folks...!!!
And Dewey's "Sandman" on the Fender is absolutely awesome. Michael Woods played like a demon and he just gets better each time we see him. I think it's great how he takes the lead background vocals on some of the songs... Willie, again, what can you say about this guy, the "veteran" as Dewey says... and Rich playing bass just complements the guys so well, and his vocals are really great...

The audience loved these guys, a standing ovation for them and so well deserved.... 3 bonus encores and the crowd were banging their feet and yelling for more, what a buzz...!!!! what a feeling...!!! these guys really do have the magic....!!!

This concert has made our year :)))

Goanna & family

Hey Everyone,

FANTASTIC,,,!!! FABULOUS,,,!!! UN-BELIEVABLE,,,!!! STUPENDOUS,,,!!!

Just got home from the weekend in Melbourne,,,,

that's all we can say for the moment, I've got to un-pack the car...!!! Nancy, hang in there for a couple of hours, I'm going to download the pic's and send to SteveL as well.... yak soon guys...

tired Goanna

XXX

Me Again :)

Hi there Alan ~~~ Boooo Hoooo ~~ I Second Your How Sad! Comment.... I went and checked this out and I could almost write this Sonderling Person an email and ask them how they could collect all of this just to get rid of it... UnReal for sure! I Know I could never Part with any of Mine....

Wow this VFTHW Pic from Melbourne is rather interesting to say the Least... Is this view from the Top Floor looking down at the ground level, Or are you in another building that is Much higher than the rest and looking down on their rooftops... Tooo much!

Just gotta say again, I enjoyed listening to this Roots Featuring AMERICA earlier today, I love how Bob Stroud sprinkled some nice not soooo known songs in with his show... Hey Red ~~ He even played The Doobie Bros. great song "South City Midnight Lady" ~~ How bout that :) ;) ~~ Thanks again AM Girl for drawing our attention to this ... Nice ~~ I emailed DJ BobS to tell him how much I enjoyed and appreciated his show... :)

Ok thats all for now, gotta go see you all in an about 45 mins to take a listen to the AMERICA album songs... Nancy :)

~~~ Watch how she fades into the sunset, a vision spectacular in Graceeee, Hunger for the wealth, travel, stimulating discussion lift meee, faster into the weakness off the wall into blackness, Gifted, red eyes reflect, open the suitcase, spread all your clothes on the floor, much like it was tennnn years ago, time on the clock, I don't want to waste it..... ~~~~ Watch how she fades into the Sunseeeet, vision spectacular in Graceee, Hunger for the wealth travel, stimulating discussion lift me, faster off the wall into Blackness...Gifted ~ Gifffted ~~~ And I'm away from home and its a way of life, and Im a flying high, and Im a wheeling gull, and now I come to rest under a Lion Rock, over beneath the reef, in this time, in this time, where I stayyyyyy, in this time, and its a way of life ~~~ Sing it again for me Neil Finn ~~~ Soooo sad :(

How sad! Anyone who has collected virtually all of their CDs must have been a fairly big fan at one time. I wonder what made this person decide they no longer cared enough for America that they could part with all of their music like that.

Alan

For anyone looking to complete their collection, you may want to check this out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2591462947&category=1573

Don't know how I did that, it seems my screen went blank (pushed something on my keyboard, I guess) so I typed it over.....

I don't know if anyone has answered you yet,but yes your guess is correct, the button on Gerry's g-strap is
carl








I don't know if anyone has answered you yet, but yes, the button on Gerry's G-strap is of Carl Wilson, a nice one at that.
I envy you guys, I never got to see "All My Life" Live, it seems they never do that one in the States....

Hi Margaret, I didnt know you were going to Melbourne as well! And still 2 more shows to go! As I said, the Sydney Opera House will be a fantastic venue to see them in. Makes me think of the Crowded House farewell concert. Didnt 100,000 people show up? Maybe more? You sure cover a lot of miles seeing the guys; Im just remembering the radio interview you did in Auckland! I guess youve looked at the budget a few times now, wondering if maybe, just maybe, you will get to The Civic show again!

I have two extra front row tickets for the Gulfstream show on February 7. These are on Michael's side. Face value, $39 for the pair. Please contact me if interested. Thanks.

Click here to see another Dewey wallpaper that was made by Danae. She says that the Gerry wallpaper is still in progress.

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in Melbourne, Australia.

I'm glad some of you are able to tune in. WDRV is popular in Chicago - and Rock and Roll Roots is a popular show. It's nice exposure for the guys' music. I'm loving it! (Ventura Highway's on right now.)

Hi Hoooo Everyone ~~ Wow I have this live show on from WDVR Chicago, and the sound is sooo crystal clear, it is as tho they are recording here in my living room. Hey Riverside is on, and this Bob Stoud is talking about them now... i got the chills here, this is awesome.... Thanks AM Girl :) ~~ What a great flowing song Riverside ~~ Yes Yes it kinda carried me away from my thoughts here... too much :)

Hi Chris ~~ You're Welcome... Nice, you will be hanging your pic up with Gerry & Dewey! :)

Wow SteveL ~~ Thanks sooo much for the Late Night Treat, I found in Gerry's VFTHW~ Hobart Pic ~~ This place is soooo neat, look at all of those Satellites, simply amazing how that round disc can carry thoughts and conversations all over the world, with just a tiny Click ~ Nice Huh! ~~ It was neat to seee Green leaves ~~ Ooops Gerry just started singing I Need You WOW the sound coming from my puter speakers is soooo clear, I am lovin this! :) Thanks Bob Stroud for highlighting AMERICA on your show today! :) ~~ Okay sorry bout that Gerry, You singing this great song always catches my attention ~~ sooo back to your pic, Wow I am loving those blue skies there and them great big cottonball clouds are missing from my skies... the words to this great song really do spell out my feelings... You know I need you, like the winter needs the spring... hmm he is just saying that I Need You was overtly sounding like the Beatles... Cool he has been playing some songs that I haven't heard in moons ages, now he is playing Dear Prudence, sounds like the Beatles singing this... :) ~~ The sun is up, the sky is blue, Dear Prudence won't you come out to play ~~~ the wind is low, the birds will sing, that you are apart of everything, dear prudence won't you open up your eyes, look around, round around, round ~~ Sing it for us Paul, George, Ringo and John :) ~~ Tiny Bubbles keep on carrying our guys safely to all of their downunder destinations, I hope Richard is feeling better now! :)

Hi there Margaret ~~ WOW ~~ I didn't know you were heading out to the Melbourne show as well. Lucky you getting to see AMERICA live soo many times in such a short time span, you gotta be flying above the clouds. ~~ Sooo sorry to hear about your fall, I hope you will heal quickly. ~~ You are sooo lucky your Hubby Ross, doesn't mind going to all of these shows, my Hubby is quit the Party Pooper, when it comes to seeing any music artists more than 1 time in a row... Thanks for coming and telling us about the Melbourne show, sooo neat you got to meet Goanna, that always makes for an added bonus to seeing AMERICA. I hope you got some pics taken to share here with us.... :)

Hmmm Goanna ~~ Goanna can you hear me ~~~ When you come down a little from your Cloud, please come and share your evening with us. I am anxious to hear all about it. :)

Thanks Steve for telling us about John Corbett's Interview with Ian Samwell ~~ it will be interesting to read this ~ Thanks John :)

Okay gotta get now, Hope to see you all at the group listen of the AMERICA album! :) See ya, Nancy :) ~~ Nathan has his Pinewood Derby Race today... I hope he does well! :) Ooooh my daughter & I watched the Last Unicorn movie last night... I found it finally, and it was great watching it, and making all of the connections on it that we had talked about here from time to time. I also found that VHS tape filled with Videos from 1985, I am still checking it all out... I am hoping that I find some nice surprises! ~~ Wow Bob S just wished Dewey a Happy Birthday..... :) ;)

~~~ Come on Children~ Get your heads together now, Here within the time we spent, wondering what it meant all these yearsssss Here, Three Roses were bought with Youuuu in Mind, I Need You, like the flower needs the rain ~~ Hey Bob is playing Three Roses now, WOW this is great to hear it.... I love this song, have loved it from the first time my ears heard it ~~ I gotta stop and see what I'm all about, stop and feel what IIIiii want with YOuuuuuuu aaaaaah, ~~ I never found the time to see things quite clearly, ~~~ Get Behind Me Satan, I had a dog named Fred, but I done shot him in the Head, cause in the desert you can remember you're name, cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain, Clarice playing in your mind, wow ooooooh wow, SANDMAN is on now too much wow wow, this is awesome to hear these being played on this radio show.... Thanks again AM Girl & Bob Stroud ~~ Mr DJ Guy~ :) :) :)

Thanks AG for the heads up on the America salute on WDRV this morning. I have tuned in via the internet and so far in the first half hour they have played Horse, Everyone...Calif., Riverside, and I Need You. The program is interspersed with other artists and the DJ's commentary. He seems to know what he's talking about. Tune in if you can. Thank you AG.

Hi Margaret - you get the undisputed award for #1 OZ journey-fans - I hope you will also have a full recovery for the Sydney concert(s). I would have loved to have heard Moving Train as well as All My Life too, but I am not really complaining after my America experience.

Johnny - ha ha - definitely a tropical flavour re your caption. You sure that wasn't a pineapple juice conference too in your bio photo :)

Nancy - I am lucky enough to have 2 great brothers of my own, but I will be putting a framed picture of my America brothers up on my study wall beside the one with my siblings. Thanks for your best wishes.
Chris

Melbourne Concert Hall Sunday 25 January 2004
Prelude
Melbourne was a "Head and Heart" dilemma for us. It is about 500 miles south of Sydney, so this left us with little option but to fly. In the end having the opportunity to see America again outweighed our concerns about the cost.
Soon after arriving in Melbourne I wondered if I would actually get to the show. We were in the arty part of town with lots of quirky shops and cafes. I had gone upstairs in a bookshop while Ross stayed downstairs with our bags. As I was walking down the stairs and got to the end of the railing, I took one more step and found myself sprawled facedown on the floor. I had missed the narrow part of a wedged shaped bottom stair, twisted my right ankle and landed heavily on my left thigh and knee. I could not get any words out. The strange thing was that Ross just a few metres away with his back to me and knew nothing of the episode until some other customers had picked me up. He has had tinnitus since the last concert! After hobbling slowly through the shops and a visit to see some paintings by one of our favourite Australian artists, Fred Williams, I spent the rest of the day with ice on my foot and it worked a treat.
The Concert
A large crowd mingled in the foyer prior to the show and were genuinely appreciative during the show.
The guys were very much at ease, in keeping with the mood of a long week-end in Australia, as tomorrow 26 January is Australia Day.
The performance was very polished with excellent acoustics. We found the vocals crystal clear.
The song list was the same as Wollongong. We note that the set list has "Moving Train" crossed out. We would love to hear that in Sydney as it is one of our favourites. "All My Life" was spine-tingling.
We were close enough tonight to confirm that there was a face on the badge on Gerry's guitar strap, but not close enough to see who it is. Our guess is is that it Carl Wilson. Can anyone confirm this?
It always makes a huge difference for the long-time fans to be closer rather further from the stage. This was certainly the case for us tonight.
Even before the show we were looking out for who we thought might be Goanna. My guess proved to be correct. It was good to meet you Goanna, compare notes and put a face to the name.
A wonderful night was had by all.

Tonight we'll be listening to the first album, America. We'll be starting about 9 pm EST. Please join us!

On October 21, 1998, John Corbett had an interview with Ian Samwell and today he sent me a transcription of the interview. It's 16 type written pages so I need to figure out the best way to share it with all of you. I might just put the Word document that John sent me on the Chat Folder for everyone to download and then they can print it or read it at their leisure. I haven't even had time to read anything beyond the first page so it will be interesting to see what's in it. I promise that I'll make it available one way or the other as soon as possible.

I hope you are staying warm on your Boy Scout Camping Adventure, hopefully it isn't as cold and blustery there.

I just got back this afternoon and I did quite well considering it got down to 11 degrees last night. My new snow boots and winter mummy sleeping bag did their job. The Scout troop did well, too, finishing among the top and winning some camping gear as a prize. The first thing I did after getting everything put away was check my e-mail (where I found Gerry's VFTHW) and then catching up here. My eyes are tired and my body is worn out so I'll probably make it an early night tonight. Thanks for the well wishes and thanks to everyone for their kind remarks about the web site. --SteveL

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel room in Hobart, Tasmania.

Me Again :)

Hi there Am Girl ~~ Thanks for telling us about this, I will see if I can get to listen to this on my windows media player.. It would be neat to hear this. ~~ I hope you have been enjoying your Human Nature Songs... as I type this I have the Hourglass songs on.... Both of these are Gems that shine soo brightly. :)

Hey Johnny ~~ That was a creative attempt at the photo caption.... Like I mentioned to Chris, I really enjoyed the comfortable Smiles on their faces, it is almost as tho they have been best Buddies for many years, Hmmm I guess that could be true.... when I met them last April, I told Dewey that I just loved their caption for the Window Frame pic found in the Highway book, and it says "Still Friends after all these Years" ~~ For sure! ~~ I bet all of us here can say that is how we find their music in our lives.... A Friend that will be there till the end of time. ~ Nice to know you can count on some Friends for this HUH!!!! :)

Hey there Goanna ~~ Hmmm is it time for your show yet, it should be about here right???? Have a great time, I hope you & your family too, will get to experience a nice touch of Magic too. Be sure to come and let us know all about this... :)

Well gotta get now, take care, Nancy :)

~~~ Come save me from things I shouldn't dooo, I Neeeed You, every word is true, Noooo Answers at Numbers I Have Dialed, I hear the Call of the Wild ~~~Nights are forever, the days linger on, standing in silence, time lasts soooo long, through all my efforts I act like a child, hearing the Call of the Wild, Come save meeeeeee ~~~ Sing it from there for me Gerry :) :) :)

Moser...I waited a long time to hear All My Life in concert. When I finally did, it was so worth it! Sorry to hear about your bad weather. Bad weather here in No. NV keeps being predicted but we have yet to see it. Although the skiing at Tahoe is supposedly great right now. Anyone up for AMERICA in TAHOE?? I know I am.

Erin :o)

Righto ~ Anita! That was fast!!!

A brief discussion about Gerry's "Watership Down" can be found in the "Highway" booklet as many of us know. Personally, I prefer the "alternate mix" version versus the one on "Hideaway".

Harry Nilsson, I believe, Johnny.

Here's an easy one for many of you, I bet:

Who did Gerry confer with (another musical artist) after he wrote "Watership Down" (before the finished draft)?

Here's my feeble attempt with a caption for Chris' photo of him with Dewey and Gerry:

Ger's thinking: "Darn, I'm definitely over-dressed for this Pineapple Salesman's Convention."

Dew and Chris are thinking: "Yeah, but at least he got the LAST cup of pineapple juice!"

Vic ~ I really enjoyed your humorous quotes about the thorns and roses... "Three Roses". That was excellent!

Chris ~ Unfortunately, I don't have a photo of my friend Ron (your older 'brother'... LOL) nor a digital camera with computer link-up. :0(

Regarding my photo, you can view a scary one off the "Bio" section on the home page.

Harry ~ I'm wondering if perhaps the "America" artist listed along with singer, Flor Yvon, is in reality the Spanish-singing band with the same name.

I always thought they should have used Gerry's song at the beginning over the titles. It would have beern fabulous. They used an Art Garfunkle tune" Bright Eyes" in the middle. IMHO it slowed the film down. I saw this in a theater with the Ralph Bashie version of Lord of the Rings. Some idiot parents had brought their preschoolers to see it. The kids were terrified. The faterh said, soothingly, "don't worry the next movie is about bunnies" I turned and said "Mister, if you think 'Watership Down' is about bunnies, you are sadly mistaken" He left before the first movie ended. Great book.

I just remembered: if anyone is an earlybird on Sunday morning, and is interested in listening to this show on line, it's available. Go to http://www.wdrv.com/home.php and click "listen live". The show starts at 10am Eastern (9am Central, 8am Mountain, 7am Pacific).

Tomorrow morning's 3-hour "Rock and Roll Roots" radio program on WDRV Chicago (9am-noon) will feature a "Roots Salute" to America. During a "Roots Salute", extensive songs and artist information is aired during the show. Thanks WDRV. I can't wait!

Hi Hoooo Everyone ~~ Hope this finds you all nice and warm on this typical January winter day! ~~ Hey Mo the White Stuff is falling here, we got 3 inches over night and Mr Wind is whooping it up abit, 3 to 6 more called for later tomorrow! ~~ It's Nice to have those nice beach pics from downunder to focus on!

Hi there holiday ~~ First of all I wanted to say thanks for sharing this Nice Pic of You on your Special Day. I like the Nice comfortable Smiles that I see on your faces. ~~ Vic really managed to wrap it all up in his caption suggestion Nicely. ~~ If you are like me you will be taking many looks at this pic and reliving this magic over and over, Enjoy! ~~ Hmmm ~~ I sent you an email 2 days ago, just wonderin if you got it? ~~ I can sympathize with your problems with the Email Gremlins ~ I too have my share of wondering if my Emails ever get to where they are going or if they are ever Read! ~~ I look forward to getting to read your article that you wrote. :)

Hey there SteveL ~~ I hope you are staying warm on your Boy Scout Camping Adventure, hopefully it isn't as cold and blustery there. I have been searching all through the Archives, trying to find a post that I found that was made back in 1997 by a Professor from Penn State University, it was a review about the show I saw... I am almost possitive the Date was 7/30/97 it was a Sunday and they Played 2 shows at the Bland Park Amusement Park, in Tipton Pa... this was the very first time I saw them Live, and it was indeed a very Magical day for me... I can remember them only singing about 6 or 7 songs, so I am assuming it was the Short Playlist... I can remember them singing Mirror to Mirror and they talked about their new album. I am starting to question myself about the Year tho, cause I can't find this info that I had found before about this show. If anyone out there is reading this and can recall the show I am talking about, I would love to bring this Wondering In My Mind To a Rest! Thanks :)

Hi there KevinS,David S & John L ~~ Nice to hear from You Guys. Thanks Kevin for sharing these reviews on the early albums, Nice to know they are able to be found out there still, I do hope they will spark lots of long lost fans Interests in catching up on AMERICA and their Hidden Gems. ~~ Thanks David for the neat Trivia, I have heard alot about this Watership Novel.. I am gonna have to try and find it to read. I had tried to check out your site address, but my Dena Dell has been having some pretty mean run ins with Popups and it seems everytime I think I am gonna check something out, my comp locks up and I have to reboot... gets kinda frustrating at times. ~~ John L ~~ I second your saying that this website is kept up to date well... I just love the Wealth of info Steve takes the time to keep it that way. ~~ Have you been getting hit hard with the cold and white stuff this winter? Take care :)

Hey Johnny ~~ sooo you are having computer problems too, ain't no fun Huh!!!! Hope things get fixed soon for the both of us.

Hi there Nettie ~~ I see you found the chat folder. I sure wish I could say to you that I was heading to the Mohegan shows... Chances are good I won't be at any of them... I'd be safer saying it that way, and letting the Hope there that I will be surprised and get to one of them... Hope that made sense, I am probably just a ramblin here, I am good at that at times LOL!!!

Hi Anita ~~ Regarding this Jeff Beck Video from 1985 ~~ While I was going through the archives I did come across some trivia questions that addressed this video that Gerry was indeed in .... sooo Yes, You are right in saying that you saw him on it... also you mentioning your hubby had taped videos from vh1 classic, sparked the memory of me doing that back in 1985, we had gone to our relatives out in Toledo, Ohio, and they had vh1, I at that time didn't, well Sharon was nice enough to pop in a vhs tape and left it tape VH1 all day long while we were at the wedding reception... funny as I am typing this, the song Walking on Sunshine is on the radio here, I can remember that song was one of the ones that was very popular at this time and the video for it is on this tape.... Now I just gotta dig up this VHS tape and pop it in and see what unknown treasures are on it... that I am not aware of... Thanks for sparking that for me! ~~ Looking forward to the group listen on the AMERICA album tomorrow night! See ya then :)

Hi Hooooo Reddddd ~~~ Take it Easy just came on the radio :) ;) ~~ Hope you are taking it easy on this saturday, you better be at live chat tomorrow night, as you always say "Be there or Be Square".

Hey there Mo ~~ I hope you got my ooooh sooo long email I typed to you last night, I know Mary got mine, she replied back... Nice hearing from you Mary :)

Okay gotta go order some hockey tickets for my hubby and son... Have a good day all! See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ Watership down ~~ Gather around there's a Story to be Told, its for the young and for the old, you might hear them in the distance, with your ears to the ground, whisper it loud, carry the sound of the footsteps below, as their heading for their home... well I can feel there's better days, well they're coming, they're coming, I can see them through the Haze... Sing it for us Gerry :) :) ;)

Loved it Vic :) ... perceptive as it was exactly how I felt afterwards and , although I didn't get a rose :), I've had a rise out of the captions contest at work and now I'm feeling a little like living under roseberry topping ........ just kiddin'

jimbob - my mail is now working and I have mail in - my address on this site, by hitting my name, is correct.
Cheers
Chris

Nettie,
Not sure yet. Maybe all three but a few factors have yet to play out. Not the least of which is Mother Nature and her somewhat sick sense of humor. Also, funds and sitters are everpresent issues. Sorry for the mamby pamby answer. I just didn't want to leave your post completely unanswered.
In Gerry We Trust,
Mo

David, correct on all three answers and more, thanks. : )

Jimbob, glad you enjoyed my trifling. : )

Erin, I sent you an email; did you get it? Holiday, I sent you a huge one, and it came right back, please send me your new email address.(I know u posted it a while back). And Vic...LOVE your photo suggestions!

And, I forgot to write, the author is Richard Adams. This was supposed to be a song for the animated movie, WATERSHIP DOWN, but I guess they didn't include it.

Answer: "Watership Down" from Hideaway, the novel is also called WATERSHIP DOWN, and the characters are rabbits. An excellent book, and excellent novelist.

Gerry has written a song, the title of which might make one think of a novel, with characters such as, Hazel, Fiver, Bigwig, Dandelion, and Bluebell. What's the name of the song and the novel, and what "kind" of characters are they?

Chris is thinking: A rose between 2 thorns.

Gerry is thinking: A thorn between 2 roses.

Dewey is thinking: "Three Roses"

Greetings from the Great White North. Fourth snowiest January on record even if it doesn't snow another flake the rest of the month--just in case you were keeping the box scores on that kind of stuff. It is piled so high at some intersections that you can't even see oncoming traffic. You have to inch out to check the lane. I thought of starting a daily post called, "Moser's Daily Observation About Life In the Frozen Barren Friggin' Tundra" but I thought I might drive Speech a little loopy with that. SO, I'm just gonna give the Observation for today: It's very hard to see anything when traveling on a north/south road with a westerly wind blowing up the snow. Sometimes you just have to use the telephone poles as guides while trying not to get too close to them!! Speaking of that, did you ever notice that telephone poles look like the candles sticking up out of the huge white frosted birthday cake that is a snowy world? NO? Okay, maybe that's a bit much. Cabin fever may be setting in....

I got on here to write this: I am thrilled to hear that Gerry is singing All My Life in the show. And although I'm betting that it is just a special addition to the show to prepare for the DVD performance, I am really WISHIN' and HOPIN' that he would be so kind to leave it in for a long time (a REALLY long time). It has been one of my favorites for so long and I've never heard it live. Just like Erin would give anything for a palm tree, I would similarly give (nearly) anything to hear this song in concert. Pleeeeeaaassseee????

for the mohegan concert there is on eopn Feb 27 and one on July 2 and 3rd when is everyone going?

Noticed in a moment that in a shot (after seeing Gerry typing -well, I suppose it's him because he doesn't wear a wedding ring) you can see one agents staring at a small lake of blood on the road. (!)
Well, the video was downloaded in my computer just to the 2:33 minutes. So, I couldn't see the explosion of the game board neither the scene of the pursuit. Can anybody guess and tell me whose the blood is?

I mentioned that I would be posting another video but I have discovered that it is the same format as The Border video which means I can only watch it at home and not here at work. It also means that most of you won't be able to see it either since most of you couldn't watch The Border. Until we can figure out where that darn CODEC is and how to download it, I guess we're stuck. Sorry about that.

Steve: I'm assuming you know that the Horse's Mouth, America Newsletters in your archives contain concert schedules from 1995-1998?

Yes, Tim, I do know that. However, I didn't remember that they were there until AFTER I had posted the list. I then made myself a big note to incorporate them. Thanks, anyway, for the reminder.

Apologies if I have not responded to any personal emails - I hope to be able to get back on-line this weekend.
Chris

Thanks KarenL, Johnny and Jenna - glad you liked it.

Johnny - have we seen a picture of you yet? - send me one with my brother-like friend of yours. I wonder if anyone knows someone who looks like Dew or Ger? - might be fun to do a look-a-like contest.

Yes, that's Rich Campbell (is that the right spelling) behind us in the photo. Woodsie and Willie were talking together just out of picture to the right - it was amazing - a big room, and just the band, road crew, management group and me. Yes, I will be able to scan the article to Steve when it's published (March). I finished the office captions competition today with the prize of a copy of the Definitive CD. I do have a creative bunch of co-workers who have been looking after me as I come off my America high. Here are the ones I chose as the top three:

Latest extreme makeover - Saddam Hussein enjoys new life in America

Holiday - until you open the first five buttons on your shirt, you can't be in our band

Looks like the horse has a name after all

I did tell them to be brutal - it helps to bring me down to earth.

Chris

More dates: 4/23/76(with Eric Carmen opening) Spectrum Philadelphia; 8/30/76(with John Sebastion opening) Robin Hood Dell West Philadelphia; 8/1/83(with Mac McNally opening) Valley Forge Music Fair Devon, PA; 8/5/87(with Three Dog Night) Valley Forge Music Fair Devon, PA

The ad in today's paper for the Sydney concerts state they are on next week, but it still says the dates are Friday 30 and Saturday 31 February 2004. The band deserves better.

Steve:

I'm assuming you know that the Horse's Mouth, America Newsletters in your archives contain concert schedules from 1995-1998?

Tim

Haven't posted in a long time. A couple of observations: Noticed the most recent play list has 3 songs as encores. Excellent. I hope the guys keep this as a regular part of the show. I always feel like I am getting just a little more out of a show when there is more than one tune for an encore ( I know it is really the same # of songs at the concert anyway, whether they are played before the encore or as the encore. But, I'm simple, I can be fooled into thinking I am getting more for my money)

Second. This website is one of few music sites ( and I visit several on a regular basis ) that is updated frequently. Steve, you need to be commended for all you do keeping things fresh here.
j

Chris - your picture with Dewey and Gerry turned out very nice! Thanks for sharing it with us - I always enjoy seeing the concert photos and pictures of fellow fans! Is that Rich Campbell I see in the background? Chris, I toyed around with few captions - but, like Johnny said - none are as witty as the ones you listed. Your co-workers must be envious ;) It's nice that your company is recognizing that this was a big deal and is publishing a story about it! If there's an easy way for you to share the article with us, that would be fun to see. Karen

Chris ~ I enjoyed the photo very much... the one of you with Dewey and Gerry.

I'm currently posting from the public library since the home computer is on the blink so I can't think of anything witty as a caption at the moment, but it's GREAT to finally see a picture of you. Actually, you and one of my friends could pass for brothers... with you being the younger, of course. :0)

Chris,

Your "Brush with Fame" article for your Company's March issue sounds a little more interesting than the monthly newsletter I write for my Bank! Good luck with the article! Sorry, I'm a little burnt out..... but maybe you or your co-workers could help me out with some captions??

http://db3.gemm.com/c/search.pl?sid=366658186&key=10480¤cy=US&seller=TWCDS&filt_section_ignore=1&disp_ad_format_mode=0&field=ARTIST&wild=america&S=Search

sorry, the date should be 1985.

My husband tapes the vh1.classic videos every night. He called my attention to a video by Jeff Beck called "Ambition," from his Flash LP, which is dated September 18, 1975. The video is a mock-audition where about half a dozen famous performers are supposedly singing for Jeff. They include Donny Osmond, Madonna and GERRY! He's wearing a vibrant red and blue striped blazer and appears for about 10-15 seconds. Has anyone seen this video?

A search for America CDs on the BMG website lists a CD "Feliz Navidad Te Desean." It's a 1992 Various Artists release that includes America and Flor Yvon performing "Blanca Navidad". There is a sound clip but all I can hear is a womans voice.

Has anyone heard the entire song? Is America really on it?

Here's a few dates: 8/19/81 Mann Music Center Philadelphia, PA(opening for Christopher Cross); 7/19/90 Valley Forge Music Fair Devon, PA(with Starship); 8/1/92 Stone Balloon Newark, DE ; Wollman Rink Central Park NYC 6/29/79; 7/4/01 Cooper River Park Pennsauken, NJ. More to come!

Wow! The response already has been fantastic (almost overwhelming)! Keep them coming and I'll do my best to get them added to the list early next week. This weekend I'm going on a cold, winter campout with the scouts. I hope I don't come back frozen like a popcicle.

I just came across these reviews for three America albums that are available for downloading (for $9.99 each or .99 per song) from iTunes. In addition to these three albums, Holiday Harmony is also available but for slightly more. There was no review.

Each review is copyright 2003, Muze, Inc. All rights reserved.

Anyway, I thought these three reviews were generally favorable and written without the usual contempt for America we find so often in reviewers. Probably because, for one thing, iTunes is selling these songs and the usual sneering review might push people away from a purchase. Nonetheless, I found these interesting. Hope you do, too.

AMERICA

America’s debut album is the classic case of being in the right place at the right time—a world where the noisier sounds of ‘60s rock had given way to the gentler strains of James Taylor and Crosby, Stills and Nash. America’s particular gift was to combine Taylor’s singer/songwriter esthetic with CSN’s ripe harmonies, and their own unerring ear for a commercial hook.

Which is why this album’s “A Horse With No Name,” and to a lesser degree “Sandman,” despite a certain lyrical incoherence, were all over the radio in 1972. Though AMERICA’s overall air of pastoral hippiedom ensures that it remains very much of its time, it’s still well crafted enough to remain a good listen.


HOMECOMING

Arguably the best album they ever made, America’s sophomore effort is certainly the most varied. Though the overall sound is still dominated by folk-style strummed guitars, there’s quite a bit of extra instrumentation—electric and acoustic pianos, banjos, and, in the almost rocked-out “Cornwall Blank,” actual electric guitars for a change. The band’s musical palate is also expanded, as seen by “Don’t Cross The River,” an overt foray into country-rock territory that wouldn’t have sounded out of place on the Eagle’s contemporaneous debut album.

Throughout, the boyish Crosby, Still and Nash-style harmonies are exceptionally inventive, and the group’s songwriting finally moves beyond their influences. The big hit here, “Ventura Highway,” is far more musically and lyrically sophisticated than anything on their debut.



HISTORY

To their detractors, they were Crosby, Still, Nash and Young Lite, but nonetheless, this premature career retrospective of soft-rock icons America holds up extremely well against most pop records of the early to mid-70s. In part, that’s due to ex-Beatles producer George Martin, whose considerable studio expertise nudged country-ish tunes like “Sister Golden Hair” as close to power pop as they were feasibly going to get. But the fact is that America had a genuine knack for crafting catchy, radio-ready singles, and this album offers just about all of them, including the Neil Young-esque “Horse With No Name,” and the genuinely lovely “Ventura Highway.”

No, no !!! This Spring I will be in Paris ! Definitely !!! Hehe... But yeshhh... Biarritz is real HOT town!
Gen.

Gen, you are so lucky to live in that area. You get America AND Biarritz in the spring!

Erin :o)

I just tried it and it seems to be working again.

Erin :o)

WOW!!! What a work you did there!...
I noticed you put the 1985 French concerts too.. actually there was a third one before they left for italy (i'm pretty sure they went there after their concerts in France, though I don't have any memories concerning the venues. Bruno, can you help???). Anyway the third concert was the first one (if that makes sense?) and took place in Biarritz on july 19th 1985... Thierry (aka Larsen who does the French America site) was there!!! Hopefully he'll tell us about this experience of his one day... thing is, he doesn't really speak English !!! Crazy,no?

Oh I remember Erin went to Biarritz last Spring and enjoyed her hotel with a view on the ocean ... beautiful place/region indeed!
Gen.

Thanks for posting this Steve - what a buzz!!!! Don't the guys look tanned? (except for the one in the middle). I've emailed this all around my office and have been asked to do an article on my America adventure for my company's employee magazine - due out in March. The article is to be called 'Brush With Fame'. Someone said I looked like Dewey's older brother - I wish... Best crazy captions I've heard are:

"Which guy thought it was fancy dress?" ( well they did come thru from Hawaii)

GERRY SAID: "I'll have to re-name the band 'Gerry-and-the-atrics'

DEW SAID: "Dan's aged a hell of a lot"

GERRY SAID: "I thought they said a Chris(tine) wanted to see us backstage"

GERRY SAID: "This guy thinks our last album was 'Harbor'

... I am sure some of you can do better - any more crazy captions? I promise I won't be offended..... ha ha
Chris

I woke up at 4 am this morning and couldn't go back to sleep so I decided to get up and see how many updates I could make to the America Fans web site. In addition to Chris Holiday's concert photo and Margaret's Wollongong concert playlist, I have added a new web page called the 1971-1998 Concert List. It wasn't until 1999 that I started keeping track of the concerts so I had to go back through the photos, archives, and the museum ticket stubs to see what concerts were listed. I came up with quite a few but there are lots more that are missing. This is where you can all help out. If you are aware of the date, venue, and city of an America concert between 1971 and 1998 that isn't already listed, please send that information to me and I'll include it on the web page. With a little work, we ought to be able to fill in many of the dates. Thanks in advance for your help.

Who owns the hands that deal the cards in the You Can Do Magic Video Clip...???

They look like...!!!... do we ask the question....?

anyone know, 3 more sleepZzzzz to go...

I saw recently (but didn't win) on ebay, some double-albums of America--8 of them. For example, Hat Trick+Perspective and Holiday+Hourglass, etc. You can also get them through GEMM for 9.99 each--they have images along with them, too.

Hi Traveler:

I don't see that message when I try. Just a "404 page not available."

anita & Valarie, You only say that you can't get the site to load, but you don't mention seeing the error message that also pops up. When I try the site, I see the following message (just in case it doesn't show up on your machine)

www.venturahighway.com Temporarily Unavailable
This account has surpassed its bandwidth allocation at the present time. You may reach the account administrator at www@www.venturahighway.com

Yeah Anita, me too.

Has anyone had problems with the venturahighway.com site? I can't get it to load at all.

Thanks for the feedback. Jimbob, in regard to Auckland, the coffers are depleted!! Paint me a word picture. I can see it all now. That fantastic Art Deco building with its Indian inspired ornamentation and you pressed right against the stage. Last time I knew you were you before I actually knew you were you. I can feel the energy of the night. Have fun.

Great photo's of Australia! Looks like you've all had some million dollar views and at the top floors lately! Enjoy a little R&R....down under.

Happy Hump Day Everyone :) Hmmm ~ Kinda looks as tho all the Blue that is missing from our sky here is there in OZ! :)

Thanks SteveL ~~ For refreshing my memory yesterday to where it was that I had heard about the background pic on the AMERICA album ~~ Upon checking out this on Ian's page... it all came back to me then. Oooh I tried my Border video again... and it is the same as last time, so I mustn't have this digital code on my pc either... Thanks for posting Scott's Site address ~~ i enjoyed checking out his pics ~~ they are quite Intriguing & they have a way of making you want to figure out just what message they are spelling out. Nice :) ~~ I tried to listen to the full Bluegrass version, but for some reason, can't get it to play on my windows media player here on my work pc, I will have to try on my home pc...

Cheers Margaret ~~ WOW Triple Wow! I really enjoyed reading your reviews last night, and I love the Nice Scoop of News you shared with us. Sooooo Awesome you getting to hear Gerry Sing "All My Life" I got those spinetingling chills just imagining getting to hear him sing this. Thanks for making note of the Playlist, sooo good you got to hear the long set.. Nice the way you listened to your AMERICA music there and back, kinda makes the Magic last a little while longer. Keep on enyoying your AMERICA high and enjoy the Sydney show ~~~ Wow a double scoop of Fudge Brownie Ice Cream for sure! ~~ I will look forward to hearing all of your thoughts after the show. Sooooo Great that they will be putting this show on DVD ~~ this will allow all of us here to get a little taste of what you all experienced. Can't wait to put my order in for it, have that Mr Mailman bring it my way! What a beautiful setting there in Australia! Hmmm ~~ Don't worry about the typos we all make them!! Thanks again for sharing your time with us! :)

Thanks sooo Much Gerry ~~ These are Awesome shots of these 2 cities... You have managed to fill your lens to the Brim with your View there. WOW ~~ he pic of Brisbane is sooooo Nice, it is one of those settings that can Scoop you up and take you away from all time and worries.. Kinda brings the great song Ports of Call to me! Also the song "Norman" comes to my mind too, I am gonna have to put on my Jeff L "Fragile Sunrise" CD and listen to this great song... Sooo great to hear about the possibility for a New CD from You & Dewey in the next 2 years.. I will Patiently await this... WOW WOW WOW ~~ I am sure your trips to these places will Stir up some nice song Lyrics in your mind... Yes yes Yes! :)

Cheers Goanna ~~ WOW ~~ That is one nice pic your Mrs Lili made up, tel her thanks for sharing it with us. I saved it to my files to use as a background on my pc from time to time... Keep on counting down them days ~~ Have a great time at the show, I am sure it will be one Magical Night for you and yours! :) Thanks for sharing this site on what the beach and surf is like there now... I sure wish I could hop on a Plane and head there to stay.... It is still sooo cold here, very white too, kinda icy too... :)

Cheers Ainsley ~~ Hmmm ~~ Have you posted here before, if not, Welcome aboard, and have a great time at the show. Be sure and come back and share it all with us... Will you be taking some pics?

Anita & Robyn & Johnny ~~ Regarding the Hearts album cover pics... I have sat and enjoyed them alot... I always wondered what it was that had them so Full of Life and Laughter. This was one Great album, and I think they were pretty much at the place they had been setting Aim for.. All was good and getting Better for them... I Wonder what Gerry, Dewey & Dan as well as David Dickey & Willie think when they look at the pics on this album cover, it would be fun to hear their thoughts about this time, and what they recall of it! :) ~~ I see Robyn ~~ I still found it neat to see this great songs Title there on this comic strip. I Love the AMERICA version of Muskrat Love, but I must admit, I liked The Captain & Tennille's version of it too... It would be neat to hear Gerry & Dewey sing Muskrat Love for us at a show again... I would love to see them put in "World of Light" or "Paradise" as well both of these songs are sooo appropriate for this World Tour setting.... :)

Hi Linda S ~~ Wow ~~ Lucky you heading out to the Mohegan to see them in 38 days! I sure am hoping to see a booking for a show somewhere close here soon... I definitely am haveing the PADS syndrom Vic ~~ Big time! :)

Okay gotta get busy here, have a good day all, See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ Soooo I sing, I'd be happy just to stay this way, spend each day with you, there was a time when I thought that I would just lose my mind, You came along and then the SUN did Shine, and started out on our way, I dooo recall that every moment spent was wasting time, then I chose to lay it on the line, I put the Past Away, put the Past Away ~~~ All My Life, I will carry you through all my life, through each hour of the Passing Days I will Stay With YOU ~~~ I want this All My Life, want this all my life, .... Wanted this All My Life ~~~ Sing it for us Gerry Gerry Gerry :)

Thanks Steve and hi Margaret - is that St Mary's Cathedral with Hyde Park in the foreground? I knew what hotel the guys were in here in Perth from Gerry's photo. Don't worry, I didn't rush down there - not straight away anyway .. ha ha
Chris

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel room in Brisbane, QLD.

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel room in Sydney, NSW.

Hi Margaret - thanks for your great review, it helps to keep the concert feeling going for me here. Your mention of Gerry's shoes made me laugh and it sure sounds like it was another laid-back and friendly show. Your comment about the band being relaxed after Hawaii and Perth was spot on - Gerry said here that they had a relaxing few days before their Perth concert, pretty much free time and that he wasn't complaining about that - their energy levels are amazing to me. I notice that Dewey also varies his Hangover message to suit the venue, you said, << When Dewey delivered his Hangover message he said that the song usually goes over well on weekends, holidays and at coastal towns in Australia!>> In Perth he said that we should listen to the message in the song that night, seeing it was Saturday night, it was warm outside and we were in a casino!!

Thanks again for all your reports - and that Scoop; I am glad you got All My Life and agree it would be awesome in the Opera House by the best harbour in the world.
Chris

Hiya Margaret! Thanks for the review...how cool you and Ross will be seeing them in Sydney too! We only get the one show here this time, but Im really getting excited! Great news about the DVD- I would love to see the guys play the Opera House; I love that whole Circular Quay area! Say gidday to Ross for me. You sure you wont make a quick trip to Auckland on the 3rd?!!

Here ya go....

http://www.surfshop.com.au/

Hi Everyone...

Here's a website address that everyone can check out whilst
Dewey & Gerry are "South of the Border" this weekend... in Melbourne

It gives you the local run down of surf conditions near where the guys
will be staying,,, for all those who are keen on Surfing

have fun

Goanna

Hey Magaret,
Thanks for your review, we have 4 more sleepZzzzz to go...
and Melbourne show!!!

We are starting to get our "America" Survival Pack organised...

Hope you get to the Sydney shows as well.

catchya later

Goanna & Co.

All of this news is very exciting!!!! And a new DVD too! Thank you for all the reviews from Australia - I will be seeing them in February when they get back, and I can't contain myself!!! Chris, I too was lucky to get an America sandwich picture last summer and it was an unforgettable experience. Too bad I was so in shock that I didn't get to say much to them at the time! I certainly hope they do the same play list you listed Margaret, the long set, and I PRAY to see a live performance of All My Life. Karen, I agree - job well done with our poem - it was pretty amazing! (38 days till Mohegan Sun!)

Margaret, Thanks for the review. I also saw the Today Show by chance and was amazed to see the guys and hear of the planned DVD. I have also driven from Melbourne to Wagga Wagga in the past just to catch them while they are in the country. Can't wait for the Melb show and was hoping to hear Another Try but will be amazed if we get to hear Gerry sing All My Life.

Anita (and Karen) ~ As KevinS said a couple of years or so ago, the back photo on the "Hearts" album cover was taken just as the guys were on their way to the bank. :0)

Margaret ~ Thanks for the nice review.

Lili G ~ Very nice work on the creative cover! It's very attractive.

Chris ~ Again, great review and thanks so much for the very cool story about the photo on the first LP... PRICELESS!!! I really appreciate Dewey (and Gerry) sharing the info with you.

Wow, I've been away from the chat folder only 24 hours or so and have missed a lot! It's good to see so much good news/fun things happening!

Chris - well, I wasn't EXACT on that answer; but thanks for giving it to me. :) That is such a good picture, it was fun to study it a little closer. We should do more of that on here, with the album covers! (ANITA - I've also wondered about that great picture on the Hearts cover that you just mentioned!) Many of America's albums I only have on vinyl and have no way to listen to them anymore. One can still enjoy those vinyls though, looking at the pictures.

Goanna - I really like your "Ventura Highway, Down Under" picture! That sky is really intriguing - I love it! It also reminds me a little of their "Highway" CD set cover, which I also love.

Speechwriter - I'm glad you finally got the Homecoming DVD! I had been wondering if you did or not.

Margaret - thanks for passing along the exciting news to us! It's nice that you were able to be the first to hear it, in your corner of the world! We also have a Today Show here that I usually catch part of as I'm getting ready to head to work. At first I thought you were talking about that show, and I was going to be upset if I missed it!

Robyn - love the comic! Had to show it to my husband. He really likes America, but "Muskrat Love" would be his song to pick if he had to choose a "least favorite". He got a kick out of it. (Yes, they must be referring to the other version in this comic.)

I am having major problems editing . Again there are typos that I just haven't been able to find to fix up.
I checked what was said in this morning's interview.
They are hoping to get into the studio to do some recording when they get back in February.
At the bottom of the TV screen was a banner saying America returns to Australia after 5 year absence. What about January 2000 and February 2002?

Wollongong Tuesday 20 January 2004
An America tour is always an intense time for us, as long ago we realized that one concert was never enough. This is a big country
with expensive domestic airfares. With a tour that covers the
continent from Perth to the eastern seaboard and from Brisbane to
Hobart, we can't get to all the shows, but as always we will try to drive to as many venues as possible.

The Complete Greatest Hits and The Definitive America provided the soundtrack for our 2 1/2 hour drive to Wollongong through peak hour traffic.
We had seen the band at the same venue in'98 with The Beach Boys and right next to the venue was the football stadium where we had seen in 2000 with America.
If I could have had one wish for this tour it would have been to hear All My Life live. I was hoping that perhaps the special venue of The Sydney Opera House might be the spot to do so. (Now that I know that the second Sydney show will be filmed I really hope that this eventuates.)
The band was relaxed after Hawaii and Perth and Gery's trademark black attire was replaced with jeans , t-sirt and tennis shoes, looking remarkably similar to a photo Ross had taken back in '91. ( I know I shouldn't mention the shoes!)
During the course of the evening the following were mentioned:
It was still Dewey's birthday in the US so he was getting two for the price of one;
That they are not here often enough;
That America loves Australia;
That they had recorded an interview for the Today Show;
Rich was not feeling well and they had put it down to mould as well as the comments that regular concert goers know and expect to hear.
The crowd was appreciative, responded positively at the start of the hits and when going back to the car after the show I overheard comments such as "They were fabulous", "They were so professional" and "I could listen to their music all day". We had a panoramic view of the venue and noticed a lot of people going out to buy beer and bring it back inside. This could have acconted for several of the audience changing seats. Two guys sitting beside me had probably made several such purchases before the show. They talked through much of the early part of the show but settled down and got into the show after a security guard spoke to them.
Now for the music. This was an evening of hits, personal favourites and surprises. We both felt this was a really rocking show with great solo work. When Dewey delivered his Hangover message he said that the song usually goes over well on weekends, holidays and at coastal towns in Australia!
we are always interested to hear which songs will be included, but this meant missing old favourites last night such as Wind Wave and Another Try.
After Sister Golden Hair everyone was stamping their feet for more. Then instead of everyone walking onto the stage, Gerry walked on alone and sang All My Life. What a performance! We loved it! The request for the Opera House still stands.
The encore was an unprecedented three songs and the show 25, the most to date for us.
Ross was the scribe . I hope they are in the correct order as some of the names were written on top of each other in the dark.

Riverside
Ventura Hwy
Magic
Don't Cross the River
Daisy Jane
To Each His Own
Company
Three Roses
I Need You
I Need You - Beatles
Baby It's Up to You
Wheels
Tin man
The Border
Woman Tonight
Only in your Heart
California Dreamin'
Lonely People
Hangover
Never Be Lonely
Sandman
Sister Golden Hair
All My Life
California Revisited
Horse
This was a wonderful night. Thanks so much.
The soundtrack for our 2 hour drive home was The Grand Cayman Concert and the King Biscuit In Concert live performances.
We hope the guys enjoy their other shows this week and travel safely.

No details, yet, David. We all knew that Gerry and Dewey had talked about going into the recording studio during their slight touring break the end of 2003. It sounds like maybe they did make it into the studio and we might be seeing a new release in the next year or two. As far as the DVD goes, this is the first I've ever heard of it. If I find out anything else, I'll be sure to post it here.

That IS great news! Any details as to when these will be coming out?

>>Hmmm I wonder if this Sherman person is a Fan of AMERICA's <<

For those of you who have never seen the strip "Sherman" is a shark who lives in the Lagoon with his wife Megan and an assortment of odd sealife. Sherman himself is not exactly the brightest crayon in the box......

Cool you found that one...Twas fun to see this btw! hehe
Gen.

Apologies for the typos. I couldn't scroll up and down properly with the arrows to edit the previous post. I could only see the start or the end, as it jumped through the middle of the text. Maybe Steve could correct them for me. I'll try to check each line on the next post before it moves off the screen.

That's great news Margaret! Thanks for sharing it with us. Now the wait....

For those of you who don't know, Scott West is the owner of the RockAndRollUSA.com server and the one who so graciously hosts the America Fans Chat Folder. We stay in touch and I thought you might be interested in several new things that this talented individual is up to.

First of all he has an online art gallery called Scott West Galleries that is rather interesting if you're into that kind of thing. He's looking for quotes on his artwork to put in the left column of the web page. He's going to post first names with last initial for anyone brave enough to send him a quote.

Second, he sent me a couple of links to soundclips of a band called Out Of Place. They are a bunch of 20-year olds doing the raw Smashing Pumpkins meets the Goo Goo Dolls vibe. This is a Sacramento band that Scott has sat in with and thinks that more people should hear, because he thinks their material is incredible and their songwriters are exceptional. Scott says he thinks they'll be getting a deal very soon. They have that raw sound that the kids like and the local radio stations are playing their tunes. Adam Thompson (their frontman) has what Scott calls 'the gift.' Click on the following two links to listen to their QuickTime soundclips:

Feature - 30 second soundclip of the song currently being played on the radio
Bluegrass - full version of this song

I'm not going to post these messages in chronological order because this one will be quicker and you probabbly already know that I will say that last night's show was fabulous.
during the show the guys announced that they would be apearing on the Today Show, a breakfast TV Show this morning, Wednesday 21 January. In urgent need of sleep, I decided to hold over my review writng but asked Ross to get me up early before he went to work, imaginaning that the show started at 7. He got me up at 6.20 but to my horror the Today Show was already on. We only seem to watch TV in the morning if we are away on holidays and want to catch up on the news.
It was an anxious wait, not knowing if they had already been on, but about 8.30 it was announced that they were coming up. About 8.55 an interview was aired interspersed with images from from America in Concert.
They spoke of their history, being in Australia, the state of contemporary music and the industry , a new studio album and the second Sydney Opera House concert which will be filmed for a DVD!!
This is such exciting news. Imagine having a DVD quality memento of what you experienced from the front row, seeing your favourite band performing in one of the world's stunning 20th Century buildings on the edge of one of the world's most spectacular harbours! I am overjoyed with this news.

Johnny,

We're one step ahead, have packed the little bag of cd covers
and the belts in there too...!!! Lili has been given the mission this week to find the appropriate non-removable pens (markers) for the job... we're chronic aren't we....!!!


Goanna

I doo believe this Album covers backdrop pic has been mentioned before too... it kinda looks like a big Indian Rug or Quilt, that maybe they came across somewhere in Arizona... Like I said I am just a throwing out a guess here...

FYI Nancy, the backdrop for the eponymous America album was actually the wall in Ian Samwell's office. For more information you can go to an interview that Scott West did with Ian before he passed away. Here's the link: http://www.rockandrollusa.com/horsewithnonameamericadewey.htm

Chris' quiz was great fun. I don't know the answer to this next one, but it sure would be fun to find out. Does anyone know what the photographer said or did to get the band to laugh on the back of the Hearts album? A really funny joke perhaps?

I reported before the holidays that my wife was having trouble finding the Homecoming DVD, and some folks who post here were kind enough to offer some possible leads on where we might find it via the Internet. Just FYI, we recently obtained it through Buy.com and, as far as I know, the item is currently still in stock. I'm enjoying it, needless to say, although I wish there were more, particularly regarding the interview segment.

Thanks Steve L ~~ For all of your effort with the Border Video, I did redownload it, in the early morning hours, I haven't got to take a listen to it yet... Dina Dell needed a rest... I will let you know later if I got it in its entirety this time... WOW You got me ooooh sooo Curious about what other Videos you have to share with us, I am Hoping beyond HOPE that it may be the HOPE video.... Ooooh how I love that Word... Thanks again Steve, I really appreciate all you do for us! :)

Sorry, Nancy, I don't have "Hope" (but I wish I did). By the way, I never have been able to find the right CODEC for The Border video but I found out what CODEC stands for (COmpression/DECompression software for digital media). So, I can't even watch the video at work because I don't have the right CODEC here. I can only watch it at home. Sorry about that to everyone else who can't watch it. I'll probably remove it from the web site in the next day or two and then I'll upload another suprise video.

Lili Gorter (alias Mrs. Goanna) sent me something that she did in photoshop for me to post here. She had been playing around with a picture for quite sometime, as she did a hobby course in PhotoShop last year and loved it. She says it reminds her of the Jackson Browne cover Running on Empty. Click here to see Lili's down under version of a Ventura Highway album cover.

Hi Hoooo Everyone :) Sooooooo Nice of You Dewey sending us this Thank You Message ~~ You sure did brighten my grey day yesterday with it. ~~ Way to gooooo Karen ~~ I bet You are More than Smiling ~~ I am sooo Happy for you, thanks again for your idea, I just love how it all came together.... and how neat it would be to complete this idea with Danae's wallpaper pics, and to get to Present it to them at a show, would simply be AMERICA Heaven at it's Best ~ Nice :)

Hi Robyn ~~ Thanks for bringing a Laugh to my stressed head this morning... I was up into the weeee hours of the morning finishing up the last of my reports... Tooo Much ~~ Tooo Much for sure, Muskrat Love being mentioned on this comic strip... Hmmm I wonder if this Sherman person is a Fan of AMERICA's .... I just love how they pop up just about anywhere. Yes Yes Yes!

Way to gooooo Karen & Johnny ~~ I did read the Quizz questions and I do somewhat recall this being brought up here or maybe in Live Chat one time about the Gerry Shoe Comment... as a matter of fact, I doo believe this Album covers backdrop pic has been mentioned before too... it kinda looks like a big Indian Rug or Quilt, that maybe they came across somewhere in Arizona... Like I said I am just a throwing out a guess here... My Brain is not at it's best right about now...

Cheers Margaret ~~ I bet you can relate to my confused Head today, only thing is you are experiencing the Flip Side effect of mine, I can truly say I would rather be experiencing your State of Mind right now... When You come down a little bit, please come and share more of your Special Night with us ~ Okay!

Hey there Jimmmmmmmbob ~~ I hope this will be the Night of Nights for you and Frann... I hope you take a camera sooo some pics of this can be shared... Looking forward to seeing pics from Chris, Margaret & Goanna too. :)

Thanks Steve L ~~ For all of your effort with the Border Video, I did redownload it, in the early morning hours, I haven't got to take a listen to it yet... Dina Dell needed a rest... I will let you know later if I got it in its entirety this time... WOW You got me ooooh sooo Curious about what other Videos you have to share with us, I am Hoping beyond HOPE that it may be the HOPE video.... Ooooh how I love that Word... Thanks again Steve, I really appreciate all you do for us! :)

Hi Anita & Jenna ~~~ It will be fun listening to the AMERICA album on Sunday, I look forward to it... :)

Hi Gen :) I hope all is going well for you!

Hey Reddddddd ~~ It is soooo cold here again, send some of your Warmer Temps my way soon ~ Okay! :) ;)

Gotta get now, have a great day all, today is Morning Guy Jack ~ the dj's Birthday... I wrote a Poem for him too.... See ya, Nancy :)

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's clear
I need you here, 'cause

Everything I'll ever want
Everything I'll ever need
Is in you girl
Everything I'll ever want
Everything I'll ever need
Is in you

You are my love today
My life tomorrow
My very soul
And I've searched over the mountains
All through the shadows
Under the water, too
All to find
Just to find that

Everything I'll ever want
Everything I'll ever need
Is in you girl
Everything I'll ever want
Everything I'll ever need
Is in you

Now the answer's clear
I need you here, 'cause ~~~ Sing it for me Dewey :)

Chris, have been enjoying the review of your wonderful America Odyssey. Hope you don't end up suffering from PADS, (Post America Depression Syndrome) ; )

Good going Karen and Johnny.

ah the dis rages on. Check out today's "Sherman's Lagoon" comic strip
http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/fun/shermans.asp

Certainly they are refering to the other version of the song!

Johnny, I always knew you would get this one out .... eventually - well done. You are spot on, but I cannot verify exactly what his words were - as Dewey can't remember himself exactly, but he was certain that he was making fun of the photographer, possibly questioning his ability to take a decent photo! It all makes sense once you know the answer - such is life. I think that the different reactions of the rest of the trio to Dewey's joke is also enlightening. In the end, that photographer has captured the guys spirit and spontaneous humour so well and this remains a fav album cover.

Can you or anyone remind me where the backdrop shot of the original Americans came from?

I'm all quizzed out, so I'll let the next reviews takeover from the east of OZ ...
Chris

Karen ~ Very good on getting the quiz correct!

Chris ~ Perhaps the joke is directed to the photographer and maybe he was asked if he could shoot the photo to miss Gerry's shoes???

Jimbob, Margaret, and Goanna ~ I know you guys will have a great time. If you have half the good time Chris had, it'll be a success.

Goanna ~ Maybe you can have Dewey and Gerry autograph the back of your brass AMERICA belt buckle. Perhaps just their last names will fit. I doubt that there exists but a handful of buckles with their autograph if even a couple.

It's great to hear that Dewey enjoyed his birthday poems! Knowing so definitely made it all the more fun. Thanks again Karen for heading-up the project.

Firstly, KarenL - you are in the groove at the moment girl with such a great response from Dewey to your poem collection and - yes, you guessed this one too - Dewey said that it was the last time Gerry has worn shoes like that!! I guess you can't say that sort of thing unless you are 200% comfortable that you can say anything and the soul mate will not be upset.... Dewey was also genuinely humbled when I told him about the poems being written - I hope I didn't spoil the surprise too much for him. You should also be on a high this week Karen.

jimbob - you go for it man - these guys know who you are and they are looking out for you, so make that call - catch that train now. I agree with the radio coverage adding to the excitment and the experience - I missed a long one radio interview here (it was afternoon drive time and I ride the bike or catch that train, so I'm trying to get a copy from the radio station right now). Do enjoy the heck out of your America experience.

Margaret - funny how you don't need sleep when adrenalin pumps. And when the earthquake hits that is America, those aftershocks keep it all going in your head (and heart.. ha ha).

Re Quizz #1 - come on guys - this is THE BIG ONE - I feel sure that johnny is going to get it, but maybe Karen will beat him to it - HINT, it is a joke/comment about someone in the room.......it is now sooooo obvious....
Chris

Hey Chris, thats AWESOME man! Thanks for the great reviews! You are right; you wont be forgetting this day for a long time, in fact never! A little while ago I received a letter from the Marketing Director of DC Touring (Dainty), advising me of the upcoming show and telling me to get in early for my tickets(I already had them!) so I will try and contact her and see if I can get to do what youve just done! Thanks again for your sharing your great adventure! Last night our Solid Gold station told us it was Dewey Bunnell's birthday and told the story of America getting together, the first few years, fast forward to YCDM, and its success, then played Horse. About a 2 minute spiel and sure good to hear them being talked about. I knew, of course, it was Dewey's birthday, but didnt say it, so HAPPY BIRTHDAY for yesterday Dewey! Looking forward so much to the Auckland show! Cheers, Jimbob.

Thanks to all who participated in Sunday's listening party. This coming Sunday's party will be America (first album). We begin about 9 pm EST. Hope you can make it!

Chris's question: #2 Dewey made a comment about Gerry's appearance in the debut cover photo when I was talking to the guys last Saturday. Johnny, you unintentionally came close to the answer to quizz #2 at your first attempt at quizz #1 (Msg 31148) .... getting closer?

Chris - did Dewey say something like, "Wow, Gerry - I haven't seen you dress like that in awhile?"

How nice of Dewey to respond to let us know he got the poem and include the other kind words. That's "our" Dewey - he's quite a guy!

From the beginning chords of Riverside to the soulfoul lyrics of Paradise. Thanks for taking us on a musical journey through the years.
You've certainly taken us to many frontiers....as well as being quite a pioneer!

Best wishes and hope it was a great day Down Under!

Danae - what we have to do is get YOU to an America concert - as you've been WAITING to do - and YOU can present them with their poems and collages!! Yeah - that's a good idea, I think!! :) :) :) Looking forward to seeing the Gerry wallpaper, too. Karen

Chris, we will be going down to Wollongong tonight. My sense of anticipation and fertile imagination allowed me to sleep for only a couple of hours last night. From previous experience, I guess all the songs will be spinning around in my head tonight. I could be in for little sleep again tonight.

Hope you are having a wonderful day in the beautiful Land Down Under. May you have many more!

Happy Birthday Dewey! Hope you have a great day! Can't wait to see my favorite group in Milwaukee in March!

I did some experimentation and I think I discovered the problem. The Border video is encoded differently than the You Can Do Magic video and it requires a different CODEC. In laymans terms, the CODEC is some software that helps Decode the movie. I don't know what CODEC it's looking for nor how to download it (yet), but I obviously have that CODEC at home because I can play the video there but I can't play it here at work. So, if we can just figure out what CODEC it's looking for and how to download it, then I'm sure that (most) everyone will be able to see the video. I'll report back if and when I find out anything. Sorry for all the hassle!

Hi Danae,
I love the wallpaper! Thanks, Valerie

OK everyone, I have a theory. I uploaded the You Can Do Magic video from work and everyone can see that without any problem. The Border video was uploaded (twice) from my home and that's a slower connection that never did give me a successful return code although it appeared to work. So, I have uploaded The Border video one more time but this time I did it from work and the return code said that it was successful. Please try one more time to download the video and let me know if it works. I hope so because I have some other videos that I'd like to share if we can get this one to work. Be sure to give me feedback about your success or failure. Here's the link: http://www.kingbiscuit.com/america/mp3/TheBorderVideo.mpg

So we had Dewey on our celebrity birthday list this morning...our weatherman pronounces it Dewey BRUNELL. he even tried to spell it that way, but it was fixed before it hit air!!
Have a great one Dewey!

Erin

To Everyone,

Thanks for your continued support over all these years. The poems have truly touched my heart and have been a wonderful birthday gift this year. I never realized how many talented fans we have! My grateful thanks to you all... from the land down under.

See you at the next show!

Best wishes always,
Dewey Bunnell

Happy B-Day Dewey!!! Hope you have a wonderful and magical one.
Gen.

Hi Margaret - welcome back! You are right of course, I just checked my last Sydney ticket - 25 Feb 2002. I've lost a whole year....seems like it was yesterday that I was over there meeting you and Ross and I was waiting out in that back lane to shake Dewey's hand.

Are you going down to Woolongong tomorrow?
Chris

We arrived home at 11.30 tonight after being away for a week. It's taken me 2 hours to read all the messages. Sounds like you had lots of fun Chris. By the way, it wasn't last year that you saw the guys in Sydney. It is nearly 2 years ago.
I need sleep to prepare for all that lies ahead! Can't wait!

This excitable boy is still floating around Perth - I promise to resume normal transmission shortly. Thanks to those who have contacted me to share the post-concert meeting euphoria - especially liked your emails KarenL, Anita and Nancy - I'll get back to you shortly Nancy ... we'll see what we can do. And I thank you for sharing your own post-concert impressions - I can now say that I empathise with you, it is amazing to me that the guys can create this magic/positive vibe like an endless fountain of music, seamless and strong and I am so glad to be able to share the feeling.

KarenL - the poem 'quilt' was a good idea and a great job done well. Dewey and the band flew East yesterday - you can't do much better than my old home town of Sydney so I'd guess that Dew spent his special day out on Sydney harbour today (it's now gone past midnight in Sydney, so it's already the 20th there) and Woolongong for tomorrow's concert is only an hour or so south of the city.

SteveL - hope you have time to eat and sleep; we all want you to know how much you are appreciated here for all you do.

Goanna - you are in for a treat and it's great that all the family is going to share the experience - enjoy my friend.

Johnny - first up, loved that creativity you always show and its all over your Dew poem - my favourite line was:

May your forest always be blue, may your sky always be green
May you always be present, may your love set the scene
There is no doubt that Dewey paints with words and you've captured that.

As to the Perth quizz #1 and #2 - what was Dew saying?
#1 ok, now I will give it away - Dew is not talking about something on the tip of his finger. He was using his finger to point to something/someone. He clearly remembers (not a bad memory after nearly 33 years) that he was making a funny comment about what was happening in the room ......

#2 Dewey made a comment about Gerry's appearance in the debut cover photo when I was talking to the guys last Saturday. Johnny, you unintentionally came close to the answer to quizz #2 at your first attempt at quizz #1 (Msg 31148) .... getting closer?

Finally, thanks to those who enjoyed the photo of my beach. Living here is much cheaper than therapy. See what you can have if you are prepared to travel half way round the world?

Chris

<<I was thinking it would be nice to print the poems (both Dewey's and Gerry's) on some decorative paper sometime and make it into a little booklet and get it to them somehow at a concert. It would be neat to have your wallpaper, Danae, as a cover! (We could say, "cover designed by Danae".) I can't remember, is there a similar wallpaper for Gerry? Any thoughts on that idea, anyone?>>

I'm creating a wallpaper for Gerry, too. And, yes, I'd really like to become the official wallpaper & cover designer of the site!
I am such a psonio...

Steve - thanks a lot for sending the poem to Dewey for us! (Jim & Vic - glad you like the way it turned out!) I hope I didn't miss anyone and I hope I added everything correctly. (I had a little word wrap issue on my last line - oh well.) It was a lot of fun to do - thanks for participating, everyone! I hope Dewey had a wonderful birthday in Australia, and I hope he got a kick out of the poem too.

Danae - nice job on the wallpaper!! How thoughtful and appropriate to share that with us on Dewey's birthday - thank you! We needed something 'visual' to go along with the poem. I set it as my wallpaper today. I was so happy a couple months ago when I was browsing through the archives and found some other AMERICA wallpaper that Tery Holly put together, and I've been alternating which one I have up on my home PC!

I was thinking it would be nice to print the poems (both Dewey's and Gerry's) on some decorative paper sometime and make it into a little booklet and get it to them somehow at a concert. It would be neat to have your wallpaper, Danae, as a cover! (We could say, "cover designed by Danae".) I can't remember, is there a similar wallpaper for Gerry? Any thoughts on that idea, anyone?

Have a great day Dewey!!

Erin

Hi all,
I thought it would be fun to see some of the other famous artists who share a bithday with Sir Dewey TODAY, so here is a list:

Singers~
Phil Everly
Robert Palmer
Dolly Parton
Janis Joplin
Michael Crawford

Actors~
Jean Stapleton
Tippi Hedren
Guy Madison
Desi Arnaz Jr.
Shelley Fabares

Painters~
Paul Cezanne

Authors~
Edgar Allan Poe

Have a great week all,

Sergio

Thanks Karen, for a job well done, again. : )

Hi Steve, Thanks so much for giving The Border a try. I tried the new one and the old one and have not have luck. It's okay. You are so sweet to do what you do!
Mike and I have been enjoying You Can Do Magic immensily. I also feel that they were ahead of their time with their look and persona!
I love Gerry's glasses! It's what made him such a babe! haha! And, he still is today!!! All of them are! haha!
( Okay..I didn't forget..I'm married! )haha! Rock on America!!! We love you and we appreciate the fact that you work so hard to give the world a great moment in time! Know how grueling a tour can be!
Thanks, Steve!!!!! And , to all of you fun friends of America....I've had a fun time reading your comments. Gerry and Dewey must be proud to have such a fallowing!

Karen, just so you know, I have forwarded the combined birthday poem to Dewey in Australia. It's already the 19th there so I'm sure he's happily celebrating #52. By the way, Danae sent me a Dewey birthday wallpaper that she asked me to post so I'll include it here. Simply click on this link to take a look.

Hi,

SteveL, thanks for posting the YCDM video...... works well with Windows Media player

This video is great quality for it's time,,, in the early 80's when America came to Australia, they used this video clip on quite a number of rock music shows over here (for all OZ chatters - the TV shows were Countdown & Donny Sutherland video hits) (now that's going back aways...).... Gerry looks like he's getting into it with Woodzy giving the riff's a good go.... it's great, and the hair styles,,,... Gerry & Dewey, Surf's up guy's...!!! and we love the denim jean & white sneakers look too, "very groovy guys"' indeed,,, And, isn't it funny how that look is still an "in" look ... "America" ahead of their time...!!!!

again, thanks SteveL, much appreciate


Goanna

Chris/Holiday...

Congratulations on getting into the inner sanctum (ha-ha!) It's great that you had contacts at the venue....sounds like it was a fun night! Thanks again for the photo of your little corner of paradise. I had to work this weekend in a windowless office so it's got me dreaming of beaches!

Excellent collection, perhaps these might be included in DEWEY'S book of essays & writings. And now if we only could get a collection of those hundreds of unreleased GERRY BECKLEY works. Oh the number of songs that are resting ...

TO THE LEGENDARY DEWEY BUNNELL . . .
(one definition of "legend" in my dictionary reads, "a collection of stories about an admirable person" - that's YOU, Dewey!)

When I learned you spend time in Wisconsin,
I just beamed!
It gives us some connection,
It seems.
The north woods and lakes are fitting
With your love of nature and critters.
Remember when I met you in Madison (5/03),
I admitted to having the jitters?!
Thank you, Dewey, for the images
You weave on your musical loom -
Of alligator lizards, the Tropic of Sir Galahad,
Deserts disguised as oceans, and a noisy clock in a scarlet room. (Karen in south-central Wisconsin)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Listen to a "Dewey Bunnell" song and...
You can ride a horse with no name anywhere
You will feel the free wind blowing through your hair
You can fall asleep on a rainbow that leads to a time gone by

His music and words can paint a vast outdoor watercolor canvas
Or weave an amazing tapestry of fantasies out of simple realities
His way with lyrics, melody, and harmony takes me some place special
So with great respect and humble admiration
Thank you for your musical "Gift of Gab" from this "Tin Man"
Who long ago lost his Oz but found his heart
A sincere Happy Birthday wish to you, Mr. Bunnell
(Sergio from New Orleans and the Tropic of Sir joe)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
the Minstrel's songs loved dearly
from intense but peaceful eyes
helped us all see clearly
through those foggy skies

ideas that came so naturally
weren't always what others could see
but some of those themes did actually
set many of us listeners free

some songs may have hinted at protest
but he stayed above the fray
by not naming names he delivers his best
without anger in the way

through Odysseys of splendor
he lets us fill in the blanks
between colors that he renders
for this I give him thanks

athough he seems to behave as such
he's not just an average guy
a reason so many love him so much
is he doesn't use fame as disguise

if on his side he continues to stay
I'll always stay on mine
enjoying what he has to play
until the end of time
(Terry T.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Orange and yellow and purple and green
Adorn a cake so bright to be seen
Candles burning in celebration
Of a man who has our fascination
Filling our lives with so much song
Thanks for taking us along
Through deserts, canyons, highways you steer
Happy Birthday, Dewey, again this year!
(Nina)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy Birthday Dewey
from the bottom of my heart
Your songs have always intrigued me
right from the very start
Its been some journey
from the desert to the riverside
So enjoy this birthday and know
you are loved worldwide.
(Linda S.)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I've always admired your talent, Sir Dew.
Matched in its brilliance by only a few.

A strong cosmic power surely had a hand
To help you, Dan, and Ger form your band.

Like sons of the same Mum together at last,
Your destiny was sealed to succeed oh so fast.

But time has been kind to you, both body and soul.
You're still such a charmer who can really rock 'n roll.

So, this year, when you take time to celebrate Your Day,
Take stock of the people you have inspired in some way.

There are many of us across the globe, that's true
Who've enjoyed music for over thirty years thanks to you.

Happy Birthday, Dewey, from this devoted fan
Who's hoping you make music 'til you're a really 'Old Man'!!

My best,
Moser
Upstate NY
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Right from the start back in '72
Those early songs were full of hope so true
From songs of the desert to feeling free
You taught us to see things differently
You had us livin' by the riverside
Livin' life on the high tide
That moment lost can still be found
For you see beauty all around
You're still ridin' on that dark horse
(You know .. the one with no name)
Still letting life takes its course
Now step back inside, you've nothing to hide
By taking life like a big long ride

Keep on runnin' guys

Regards
Chris
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dewey ~ Dewey ~ Dewey :)

You are a Nice "One of a Kind" Truly
We Love the Kaleidoscopic View from your mind For Surely
Your ways with "Dreaming in Metaphor" Lyrics
Carries us off with Gentle Breezes into Rainbow Colored Skies
and Quenches our Insatiable Thirst for Life's Simple Pleasures

Sooooo on this Your Birthday
I am Sending 3 Wishes Your way
Lots of Love, Happiness & Wealth to Stay
the whole year through
We Sure do Appreciate the "Gift of You"

Soooo Much More I Could Say
Nancy Holtz ~ from PA :) :) :)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
on the last day of the Journey
i was standing
gazing out at the Sea

the Sun had gone down
in the western Sky
the moon was rising high in the east

the stars came out
and the Desert cooled down
as i knelt at the end of the land

the stars fell down
and the moon went dark
and i saw myself in the Sand

Life is a Desert
with the living Above
at the end the Sea is waiting deep blue

there's life in the Ocean
but it's lived unseen...
Happy 52nd Sir Dew

Vic
Tucson, Az.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Dewey:

Thanks for continuing to bring so much inspiring music into our lives. May this birthday bring you continued health and happiness, and may all your dreams come true.

Anita Bloom
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hey Dewey Bunnell,
I'm walking down the same road that I've been on,
And I remember some times late when things were real,
And I remember the way your words painted some shadows
On the walls of my house. (Images going down, down)
I will always remember that your guitar and America's sound
Seemed to be coming from somewhere
Just over the horizon that I saw outside my window
It was right around that indigo glow
And it gave part of the inspiration to go down the highway
I'm looking at all the life
And I find that your obscure references make some of the best
Ways to describe the almost indescribable things that make this
World a great place to be in
It's good to see you guys still out there on the road too
I'm glad you make it over those bridges
Before you done blowed them up
And its funny that I been here
And that when you're far away on tour
Your words resonate in my own backyard even now.

Keep on rockin in the free world (and beyond),
Rob LeBlanc
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Wishing Mr. Bunnell a Happy Birthday!

Dewey, You know you are my favorite "Rock" guy.
Let me tell you some reasons why.

Ventura Highway, Three Roses and "Horse".
These are some of my favorites of course!

You're a musical genius to write these songs,
They make us all want to sing along!

Your creative words truly touch my heart.
I fell in love with them, right from the start!

It doesn't hurt that you are so darn cute!
Us "Dewey's Girls" sure enjoy the view!

And though you are turning 52,
I still have a Big Crush on you!!

May you always have Love, Happiness and Peace,
I wish you much Joy, like you've given to me!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEWEY! Love, Valerie ~California
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Happy Birthday Dewey
I'm so glad you're in my life.
Although mind you, I'm settling for this
since I won't get to be your wife.

Cindy From The South
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dewey,

As I gaze at the crystal snowflakes that sparkle like diamonds and blanket the earth in my little corner of the world I am reminded of the wonderful imagery in the lyrics of your songs. They are like beautiful paintings filled with precious elements in the palette of our world. They mean so much to me.

Dewey, on your special day as you turn 52 may all of life's beauty and love encirle you~~today, and every day your whole life through.

Happy Birthday!!!

Love, Cathy Rink from Northeast PA
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dear Doctor Dewey Divine
Like 'Old Man Took", I throw out this line

We call to you, the man who musically walks on the water
Loved by us fans, by Penny, by your son and your daughter

'Three Roses' are red
Violet stones are blue
I'd fly the ocean just to read this to you

In the beginning
You were quite "Young"
So this we were told
But it's you 'My Dear' Dewey
Who's found the TRUE 'Heart Of Gold'

Just like Picasso's Musicians of Three
There stood the trio...Dan, Ger and Dewey Lee

From the heavenly hue of purple rain
To the vivid view upon a 'Sleeper Train'
You're like Van Gogh on a starry night
You gather from the constellations
A 'Young Moon' so bright

Like the etchings of Rembrandt
And the beauties of Monet
You're the lyrical painter
Of this modern day

With your palette of colors
Indigo, scarlet, emerald and blue
You transform a lifeless garden
Into a 'Greenhouse' so new

If we searched the 'wholewiDEWorld'
We'd be hard pressed to find
Another songmaster with as brilliant a mind

It's now 52 years
Oh what a fabulous ride
Thank you for the adventures
With you as our guide

Ain't the years gone by fast
Now with one less posse to pass
May your forest always be blue, may your sky always be green
May you always be present, may your love set the scene

So, Sir Dewey B
Please believe in me
When I say...
I wish YOU the VERY BEST
On your Special Day...

(Dew ~ I hope you have a wonderful day from across the way! Thank you so much for being the wonderful musician, artist and person that you are. Graciously and gratefully yours, johnny)
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dewey, we hope you enjoyed these messages
from your fans near and far -
There are many of us,
however scattered 'cross the globe we are!
We all send you our wishes
for a wonderful birthday,
and want you to know we appreciate
what you do in your own stylish way!
(Karen)

I'm not sure what's going on with The Border video. I just deleted the one that's out there and I'm uploading another one right now. It will be ready around 4:30 pm PST (7:30 pm EST). If that one still has problems then I'm afraid we're out of luck. For those of you who want to give it a try (after 4:30 pm), here's the link: http://www.kingbiscuit.com/america/mp3/TheBorderVideo.mpg

Good luck,
SteveL

Hi Karen,

Thanks so much for doing the work on this. It has really been fun! I hope Dewey gets a kick out of it all.

Cindy From The South

I have been gone most of the day so a, getting a later start than I hoped! Anyway, I plan to take my time so I can do this carefully and will check back here for anything new just before I post the compiled poem. I've been keeping track of them all as they've come through, so here's who I've got, in the order they came(please let me know if I've missed anyone)! I plan to check and recheck over the last week's posts just to be sure I haven't missed any! (Mine), Sergio, Terry T, Nina, Moser, Chris, Nancy, Vic, Rob, Valerie, Cindy, Cathy & Johnny. BTW, thanks Cathy & Johnny - very nicely done!!!!! OK, off to work I go! Karen

The RIAA recently anounced that Elvis had just become the biggest selling solo artist in US history! That might fall into the "well duh" category for most people, but this announcement deals with RIAA certified sales and not actual sales.

Elvis is acknowledged as the biggest seller worldwide by most in the music industry (it is extimated that he has sold over 1 BILLION records worldwide), but the RIAA is the recording industry's official certification agent. Most of Elvis' sales were never certified and a record must sell at least 500,000 copies to register on the RIAA's charts. If a record sells 499,999 copies it counts as a 0 as far as the RIAA is concerned. Around 200 Elvis albums have been released, while they all sold well, many did not hit the magic 500,000 mark so he gets no credit for those sales in the eyes of the RIAA.

An audit of Elvis sales was recently completed which resulted in 15 new record certifications. Elvis is now credited by the RIAA with 117.5 million certified album sales placing him second only to the Beatles with 165.5 in certified sales.

To tie this post to America, let me finish with another call to update America's sales certifications. History was certified at 4 million in 1986 when it was first released on CD. It has sold well over an additional 1 million copies since! Holiday and Hearts also probably could be certified Platinum if they were every re-released on CD! Those albums were big sellers and certified Gold in the 70's. At that time Gold was the highest certification available. History and America were certified Platinum in 1986 when they were released in CD. Homecoming was certified Platinum in 2000 when it was released on DVD. I say it is long past due to update America's certification for all their albums!

Dear Doctor Dewey Divine
Like 'Old Man Took", I throw out this line

We call to you, the man who musically walks on the water
Loved by us fans, by Penny, by your son and your daughter

'Three Roses' are red
Violet stones are blue
I'd fly the ocean just to read this to you

In the beginning
You were quite "Young"
So this we were told
But it's you 'My Dear' Dewey
Who's found the TRUE 'Heart Of Gold'

Just like Picasso's Musicians of Three
There stood the trio...Dan, Ger and Dewey Lee

From the heavenly hue of purple rain
To the vivid view upon a 'Sleeper Train'
You're like Van Gogh on a starry night
You gather from the constellations
A 'Young Moon' so bright

Like the etchings of Rembrandt
And the beauties of Monet
You're the lyrical painter
Of this modern day

With your palette of colors
Indigo, scarlet, emerald and blue
You transform a lifeless garden
Into a 'Greenhouse' so new

If we searched the 'wholewiDEWorld'
We'd be hard pressed to find
Another songmaster with as brilliant a mind

It's now 52 years
Oh what a fabulous ride
Thank you for the adventures
With you as our guide

Ain't the years gone by fast
Now with one less posse to pass
May your forest always be blue, may your sky always be green
May you always be present, may your love set the scene

So, Sir Dewey B
Please believe in me
When I say...
I wish YOU the VERY BEST
On your Special Day...

(Dew ~ I hope you have a wonderful day from across the way! Thank you so much for being the wonderful musician, artist and person that you are. Graciously and gratefully yours, johnny)

Maybe it's an Internet Explorer thing. I downloaded it but can't get it to work either. You Can Do Magic works fine though. Thanks!

I successfully downloaded the "You Can Do Magic" video. What a treat!!!~~especially since I had never seen it before. Thanks Steve for putting it out there for us to enjoy. I'm having problems with the Border video, however. It looks like it downloaded, but when I try to play it in Windows Media I get a message that says something about an error downloading the codec and to check the security settings on my computer. I believe Karen L may have had a similar problem. I used Internet Explorer to download it. Could it be that my Windows Media player needs to be upgraded? Steve, I appreciate all your help and don't want you to go to any trouble for this, but if you have any quick suggestions please let me know. Thank you.~~Cathy

Chris ~ I look forward to hearing what it was that Dewey was saying as captured on the front photo of their first LP! I can't help but think it has something to do with what's on the tip of Dewey's finger. Could it be that Dewey was commenting about the gum (if that's what's on the tip)...that it had lost its taste??? Another hint would definitely help.

Sir Joe ~ Speaking of Graham Nash, I remember when "Marrakesh Express" first came out and how much I enjoyed the song the summer between my 8th and 9th grade year. I think I still have that 45 record. I think the sound of the song is close to the sound that we all love when AMERICA first began particularly Gerry's music.

Tonight during the chat, we will listen to Hat Trick, beginning about 9 PM EST. Last week's listening party was fun, hope you'll be able to join us tonight!

I haven't had much time for posting lately, mainly lurking but just wanted to say hello to everyone and let you know that I think the poems and messages for Dewey's birthday are really great and just wanted to join in on the fun. I'm sure he will appreciate everyone's thoughts. Thank you to Karen L and Steve L for your work on this. Here goes:

Dewey,

As I gaze at the crystal snowflakes that sparkle like diamonds and blanket the earth in my little corner of the world I am reminded of the wonderful imagery in the lyrics of your songs. They are like beautiful paintings filled with precious elements in the palette of our world. They mean so much to me.

Dewey, on your special day as you turn 52 may all of life's beauty and love encirle you~~today, and every day your whole life through.

Happy Birthday!!!

Love, Cathy Rink from Northeast PA

Hi Hooooooo Everyone :) ~~ WOW ~This is one Booming weekend for Posting. I headed off to see "The Lion King" Broadway Musical show out in Pittsburgh yesterday with my Sister and then we went to her in laws to celebrate my little neice's b'day (which is today) :). I got back way late last night the roads were terrible, we ran into snow, coming back from the show, then freezing rain topped the snow, then again snow, add to that it being the weekend, and th State is trying to cut spending in their budget, sooo hardly No Plow Guys found out to take care of this Slippery Mess! We saw 3 accidents ~ Ouch, but thankfully we made it safe and sound back home. ~~ This was the first time I had ever gone to a Broadway Musically done show, and with knowing the movie Lion King off by heart (from as many times my daughter Laura watched it) I found it fun and sooo creatively done to see this movie unfold before my eyes on stage. A Great Job was done by all, I could write more on this experience, but I wanna get to the main topic here... :) Thanks for reading my pre~post~ramblins! :)

Cheers Holiday ~~~ I just gotta say Thanks, thanks for the spinetingling goosebumps, & Smile & Happy Tears that I got from reading your review of Your Special Night. I just love how your name here on the board (holiday) ties your whole Life Long Experience of Loving AMERICA & their Music. You can betcha I got exactly what you meant, when you mentioned that it is clear to see that Gerry & Dewey have formed a special bond and have become Soul Mates, sooo very true in sooo many ways, and upon reading this, I was taken back to my Special Night, last April 1st, when I got to meet them and to be back in the dressing room before the show. I can definitely say you hit the nail on the head when you said how good it felt to be there with them in this setting, sharing the gift of gab and getting your pic taken, what an AWESOME Pleasure, Treasure to indulge in HUH! :) ~~ Hmmm ~~ Sooo true about the AMERICA album cover pic, I too have always loved that carefree, best friends look it has. For Sure ~ both Gerry & Dewey are very courteous and accomadating when it comes to time meeting with us, I got to talk more with Gerry, he signed my t-shirt and I got to tell him how much I have loved and appreciated them all of these years, and Dewey nicely took my plastic keeper that contained my Highway book,Hat Trick Poster,& Homecoming Audio DVD, he asked me what and where to sign, I first asked him to sign my Highway book on page 69, where that ooooh sooo nice pic of he and Gerry in the window frame is, along with the captions saying Still friends after all these years! ~~ WOW WOW WOW ~~ I said to Dewey that I just loved how this pic and this saying spelled out my whole AMERICA hwy... and that is what I LOVED the Most about them and their music, and that I have found a SOUL MATE in this for Life, and I am Loving it For Sure! ~~ The feeling that I left that dressing room with that night, and heading into my seat to see the show, is one that I will keep tucked in my Heart Forever, and I can assure you all that I pull it out soooo many times and hit the refresh button on it, sooo to experience it over and over again. ~~ I definitely can appreciate your feelings as you stood there with your arms around Gerry & Dewey to get your pic taken, I am soooooo Happy for you, and I just Loved getting to hear all about it in your "Filled to the Brim" Cup of Tea. Thanks ~~ For sharing the Bonus Perth Pic with us too, I have it set as my Background pic here on my work pc... Take care and Hang on to this AMERICA High for as long as you can! :) I am looking forward to see your Pic! :)

Cheers Goanna, Margaret & Jimmmmmbob ~~ You guys are sooooo Lucky to be getting to see them soon, all of this excitement has me a Hankering to see a show scheduled close to my way soon. ~~ Goanna you and your family are next, I hope you too will get to meet them and get pics, I will look forward to hearing all about your special night. Same for you Margaret! ~~ Jimmmmmbob ~~ I hope you read far enough back in the posts when you were here, to read my hopes for you on your special night, I hope you do take your Gerry & Dewey autographed guitar with you and that you will get the chance to go up and join them on the Horse encore, I just get the spinetingling chills, picturing this, I know just how much that would mean to you. I am sure you & Frann will be bursting at the seams with Joy, getting to take another sip from the Golden Cup of AMERICA wine, please be sure to come tell us all about it. Hope you get some pics too! :)

WOW ~~ Triple WOW again Steve L ~~ I am sooo enjoying this extra bonus chunk of AMERICA chocolate, in these videos you have put here for us to partake in.... I right clicked on the YCDM video and dowloaded it in the wee hours of the night, last night, I headed to my dreams and got back up around 4 am to see if I had achieved this task successfully and Yes Yes Yes, I watched it and it downloaded nicely and it was easier to watch it on my Real Player than the Border one... for some reason the way my Border video downloaded, it only plays sooo far then it will start all over again, soo right now my oooh sooooo slow connection is finishing up redownloading it again, hopefully with this magic right click way, it will work the same as YCDM does. Originally I had doubleclicked on the link to download the Border... ~~ I don't want to sound greedy here at all, but I too second Anita's saying that it would be Great to be able to Download the Hope video... I would Love that for sure! It would be great to see Gerry & Dewey clearer and to hear them singing clearer, my Launch connnection is very poor, and all it does is say Buffering, buffering, connecting... then PAUSE , silence, then some muffled music, no pic, then buffering... Soo it is kinda frustrating seeing this video in its entirety on there. I do sooo much appreciate all that you do for us on here, you are very generous with your time and talent. Thanks Steve :) :) :)

Hi there Rob, Vic, Valerie, Cindy & anyone else's Dewey poem I may have overlooked here, I really enjoyed reading these last night, I sure did have alot of posts to catch up on.... NICE!

Vic ~~ Sooo nicely done, I enjoyed getting to read your next verse to HWNN ~~ a nice gift for Sir Dew on his b'day!

Rob ~~ Neat, I really enjoyed your approach to your poem.... I just find it sooo AWESOME how you have come to love them too. I love the Hope in your being this way, that it will continue the AMERICA hwy into another Generation of listeners and fans, I can't help but smile when I picture you one day sharing this love for their music with your children... What a nice Visual! :) ~~ Are you gonna join us for the listening to the great album "Hat Trick" this evening?

Hi there Valerie & Cindy ~~ I really enjoyed your poems too, I think it is great how all of our poems nicely spells out Dewey's Magical Effect he has on us all, I got a kick out of the Us Dewey Girls too, I join with Mo saying us Gerry Girls gotta stick together with you girls too... Toooooo Much :) I am kinda torn tho... I wanna be both a Gerry & Dewey Girl :) ~~~ WOW ~~ Cindy ~~ Definitely short and sweet and oooh sooo to the Point was your poem, I appreciate you humor and honesty in this! :) Hmmmm ~~ Time is kinda running out, I sure hope to see a couple more poems for Dewey posted...

Well today is another busy day, as I mentioned before it is my Neice Melina's 4th b'day today and we are going to have cake and ice cream at my sis's, it also is the Pinewood Derby day for Nathan today... sooo I best close this for now and get busy here, ooooooh Jeff came home this weekend too, he said that the temps there in Seneca Falls, NY got down to 38 degrees below zero with wind chill factor, alot of the days, classes were cancelled there on friday and he didn't have any scheduled for tomorrow, being that it is Martin Luther King day... sooo he headed on home in his 4whl truck... Nice to have him here sooo soon. :)

Okay gotta get now, thanks for all of the great reading I had to catch up on last night, and thanks Jessie from Maui for the Bonus Pic of the opposite View of the VFTHW Pic from Maui, I saved it to my files too, right next to the Maui pic... You are sooo lucky to live in such a beautiful atmosphere... :)

Have a great day everyone, I am heading upstairs to see if my Border video successfully downloaded... See ya tonight at live chat I hope, Nancy :) :) :) Sooo many great songs on Hat Trick, I should sing a Medley of them all! :)

~~~ Muskrat Suzi, Muskrat Sam doooo the jitterbug, down in muskrat land ~~~~ Early in the morning when the sun comes up, gonna grab a fishin pole and a sleepin bag roll ~~~~ She'ssssss gonnna let youuuu down, she's gonna let you down ~~~~ Iiiiiiii am asleep on a rainbow, wishing for the wake of a tide, Iiiii went to sleep on a rainbow, hoping for a ride on a tideeee ~~~~ Hoping this dream will come true, sadness is only a face for youuuu ~~~ You've been away soooo long, I'd like to seee you ~~~ Ooooh oooo go back today and find away to get to youuuu, tapppp dancing effect :):):) Just a little of nothing, that's all you had the time to give ~~ Newton on the Roseberry topping, and its cold and its wet ~~~ tooo meee, tooo meee, I want to carry you across the threshold of fireflies ... but Molteen love, oooo by your kisses take me down, take me down ~~~~ Don't wait for me at the Willow treeeee ~~~ rhappsedy, harmony tooo ~~~ Goodbye ~ Goodbye ~ Goodybyeeeee ~~~~ Sing it again and again for us Gerry, Dewey & Dan :) :) :) ;)

Chris, I got the photo from your son this morning and I'll post it the next time I update the web site.

No problem, Steve - if I have time, I might try it one last time today. Go ahead and remove it whenever you need to, to free up the space! If I don't get it to work, at least we have those nice shots of it that tell the story. Thanks for making it available to us, Steve!

So what did Dewey say about Gerry when he looked down at that first album cover photo? Dewey noted the coca cola bottle between his legs and laughed - no, that was not what he said he said at the time of the photo shoot. It was, as you would expect, a humorous comment he then passed about Gerry in the photo. I saw plenty of humour in that pre-concert room last night; you get a 'feel' for the atmosphere that people generate and these guys generate very positive vibes.
Chris

Hi Holiday,,,
Goanna here.... you sound as though your'e still coming down from the high, that's fantastic...
The Goanna family) we are getting so amped man it's not funny... my kid is about to bust out of his skin...!!! wanting to meet the guys and hear them play, we can't wait, 6 more sleeps until Melbourne... it's hard to believe that the band is in OZ...

I hope everyone (OZ fans) have a great time...

Margaret, hope you have a great time too mate in Sydney...!!!

take care

Goanna & Co.

SteveL - thanks for updating my email address. I had my son send thru the photo of me with the guys last night - I am digital-camera-challenged, but I am also a year and a couple of weeks older than Dewey, which must make me a lot older than Gerry .... ha ha

KarenL, Valynda, Anita, Moser, Johnny, Sergio, SteveL and others - thanks for your kind words. I'll sign off with this last report and a further quizz on the original album cover. I remember that there were a few moments last night when Dewey and Gerry were signing my album cover when Dewey in particular seemed to be deep in thought - my guess as he was poised over the cover with pen in hand was that he was thinking back to the start of it all. Gerry was telling me about the UK distributors (having called Dewey over to look at the first release cover), just after I had introduced myself as 'holiday' and Gerry had replied, 'So you're our fourth album then.' Gerry was most gracious too, insisting that he would write whatever dedication I wanted, but how can you think straight at a time like that? Gerry signed his name at the top after "To Chris" and drew a long arrow down to his teenage image in the centre. Then Dewey made a surprising (to me) comment about the cover picture - now, to make this more interesting, see Perth Quizz #2 to see if you can guess - HINT: It was about Gerry. I'll explain when you've given up or guess it as to why I thought Dewey's comment was, let's say .....interesting.

Then Dewey signed, "To Chris, My best" right across his t-shirt in the cover image and we talked about what joke he was making at the time. I've always loved this cover image - they were so young, fooling around just as good friends do, with no pressure of fame that was to come later and the even later pressures that caused one good friend to 'not see the joke' anymore. One response to what Dewey was saying could well have been Gerry saying:
'Stop fooling around Dewey, this is serious', to which Dan would have thought to himself:
'Gerry says this is serious, man, I just have to laugh at loud'
This is what makes this cover so appealing - it was spontaneity amongst good friends against a strongly contrasting grim background image which was worlds away from these three young carefree schoolboy friends in London in 1971.

And yet, I could tell in an instant last night that Dewey and Gerry are soul mates, not just good friends, not just like brothers - they would know exactly what each one thinks in an instinctive manner - no need to explain stuff if you know where I am at here.

After that we really just did the small talk, Dewey again so gracious in listening to me talk about 1974 (my 'Holiday' release experience was becoming engaged and married to my present wife Terri in that year, so all the songs on that album are 'our' songs and he was quick to congratulate us on our upcoming 30 years).

Last night was one I will not forget easily and it is hard to explain in words that special bond I really felt when Dew and Ger surrounded me in an America sandwich for the photo I will always treasure - settle down girls, this was a guy thing, but when you can stretch your arms out around Dew and Ger, believe me when I tell you, it is a special thing.

And this is how many different angles can be found in just signing one album cover ....

Chris

Johnny ventured that Dewey was joking about something.

Dewey told me that he was sure what the subject was he was talking about, but he could not remember exactly what he had said to make Dan laugh.

HINT - the subject was something happening at the time ....

Valynda,
Along that same train of thought, my daughter, Kaity who is 13, told me about something that happened at school the other day. In her computer technology class, they are working on creating vacation brochures or presentations using Publisher or PowerPoint. Her friend was doing a web search for information about Australia. She suddenly called Kaity over to show her what had come up on the search. I'm sure you can guess!! "America: Back By Popular Demand" They both shrieked and Kaity said, "Oh no! My eyes are burning!" I had to laugh. That'll teach her.
Mo

Hi Dewey Girl Val!

I hear you Cindy!!! ~Valerie

This afternoon we drove down to San Luis Obispo for lunch and shopping. We went in to a Best Buy electronics store.
As I am checking the DVD and music section to see if they have anything from America, my 14 year old daughter says to me, "Yeah, right mom, like their gonna have anything from America in here." Well not 10 seconds later we could hear from loud speakers, "Horse with no name" playing loudly in the background! We could see that this was the song being used as customers were being shown the various speakers. I turned to my daughter, and my grin must have been from ear to ear, we both began laughing so hard!

Ya know, they just gotta be put in their place once in awhile!!
Bye, Valerie

Thanks Mo! I truly am a "Dewey Girl"!

Cindy From The South

I don't know what else to say about The Border video. I just tried downloading it (using Netscape) and it works fine for me. I hope you can figure it out soon because it's taking up LOTS of server space on the King Biscuit web site and I can't leave it there much longer.

First up, I may have to update my email address here, so may need some help with that, meanwhile happy to let you know it is cholyday1@iinet.net.au

Chris, I have taken care of that for you so you don't need to worry about it anymore. Thanks for the great review!

Hey there, Chris! Your posts were most certainly NOT too long! We want to hear every detail and would not want it any other way. Wow - what a dream come true, not only to meet them, but for them to have a little time to chat and joke around with you. Sooo happy for you, and I can feel the excitement way over here where I am! Thanks for mentioning our poems to Sir Dew! I wish we could be with him when he reads them.

Hey, Valerie and Cindy - I LOVE your contributions to Dewey's poem! I'll say it again - what I think is the best thing about these collective poems is that it comes from each of us and conveys the similar thoughts and feelings we have, as well as the uniqueness of what they mean to each of us. That's what makes it special.

Dear Cindy F.T.S.,
Omigod!!! I was howling at this one. I love it. Best poem yet.
Thank you for that.
Mo

ok, 6 hours sleep is plenty when you are still running on adrenalin!
Apologies upfront if this turns into a ramble but I wanted to post some more feedback before Saturday night US time. Perth is approx 12 hours in front of west coast USA (I think), which means that you will never catch up to us here my friends .. ha ha.

First up, I may have to update my email address here, so may need some help with that, meanwhile happy to let you know it is cholyday1@iinet.net.au

Of course, I was already pumping along nicely yesterday afternoon when I got the phone call we would all wish for, so my plans to list all the songs played last night went out the window. I'll have to ask Margaret to do a set list from Sydney, but meanwhile I'll let you know that it was a LONG set list last night, Gerry said they may as well play everything they know ( that's a pretty standard line I know but last night it almost seemed to come true). They were much more conversational than I remember from last year in Sydney with comments after most songs. For example, after 'Don't Cross The River' Dewey said, "That would be the Swan River, right?' - Perth is about 8 miles upstream on the estuarine Swan River and the Burswood complex covers many acres straddling the riverside by the city. When we arrived (very early :)) the place was already jumping with outside movies ready to crank up (you just bring along a blanket and some bottles, preferably full), the Perth Wildcats (our basketball team) were playing in the Burswood Dome and a band called 'America' were all drawing in a vast multitude of followers. They had to run shuttle buses back to the complex once you'd found a parking spot. I was still early to meet the guys and the minders let me in with about 45 minutes before the guys were due on stage - I hope I didn't hold up the concert too long, I sure as heck have no idea who the backing group were who led out the first hour!!

After being introduced to Erin E, I spotted the other band members, so apologies Erin for not finishing that conversation ... oh dear. By the way, Woodsie was a revelation, we chatted awhile about where he lives (somewhere between Los A and San D)and he said if he were living in OZ, he'd probably choose Perth. He sure did put in a solid performance on the night - during the show Gerry said, 'I think Woodsie is in the groove tonight, must be over his jet lag and got his sleep patterns right.' Also must mention Willie, I wonder if he is the practical joker of the whole crew, seems to have a cheeky twinkle in his eye and a ready smile at any comment. He, like the others, really put on a slick performance as you'd expect from these consummate performers. Dewey was wondering how long it had been since they were last in Perth, so I was able to tell him my ticket still says Nov 1997 and I was pleased when he was able to announce this fact after the first 3 songs later on. Oh yes, I found my last year's song list from Feb 2002 (Sydney) and I see that it did not change much last night - here is last year's:

Riverside
Ventura Highway
You Can Do Magic
Don't Cross The River
Daisy Jane
Wind Wave
Another Try
Three Roses
I Need You (Beckley)
I Need You (Harrison - the guys sounded better than the Beatles version here in Perth last night)
Baby It's Up To You (.. a real rocker, I've always thought of this as my favourite non single release)
Wheels
Tin Man
The Border
Woman Tonight
Only In Your Heart
California Dreamin'
Lonely People
Hangover
Never Be Lonely
Sand Man (the very electric version)
SGH
.... encore
HWNN

Last night was a little different - they dropped Wind Wave and Another Try and put in The Last Unicorn and To Each His Own - I guess to pick up on some more tracks from the Definitive Collection. They retained all the others as above from last year's show but also added Company (that will please HEARTS fans) and also, I can't recall the long long intro to Sandman from last year either. Last night, it was the only track I did not recognise from the first notes!

OK, this is a long long post too, so I'll end up for now - I'll save up some more comments from what was a superlative yet friendly conversational show for the next post.

Johnny - if you've got this far, I knew you'd like the quizz as it was a topic we debated some years back. I've also got another insight into the Dew-Ger relationship and it was from a Dew comment last night - nothing sinister, that's not my style, I'll make it a second quizz after you've solved the first one .. ha ha - I liked your suggestion by the way, but it's not even close of course.
Chris

Happy Birthday Dewey
I'm so glad you're in my life.
Although mind you, I'm settling for this
since I won't get to be your wife.

Cindy From The South

I like them too.

Cindy F.T.South

Johnny, that's great, you definitely made me laugh. I bet that was the real conversation too.
Rob L

Chris ~ I enjoyed reading your AMERICA adventure! It's great that you got to meet the guys plus getting your "nameless, horseless" AMERICA LP cover autographed. I took mine to Texas but it came home "nameless, horseless, AND autographless".

Valynda ~ I enjoyed your poem to Dewey. :0)

Chris ~ Could it be that the following conversation captured on the front cover of AMERICA's first LP be this:

DEWEY: "See, I can drink a soda, look suave, smile, AND balance a piece of chewed gum on my index finger all at the same time."

GERRY: "Gee, and all I want are some new shoe strings."

DAN: "Far out, Dewey!"


Nah, probably not! But, I do look forward to knowing the real answer. Good job on unearthing this piece of gold trivia!

<<The Bass player is Brian Garafolo>>

Or more precisely, Bryan Garofalo, I believe it actually is.

Mo ~ Pharmacy is a tough major. You went through a lot of hard work in college not to work in the field. My older brother was a retail pharmacist for a number of years as are my 5 uncles. The brain power that's required to do well in chemistry stopped with my brother, however.

1> Valynda, great poem. Not corny at all. Heartfelt is the word that comes to mind. I love the reference to "Dewey's Girls." We "Gerry Girls" and "Dewey Girls" need to stick together, corny or heartfelt, whichever you call it!!

2> Holiday, your excitement jumps off the screen. Thanks for telling us about your adventure meeting the guys. I'm anxious to hear more details about the show and to see the photos. Enjoy the emotional high, my friend.

3> I once had a professor for Medicinal Chemistry (horrid course, mind-numbing in fact) named Garafolo. He didn't play the bass.

The Bass player is Brian Garafolo

Thanks Steve! Who's the bass player in the video?

<<'Only In Your Heart' was a British pop kind of thing, kind of Graham Nash-y,' says Gerry.">>

Johnny, so true! One can hear melodic strains of CSN's "Our House" in "Only in Your Heart". Their first album had more CSN and Stephen Stills influences than either The Beatles or The Beach Boys. Nonetheless, it was totally AMERICA and a musical sound THEY made their own.

Holiday, thanks so much for your vivid review of the concert.

Robert, your poem really strikes a chord. Great job! Valerie, liked yours too, not corny at all, it is brimming over with effervescence.:0)

It's a dreary rainy day in old New Orleans. Hope it is nicer for the rest of you, you all have a great weekend,

Sergio

Hi Karen L.
The poems posted have been amazing! Mine is so corny compared to the rest! I have not been blessed with that gift! But I could not let Dewey's Birthday pass without sending my poem to him!


Wishing Mr. Bunnell a Happy Birthday!

Dewey, You know you are my favorite "Rock" guy.
Let me tell you some reasons why.

Ventura Highway, Three Roses and "Horse".
These are some of my favorites of course!

You're a musical genius to write these songs,
They make us all want to sing along!

Your creative words truly touch my heart.
I fell in love with them, right from the start!

It doesn't hurt that you are so darn cute!
Us "Dewey's Girls" sure enjoy the view!

And though you are turning 52,
I still have a Big Crush on you!!

May you always have Love, Happiness and Peace,
I wish you much Joy, like you've given to me!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEWEY! Love, Valerie ~California

Hi Chris: Thanks for that terrific review, so glad you got to meet the band. I wanted to ask you a question, but your email bounced. Could you please email me by clicking on my name above? Thanks.

Hello holiday,
Thanks so much for sharing the experience down under! I am looking forward to seeing the photos! ~Valerie

As mentioned in my "WOW" post - Dewey was pretty sure tonight what he was saying in the photo on the first album cover. HINT: It wasn't what I had suggested some while back, namely "Hey guys, I think we need one more track before we launch this album in the States next year"

Any ideas .....

Chris

WOW - WHAT A HIGH - AND I MET THE BAND BEFORE THE SHOW ....

I finally got into the inner sanctum tonight. It helps if you know people who work at the venue and I have some contacts at the Burswood. I received a phone call later this afternoon to meet the guys before the show - a big thanks to Dainty Corp (Australian promoters) and Erin Edwards who is accompanying the band on this tour for arranging the meeting.

So what do you take along when you know you'll be meeting your lifelong heroes (besides your camera) - I chose their first album cover as I have a 1971 UK edition with the 'Horse' track missing. Gerry was envious as he said he doesn't have one himself. He said Kinney Records (the distributor) was the name of a London car park! I guess it was a small outfit and Dewey finally solved the problem of what he was saying on this album cover - I'll make that the subject of a quizz. Anyway, my rare cover now has two prized autographs and dedications. Pretty neat - as it lacks the 'Horse' track and it lacks Dan's autograph - but somehow I don't think I'll be able to arrange the latter.

It was great to meet the guys (and Woodsie, Rich and Willie, and Erin) in person and note first hand what I already knew - that these guys are so genuine and down to earth - very cordial and human. Dew was most gracious when I wished him happy birthday (in advance) - he was humbled by the thought that we have been working on some poems for him - so well done KarenL.

We posed for a few photos - me with Dew and Ger, the Dainty Corp minders took one, and I ordered another, just in case. The flash would not work straight away as it needs a few seconds to restore power so I said 'relax for a minute' and Gerry says, "I thought I was relaxed!" These guys are magic. Then I took a couple more with my old
camera for good measure (actual film, not digital).
They are both well aware of the other Aussie posters on your site here SteveL, so I can't thank you enough for what you have done for the fans downunder. They are expecting to catch up with Goanna and Margaret (and Ross) and you too of course jimbob - so you guys had better contact Dainty Corp pronto and arrange something - just say 'holiday' said that America said it was ok!!

They have been in Perth since Wednesday and stay on tomorrow - just been relaxing and Gerry said the guys are really appreciating the break.

Sorry for the slightly psycho post everyone, I'll settle down by tomorrow and post a photo and also cover what happened at the show - which was a long set show - let's just say the guys were very relaxed and in a talkative mood tonight.

Cheers for tonight from downunder
Chris

Hi Mo - I enjoyed your comments! I just wanted to add that for some reason I especially enjoyed seeing Willie in this. Not sure why, maybe because we get a better view of him in the video than at a concert? I don't know. I just get a smile when they zoom in on him. Maybe it's also because he looks like he's having a good time. Karen

I just had a few comments after watching the You Can Do Magic video that I wanted to post. (You're probably not surprised, I'd imagine!!) Okay, you see Woodz first so I'll start with him. Wow, what a cutie!! His smile always makes me think that he looks like he's up to no good. Oh...the music?...love that opening riff and think it's great that they highlighted him playing it. It kind of points out (to me) that, YES, this is pop but we haven't forgotten how to rock.
The next thing I noticed is when they open to a wider shot of the band and it seems that they are all bouncing up and down a bit to the rhythym. How adorable. Is it because they are bored because they're lip syncing and need something to do? ARE they lip syncing? Don't know much about video productions but it looks like nothing's plugged in, hence my assumption of lip/play syncing.
Is that a perm in Dewey's hair? I don't think I've ever seen him with wave in his hair.
I'm not astute enough to know whether the rest of the guitars are ones that the guys continue to use to this day, but I think Gerry's is the Rickenbacker 12-string that I've seen him use lately. Not sure but think so. That's kind of cool.
Gerry...my favorite...I think I may have mentioned that once or twice before here, not sure... he's looking...okay, not great, just okay...but those glasses...wow. I know they were a product of the times. I wore big, dark-rimmed glasses like that myself in that era. Why didn't someone mention to all of us how bad they looked? Oh well, I guess the same could be said for leisure suits and beehive hairdos, such is fashion.
Another thing I noticed about Gerry, he has some very similar singing mannerisms to the aforementioned (on the chat folder) David Cassidy. It probably helps that his hair is rather Cassidy-esque in the video too. I never noticed the similarities before--sort of that chin up and forward posture. Geez, I hope Gerry doesn't read the folder this week!!
Okay, who's the bass player? That's not Brad, is it?
Now, as for Willie...he's looking very much like the principal from the movie Ferris Bueller's Day Off. Do you guys remember that movie?

After writing this, it sounds ever so shallow to me, even. But isn't making a video all about "the look" of the band. Oh well, just having some fun.

Dear Steve,
I wasn't going to mention this because I figured it was just me and my ever more schleppy computer. But after reading that Karen is having a very similar problem, I am going to pile on just a bit. I was able to save and play the You Can Do Magic video with no problem. However, I have tried and retried on The Border and each time I click on the file to play it, it opens the media player and tries to start but won't and I get a window with this message, "Windows Media Player encountered an unknown error." I have a cable connection and these videos only take about 10 or 15 minutes to download, so it shouldn't be a connection interruption problem. Do you have any suggestions?
Thx,
Mo

Steve - I realized that when I saved The Border I was using Netscape (what I normally use) instead of Internet Explorer - and I think you told us it doesn't seem to work from Netscape but it does from IE. Maybe I'll resave it using IE and see if that works.

Rob - I'm so glad you did a poem for Dewey! You bet it will be part of the collective one that goes to Dewey on his birthday!! I especially like your lines,

"And I find that your obscure references make some of the best
Ways to describe the almost indescribable things that make this
World a great place to be in"

Neat way to put that. I also like the references to all the songs (including Pigeon Song!) and the parts about their sound coming from just over the horizon around that indigo glow. Wow!

Hi Steve - I was able to successfully save and play the "You Can Do Magic Video"! It was very enjoyable to watch!! Your right-click tip was really the key - thank you.

So, I tried the same process with The Border. (I hope you're not tired of all these video questions!!;) It looks like it saved ok - I see it in the same place as the other one & at 56,770KB - but when I try to play it, something flashes past saying "error downloading codec". Then my Windows Media Player window displays a message that reads, "class not registered". The only thing unusual I noticed was that when I got up this morning and it was almost finished saving, the progress bar and % complete didn't seem comparable to the time remaining and amount of space saved. (There wasn't much time remaining nor amount left to save, yet the % complete and progress bar were not as far along.) So after it completed saving and I tried unsuccessfully to play it a few times, I shut down and restarted, was still able to play YCDM but got the same errors again with The Border. Also, it seems that it isn't necessary to be connected to the internet to play YCDM, but my PC tries to connect/connects when I try to play The Border. Any ideas?

Just thought I'd ask, since I'm this close! Please don't go to any trouble - only if you know right off-hand what I might need to do. (I'm wondering if it would be worth trying to re-save it when I'm around - and awake! - to keep a better eye on it.) Sorry to keep asking about this - it's just that The Border looks so cleverly done I'd really love to see it! THANKS!

Karen

FYI: Last night, "Tin Man" was featured as #12 of the sixteen songs played as bumper music on the late night talk show, "Coast To Coast AM With George Noory". A couple of the other songs featured were Three Dog Night's "One"; Grass Roots' "Live For Today"; John Lennon's "Whatever Gets You Through The Night"; and the Grateful Dead's "Truckin'".

To view the entire list of 16 songs, go to:

WWW.CoastToCoastAM/shows/2004/01/15.html#recap

Steve: Yes, I did see it but it's of rather poor quality on that yahoo launch site. I was hoping for a better copy and just thought I'd ask :>) Anyway, thanks for the all the other goodies you've posted!

If I were to match Gerry's songwriting style with only one member of the Beatles, I too, would select McCartney. Your Gerry Vs. McCartney songs was an excellent point.

However, my point is that I do not recall reading where Gerry specifically has stated that McCartney was his "chief influence" (or something similar) from among the members of the Beatles (whether this may or may not be so).

I'm merely saying that I only recall Gerry saying that the BEATLES (and the Beach Boys) have had the greatest musical influence on him. I don't recall that Gerry has ever singled-out McCartney. Perhaps someone can direct me/us to a quote of Gerry's that proves otherwise like this one regarding Graham Nash:

"'Only In Your Heart' was a British pop kind of thing, kind of Graham Nash-y,' says Gerry."


Regarding the poems for Dewey today, I enjoyed reading each one of them. An excellent job by everyone!

Here is my birthday poem-fragment for Dewey. Hopefully it can be part of the overall e-mail that is sent to the guys. I have enjoyed reading other chatters' posts with their parts of the poem, by the way. You guys have definitely put a lot of thought into this, and that is cool.

Hey Dewey Bunnell,
I'm walking down the same road that I've been on,
And I remember some times late when things were real,
And I remember the way your words painted some shadows
On the walls of my house. (Images going down, down)
I will always remember that your guitar and America's sound
Seemed to be coming from somewhere
Just over the horizon that I saw outside my window
It was right around that indigo glow
And it gave part of the inspiration to go down the highway
I'm looking at all the life
And I find that your obscure references make some of the best
Ways to describe the almost indescribable things that make this
World a great place to be in
It's good to see you guys still out there on the road too
I'm glad you make it over those bridges
Before you done blowed them up
And its funny that I been here
And that when you're far away on tour
Your words resonate in my own backyard even now.

Keep on rockin in the free world (and beyond),
Rob LeBlanc

I think somebody who was talking about their favorite writer or songwriter once said that "true art hovers on the brink of being intelligible" or something to that effect. I was just thinking that Dewey's songwriting really proves that that is true for me. I was wondering if anyone else felt the same way as that. Take care everyone and have a good weekend!
-Rob L

Now if you could only get the Hope video for us to download

Anita, I don't know how to get a copy of that video but in case you didn't see it in a previous post, the Hope video can be seen on the launch.yahoo.com web site at the following link: http://launch.yahoo.com/artist/default.asp?artistID=1000861. I never could get it to work with my Netscape browser but I did get it to work with my Microsoft Internet Explorer. I hope that helps.

No poetry, just some heartfelt wishes here.

Dear Dewey:

Thanks for continuing to bring so much inspiring music into our lives. May this birthday bring you continued health and happiness, and may all your dreams come true.

Anita Bloom

Yes, Karen, Sunday evening will be fine for me to send the poem to Dewey. My second son is in the Philippines and I typically get a mail message from him every Sunday evening (which is Monday over there) so I'm always on the computer Sunday evening.

1. Any suggestions for a title for our poem?

2. It is optional - but if any of you that have submitted a poem did not include where you live, and meant to/want to do that - please just let me know via a post here or an e-mail. It is optional, but it might be interesting for Dewey to see.

** Looking forward to seeing more poems :)

Thanks everyone,
Karen

(Sorry for the silly subject line - I'm just in that kind of mood - busy day at work, and next week looks like it could be stressful, so being silly while I can. As Jenna says, "life in a cubicle"!) Anyway - I don't check the chat folder when I'm at work during the day; big no-no in our office, and I do like my job. I was happy to see all the fun things that were posted since I last checked in late Thurs. evening.

Steve - I, too, appreciate the YCDM video link AND the tip on right-clicking. As many others have expressed, thanks a lot for all the time and effort you put into this site!

Chris/Holiday & Jessie - loved the photos, I can't get enough of beaches!

Moser, Holiday/Chris, Nancy & Vic - got your wonderful poems; thanks for playing! Mo - you captured some really nice thoughts that hadn't been covered yet; cool. (Thx for giving up some of your sleep for this, btw.) Chris - great wishes for Sir Dew; love the Riverside references - one of my most favorite Dewey songs. Nancy - loved seeing the "kaleidoscopic" line :) -- you did such a nice job I bet he'd know it was yours even without your name! Ties in nicely with your great posting style. VIC! Just saw yours before "sending" this post; WOW -what a nice idea, I'm sure Dewey will love it. I gotta go read it again!

Keep them coming, fellow fans. You're a very talented bunch! I just now took into account that with the birthday boy being in Australia, he's approx. 14 hours ahead of the U.S.(is that correct?), so would 3:00 p.m. Central/U.S. time Sunday be a reasonable "deadline"? I could try to get it compiled and posted between then and 6:00 p.m. - I think that would allow him to see it early in the day on his birthday in Australia (not that we expect him to be spending time on a computer that day, but just in case)! Steve - would you have time Sunday evening - or whenever - to send it to Dewey via e-mail? I know you said you would, just want to get it ready for you to allow you time too.

Vic, thanks for sharing your "imaginary" last verse to AHWNN with the chat folder group. What a flattering tribute to Dewey on his 52nd birthday! Great job!
Sir Joe

Dewey, since first hearing "A Horse With No Name", nearly 32 years ago, I have been intrigued. It has remained my favorite of all time. As my contribution to your birthday poem, I have written another verse to this special song. Hope I have not violated poetic etiquette. : )


on the last day of the Journey
i was standing
gazing out at the Sea

the Sun had gone down
in the western Sky
the moon was rising high in the east

the stars came out
and the Desert cooled down
as i knelt at the end of the land

the stars fell down
and the moon went dark
and i saw myself in the Sand

Life is a Desert
with the living Above
at the end the Sea is waiting deep blue

there's life in the Ocean
but it's lived unseen...
Happy 52nd Sir Dew

Vic
Tucson, Az.

Thanks Jenna/jimbob - glad it brightened up your day Jenna and Jessie from Maui, we are very lucky indeed to live in such special places as Perth/Maui. A BIG thanks to SteveL who we have been keeping very busy of late with all the action following the guys.

And Today's The Day - we'll be giving a warm west coast of OZ welcome to the guys tonight ...
Chris

Steve, thanks for that fantastic video! I'd forgotten how much I love that one! Now if you could only get the Hope video for us to download :>)

I'm not aware of any other music videos except for "Hope".

The You Can Do Magic video was fantastic! Wi-uw! Felt like i was 18 again! ha! Thanks for the tip on loading it!
However, I am still trying to load the On The Border one! hmmm......

Jessie

What other videos has America done? I have seen clips of the Hope video. Were there any other videos for singles like Right Before Your Eyes, Cast The Spirit, Special Girl, Young Moon, or From A Moving Train?

Gidday all; first off, Chris,you must be pretty amped by now! Have a great time tonight as Im sure you will! Likewise Margaret, Goanna and all the other Aussies about to be treated! Only 17 days to go til the guys hit NZ for the Auckland show and Im starting to get pretty excited. Its always neat reading fans concert reviews, but cos we are so far away here, its easy to feel a bit removed from the whole thing.Especially, until 2 years ago, they came here only sporadically, with the previous show being 18 years before. Rather than slowing down, the world tour this year is surely covering more miles than theyve done in a long time, and you guys in the UK are undoubtedly making your travel arrangements to Europe, if you havnt done so already. At long LAST Gen!! We will be having an American musicfest for a week; Gerry and Dewey on the Tuesday night, then the following Saturday we have The Beach Boys and Chicago on the same bill. From the pic in the newspaper ad, it looks as if its Mike Love, Al Jardine and Bruce Johnston plus a few others that make up the band. And our Solid Gold radio station was last night advertising a competition for listeners to win tickets to a Robert Lamm show, not available to the general public, which will be filmed for a dvd release. Finally, regarding Gerry's influences, its undeniable that both McCartney and Brian were huge, and both G & D acknowledge both these bands as being THE ones, yet to my ears, the first album reflected little from either band. Enjoy the weekend folks.

By popular demand I'll be leaving The Border video on the America Fans web site for you to download. That should give everyone the weekend to work out any download problems that they're having. As an added bonus, I have also uploaded the You Can Do Magic video which willl be available to download for a few days as well. The best way to download these videos is probably by RIGHT clicking on the links above with your mouse and then selecting the option that says something like "Save Link Target As". From there you can save the file to your hard drive where you can play it after it finishes downloading.

Enjoy the videos and have a great weekend!

--SteveL

Steve & Chris, Thanks for passing along the gorgeous photo's! It's always cheerful to see photo's of beaches & paradise....wish I were there right now! They cheered up my day in a cubicle.

Nice sentiments and feeling in your verses Nancy, Chris and Moser. Terry T yours just blew me away! Brilliant! Look forward to seeing the rest, only 2 1/2 days left to those who are still contemplating on entering a verse or two. Remember we have to allow Karen time to put it all together, so in other words, get goin!;0)

Sir Joe

Absolutely. In the moment I had forgotten about "Mad Dog" and "What Does It Matter." They are both wonderful songs, and both are chock full of McCartney-isms. They are, I think, better examples than the songs I cited.

I agree with Speech. I have always considered Gerry and Paul to be in the same musical vein. I have often thought of them as "SSDB" which is Same Soul, Different Body or as Gerry being "McCartney: The Next Generation." There are many examples of similarities and Speech has listed some. Two songs that I have always considered very McCartney-esque happen to be on the same album--Mad Dog and What Does It Matter. I wonder if they were inspired by some of McCartney's solo work released just prior to Holiday on Band On The Run. I think it's fair to say that Gerry may aspire to be spiritually like George Harrison but he is definitely musically inspired by Paul McCartney. One note to clarify that, spiritually to me is not religiously. Those, to me, are two very different characteristics.
PS: Van Go Gan is littered with McCartneyisms. That's not to imply that it is not very original. It is. It's just very appealing (to me) for many of the same reasons that I adore McCartney music.

I think you're right about George Harrison being Gerry's stated fave. Note that I didn't say Gerry had called McCartney his favorite Beatle. I said he'd included him among his chief influences. There is simply no way to say "the Beatles and the Beach Boys had the greatest influence on me" (which Gerry has said) without indicating that Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson were among your chief influences. Whether he wrote, co-wrote or simply contributed concepts and/or sweetener, McCartney's careerism, creative vision and musicianship were the "engines" that most typically drove the Beatles (Lennon grudgingly admitted as much in later years). And anyone who has followed the Beach Boys understands they were never much more than a vehicle for Brian Wilson's persona (along with whoever he was collaborating with at the time.) Beyond that, the evidence is in Gerry's songs. His "Another Try," for example, and "Goodbye," are both songs that -- musically and lyrically -- are from the McCartney music hall school. The piano chording on "Your Mother Should Know" is one musical reference point, as is "Hello Hello," "Maxwell's Silver Hammer" and "Martha My Dear," and on and on, at least to these ears). Not only do these songs borrow from McCartney musically, but their lyrical sensibility McCartney-esque as well. As for Brian Wilson, the tune "Sarah" sounds to me like nothing so much as an update -- and homage to -- Wilson's melancholy "Caroline, No." And the middle segment of "Overwhelming World Suite" is a ringer for "Sunflower"-era Beach Boys.

I received the following message from Jessie in Maui and I thought it would be interesting to share it with all of you:

Hi Steve,
Aloha! Jessie from Maui here... it's 6:30 a.m.... very early morning here. Friday.

Really have enjoyed this site and all your work... very new to it. Just came on to it after seeing that incredible show here on Maui. Dewey and Gerry are miracles. I sat there marveling at their incredible persona and how an 18 and 19 year old defied all odds to become one of the greatest teams of all times. They are just like the BEATLES to me.

I am so sad! I wasn't able to get to the ON THE BORDER download in time. Will it be available again? [Note From Steve: It's still available and will be for another day or two.]

I have to tell you.... did the guys fly out on Sunday? That was a true Maui picture that Gerry shared with everyone. It is like that 360 days of the year. ha!

I hope Gerry got a little bit of sun before he flew out.... They played Saturday night and Sunday was a little cloudy. (I live a minute or so from the hotel room that Gerry took the picture from... we always swim at that beach.) It is called Ulua Beach. (:

Maui continued to be partially cloudy for a few days... THEN! WHAM! The Hawaiian Islands was hit by a very big tropical storm on Wednesday... 45 mph winds and lots of wind!!!!!!!!!!! SO! I was happy to see that they were in Australia and missed our EXCITING inclement weather! ha!

Please thank Gerry and Dewey for doing the concert inside the Maui Arts and Cultural Center theatre. It was intimate and the sound and song line up was TERRIFIC! We attended the Steely Dan concert last month out on the lawn on the same property and it all got lost. It was too big and they played all the wrong songs. Not the ones we wanted to hear. They played the ones THEY wanted us to hear.

America rocks on as #1 on Maui.

Palm trees are back to swaying ..........sun is shining again.....

Jessie

P.S. I want to share another beach picture with you![Click here to see the bonus photo] This is how Maui is...... This beach is connected to the beach that Gerry took a picture from his hotel window. It is just below our home.......

Click here to see a bonus shot from Perth that was sent to me by Chris (Holiday). Chris took this photo just down the road from his place recently. It is called Scarborough Beach and it will be in the 90's (F) again today. They have a wonderful city there and he is very proud to have Gerry and Dewey here for a few days to enjoy it.

TGIF Everyone :)

WOW ~~ Mo & Holiday ~~ I enjoyed reading both of your Poems, Let the Pages keep on flowing! ~~ Like Mo too, I was trying to find the best words I could to Spell out our Dewey! Sooo Here is my Poem for Dewey ~ Karen! :)

Dewey ~ Dewey ~ Dewey :)

You are a Nice "One of a Kind" Truly
We Love the Kaleidoscopic View from your mind For Surely
Your ways with "Dreaming in Metaphor" Lyrics
Carries us off with Gentle Breezes into Rainbow Colored Skies
and Quenches our Insatiable Thirst for Life's Simple Pleasures

Sooooo on this Your Birthday
I am Sending 3 Wishes Your way
Lots of Love, Happiness & Wealth to Stay
the whole year through
We Sure do Appreciate the "Gift of You"

Soooo Much More I Could Say
Nancy Holtz ~ from PA :) :) :)

Loved your poem Moser. I had written a little piece about the band about 2 years back using some of Dewey's own words, so I thought I'd rehash it this Perth-concert-eve. We had a beautiful laid-back warm day today, in the 90'sF, with the same tomorrow, so I'm sure the guys would have loved the free (downunder) wind blowin' thru their hair along our coast ... ha ha

Burswood say it's almost all sold out tomorrow night and the theatre seats around 2,200 fans ....

For Sir Dew

Right from the start back in '72
Those early songs were full of hope so true
From songs of the desert to feeling free
You taught us to see things differently
You had us livin' by the riverside
Livin' life on the high tide
That moment lost can still be found
For you see beauty all around
You're still ridin' on that dark horse
(You know .. the one with no name)
Still letting life takes its course
Now step back inside, you've nothing to hide
By taking life like a big long ride

Keep on runnin' guys

Regards
Chris

I've been waiting for a bit of inspiration on this Dewey birthday poem thing. Finally, tonight, while lying in bed trying to fall asleep, I came up with a start of something and had to get up to write it down. Here's the (I guess) finished product.

I've always admired your talent, Sir Dew.
Matched in its brilliance by only a few.

A strong cosmic power surely had a hand
To help you, Dan, and Ger form your band.

Like sons of the same Mum together at last,
Your destiny was sealed to succeed oh so fast.

But time has been kind to you, both body and soul.
You're still such a charmer who can really rock 'n roll.

So, this year, when you take time to celebrate Your Day,
Take stock of the people you have inspired in some way.

There are many of us across the globe, that's true
Who've enjoyed music for over thirty years thanks to you.

Happy Birthday, Dewey, from this devoted fan
Who's hoping you make music 'til you're a really 'Old Man'!!

My best,
Moser
Upstate NY

"Perhaps, I'm mistaken," rather.

Didn't Dewey say that his favorite Beatle was John? Has Dan ever said who his favorite Beatle is/was? I doubt that it's George, but Dan's story about bumping into him while wearing the same garb is quite funny and very entertaining, I think.

<<Not unfitting ["syrup"] for a performer who has made it clear that his chief influences include Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson.>>

Speech (or anyone else) ~ I know Gerry has stated a number of times that he was greatly influenced by the Beatles, but I don't recall him specifically saying it was Paul McCartney. Perhaps I mistaken. I seem to recall Gerry saying that his FAVORITE Beatle was George. Or, am I wrong about this, too??? I would welcome any input.

Personally (and oddly), I like most all of the "syrupy" songs from the "Your Move" LP plus Sarah, Jody, and Stereo. I never was fond of Right Before Your Eyes, 5th Avenue, and Cinderella though.

Rich ~ Regarding Sometimes Lovers, I think it's a good song although I think Never Be Lonely would have been a good choice to follow YCDM as the next release.

I can't stand it! It's the fourth time in two months!

I'm downloading the video right now. Is it good? Which was thw best scene?

Hope all of you in the Northeast U.S. are keeping warm and safe with that winter weather you're getting! Watched Al Roker talking a bit about it this a.m.

Linda - Thanks for your poem to Dewey, you did a beautiful job! Short and sweet yet says so much.

Steve L - thanks very much for The Border video. (I think I need a class on "Downloading 101" - ha,ha!) I'm giving it a second try - started downloading it and went to work. (Husband and one son were in and out today to keep an eye on it, since it was going to take this computer 5+ hours.) Got home and someone had used the computer after it downloaded, then turned it off - looks like I have to start over. Couldn't find any sign of it anywhere on my hard drive - was it supposed to stay there? I'd only go though this much for America! :) Anyway, thanks for doing that for us!

I do really like "Sometimes Lovers" ,but, that said, my choice for a follow up to YCDM would have been "You Girl".....DanC.

One of my all time favorite Gerry ballads is "Sometimes Lovers" from roughly the same period as Cinderella, etc. I'm speculating that Gerry must think this is inferior to songs like "Inspector Mills" or "Never Be Lonely" since he never plays it in concert and it doesn't appear on any compilation records. I'd like to hear what other people think of this song - I've always liked it a lot more than "Right before your Eyes" and think it would have been a better follow up to YCDM. Any thoughts?

Rich

Hi hooo Everyone :) Chilllllly Brrrrrrrrr! It is soooo cold here!

Thank You ~ Thank You ~ Thank You Steve L ~~ What an AWESOME thing for you to do... I discoverd the link to the Border Video late late late last night... You can betcha I clicked on this and downloaded it, it took my ooooh soooo slow connection 5 hrs to download it, but sloooow and steady Dena Dell got the video in its entirety ~ Yes Yes Yes, and I have hit the replay button on my Real Player 10 times already... It sure was a Warm Treat to indulge in on this oooh sooo blustery day. Now I just gotta find away not to lose this video to the cybergremlins! :)

All of this talk about Cinderella, Honey, Right Before Your Eyes, Sarah ~~ Had me a hankerin to pop in my Perspective cassette. Dewey is here in my office singing ~~~ Neeeed you soooo bad, I'm dreamin out loud ~~~ Can't fall asleep on a Lullabye, and I Missss you sooo Much I don't wanna Cry, oooooo, you don't knowwww ~~~ oooh how I love this song, always have and always will! Same way with the songs Cinderella & Honey ~~ add to these Special Girl and Runaway.. In fact I know I have made it known here before that I absolutely love both the Perspective and Your Move albums... even tho Gerry & Dewey didn't write alot of these songs, and even tho these songs are classified as the "80's Sound" they are filled with alot of Lifes Simple Pleasures that bring sooo much Joy to me when I listen to them. I have worn out 2 cassettes of each of these ... I still look at the store to see if I can find them to have as backups... Maybe I will get lucky and be able to figure out how to put these on a CD sooo I can play them in my new bessieloo~who... I love the care free and innocence that I hear in both Gerry's & Dewey's voices on these songs, I had no problem hitting the replay button on all of the songs. ~~ I can remember when my daughter was around 3, and she just had to have Your Move played for her in the van, or in the bathroom while she got her bath... She learned alot of the songs from hearing me sing them and she eventually joined in singing them as well, I would even hear her singing them as she played... Sooooo I will say it again, I just love these Simple Pleasure Treasure songs, and I am sooo happy to have them among my collection. ~~ Hmmm ~~ the song Honey can MELT me instantly, I love that about it for sure! Stereo is on here now, this song is Simply Gerry ~~~ simply ooooh sooo nice. I love getting carried away with these songs. :) :) :)

Welcome aboard John :) ~~ Nice to hear from you, and pretty neat you will be getting to see AMERICA live after all of this time. I am sure you, Gen & Jason as well as Bruno will all be on Cloud 9 getting to take this in and it is an added bonus getting to meet others who love and appreciate this great music.. Completes the Magic nicely! ~~ I hope you will come back and post after the show. We all will be longing to hear all about these shows, after all the only way we have to experience these shows is through your eyes and ears and fingertips... Enjoy!!

Hi Linda S ~~ You are very much welcome! Nice Dewey poem! Take care! :)

Hi there TerryT & Nina too ~~ I really enjoyed reading both of your Dewey Poems... Slowly but surely we are unweaving a mystical loom of the things we love about our Dewey... I have been working on my Dewey Poem and I almost am ready to post it... I just gotta read it over and over a couple of times to be sure, it brings back to me what I wanted it to send to Dewey! :)

Hi Hooooo Red ~~ I sure hope to see a Dewey Poem from you! :) ;)

Well last but not least here, I just gotta say How Much FUN Last Nights Live Chat was... It was one moving, blast of a night... Thanks everyone for all of the Fun Fun Fun ~~ We sure did cover the songs didn't we..... WOW! Hope we can do it again and again and again! :):):)

Hey there Dan C ~~ It was nice to finally see you sign in at live chat, take care and come a little earlier the next time, sooo you can share your input... :)

Okay gotta get now take care everyone! Nancy :)

~~~ When I find her it will be a fairy tale for her and me, Iiii will never let her goooo, Cinderella, now the other girls, hold no fascination for me, I just think of her, wherever she may beee, I will search my whole life through, cause no one else will ever doooo, Cinderella, Cinderella, when I find her it will be a fairy tale for her and me, I will never let her goooo, she will give my heart a home, till that day I'll be alone ~~~ Nice song... gotta hit the rewind button now Excuse me! :) ;)

Nina and all,

Enjoyed reading your prose! (to use a big college word, might as well use that College education ha-ha!) Created right on the spot too! Liked the reference to "Hollywood" a great classic! Nina, are you an English Teacher? I always struggle every month when I have to write my Department's short newsletter which seems to many take days. Nina, regarding CD's I had a more positive note....I recently found Holiday & Hourglass available at a local Tower Records which I'd never seen before. Even saw a bunch of copies of Holiday Harmony too. I always see Homecoming/History/Greatest Hit's but never the first two, always had to get those on Amazon or some other site. I think they were $17.99 or $18.99. Even though I already had them I still picked up a few.....never know when the other's might wear out.

Erin, Perspective is one of the only CD's I don't have....think you may have convinced me to pick one up!

Hi all!
SteveL wrote: << I think that Gen is going to be at the Paris concert and she speaks English very well (along with numerous other languages). Gen, is it right that you'll be there? >>

Ya betcha!!! hehe
I will be there at the front and hopefully against the stage soon (coz it's sad when people just sit at concerts, no?)... but i'm pretty sure several of my dear Brit neighbours will be there too, and I seem to remember Jason is even going to spend a whole week-end over here with Madame!...
Thanks for the compliments anyway Steve! Love 'em ! hehe...

Btw, I dunno why my comp shows a broken quicktime file when I download the Border video... it seems to download normally though... MUST find a way to get it to work!!! Arrrrghhh!!
Gen.

Good points you brought up Speech. Except in my case, I don't have to be "in the mood" to listen Gerry's songs, I am comfortable with good pop or folk rock anytime! Specially when the melody and words are just right as is with "Sarah" and "Right Before Your Eyes", not so much with "Cinderella". What makes them so special to me is the soulful and tender phrasing in Gerry's youthful sounding, if somewhat nasal, vocals. It adds an undeniable poignancy and intimacy to his more significant ballads. Just my opinion on America's Master Balladeer.

Sir Joe

Same could be said of "Sarah," "Honey," and "Right Before Your Eyes," to name three that leap to mind. There's no doubt about it, syrup is one of the paints in Gerry's palette. It used to annoy me, but anymore I find it (in the right mood) part of the charm of his songwriting body of work. Not unfitting for a performer who has made it clear that his chief influences include Paul McCartney and Brian Wilson.

Hi everyone - we are in a deep freeze here in NY - so we all stayed home today!!! Thank you Mo & Nancy for your warm wishes for my folks - it is a very hard time to go through. Thank God they are pretty stable for now and have the BEST attitudes. My dad had pneumonia 3 times this last year, and other lung and liver problems. But he is doing pretty well right now for 79. And my mom has severe arthritis and uses a walker, but you would never know from their smiles. And oh yeah, they both had massive heart attacks about 10 years ago, and my dad a bypass. Anyway, we try as their children to do everything we can, and that is hard when you have an 8 year old and a 4 year old to take care of! I want to add my well wishes to Dewey today, although I was floored by your verse terry - did you ever try songwriting? :-) Well, here is mine:

Happy Birthday Dewey
from the bottom of my heart
Your songs have always intrigued me
right from the very start
Its been some journey
from the desert to the riverside
So enjoy this birthday and know
you are loved worldwide.

I was actually just listening to Cinderella, Stereo, 5th Avenue and a few others in my car this week. And I was just thinking again how much I like them.

Erin :o)

Hi Steve: Thanks so much for making this available. Enjoyed watching it so much!

Welcome to the Chat Folder, John. I think that Gen is going to be at the Paris concert and she speaks English very well (along with numerous other languages). Gen, is it right that you'll be there?

A fan for 30 years, all albums on vinyl and CD plus the latest concert DVD, I now have a front-of-house ticket to see America in Paris in March. I last saw them in London in the 70's. Sadly the tase of great british record listening public appears limited as records don't sell well here.... their loss. Is anyone else (english speaking) going ?

Gerry, I hope Melbourne's view is better! 20 years ago - Concert Hall revisited. Hope I get the chance to catch up, if not please have a great time and enjoy the tour.

For a very short time, "The Border" video will be available to download from the America Fans web site. Simply click on the following URL and then download the MPG file to your hard drive. From there you should be able to play it using Windows Media Player or most other media players. The file is 55.4 megabytes in size and took me over 40 minutes to upload using my fast DSL connection. So, if you're on a slow modem connection, expect it to take a LONG time to download. Here's the link: http://www.kingbiscuit.com/america/mp3/TheBorderVideo.mpg

As I said above, it will only be available for a very short time (perhaps a day or two). So, if you want it, you'd better download it right away.

--SteveL

I hate to say this, but I think a few of Gerry's songs from this period (including songs he didn't write but sang lead on)fall into the same category - Stereo and We've Got All Night from the same album are also examples. Runaway, Honey, Jody, Your Move fall into the same category. I hate to be too critical (just in case Gerry reads the site)but I find it hard to listen to these songs today. I just realized as I am writing this that most of the songs I mentioned weren't even written by Gerry. Its hard to determine how much of the "feel" of these songs was Gerry's or the producer's, but I've always been a bit dissapointed by these songs. They're catchy but, in my view, don't have much real feeling.

<<...I always liked that song ["Cinderella"], even though it is a bit too sweet to be cool.>>

Rich M ~ I agree with the latter portion of your statement. A person could have pancakes with the song...very syrupy...bordering on an overdose. Anyone else care to state their opinion???

Great poems, everyone! Double T, I especially enjoyed yours. It was a masterpiece...just as I expected. :0)

Hello, Nina! VERY nice poem, Nina! Wow - created on the spot?!!? You did an awesome job. (I also agree with you about the dollar store. Someone doesn't know what they're missing. Oh well, your gain - their loss!:) THANKS! Karen

...read on Jeff L.'s site that his cd is complete and to be released in the U.S. in April. He has the tracks listed. Check 'em out.

Carry on

Moser... Akamon Mo, you can always change your name! GO for it.

Karen L, I'm thinkin' somehow that Dew is always watching (out for) us anyway. The last line was referring to my own Dear Jane, whose birthday falls on the same day. Include body only, if so be it, or change "DewMeister" to "Meistro"... or "God". I mean, hey...

Vic, I knew that's what you meant, before your second post. Woulda soulda coulda. Kinda like when Johnny (or anyone) does an oops... except I most times read his oopses as the way he meant them and wouldn't have noticed otherwise... except for that one time... or was it two... not to mention the ones Howie & Robyn did once! hehe! sorry ;)

Nina... Nicely woven contribution! I totally agree.

Thanks all and Happy Birthday, Dewey!

In the past Poco has opened for AMERICA at Humphrey's. A real spectacular show by the water under Young Moon. AMERICA by the sea, in the summer time.

its on Perspective....I always liked that song, even though it is a bit too sweet to be cool. I heard it once on the radio in 1985.

Couldn't miss this opportunity to wish Dewey a "Happy Birthday" and add to the "America Fans Poem"! I've been "lurking" of late, with nothing of interest to share...AND little time to share IF I actually HAD something exciting going on! My best to everyone, especially the "birthday boy"! (Oh, I DID find about thirty copies of "Human Nature" in a dollar store the week after Christmas! Made me happy and sad at the same time. Our guys deserve better. Bought most of them to use next Christmas as stocking stuffers for family and friends.)

Here goes my poem, created on the spot:

Orange and yellow and purple and green
Adorn a cake so bright to be seen
Candles burning in celebration
Of a man who has our fascination
Filling our lives with so much song
Thanks for taking us along
Through deserts, canyons, highways you steer
Happy Birthday, Dewey, again this year!

Sorry about the duplicate message......ghosts in the machine!

Thanx, Serge!

Peace

When did I miss this song??? Gerry is singing it on my BoomerRadio. Is this off Perspective? Or Van Go Gan? Or Go Man Go? Albums I don't have..... Or is this a new solo??

Clear this up for me, guys! Thanks much!

Peace

Beth,
It's not new. You can find "Cinderalla" in the "Perspective" album.

Sergio

When did I miss this song??? Gerry is singing it on my BoomerRadio. Is this off Perspective? Or Van Go Gan? Or Go Man Go? Albums I don't have..... Or is this a new solo??

Clear this up for me, guys! Thanks much!

Peace

Traveler, I won't be able to confirm this until Humphrey's updates their web site in March. The best thing to do is to check with the venue and Humphrey's is pretty good about keeping their web site updated and correct. So, check with them in March.

Just went to the pollstar web site and did a venue search for Humphrey's resort in San Diego. Poco is now listed on the same date as AMERICA. SteveL can you confirm that POCO will be opening for AMERICA?

Nice blue skies over the cityscape. This reminds me a little of the album cover to "Perspective", "Down Under" style.;0)
Sergio

I'm not aware of any place to see the "Your Move" video clip. If I can get my hands on it and if it's not too big, I'll try to upload it so that everyone can see it.

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in Perth, WA.

Terry, that sould be "Riverside" rather than, "Don't Cross The River". Sorry. :/

Does anyone know if & where we can see the "Your Move" video clip

Is it available on this website or anywhere else, other than the photo clips...

thanks

Goanna

Hi Kevin,

Yes I'd have to agree Kevin, Alibi has been one of the most underated
albums of the guys... I also beleive the other underated album would be "Perspective". Whilst not keeping with the same production spec - as they may have done with their previous albums (apart from Veiw & Your Move) (which were come and just sing the tracks for us type albums) Perspective is a much more polished album of intricacies, especially the use of electronic drum kits and specialist instruments... I spoke to Gerry some time ago when he visted Australia back in the early 90's and he & Dewey signed a few album covers for us,,, he asked what was my favourite, and the first one that came to mind was Perspective, to which he replied "Yeah, it's one of mine too"... I said it was different to a lot of the other albums, a bit more electronic in sound... it seems that some of their albums just haven't had the airplay they really deserve. I honestly beleive that if given the airplay, we would have seen a truck load of Top 20 hits...

Goanna

<<Here's my translation of what Sergio said in the previous post: "Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, always America". How did I do Sir Joe?>>

PERFETTO! Signor Steve. I know it's a statement all of us on the chat folder can agree on.;0)

Terry, wonderful job man. What a great tribute! I particularity like your allusion to "Sandman" and "Don't Cross The River".

Here's my translation of what Sergio said in the previous post: "Yesterday, today, and tomorrow, always America". How did I do Sir Joe?

Ciao Bruno,

I really enjoyed the articles. It is so interesting to see how OUR favorite musical group is perceived in Italy. They should enjoy a great tour in "Italia Bella". I thought the translation was excellent. I took a little Italian in college and although I don't speak it I can still read it, add to that, my knowledge of Spanish and I could decipher the Italian version pretty well.

I too agree that "Survival" is a great song and should have been a hit here in the U.S.A. "Ieri, oggi, e domani, sempre America" (I hope my spelling is ok);0)

Sergio

terry t! I was hoping someone would post a poem today - so you made my day. THANKS soooo much for your wonderful contribution to our poem for Dewey! Such appropriate, thoughtful descriptions of "The DewMeister"! Just one question - would you please let me know if I should include the first and last lines of your post when I compile the poem? I'm talking about "For the DewMeister" and "(so many birthdays, so little time!)". I think those parts are great too - I just am wanting to be sure I understand if you intended them to be part of your poem or not. (I had to ask people that when we did Gerry's too.) On one hand I don't want to leave out anything meant as part of the poem, and on the other hand I don't want to include something that was meant as an outside comment. The only way to be sure is to ask, right? :)

Hey everyone - don't be shy! (Don't mean to rush you; we do have a few days left.) I know you're working on your poems . . . but, I hope you all know that the best part of our collective poem is that there is part of it from each of us. They don't have to be the same length, or say the same things. (Or, they CAN express the same ideas, if you wanted to say something that someone else already did. Don't let that hold you back! We all have our own way of expressing things, so that's unique itself.) It's whatever you want to tell Dewey about what he/his music means to you - or even just your wishes for him on his birthday. Take your time, but I think we all enjoy each other's poems - so don't be shy!





Wow - thanks again for such a great poem. Such appropriate descriptions of "The DewMeister"!

I am very happy that Steve (thanks Steve) publish Italian articles about America of Maria Cuono and Federico Visconti. I hope that translation give idea of opinions of this reporter (my friend Gerardo Di Pasquale is a good teacher of English).
(Pardon for my English)I think that albun ALIBI (album of very great success in Italy) is a very wondeful work.
For me is a big mistery because in USA album Alibi was'nt a great success (Survival is for me a super-song).
Italian articles are further demonstration that America have numerous
fans in the world.
Ciao hi Steve, Nancy, Johnny, Genevieve, Danae, Dave Balletto ( Italian surname or not?), Sergio, KevinS,Moser and All.
bruno

Wow, terry t!! That is so wonderful and expressive. I am ever impressed. Anything I could come up with would pale in comparison...makes me not wanna try! Way to go. I love it.

For The DewMeister:

the Minstrel's songs loved dearly
from intense but peaceful eyes
helped us all see clearly
through those foggy skies

ideas that came so naturally
weren't always what others could see
but some of those themes did actually
set many of us listeners free

some songs may have hinted at protest
but he stayed above the fray
by not naming names he delivers his best
without anger in the way

through Odysseys of splendor
he lets us fill in the blanks
between colors that he renders
for this I give him thanks

athough he seems to behave as such
he's not just an average guy
a reason so many love him so much
is he doesn't use fame as disguise

if on his side he continues to stay
I'll always stay on mine
enjoying what he has to play
until the end of time

(so many birthdays, so little time!)

AMEN KEVIN!!!!!!!!!!If they only released different singles - Survival
especially that would have been a "monster"...It was a little rockier with some great drum play and it could have been their Hotel California - Not saying it was on that level of an album - But an album that should FM stations that they were able to play some rockier song...HANGOVER got some airplay - I heard it several times.

Hi Everyone :)

Yes Yes Yes ~~ Double WOWS! ~~ Gerry ooooooh Gerry ~~ Thanks again for listening to Erin's Palm Tree request... I gotta say I went to bed last night with this great Pic on my mind... seeing it made me want to head off to Dreamland for sure... I just love how it looks like the clouds are coming down for a drink of water. Soooo AWESOME to get 2 completely different Pics of the same VFTHW ~~ A Double Dip Of Heaven for sure! ~~ Tall Treasures describe these Palm trees and how they blend with my Winter scene here ~~ Golden rings and Hair tied with ribbon, early spring when Winter's forgiven, Laughing Past Pleasures Warm By The Fire, Come Insideeeee, Silver vase take a Drink Flower Petal, Whistling songs like steam from the Kettle, carry Silence like driftwood that rise on the Tide, on the Tide, on the Tide, Tall Treasures Large as Alaska there forever never put out to pasture, then the night will fall, bringing Peace to all ~~~ Sing it Dewey & Gerry ~~~ Ooooooooh how this song is filled with Double Dips of Dewey's Metaphorphic Pleasures... Yep Just like I said a Double Dip Of AMERICA Heaven.... I am lovin it for sure ~~ Thanks Gerry & Dewey :) :) :) :) :) WOW Triple WOWS!!!!!

Caio Bruno ~~~ Thanks soo much to you, Steve L & Your friend that translatted these articles for us to drink in... I enjoyed the enthusiam found in them... I am sooo Happy that you will be having a Taste of AMERICA coming your way soon. Take care, :)

Hi there Jessie From Maui ~~ Thanks for posting about your magical night... Boy, I just gotta say I am really envious of you right about now... Why you may ask, Cause You got to see AMERICA there in this Heavenly atmosphere... WOW you are soo lucky to live there WOW! ~~ I will second your saying that they are the Best, and that they sound as good as ever ~~ Sooooo True for sure! :) We would love to hear more about this magical night, could you share the songlist of songs you got to hear with us. Did you get any pics? :)

Hi Kevin S ~~ Yeppers ~~ Why wasn't Alibi a bigger hit here in hte US, it is one of my up front favorites too. Nice :)

Okay gotta get now, take care all and have a great day! See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ Todaaaay there won't be no competition, I think today might be a One in a Million for meeee I've seen the sun drop below my roofline, I really think it might be a One in a Million DELIGHT, All of My Dreams Go With YOU Tonight, we'll walk down the roads of our impatience, and if One of Us has to fall, we won't be tooo proud to call, some doors I've closed just to reopen, and then sometimes everything wrong turns to right, alll of my dreams go with you tonight, One Night, One in a Million twilight lasting us through tomorrow..... Sing it Gerry, thanks you are the best! :) :)

PS ~~ Steve L I will second Alan's saying you are the best Webmaster too, such a Nice thing for you to do... putting Alan's songs on here to download... Now everyone can get to hear Alan's Hidden Talent. Nice :) :)

Yes...thank you. Palm trees make my day. Someday I will live in LA or Hawaii and be surrounded by them.

Erin :o)

Why Alibi wasn't a bigger hit in the US is beyond me. It's among America's very best.

KevinS.

Erin wrote, "I will do anything for a palm tree." Well, it looks like she didn't have to do anything for a palm tree...Gerry sent two. Cool. Thanks.

I think I am going to name those two coconut palm trees in the forefront Dewey and Gerry, Gerry is the taller of the two:0)
I am a big fan of palm trees too, thanks for the tropical pics,
Sir Joe

Ahhhh....the return of Gerry's VFTHW A N D a Bonus shot!! Life is good.

Ciao Bruno ~ I, too, today rec'd the AMERICA articles you sent. It's quite interesting that you can send the articles to two different people living in two different states here in the U.S. and they arrive on the SAME day from so far away.

Thanks for sending the articles and for caring enough to share them with everyone via the website!

Also, "Ciao" to Maria, Umberto, and Littl' Pierfrancesco!!! I know you will have a WONDERFUL time on March 11th! :0)

After being away for so many years, the now legendary Anglo-american rock-pop group will give a number of concerts in several European nations including Italy, where fond fans highly appreciate their music. Major Italian cities will enjoy their magic and extraordinary musical performances. The group will be in Naples on March 11, 2004 at the Palapartenope Theatre; then the successive performances will be in Rome on March 10, in Milan, Genova and Catania on March 13.

In the early 1980's, this extraordinary group traveled across the length and breadth of Italy and their live performances were incredibly successful, which was also partly due to the previous success of their "Alibi" album. In Campania they gave a concert at the Cava dei Tirreni Stadium with an audience of over 20,000 fans. In that same year the Rolling Stones also toured Italy, but the America group was no less successful.

During a very popular RAI program called Discoring, that was braodcast in the early 1980's, the presenter introduced the America Group with these words: "Ladies and Gentlemen, here is the real rock music, that is, the America group." In fact, Dan Peek, Dewey Bunnell, and Gerry Beckley, the musicians that founded the America group, rightfully belong to the rock-pop music history. In the 1970's and 1980's they produced so successful international hits that sold millions of copies worldwide: A Horse With No Name, and Sister Golden Hair were topping the list of the American best sellers; we must also remember such pieces as Ventura Highway, Tin Man, You Can Do Magic, Survival, and so on. This last piece was number one in Italy in the lucky year 1982 and was a pleasant sound track in the broadcast of the Italian football (soccer) team World Championship in Spain. In the 1990's they also produced a collection of highly appreciated pieces, such as Hourglass and Human Nature. Typical of the Group is to give their Albums names that often begin with the letter H; maybe that is against bad luck, since one of their best hits, Horse With No Name, has become a rock-pop music icon, that has been exploited in Italy to publicize the Rock Encyclopaedia published by De Agostini, the very well known publishing House.

After their 30-year long career, Dewey Bunnel and Gerry Beckley, along with the other famous musicians, are still enjoying the great favour of the audiences with over 100 concerts a year and with hits that are often best sellers composed in collaboration with very famous musicians, who also worked with other famous rock-pop groups like Eagles, Beach Boys, Toto, Fleetwood Mac, Chicago. Pieces from their latest Album called Human Nature and from an updated collection of hits are at the top of the hit lists in Spain, New Zealand, Australia with awards of gold and platinum disks; good sales have also been reported in Germany and Holland.

In short, the America group concert in Naples on March 11, 2004 at the Palapartenope Theatre is a unique, and maybe the last chance for the Agropoli and Salerno fans (above all, for the very young who may know the group only by name) to enjoy their live performance and meet the members of one of the world's most famous rock-pop groups personally. It is during the live performances that musicians show their value and talent at their best. Therefore, see you all at the Palapartenope Theatre in Naples on March 11, 2004!!

The famous American pop-rock group called America will give a series of performances in Europe next year. They will stop in several Italian cities, too, including also our region; in fact the group will give a performance in Cava.

This world famous group has sold 40 million records all over the world and their numerous musical shows have always been attended by countless fans. We still remember their great Italian performance in September 1982; that was their last performance in South Italy and took place at the "Simonetta Lamberti" Stadium at Dava di' Tirreni in the province of Salerno. On that occasion lots of fans rushed there from all over South Italy to enjoy the America live music. The Cava Stadium was full up by a 25,000 strong audience that was spellbound by their music.

At present, a performance has been scheduled for the Campania region at the Palapartenope in Naples on Thursday, March 11, 2004.

The America group will never forget the warm welcome by the Salerno people and might return to our province, hopefully at the Cava Stadium again.

There is another nice fact that links the famous American group to the province of Salerno: the Lawyer Bruno Mautone, as mayor of Agropoli and a great fan of the American group, tried to contact the manager of the America again and invite the group to come to the Cilento area. On that occasion, the mayor of Agropoli promised to give the group his perfectly working 1951 "topolino" Fiat, in order to see the group performing live. Unfortunately, their trip here was put off and never materialized.

After so many years the America group is still in perfect shape with over 120 performances a year worldwide. Theris is a vast and refined repertoire that includes mythical music pieces, such as A Horse With No Name, Ventura Highway, You Can Do Magic, and so on.

Now then, all their fans can only look forward to March 11, 2004 to reach the Palapartenope Theatre in Naples and also hope to see them back to the Salerno province.

Today I received a couple of newspaper articles from Bruno Mautone that he sent to me from Italy. You can click on the links below to read them (assuming you can read Italian). For the rest of us who can't read Italian, Bruno was kind enough to send me the translations which were done by Gerardo di Pasquale who is an English teacher that Bruno knows. I'll type in the translations in the next two Chat Folder posts.

Click here to read the first article from the December 14, 2003 issue of "Il Salernitano"
Click here to read the second article from the December 31, 2003 issue of "Il Cittadino"

Thanks for sharing Bruno!

Click here to see the bonus shot that Gerry sent me from Maui, HI.

Did I mention that I have a pathetically slow dial up connection?

Steve Lowry has just e-mailed me to let me know that he has burned MP3s of my demo songs and is hosting them on his web site for the next 2 - 3 weeks! He thought it would save me some $$$ in burning and shipping CDs, and those who are interested won't have to wait for a CD to come in the mail to listen.

If you are interested in hearing my demos and haven't requested the CD yet, just send me an e-mail and I will reply with the links to the URLs where you can go and download them.

Steve, many thanks for being so thoughtful and considerate. You are the greatest web host in the world!!!

Alan

p.s. If you've got a pathetically slow dial-up connection (like me) and no patience to wait for the files to download (like me),you may still request a CD.

I usually skip the VFTHW pics because it takes so long to load them with my pathetically slow dial-up connection and I usually am in a hurry to get caught up on the posts as I have a limited ampount of free time. But I just had to look at the pics from Hawaii, and boy am I glad I did! Talk about spectacular! It sure is nice to at least be able to LOOK at tropical scenes as I freeze to death up here in Maine! I am hearing that Wednesday we're supposed to have the LOWEST temperatures ever for our state (szince they've been keeping records, anyway). I've lived in Maine all my life (what can I say? I'm a masochist!)and I can tell you - I've seen some pretty low temps. Scary!

Anyway, thanks Gerry for at least warming my heart! You guys just don't know how lucky you are (or maybe you do).

Alan

Hi Gerry and Dewey!
We saw you in concert last night here on Maui! My gosh....You two were incredible!!! You had the audience ready to riot if you didn't come out to do a hana hou! haha! and, thank you for accomodating our riotous noise! It was wonderful to sit there and witness something as great as the Beatles. You guys are miracles of my youth...we are just 2 years younger than you. My husband and I were
smack dab in the middle, front row! ( I couldn't beleive we had those great seats too! WOW!) Oriental couple...I had a black leather jacket on......but you just probably saw white teeth smiling at you from which ever way you looked off stage. ha!
I just wanted to tell you that of all the concerts that we've been to recently, YOU GUYS HAD THE BEST Song LINE UP! Thank you, thank you for bringing the great times of my youth back with the same wonderful sound and talent!!!!!!
I was smiling to see the picture from your hotel room here on Maui. We live about 2 minutes from that hotel room that you looked out your window.........it's truly paradise here. We were so happy to hear that Dewey's son lives here on Maui! MANY Thanks for coming to Maui. May there be a beautiful sunset out that window this evening ( it's kinda cloudy today!) We love ya, America!!!
Aloha...Jessie

Me Again :)

I noticed that my keyboard keys kinda got the hiccups when typing AMERICA in my reply back to Lynne... Sorry bout that! :)

Gotta get now ~~ See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ I'm heading out over an Ocean of blueeeee, trailing way far behind, HOPING it won't turn me down, that it won't turn me around.... ;) :)

Sir Joe, (The) "Sheltering Sky" it is.

<<By the way Vic and Nancy, thank you so much for your kind comments on the Dewey verses.>>

You and Karen have set the bar high.

Happy Monday Everyone :)

Just taking a Moment to say Thanks to Chris (holiday) for you neat post, I love those song lyrics and how nicely they fit the VFTHW pics from Hawaii.. Thanks for the SMILE you brought to my ooooh sooo cold grey morning here. ~~ Six More days and you will get to Bask in AMERICA's Magic... WOW ~~ Be sure and come tell us all about it Okay? Thanks :)

Welcome Lynne ~~ Thanks for posting about the great time you had seeing AMERICA with Chicago there in Hawaii this past weekend. ~~ Yes they do Sound soooooo Good and it is sooo Nice to have them still performing all of their great songs for us... They have aged like Fine Wine don't ya think soo?? Hmmm ~~ My inquiring mind is wondering if AMERERICA opened for Chicago or the visca versa, and could you tell us if you heard the long playlist or short one of AMERICA's. I would love to know some of the Chicago songs you got to hear done too. Take care, and have fun joining in on the posting! :)

Hi Anita ~~ I hope I don't get BOOTED as much at next weeks listen to Hat Trick... it was a lively, fun night at live chat last night! :)

Hi there Gen ~~~ Sooo good to hear from you, did you get my last reply back email? Take care :)

Gee Vic ~~ I am gonna have to second Sergio's "Sheltering Sky" as the answer for Gerry's song to your trivia question...

Take care everyone, have a good day, See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ I drive to the Coastline looking for VISUAL PLEASURES to catch my Mind ~~ the SUN turns around and hits me on the shoulder, I flllly away, ~~ due to the situation this morning, all in the worlds okaaay, I head down Sunset, North to Santa Barbara, we saiiiil awaaaay, I could live in the walls of a prison, where the warm summer winds would never bloooow, then again, think of what I'd be missing, how some do it I'll never know, I'll never know ~~~ I must of been of spent a lifetime as a Sailor, sailing the ocean blueee, but every single waterway leads to youuuu, tooo you ~~ Nice song Gerry ~ Sing it for me Once More! :) ;) :) Thanks for bringing a Ray of Warmth to my ooooh sooo cold night & day! ~~ Tiny Bubbles carry Gerry, Dewey, Woodzy, Willie & Richard safely to their next Port! Cheers all! ;) :) :)

Wow. Beautiful. I will do anything for a palm tree.

Erin :o)

Hope everyone who participated in the listening party last night enjoyed it as much as I did. Great to have everyone there. Next Sunday night at 9 pm EST we will listen to Hat Trick. Hope you can make it!

"Oh you'll never know Hawaii 'til you've kissed an Island girl
And she's hung a ginger lei about your neck
'Til you've danced the hula hula on a beach of sand and pearl
And have eaten opihis by the peck
'Til you've hung your every garment on a big Kamani tree
And have felt the foaming surf about your knees
'Til you've plunged into the breakers with a cry of pagan glee
In a bathing suit of moonlight and a breeze
'Til you've seen the lunar rainbow's phantom arch across the blue
And have watched the Southern Cross dip into the sea
'Til the singing (America) boys have stabbed your heart
With music ... thru and thru
'Til you've raced the silver surf at Waikiki"

....... with apologies to Don Blanding

It will be like a post-Xmas in California down here for the guys with this Hot Town averaging 100F all this week, more like being under a Sweltering Sky; with Molten Love from the audience and help from the God Of The Sun, the guys will again Do Magic.

Hawaii will warm the guys up nicely for their opening concert downunder here in Perth - thanks for the photo Ger and we look forward to seeing a great show this Saturday.

Chris

I think you are referring to "Sheltering Sky"...

By the way Vic and Nancy, thank you so much for your kind comments on the Dewey verses.

Have a great week,

Sir Joe

<<WOW ~ WOW ~ WOW ~~ What a Pic!>>
Second that! Really great one! Liked the colors/shades in the waikiki one too btw. Thanks Gerry.
Gen.

Gerry - have we ever told you how much we appreciate your VFTHW pictures??!!?? :) Well, do we ever! Especially now. Before I saw these, yesterday I bought a "Tropical Islands" calendar for my desk at work. Well, your pictures are even better! Thanks so very much, Gerry! Wishing you, Dewey & everyone safe travels and good times as you begin your 2004 World Tour!! We're all looking forward to the pictures. Karen

Hi Gerry,

Thanks for your latest VFTHW

Picture postcard photo....!!! one of your best yet...!!!

We hope that Hawaii is brining back some of those pleasent memories
of producing "Harbour"

& thanks Steve for posting it...!

Goanna

Correct.

What song, written by Gerry, has virtually the same title, as a novel, about a husband's and wife's journey into the Saharan Desert.

Nightowl Nancy here again :)

Just gotta say I 3rd Mo & Sergio's WOW's ~~~ Gerry this Pic is More than Spectacular.... Geez what a rolling landscape.... this had to take your breath away.... You can betcha I have this one saved to use as a Background pic... Wow ~~ what Visual Therapy for these tired eyes of mine.... Thanks Gerry ~~ What a way to head off to my big pillow, Nice Dreams are sure to be heading my way! :) :) :)

Hi there Am Girl ~~ Thanks for sharing this with us... it is awesome how it feels soooo good to hear our great gems playing on the radio... kinda makes me feel like the first time hearing them played... Nice :)

Thanks for the fun at live chat tonight... After getting Booted about 12 times... I finally got to share the gift of gab... Okay gotta go now, my big brown eyes are calling it quits and I am gonna send this before I lose it to the cybergremlins.... Nice Dreams everyone, Nancy :)

~~~ Ooooh darlin, ooooh darlin I onlyyyyy wanna seee you, I only wanna seeeee you ~~~ Cornwall Blank ~~ Sing it Dewey! :) ;)

Thanks for the wonderful pictures, Gerry. Hope you and the band have a few days to enjoy this tropical paradise before you head off "down under."

In a Hot Town.

Where might you find a "dry", "greasy spoon", with the A/C on the "blink".

WOW. And I thought the first one was awesome. This is just amazing. I remember a caption Gerry wrote under a particularly poor view from his hotel window that said, "So, you want to be a rock 'n roll star?" Love that dry humor, Ger. Anyway, looking at this picture, I'd have to say well, um, YEAH!!! Sign me up. Thanks for the pictures, sir. They're great.

WOW! What a way to start the new year...Nothing like some coconut palms, the sea, and a majestic mountainous backdrop- a tropic heaven. Thanks for the pictures Gerry.:0)
Sir Joe

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in Wailea, HI.

Karen and Sir Joe, great stuff in honor of Dewey.

<<Getting back to the lady that falsely claimed that she had bought the winning lottery ticket. What AMERICA song title, covers this story?>>

Johnny wrote:

<<"NO FORTUNE" of "TALL TREASURES" in the amount of "1960"00,000.00 because "SHE'S A LIAR".>>

Any one of those 4 titles would be a good answer, all 4 together is great answer. The one I was looking for was "She's A Liar"

It's nice to hear 'surprise' airplay for our guys. This morning WDRV-FM (Chicago) played 'Riverside' on the weekly 'Rock and Roll Roots' radio program. What a treat! I've heard 'Sandman' and hits like 'Ventura Hwy', 'Horse', 'Tin Man', but no album cuts. I smiled big when I heard it come on, and I also thanked the show host via e-mail. Nice!

Did I miss it It's 5 pm here.................................

Hi Everyone :)

Nice ~ Nice ~ Nice ~~ Thanks Gerry ~ What a Neat view you have there from your hotel window. I could almost feel the gentle warm breeze that was making those soft waves on the Ocean... I love how the Palm Trees shadows are sihloetted on the side of the Hotel, and it is soooo neat to see some people there enjoying some fun in the water. ~~ I hope you all get some time to enjoy this atmosphere. I have my Harbor Promo tape playing here, and the Narrator said that the reason the 3 of you decided to get away to the island of Kauai, Hawaii, was to take some time and rest after touring... and to take some time to work on some new songs for the next album... WOW! ~~ Hmmm ~~ I am kinda curious if being there in Hawaii, has brought back Memories of this time back in 1976... Nice :) Gerry is here singing ~~~ Golly Dad she was the best thing I've ever had, torn and battered due for repair, but she's not there, what does it matter, do you really care, with no one to turn to, when she's not there, but it's alright I'll get byyyyy ~~~ Oooooooh Gerry I get goosebumps hearing you sing this ohhh sooo nice song... :) :) :)

Hi Linda :) ~~ Nice hearing from you again, Yes I too remember you well. Just like Karen & Mo, I enjoyed you sharing your reviews on the shows that you and your daughters went to last year. Nice to hear you are taking Guitar lessons. I applaud you and Mo, I have many a times said that I wished I could play the guitar or the piano. I am sorry to hear your parent's health hasn't been sooo good. It is hard to watch them have to go through these illnesses, and we never feel like we can do enough to help them at a time like this. ~~ I am lucky enough to have my parents still here. My Mom has had a condition that caused here arteries to grow little leaders and wrap around her nerves in the back of her head, causing her to have problems with her balance and nerve damage that caused her to have a steady roaring sound in her ears. She has had 2 major surgeries for this, it is just ashame that her condition wasn't diagnosed earlier on, before the nerve damage was done. In spite of all this she is a true inspiration, she takes things a day at a time and is always willing to help out any way she can. My Dad has had a couple close calls with bad heart attacks and he suffers from arthritis, from all the years of working outside in the weather as a Oil & Gas deliveryman... I really think that the Grandchildren being around have helped them over the past couple of years. It is amazing the affect a childs simple gift of gab can have on them. ~~ A Little about Me ~~ I am probably older than you, I have been married for 25 1/2 years and have 4 children ~ Ages 23~18~11& 8. I found this oooh soo neat site about 3 years ago, and I started posting about 2 years ago in March. I have loved AMERICA's music since the very beginning, when I was 14 years old. I have seen them 3 times and I was Lucky enough to get to meet both Gerry & Dewey last April 1st, also I got to meet Mo & her sister & friends, as well as Sheldon & his wife Debi, it was alot of fun getting to meet them, what a Dream Come True Night, I will keep hitting the refresh button on it in my Memory banks forever. ~~ Please do come and join us at live chat, Mo has spelled it all out nicely, along with Steve providing the site address. Never a dull moment at live chat, and it is sooo fun sharing the Gift of Gab with all of our fellow fans... Keep on a posting too ~~ I enjoy reading everyone's Ramblins ~~ whether they are short or lonnnnnnnng. See you :)

Hi Karen & Sergio ~~ Nice Dewey Poems... I am still here working on mine... I have it started, but I keep on changing the middle of it... I will be sure and get it done soon. :)

Hi Jimnak ~~ That would be awesome for Dewey to write a book one day... WOW!!!! I would love getting lost in its chapters for sure. ~~ Hmmm ~~ My inquiring mind has a question for you Jimnak, I read your post on the venturahwy message board, where you said that The Last Unicorn DVD is going to be released on amazon.. Well I went there last night and kept on trying to find this, I would love to preorder this to add to my AMERICA collection, could you please tell me how to find it on amazon, is it only available to those who had put in an earlier request? ~~ Thanks, feel free to email me if you want! :)I do have the movie taped, I had accidently taped it from a free HBO movie weekend, for my daughter, then when I heard the music on it... I was pleasantly surprised to find it was by AMERICA, needless to say I was soooo glad that I had decided to tape this movie...

Gerry is on my tv singing that oooh sooo nice song Special Girl... I love this song, boy are they all looking mighty fine.... :) ;)

Gee Dan C ~~ Don't ya ever get a Hankerin to read your own emails??? What a shame! ~~ I was listening to some early Beach Boys songs earlier this morning... and I was surprised to come across their version of that oooh sooo nice remake song that Gerry & Dewey do sooo well ~~ California Dreamin ~~ The BB's do a pretty nice job on it as well. ~~ I got to hear Cottonfields, as well as Lady Linda ~~ they sure had some nice magic in harmonizing too, didn't they? :) :) :)

Hmmm ~~ Someone recently had mentioned in a post, that they wondered if AMERICA had ever been on a Dick Clark show... well the answer to this is yes... They sang Ventura Hwy on it.... Hmm the show was called Golden Greats... ~~ Yes Sergio ~~ I can appreciate your excitement about Steve O's Top 40 cd.... I have it too, and when I first took a listen to it I got those ooooh soo nice spine tingling chills all over me... I loved listening to it, and it was fun listening to all of the little mistakes... like how at times Gerry's name was said wrong... it has been awhile since I heard it, I am gonna get it back out and take another listen... Thanks to Steve O and others that have been sooo generous in making these past pleasure's available to us.... :)

Hi Mo & Sheldon ~~ Mo thanks for updating us on your Dad, that is sooo great to hear that his cancer has gone into remission this way. ~~ Keep on playing that guitar, maybe you can teach me how to play then :) ~~ Nice seeing a post from you Sheldon ~~ Yes it is sooooo cold, that it steals your breath when you first go outside... Mr. Moon is making his presence known way up in the night sky... it is in the single digits here, and we are having off and on again snow showers... Take care and stay warm! :)

Well thats about all for now, hope to see you all for the Homecoming listening party.... Wow my most favorite album for sure... I am hoping I can have the tv to put in my audio dvd if not I will have to put it here on my puter dvd player... See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ Fascination, with the light in your hair, a Celebration, nothing else can compare, An Invitation to share my life with you, Stepping forward reaching out for your hand, Hear the music of the sea on the sand, like a vision rising out of the blue ~~ Looking like a Young Moon in the Heaven, Mother to the Stars, Young Moon guide us tonight..... we are here in this moment, shining twice as bright, we are here for You to see, Bright Lights, Long Shadows, tonight we can handle all of the doubts we may hold inside, its a new day, we got each other, we keep looking for that Young Moon ~~~ Sing it again for me Dewey.... Ooooooh how I love this song..... You have worked your Magic in it sooooo Nicely for sure :) :) :) ;)

I am new to this board and to the America sites but had to seek you out after being at the concert last night. It was incredible! Sold out crowd of about 8500 was treated to a very special night of music. I would have paid the ticket price to just see America but got Chicago too. What a combination! Mahalo guys for a magical night. I was front row right side and it took me back to watching you in the 70's. You haven't gotten older only better. Aloha and good luck on the rest of your tour and come back soon.

ThankyouThankyouThankyou, Gerry Gerry Gerry

Wow, awesome shot! Warms up my otherwise cold day (it's about 15 degrees here in N. Central PA).. thanks Gerry!!

Sheldon

I would like to join in on live chat sometime, maybe someone can fill me in on how to do that.

Linda, Mo has already told you how to find the live chat session link on the America Fans main home page. For your convenience, here's a direct link that you can save in your favorites or bookmarks: http://www.kingbiscuit.com/america/amchat.htm

Click here to see the view from Gerry's hotel window in Waikiki, HI.

Dear Linda,
Hi! Yes, I remember you for sure. It sounds like we have a few things in common. I also have two girls although they are not so little anymore. Kaity is 13 and Molly will be 10 on Friday. In addition, I have a son, Riley, who is 8.

Secondly, I just started taking "real" guitar lessons last month. I got my guitar for Christmas in 2002--not a Taylor, unfortunately, but a lovely gift all the same. I was taking lessons from a friend but that didn't work out so well. He was teaching me way over my head. I needed baby steps. Anyway, this new set up is fine. My teacher, Alex, is a nice guy. He's more of a metal-head than an acoustic guy but he is well-educated and appreciates the talent of our era of musicians like America and the Eagles. I am enjoying it and should practice more than I do.

Finally, as far as things in common, my father was diagnosed with lung cancer in the Spring of 2002. After spending the majority of that year receiving treatment and battling the infections that ensued, he is now doing much better. All of his hair has grown back and he is robust looking once again. Miraculously, his tests show that the mass is nearly gone, something no one predicted. He is not yet completely out of the woods but the outlook is FAR better than anyone could have guessed. He recently went through two procedures to remove his cataracts and is able to drive again. That is something that was really hard for him--losing the freedom to drive himself around--so he is doing much better. Fortunately, my mom is in fine health. She has done much to help my dad during his illness. Something she wouldn't have had to do since they are separated, but she did. Anyway, I can relate to what you are going through with your parents and I hope that their health and situation improves.

As far as other things, I live in upstate New York south of Lake Ontario (darn that lake) and just north of the Finger Lakes area. It is pretty country and we like it here. I love to complain about the snow and cold but it's mostly in jest. I enjoy skiing and other snow activities. It's just the freezing rain/sleet kind of weather I could live without. We moved here in 2000 when my husband was transferred for his job with Wal-Mart. Previously, we have lived in Pennsylvania (where I am from) and Massachusetts (where Jeff is from). That is why we also vote for lots of East Coast America shows!!

I work part-time for a small company that designs and installs home theatre and sound systems. We also provide technical support for all of the Bose Factory Stores throughout the country. Well, I don't. I'm just the girl in the front office trying to keep track of everything. Some days I do that better than others!!

I really enjoy this website that Steve has so kindly provided. It has endless info and photos to explore. I'm not sure if you have found the section about fan biographies. It is a great place to read some background on the crew who frequents this joint. If you look on the home page in the very first paragraph, there is a highlighted link for "wonderful fans." If you click on that, it will take you to a page of biographies for the band as well as the fans listed alphabetically by first name. It'll keep you busy for days!!

As far as joining in on the live chat, just click on the icon along the left border of the home page during one of the specified times. That will take you to "Parachat." Sometimes it takes a moment or two to load the page. Then sign in and you can chat. It's usually a great time. Lately, there have been some large crowds gathering which always makes it interesting.

Well, I've rambled long enough. Welcome back. I hope to see you at chat sometime soon.

In Gerry We Trust,
Mo

Just a reminder that we will be having a listening party during tonight's chat. The chat is 8 pm EST, as usual, and the listening party will begin at 9 pm. We'll be listening to Homecoming. Please join us!

Hi Sir Joe - nice of you to let us know about the CD of America on AT40! I had thought about ordering a copy and hadn't got around to it yet.

BTW, Sergio, I really liked your poem! I like how we both included an analogy about weaving to Dewey creating music!! I also thought it was a nice touch how you included where you live, as well as "the Tropic of Sir Joe"! I love it!!

Jim N. - thanks for your input on the poems! No matter how much I like something, once I post it for all to see I can feel funny about it then. I should probably explain more about the line about meeting Dewey. I caught up with some of the band after the concert in Madison, and Dewey and his wife Penny were with some family or friends. As I was talking to them, all of a sudden it hit me, "Wow, I'm talking with THE Dewey Bunnell!" I realized I was shaking like a leaf and felt it was so obvious that I admitted it. So in the poem I'm just making light of the fact I was pretty nervous. (I thought a touch of humor might be ok to include in the poem.) Of course, they gave me no reason to be so nervous and they were very nice. Dewey introduced me and my husband to everyone he was with, and later Penny offered to take a picture of us with Dewey so both me and my husband could be in it.

Linda - of course I remember you! I'll never forget that harmonica story! I'm so glad to hear you'll help us with our poem - can't wait to read yours! Wow - a piano teacher and learning to play the guitar! How nice to have those talents, Linda! I'm sorry to hear about your rough year with your parents' health failing. I can't imagine how hard that must be to deal with. My parents are both in their 70s and doing ok, but I often think about their health and pray for their continued well-being. Yes, this group and site is a great escape and source of de-stressing. I tuned in to it earlier this year just when I needed an escape. I work in an office in Madison and my husband is a dairy farmer. We have three sons (almost-13, 10 & 7). Last year we sold our farm to buy one that had a better house. The deal on the one we were buying fell through, after we had already sold ours. So we went through some nervewracking times trying to find another place that would allow us to stay in the same school district and allow my husband to continue farming. Thank goodness for a couple America concerts during the year to take my mind off our issues!! (As far as the real estate mess, everything worked out ok in the end. We found another place for us and our Jersey cows and the boys didn't have to switch schools.)

Jim,

Thank you for your comment on the verses, and interesting suggestion to Dewey on publishing "The Essays & writings of DEWEY BUNNELL". <<I am sure DEWEY would write in color with a deep literary sense>>
Dewey are you listening?:0)
Sergio

I just received the AT40 CD that Steve Orchard offered back on December 26th in post #30779. I had no idea how much I would enjoy this CD, a great trip down memory lane~ My wife and I sat together to listen to it and we enjoyed it immensely. WHAT A GEM! WE LOVED IT! It was great to hear Casey Kasem's effervescent voice announce our musical heroes' climb through the Billboard Top 40 charts, making interesting comments along the way through so many chart successes. Each week revealing interesting biographical and chart data about OUR GROUP. You also get to hear snippets of other songs popular then, putting America's own songs within the context of the times. It was a joy to hear when each song reached their now historical high point~ Such heady times for our musical hearoes. Fellow fans this is a very welcome blast from the past. It's amazing that all this information has been culled together onto one CD and caringly put together for devoted fans like us. I recommend it to each and every one of you.

The great thing for ME is that I was THERE from the beginning and I have my own precious memories tied to all those songs~ My youth, My wife and I during college, our first apartment, our first house, road trips, our kids when they were small and mundane little things as riding to pick up some fried chicken and hearing "Lonely People" for the first time, go figure... but that is how intricately woven America's music is to my life and I know to yours too.

I know I sound like a commercial, but believe me you will not be disappointed. :0)

Thanks Steve O for making it available.

Sadly, I think there may be another tune that describes her situation. "No Fortune" off the Silent Letter LP. That poor woman must be going through some rough times to resort to what she did.

Hi everyone - I have not posted in a long while, but check in almost everyday - perhaps some of you remember me from last year - I was able to catch 3 shows in 2 months!!! First the Old Mill in NJ, where I got an awesome picture inbetween Gerry and Dewey (it was posted here), then in Westbury, NY where me and my girls met Gerry before the show and he signed my picture, (and during the show Pete gave my little girl Gerry's harmonica!) and then again in CT, where Dewey signed my picture. What a year. I don't think I can top those experiences, but I just made my room reservation for Mohegan Sun on 2/27 so I will be wishing and hoping! Anyway, I was part of Gerry's birthday poem, and will be back with my warm wishes for Dewey - Since you all seem to know each other so well, perhaps you can tell me a little about yourselves? I have been going through some rough times this year with my aging parents, (their health is failing), so I could really use some friendly ears - especially ones with great taste in music! Let me tell you a little about myself - I am a piano teacher in NY for almost 20 years, have two little girls, and just started guitar lessons a few months ago! I can hardly type from the pain of practicing hours a day. I just bought my first Taylor guitar - it is so beautiful. I can't wait for the day to hear my favorite America songs coming from my own strings. I am a huge, dedicated America fan and really enjoy this site. I would like to join in on live chat sometime, maybe someone can fill me in on how to do that. Looking forward to a happy and healthy 2004 filled with new friends, maybe a new CD? and lots of East Coast America shows! Thanks Steve for giving us this site to enjoy and de-stress with!

Very nice, very nice both of these.
I had always hoped that someday we would see a book of sorts, something like The Essays & writings of DEWEY BUNNELL. I am sure DEWEY would write in color with a deep literary sense.
You just have to wonder what is on his mind for the next magic carpet ride of songs.

Karen,

Your verse is lovely and very much in connection with Dewey's themes.

Today is a special day for me as a fan of America, it marks exactly one year since I last saw them. It was the first time since I had last seen them 30 years before. I hope one day I get to see them again and actuallly meet them. So, in that spirit here goes my contribution to Dewey's birthday poem in free verse, I am no poet but a sincere try anyway~

Listen to a "Dewey Bunnell" song and...
You can ride a horse with no name anywhere
You will feel the free wind blowing through your hair
You can fall asleep on a rainbow that leads to a time gone by

His music and words can paint a vast outdoor watercolor canvas
Or weave an amazing tapestry of fantasies out of simple realities
His way with lyrics, melody, and harmony takes me some place special
So with great respect and humble admiration
Thank you for your musical "Gift of Gab" from this "Tin Man"
Who long ago lost his Oz but found his heart
A sincere Happy Birthday wish to you, Mr. Bunnell
(Sergio from New Orleans and the Tropic of Sir joe)

oh dear

OK, it's not perfect - but I think I'm ready to post my portion of our collective birthday poem to Dewey. It's so hard to get a lot of thoughts condensed down into a brief, poetic little blurb! (I reserve the right to make slight revisions over the next week if I come up with something that flows a little better!) Also, I thought it might be interesting if we include where we're along with our names - or would that disrupt the flow of the poem too much? I'm open to your suggestions. Here's my attempt:

When I learned you spend time in Wisconsin,
I just beamed!
It gives us some connection,
It seems.
The north woods and lakes are fitting
With your love of nature and critters.
Remember when I met you in Madison (5/03),
I admitted to having the jitters?!
Thank you, Dewey, for the images
You weave on your musical loom -
Of alligator lizards, the Tropic of Sir Galahad,
Deserts disguised as oceans, and a noisy clock in a scarlet room. (Karen in south-central Wisconsin)

Yes, Goanna! Wonderful idea! It gets my vote too. I'd buy it for sure. We do expect a lot, but it's only because we love the group AMERICA so much. Karen

thanks for the info Johnny and Nancy. I'm kinda surprised Dan Peek, being the virtuoso that he is, didn't give it a try. I'm not sure but I think Letter has a sitar on it also. and no Nancy, I don't usually go into my emails, I let my significant other sift through all that...DanC.

I don't know what America title describes this story but I do know what Beatle song does; I'M A LOSER!!!!!DanC.

Hello All,

The fans of the group "AMERICA" need a special "archive edition" of past & present video clips & TV interveiws etc etc as a part of any future album....!!!

Lets face it, how many times have there been been requests to provide details and web addressing for all these things...

If the 30 years album was supposed to be a compliation of the past 30 years, then perhalps it should have included the "Visual History" of the group as well. It should have been included on a special DVD disc in the box set. In saying this, a visual presentation spanning the 30 years would have resolved the curiosity.

It would certainly satisfied many of our requests...

Does anyone in our group agree..??? or are we expecting too much...???

Hey, better still lets get the petition going... :)))))


Goanna

Steve - thanks for all the links to the video shots and all the other information! I had seen some of these before here on this website, but I didn't remember all the details. It makes sense that "You Can Do Magic" and "The Border" were made into videos - they were on the charts during what I remember as the time MTV got really popular. (I was still in school and living with my parents, and we didn't have MTV, so I only saw it when I was at a friend's house and must not have timed it right to catch an America video. I was an America fan then, as much as I am now!!) We just got Direct TV a month ago so have access to music videos now, but I suppose they don't play much from previous years. (It seems like "Spongebob Squarepants" is all that's ever on at our house, anyway!) Anyway, I just love these video shots - it's fun to have the musicians "act out" their songs. That way you get an idea of the story THEY picture the song telling. The Border video seems particularly creative! I love it!! (BTW, I think I've gotten as far as I can with viewing "Hope". It seems that due to my 56K modem, the picture will never be very clear. Oh well, maybe someday it will be available in screen shots like these other ones. Or I can try to watch it on my PC at work. Better yet, maybe America will make a video with one of their songs off their next CD!!!)

To sum it up:

"NO FORTUNE" of "TALL TREASURES" in the amount of "1960"00,000.00 because "SHE'S A LIAR".

It's definitely time for bed! :0)

And, of course, ----> "She's A Liar"

<<Johnny, didn't B.S. and C.D. record a song together? Wouldn't you, maybe, rather have that CD? ;)>>

Yes, Vic, they did. As a bit of trivia, technically (I believe), the two recorded their vocals separately. I have that song on Dion's CD...no kidding!

<<What AMERICA song title, covers this story [of the lying Lotto ticket "purchaser"]?>>

Besides "NO FORTUNE" perhaps "1960"00,000.00 LOL

<<Don't award that kewpie doll quite so fast. Like that gal who claimed to be the "rightful" owner of the Mega Millions "lost" lotto ticket, I'm getting an attorney.>>

What was that poor woman thinking? Did she actually believe that she would end up with the money?

<<Vic ~ Then that would make me a loser TWICE! I'd much rather have a Celine Dion CD of my choice. Just kiddin'!!!>>

Johnny, didn't B. S. and C. D. record a song, together? Would you, maybe, rather have that CD? ; )

Getting back to the lady that falsely claimed that she had bought the winning lottery ticket. What AMERICA song title, covers this story?

Hi Hooo Everyone :)

Yeppers Dan C ~~ I have Political Poachers playing here now, my 2 cents on this issue is, this is a Sitar I hear playing in this oooh sooo AWESOME song... Dewey shines brighter than bright on this song... it has always been a favorite of mine, it is sooo upbeat, soooo WOW.. I know I have hit the replay on it alot, plus I have turned it up loudly and sang along with my out of key voice... hahahahha!!!! Hmmmm ~~ I am not soooo sure if there are any more AMERICA songs that have this unique sound in them, I am pretty sure I have heard this instrument used on Seals & Crofts songs.... I will have to investigate this matter further... This song has that ooh sooo nice harmonizing in it for sure! :) Hmmm ~~ I am wondering if Mr Mailman's ever read their own Mail or Emails????

Hi Alan ~~ Thanks for wanting us to hear your songs! I hope you will be able to get your friend Scott back in gear in finishing this CD... Hey just tell him my motto for the Year... You know that ooh soo neat saying I keep posting... "Shoot for the Moon, Even if You Miss, You'll land among the Stars" Good Luck on this! :)

Thanks Steve for posting the site addresses for those great still shots that John Corbett sooo nicely captured from these great Videos and the Central Park Live DVD ~~ Wow, I loved checking them out again! I have that oooh sooo nice pic of Gerry & Dewey sitting on the rainbow colored misty beach that is at the end of the Your Move video as my Background with my little Pic of my favorite Boyds Bear Donovan B :) ;) here on my work PC.... Wow what a pick me upper! :)

Okay gotta get back to my work here.... Nitey Nite all, Nice dreams, Nancy :)

~~~ in the distance hear the laughter of the last Unicornnnn, I'm alivvve, I'mmmm alive... when the last moon is cast, over the last star of morning, then the future has passed without even the last warning... look and see her how she sparkles, it's the Last Unicorn, I'm alive, I'm allliiiiive.... Ooooooh how nice this song is... Hey now You Can Do Magic is on ~~ Sing it for me Gerry & Dewey :) Magic you can have anything that you desire, you can do magic, you know darn well when you cast your spell you'll get your way, when you hypnotize with your eyes, a heart of stone can turn to clay.... Nice :) :) :)

Yes, Dan, a sitar was used on "Political Poachers". It was played by Larry Carlton.

Ok, one more time; does anyone HERE know if it was a sitar that was used on the song Political Poachers? Were any more America tunes recorded with a sitar? Surely, with all the knowledgable{?} fans we have on this site, someone should be able to shed some light on this for me. I know it would not be earth-shattering but I'm just curious. and have nothing better to think about at the moment...DanC.

I have a request to make of all you great America fans out there. Some of you may recall that I posted a while back about the frustrations and setbacks I have experienced trying to get a CD recorded. I mentioned that I did have demos of several of my songs recorded, but they weren't completely finished.

Anyway, I got some responses both off line and on the chat folder from some of you that were anxious to hear my songs and hoped that I would be able to get them recorded soon.

I responded to those people and asked if they would be interested in hearing the demos and would be willing to give me feedback on each song. (Actually, Steve Lowry didn't ask me for my songs - I was burning him a CD of something else and threw them on the end of the CD. Ladd Everitt didn't request them either, I offerred them because he was kind enough to share his music with me - and I really appreciate the very kind words he posted recently about them here on the chat folder).

I have asked specifically for HONEST feedback on these songs and I have found this feedback to be invaluable, both the positive and the negative. So I have decided to ask that anyone here who is interested and has not heard my demos request a copy by e-mailing me your snail mail address to acollins@localnet.com. As soon as I can, I will get your CD mailed out. It's only 4 songs, so it should be quick and relatively painless to listen to.

I have shared these songs with lots of family, friends and friends of friends, including people with widely varying musical tastes and so far, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. So I decided it was time for the true test - to see what fellow hardcore America fans think of my music, since America is very big influence. So far with the few fans that have listened, the response is mostly positive. And the negative feedback has been very helpful to me as well.

What I am hoping to accomplish from this besides getting a feel for how good my songs are and what people do / don't like about them, is to make a collection of the positive comments and e-mail them to my friend and partner Scott in Florida in hopes that it may motivate him to get his butt up to Maine so we can get the CD finished! (For those not familiar with my earlier post, he has a much more flexible job than I do so it is much easier for him to come to Maine, than for me to go to Florida). Anyway, I'm afraid that after our plans fell through so many times, he might be discouraged about the project (although he hasn't said so, its just something I have sensed).

So - there's my request. I appreciate those who have already listened to my songs and given me great feedback (the above-mentioned people plus Nancy) and hope that others will see fit to help me out.

Alan

<<Karen, you win the kewpie doll.>>

Congrats Karen! But Vic, hold on just one darn second. Don't award that kewpie doll quite so fast. Like that gal who claimed to be the "rightful" owner of the Mega Millions "lost" lotto ticket, I'm getting an attorney!

<<Johnny, you win a Barbra Steisand CD of your choice. ;)>>

Vic ~ Then that would make me a loser TWICE! I'd much rather have a Celine Dion CD of my choice. Just kiddin'!!!

No, you cannot buy Live In Central Park on DVD. It is only available on Laser Disc and VHS tape. However, John Corbett got hold of a DVD copy from someone who had converted it to DVD and a couple of years ago he sold them for about $25. The screen shots on the web site came from John.

Hi Steve,

Excuse my silliness --- Are we able to buy a full retail version of Live In Central on DVD...???

thanks mate

Goanna

Karen,
can't wait to read your DEWEY poem. I have been thinking. jim

Karen, "The Border" video is NOT available on the Launch.com web site. I'm not sure where you can get it unless you can find a fan somewhere that recorded it and would be willing to make a copy. On the Live In Central Park DVD there is a scene of the guys in the desert when they're singing "Horse With No Name". The other video that I'm aware of is the You Can Do Magic video. Click on the links below to see some still shots from all of these:

Live In Central Park DVD shots
You Can Do Magic music video shots
The Border music video shots

Nancio, Just for the record, I was kidding about the lyrics in the background that Gerry sings on Windwave. I have no idea what he is really saying. Just a bit o' humor.

Speaking of moons and such, I wanted to tell you guys about a weird moon effect I saw last night. I was getting home from work at about 6:30 and of course it was dark already. The moon was nearly full and it was snowing. It was a very fluffy "lake effect" snow. (Darn that lake!) There is not always full cloud cover when the snow is lake effect snow. You can usually still see the moon or sun very clearly or at least as if through a mist. Anyway, with the moonlight shining down into the snowfall it gave the weird effect that the moon had a very long white beard, a la ZZ Top's beards. It was very pretty and unusual. I got a chuckle out of it.

Way to go on the trivia, Sergio! Good guess, Johnny. Bell Tree seems reasonable to me. I guess I owe knowing the answer to having read my "Highway" book cover to cover a time or two. Fun question, Vic!

THANKS to Goanna, Steve & Nancy for your helpfulness on my quest to view the "Hope" video. I'm home sick from work today (haven't had to take a sick day for myself in years!), but one can only lay around in bed so long. So, I'm spending time on getting this to work. Steve - I'm having better luck with Internet Explorer but the video picture is pretty distorted, so right now I'm upgrading to the latest version. Goanna, your suggestion is a good one that I might also look into. If I don't need to go that route this time, I'll keep it in mind for the future. (Steve, is The Border the only other video America has made? If so, can I view that one via the same web site you linked me to?)

Moser, Nancy and everyone else mentioning waiting for the VFTHW pictures, I'm RIGHT THERE WITH YOU!!! Dealing with the long Wisconsin winter and being sick is really leaving me needing a good dose of VFTHW pics, too!! I hope Gerry packed his camera! (I also wish them safe travels and good times on their World Tour 2004!) Mo, also right there with you on the t-shirt idea for that awesome logo. I've wanted an America t-shirt but they've only had men's sizes and spaghetti-strap ones available. Maybe this time they would have more regular t-shirts in women's sizes - that'd be cool.

I'm still trying to finalize my poem for Dewey. I've had the same lines put together for months, but I'm trying to put one more thought into words and then I'll post my part of our collective poem. We only have a little over a week to go!

Karen

Karen, you win the kewpie doll. Sir Joe, you win a big cigar. Johnny, you win a Barbara Streisand CD of your choice. ; )

Nancy,

Go crazy and run off to the Grass Roots concert tonight...;0)Just kidding, but thanks for the Grass Roots lyric medley though. I am always ready for a trip down memory lane. In fact tomorrow marks exactly one year that I saw our favorite group at Casino Magic in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi. I still have hopes they will return to that same venue this year or another one nearby. It was a sold out concert and a memorable night for my wife and I. You Northeasterners and Californians are very lucky to have America in your "backyard" so often... Happy Friday all,

Sir Joe

TGIF Everyone :) WOW ~~ This week sure flew by me!

Hey there Mo ~~ Sooo neat of you to think to check out this Gerry lyric line mystery.... Wow soooo he is really singing in slow motion " I am the Walllllllllllllrrrrrrrrrruuuuuuuuuusss" ~~ Too Much, thanks for solving that for us. Hmmmm Yep they are in Hawaii, the very place they did make the great album Harbor ~~ Nice perspective visual ~~ Huh ~~ I tooo am more than anxious to get a Glimpse of Gerry's VFTHW Pic... it will bring some Warmth my way... It is sooooo cold here in PA ~~ I just gotta say tho the Sky is Crystal Clear Blue and this morning when I took Nathan to the Bus Stop, Mr Full Moon was up in the sky yet with a thin Blanket Scarf shaped cloud covering it lightly.... then on my way back from the bus stop Mrs Sun was shining brightly ~ I just love it when this happens.. I like the Vica Versa of this too, when you can see the sun setting and the moon rising... I know I am a Ramblin on again Ain't Iiiiii ~~ Sorry ~ LOL! :)

Hi there Karen ~~ I can sympathize with you on your windows media player ordeal... I tried to update my windows media on my home puter, but it went off into cybergremlin land... and never did update right... sooo I have alot of trouble with mine too. I hope you will be able to work it out... hmmm when you said you got a box saying if you want to overwrite it... you can check yes, hopefully by redownloading it, it will install right this time... I agree with Goanna, maybe your server kinda timed out on you while you were downloading it... I hate when that happens for sure!

Hi David S ~~~ WOW that ad for the Jan 17th show in Australia is too much... I wonder how many of the people going to it will wonder just where Dan is... of if they will know it was just an OOOOOooops! :)

Hmmm ~~ Brian the DJ is kinda taking us on a Visual Tropical getaway this morning, he is playing the Beach Boys song Kokomo here now ;) :), he just played Christopher Cross's Sailing (oooh how I love to sit back and absorb all of that songs Magic) and he also played Dido's song White Flag, ~~ I sure am having a Hankerin to go upstairs and put in the Harbor demo tape.... and get lost in it... but I have too much work to do here in my oooh soooo Cold office... my fingertips are frozen, even tho I have my little Helena Heater on! :) I sure hope if there is anyone out there going to the show in Hawaii, they will come and tell us all about it, and share some pics with us too if possible...

Booo Hoooo ~~ I didn't have any luck winning tickets on the radio to go see the Grass Roots show tonight at Seven Springs ~~ there still are tickets available tho... I would love to go get lost in this tonight.... :)

Okay all done for now ~~ I think! Have a good day, see ya, Nancy :)

PS ~~ Looking forward to the Homecoming Listening Party, hope I can get there earlier ~~ Thanks Anita :)

~~~ Sooner or later love is gonna get ya, sooner or later love is gonna win ~~~ with a song in my heart, and a chance to be yours forever, I couldn't be more secure, I couldn't feel any better, Ooooh Lord Heaven Knows, how much I love you, and how much it shows.... ~~~Walking through the country, blades of glass playing with my feet, there's nothing soooo sweet like the way you treat me, singing bababababbabababababaaaa ~~~~ Walk a Million Miles, cry a million tears, wait a million years ~~~ It's the loving things you say that gives me comfort every day, and by your side I'm gonna stay ... when you are near I touch the sky ~~~~~ The sky was clear on that windy day, till the clear blue sky began to turn to grey.... Let the river get wide, the river gets long now, the water runs deep as our Love gets strong now, soooo baby don't fight and say you belong to now to meeeee~~~ Don't bother crying, don't bother calling, where were you when I needed you, where were you when I wanted you, Whhhhheeeeere, whereeeee, where..... In my Midnight Confession, when I tell all the world that I love you.... Belllla Linda, Belllla Linda ~~~ Sing all of these great songs for me Grass Roots :) :) :) ~~ Wow what a blast to the past these songs bring me.... Wish I could go back to those carefree days... ;)

Karen, I initially tried to watch the video using my Netscape browser (the browser that I prefer to use), but it didn't work. So I had to use the latest version of the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser and then it worked. You may need to upgrade if you're not using the latest version.

Aloha! Thinking of you guys in Hawaii this morning reminds me that it is the very place where you recorded Harbor more than 27 years ago. Great album. Thanks for that. Looking forward to a tropical landscape in the VFTHW to brighten my day.

Hi Karen,

Hope you don't mind if I help you with your Windows Media player issue...
Sounds like your using a 56K modem to dial out to the internet,, in this case, yes - Windows Media Player will take some time to download.
and may even timeout if you have the idle timeout option activated on your web browser...

Your best bet is to go down to your local News Stand / computer store and grab one of the latest Windows - PC magazines that come out once a month which generally have the complimentory CD's of free software jam packed on them. Probably cost you about $5 - $6,,, I'm not sure what the magazines cost in US $ but over here in OZ they are about the same...Most of these magazines have free software upgrades and patches etc for Microsoft Windows related products, I think wer'e up to version 9.0 for Windows Media player at present. Either that or just have a sneek peek at what's on the disc before you buy the magazine. The CD's you get from the magazines are fairly user friendly and should auto load when you slot them into your CD ROM drive.... it'll save having to wait around for a slow internet download and can be far less hassle by using this quicker and efficient method. Hope that helps...

Better still, maybe you have a friend who's a computer geek, most of us have loads of back issue CD's... :)))

good luck

Goanna

Wow! That must mean that Gerry was involved with the cover-up of Paul's death along with the other Beatles!

Bell Tree?

Song: "DONKEY JAW"
Instrument: DONKEY JAW bone rattle

Steve, thanks for the link to the Hope video! It never ceases to amaze me what you can come up with for us. Unfortunately, I'm having trouble viewing it. A message came up saying I needed to download Windows Media Player, which I tried to - it took forever, like an hour! I went to bed and my husband finished the download. Something must have gone wrong during the download process, because I still can't view it. I still get the prompt to download Windows Media Player, but then it asks me if I want to overwrite the one I already downloaded. I tried to be careful that I downloaded the right one. Oh well, I'll keep working at it! If anyone knows what I might have done wrong, please let me know. Thanks!! Karen

Vic - Donkey Jaw?

There is an AMERICA song that got its name because of an instrument that the song features. What's the name of the song and the instrument?

AMERICA - IN CONCERT
Looks like this one venue in Australia (the first) doesn't know that Dan peek left the group, for this is their "plug" for the concert: This trio, who have sold close to one million albums since 1971, will perform all their hits during one live performance on Saturday, January 17.

Wow, and all this time I was sure he was saying "The walrus was Paul." ;>)))

About a month ago there was some discussion about what Gerry is singing as the background vocal in Windwave. I took some time and played around with the file on Wave Studio. Upon playing the file backwards, it became clear that Gerry is saying, "I am the walrus." See? Mystery solved.

My idea of a listening party was well-received, so we're gonna give it a try Sunday night at 9 PM EST. The CD we'll listen to is Homecoming. Look forward to seeing you there!

BTW, thanks for those links, Mo.

Hats off to Mr. Moretti! The 2004 logo is an imaginative and beautifully conceived logo for our musical heroes in this new year. The world atop the microphone is truly a touch of class. As Nancy well said, may the bubbles lightly carry our heroes to their far off destinations safely and successfully. Congratulations Dave,

Sir Joe

Hi Hoooo Everyone :)

WOW Dave M ~~ This is one Nice Design you came up with, it has me a Hankering for the return of Gerry's VFTHW Pics, I was saying at live chat last night, that I sure hope Gerry manages to capture a Rainbow in his pic from Hawaii. I really liked how you used the bubbles in your pic... I hope those bubbles carries our guys safely to all of their stops on this World Tour, and I hope the Jet Lag is kind to them all. ~~~ How nice that would be if I could Escape on a Big Plane to Hawaii to take in some of this Magic. ~~ In My Dreams HUH!!!!! :) :) :)

Just wanted to say I had a fun short time in live chat last night to all of my no lifer friends... I got there soooo Late again ~~ Booo Hooo! Hey Mo by the sounds of it I left right when you girls were getting into discussing these nice pics... I was toooooo pooped to "Peep" ;) anymore... I did click on the Hope Video Link and watched this oooh sooo nice video of Gerry & Dewey singing Hope... WOW that is one Powerful song... I just love the Inspiration in its message. I was wondering aloudly at live chat last night, I said it would be nice to be able to see this Hope Video better, than my ooooh sooo slow 56k connection allows me to view it, and I was wondering if anyone was lucky enough to see this video on VH1 and maybe they taped it... I would Love to get my hands on a copy of this Hope Video.... I think Gerry & Dewey both are Shining soooo Nicely in it. I have had this Launch page in my favorites... it is just sooo hard to see the video clearly with the way it keeps saying it is Buffering..... Booo hoooo! ~~ With the mention of the Hope Video it also brought the video of The Border.... Wow that is one nice video too... Hmmmm I am gonna have to get out my Harbor demo and give it a watch, I was listening to the Definitive AMERICA cd last night and hearing God of the Sun brought a hankerin to me to watch this tape... :)

Hi there Ladd ~~ Nice to hear from you, I see you got to listen to Alan's Great Songs too... I too agree with you, about him capturing Dan Fogelberg's along with AMERICA's sound in his first instrumental song nicely. I picked up on that first thing. It was neat to hear all of the different song influences in Alan & his friends songs... I just gotta say my favorite of them is Stardust~ I hit the replay button on it lots for sure. I had fun taking a guess at Alan's influences for each song. I really enjoyed getting to hear these. Alan has a nice fresh approach to his creativity, and he has managed to capture that nice AMERICA accoustic magic in his songs. I enjoyed the lyrics alot too, and You all here know how I get into the Lyrics of songs... :) :) :) ~ Alan I look forward to hearing your finished CD soon. Keep on having some fun making your songs! :)

Hmmm ~~ It is soo neat to get to take a listen to some really nice music, from our talented fellow AMERICA fans ~~ I am loving it for sure! ~~ About a year ago Jimmmmmmmmbob from NZ made a tape for me, of him playing some of my most favorite AMERICA songs, let me see, he played Riverside, Sandman,HWNN, Rainbow song, Submarine Ladies, Weather with You (you all know me and my talk about the weather LOL), Old Virginia, Hollywood, Three Roses, Don't Cross the River and he also played me some of his own songs he had written a little while back, I listened to his tape again the other night while finishing up my work and it again brought this wish for Jimmmm to my head. I really think it would be the Ultimate Dream come true, for Jimmmm to get to take his Gerry & Dewey signed guitar up on stage and play Horse with them at the Feb 3rd show there in Auckland, NZ... I could just imagine how Jimmmm would be shining, getting to do this for sure! ~~ Hey Jimmmm ~ Enjoy the show, and I hope you do take your guitar with you that night ~~ like I said my New Years motto this year is that nice saying I came upon on a little calender caption... "Shoot for the Moon, Even if you Miss, You'll land among the Stars" :)

Hi Hoooo Red ~~~ Did ya catch a glimpse of the oooh sooo full Mr Moon last night before going Nitey nite???? Happy Birthday wishes to you Mrs Red today.... I Know she will enjoy the lovely Yellow Roses you got for her! ~~ She is One Lucky Lady For Sure! :);)

Okay I gotta get now, take care all and have a nice day! See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ what am I supposed to do with all of these blues haunting me everywhere, no matter what Iiiidooo, watching the candle flicker out in the evening glowwww, I can't let go, when will the night be over, I didn't mean to fall in Love with You, and baby there's a name for what you put me through, it isn't love its robbery,I'm sleeping with the Ghost of you and me, when will it set me freee, I hear the voices call, from down the hall, trying to say... Sing it for me BB Mak ~~ what a song! oooooooooohhhhhhh yes what a song!

Hi All,

Have to agree with Moser,,, the World Tour Logo is great...! Thanks Dave M for the artistry.

Hope they make a tee shirt from this too...!


Goanna

Sorry for the double post. I was trying to figure out how to make those picture addresses into links but instead I clicked on Post Your Message...twice.

While I'm here I just want to say have a great tour in the lovely warm places that you will be visiting in the next weeks. Think of me fondly in my frozen tundra of a home...the land of static electricity from all those layers of clothes...the land of chapped lips and dry skin...the land of snowfall at LEAST once a day. Well, at least there's skiing to be had. Anyway, have a great and safe tour. Hope to see you guys again soon.

As usual, the ladies were up late tonight discussing...well the usual. Here are the addresses to some of the pics we were talking about.
Do guys know how good they look in turtlenecks? It's a question for the ages. http://www.kingbiscuit.com/america/jpg/2000/topsma39.jpg

In the "incognito" glasses with mB, and Crispin Glover (aka Willard or The Thin Man), and unknown other person: http://www.mattbeckley.com/media/photos/willardsession/images/IMG_0114.jpg

Sorry, couldn't find the tuxedo pics.

My current favorite long blond haired rock god: http://www.tweak4219.net/images/bio1.jpg
My all time favorite long blond haired rock god:
http://www.kingbiscuit.com/america/jpg/1977/tourbk04.jpg

As usual, the ladies were up late tonight discussing...well the usual. Here are the addresses to some of the pics we were talking about.
Do guys know how good they look in turtlenecks? It's a question for the ages. http://www.kingbiscuit.com/america/jpg/2000/topsma39.jpg

In the "incognito" glasses with mB, and Crispin Glover (aka Willard or The Thin Man), and unknown other person: http://www.mattbeckley.com/media/photos/willardsession/images/IMG_0114.jpg

Sorry, couldn't find the tuxedo pics.

My current favorite long blond haired rock god: http://www.tweak4219.net/images/bio1.jpg
My all time favorite long blond haired rock god:
http://www.kingbiscuit.com/america/jpg/1977/tourbk04.jpg

I LOVE THE LOGO. Brilliant. Dave Moretti, you genius, you've done it again! Great...awesome...thanks. I love the mic and Dewey's guitar, and Gerry's 12 string. It must really be cool to be that talented.

Only problem...now I'll have to make up new T-shirts. Well, maybe not, since no milestone birthdays to celebrate.


Hey, I know, maybe Erin Edwards could arrange to have the new tour t-shirts with your design on them. Now that would be great. Just a thought.

You can see the Hope video on the launch.yahoo.com web site. Click here to see the video.

Hi Anita - I can't answer your question (because I've never seen the "Hope" video), but can you tell me where I can see this video? Thanks! Karen

Thanks!!
It's June 5th. Less than five months and so much to do!

Erin :o)

When is your wedding day Erin? ( Have I said how happy I am for you???!!!!!!)

I really wish I could be in Hawaii for America. What are the chances they could play there in June when I'm on my honeymoon...now that would be perfect!!

Erin :o)

Danae is wise beyond here years. Now can we talk about something REALLY controvesial --like the weather :)

Is anyone going to the concert(s) in Hawaii? I would dearly love to go but I am still paying for the New Year's Eve show..............

<<Danae,

Was your statement directed to me or Paul/Bud/Buddy? If it is me you are referring to, I don't believe I started any controversy, my post had the intention of exposing the TRUTH behind some questionable posts. Well,it ended up NOT being completely as I thought, nonetheless, it exposed the TRUTH behind the three names which in some way were RELATED.>>

No. I'm speaking generally. I'm adressed to all those who took part in that controversy.

Sergio when i came back to the folder to send my message in the box USER ID was buddy my son's nickname i just used that for quickness as i have done now. What you or anyone thinks is neither here nor there now, i have said sorry get over it

<<I want to let you know I don't say that to offend you, but you must stop all this controversy, because it is not something of that big importance to make it look like the Cyprian case.>>

Danae,

Was your statement directed to me or Paul/Bud/Buddy? If it is me you are referring to, I don't believe I started any controversy, my post had the intention of exposing the TRUTH behind some questionable posts. Well,it ended up NOT being completely as I thought, nonetheless, it exposed the TRUTH behind the three names which in some way were RELATED.

<<Paul and Bud are not the same person Paul is me Bud is the nickname of my youngest who honestly felt that you guys were giving me a hard time so he stuck up for his old man. A night out a few beers and he thought right i show em' Im sorry he did that and to say im embarrased is an understatement, i just want to get a lively discussion going which i did i think but it got out of hand unbeknown to me sorry to every one involved i won't come back i leave you in peace>>

Buddy or Paul,

So, Paul and Bud are father and son, but you posted under the Buddy name to apologize and say goodbye? I am still a little puzzled! Anywy, thanks for your explanation. Either way, It is not my intention to drive you away from here. As Vic and others have mentioned to you, one can talk about most anything here, however insulting your fellow AMERICA fans is not the way to achieve acceptance or cooperation here...Peace,

Sergio

Paul and Bud are not the same person Paul is me Bud is the nickname of my youngest who honestly felt that you guys were giving me a hard time so he stuck up for his old man. A night out a few beers and he thought right i show em' Im sorry he did that and to say im embarrased is an understatement, i just want to get a lively discussion going which i did i think but it got out of hand unbeknown to me sorry to every one involved i won't come back i leave you in peace

Alan sent me a disc with four early drafts of songs he had written and recorded. Very good stuff which I'm sure everyone on the list would enjoy. There's a terrific instrumental which reminded me very much of a free-strumming Dan Fogelberg and a couple of other tracks with terrific, long acoustic leads that could have come right off the first America album! Great guitar work on all the tracks-- both rhythm and lead.

Check him out if you get the chance!

-Ladd

Can anyone tell me who the "young Gerry" is in the Hope Video? He sure does look like Gerry. Thanks.

a good rope + a chair + a chandelier= me hung from the chandelier

In Greece, on March the 7th we have presidential elections. So, that means I can't be in France for the concert! (Damned Simitis, you always kill my dreams!)

C'mon Danae, it's just a decision... Kick the chair...

<<Initially, I had put aside your insults directed at the America fans and friends on this chat folder and made no comments. Plus the posts led to some good discussions on bootlegs and piracy so I went along silently. You had also apologized to us and I accepted it as a sincere gesture on your part. But today, Buddy and Bud came into the picture with cloying, almost absurdly syrupy support for you and new derrogatory remarks towards fellow fans and friends (just when things were patching up between you and everyone else). This led me to suspect all three of you might be one and the same and that you are just playing games with US. To further support my hunch, I also noticed that on the VH chatfolder Bud has an e-mail address of Buddie-@ntlworld.com and coincidentally you have an almost identical e-mail address of Buddy-@ntlworld.com on THIS chat folder. I could not access Buddy's. Well, I am no Sherlock Holmes, but I think I am on to something here, am I not?

Tired of your games>>

I've read some the posts Sergio is talking about, and some of the replies to those posts, and the only thing I have to say is that in Greece we call this îåêáôßíéáóìá (ksekatiniazma). That means "quarrell between katines (middle-aged ladies, of low educating level)".
I want to let you know I don't say that to offend you, but you must stop all this controversy, because it is not something of that big importance to make it look like the Cyprian case.

Right Johnny, The writing style, the LACK of grammar and punctuation soooo obvious in "their" posts led me to investigate "their" e-mail addresses...

Sir Joe

Right, Sir Joe! The writing style, grammar, and punctuations are dead giveaways, as well. It's soooo obvious.

Johnny,
I think we were thinking the same thing...;0)

Sir Joe

Sir Joe ~ I had no idea that you had posted your messages to the folder until I had just finished posting mine!

Here's a true incident that I heard on Paul Harvey a number of years ago:

A guy went into a bank to rob it. He "innocently" walked over to a bank counter that contained deposit slips, withdraw slips, envelopes, etc. He wrote out his note at the counter and gave it to the unsuspecting teller. The note read something like, "This is a holdup. Give me all of your money." The teller did as the note instructed. Thinking he had pulled a fast one on the bank, the robber made a quick exit with the money in hand. Not long after the robber made it back to his home, the police arrived to arrest him. What tipped the police off was what was printed on the opposite side of the robber's note that he had handed the teller. The dumb robber used the back of a deposit slip to write his holdup note. Nothing was wrong with that EXCEPT the deposit slip was one from his OWN account...complete with his name and address.

I'm reminded of this story after reading a couple of postings here this evening.

Paul,

Initially, I had put aside your insults directed at the America fans and friends on this chat folder and made no comments. Plus the posts led to some good discussions on bootlegs and piracy so I went along silently. You had also apologized to us and I accepted it as a sincere gesture on your part. But today, Buddy and Bud came into the picture with cloying, almost absurdly syrupy support for you and new derrogatory remarks towards fellow fans and friends (just when things were patching up between you and everyone else). This led me to suspect all three of you might be one and the same and that you are just playing games with US. To further support my hunch, I also noticed that on the VH chatfolder Bud has an e-mail address of Buddie-@ntlworld.com and coincidentally you have an almost identical e-mail address of Buddy-@ntlworld.com on THIS chat folder. I could not access Buddy's. Well, I am no Sherlock Holmes, but I think I am on to something here, am I not?

Tired of your games,

Sergio

Paul,

Initially, I had put aside your insults directed at the America fans and friends on this chat folder and made no comments. Plus the posts led to some good discussions on bootlegs and piracy so I went along silently. You had also apologized to us and I accepted it as a sincere gesture on your part. But today, Buddy and Bud came into the picture with cloying, almost absurdly syrupy support for you and new derrogatory remarks towards fellow fans and friends (just when things were patching up between you and everyone else). This led me to suspect all three of you might be one and the same and that you are just playing games with US. To further support my hunch, I also noticed that on the VH chatfolder Bud has an e-mail address of Buddie-@ntlworld.com and coincidentally you have an almost identical e-mail address of Buddy-@ntlworld.com on THIS chat folder. I could not access Buddy's. Well, I am no Sherlock Holmes, but I think I am on to something here, am I not?

Tired of your games,

Sergio

Robsl & Robyn: Yes, we are apparently all on the same page as far as the concept of the listening party. I thought for Sunday night I would choose an album (or folks could make suggestions) and about 9 PM we would synchronize and listen. Should be lots of fun.

hey Paul we are not all like Vic and Gee H don't go theres some good people here. Im sorry my fellow Americans were not kinda to a America fan from Britain

hey Paul we are not all like Vic and Gee H don't go theres some good people here. Im sorry my fellow Americans were not kinda to a America fan from Britain

I have “hosted “ a listening party before and this is the way it worked. At the appointed hour, everyone gathers in the chat room with the cd. One person (usually the host of the party) gives the signal to start playing the selected cd. Then the host calls out the titles of the songs (or at least I did in case someone in the room did not have the cd) and the group makes comments on the song. It is a blast!. If you want to host one, Anita, that might be fun. Post the time and the selected cd here.

Hi Anita,
A listening party sounds cool, but what do you mean? I mean, I know generally what you mean, but what exactly do you mean? I would be interested in doing something where we all listen to the same album during a live chat and therefore we can chat about our reactions to specific songs during the live chat. I think this would be fun because a lot of times I think of interesting things to say about songs while I am listening to them and then I may forget them later when I go to post on this board. So, sure I would be interested in that. There are also things where groups of fans get together to listen to a debuting album by a band, sometimes before it is officially released. I know that the Berklee College of Music in Boston does that sometimes because I went to a Listening Party for the Bruce Springsteen album The Rising that was sponsored by Bruce' management and record label and got to hear several songs on the album before it was released. This would be a really cool thing for America's management to do when and if a new album is released in 2004. It would be cool if passes to such an event were made available/publicized only to fans on this site or the venturahighway.com site, as I believe that that is how a lot of events of this type are handled. Anyway, just some thoughts. It would be cool if that new album were to come out this summer. If we do find out that it is coming out in 2005, then I would patiently wait for it, but I reeeeeeeeeeeeally would like to hear it very soon, say in summer 2004. Hopefully we get some word on that project soon. But yeah, I would be interested in a listening party here on the live chat, and I think that is a good idea Anita. If anyone else is interested, maybe we could arrange to have that.
I heard about Ray Davies and I hope that the poor guy recovers from the gunshot wound okay. He was very lucky in that he will probably be back out of the hospital very soon. The Kinks are a great band and there early stuff is really cool, very fun music. "Sunny Afternoon" is a really great song too...good band.
Take care everyone,
Rob

I understand that a listening party has been done before as part of the chat sessions. Does anyone out there have any interest in doing this? It would be fun to hear other folks' ideas about the music while listening together.

AMERICA is poised to launch the start of their 2004 Tour schedule & the overseas leg. Best wishes AMERICA for a safe & happy overseas tour ! And let's hope for that new CD in 2004. I am betting on one in 2004.

Camden Yards in Baltimore is close to a 4 hr drive for me...hmmmmm.. have to think it over.. sure would be a great time though!

Thank you for the information!

1/9/04
Kauai, HI
Kilohana Center

1/11/04
Maui, HI
Maui Arts & Cultural Center
Castle Theatre

Sorry to hear of Ray's unfortunate accident in NO. Wonder if Lola was with him? In honor of the Kinks, I offer a song written way before time for Bones.

In the back of a record rack
There's an old double pack.
Twelve inches and black,
With an old crumpled cover,
But every track is stacked.

And it takes me back
To the one who caused this melancholy mood,
And every single groove
Cuts me to the bone,
Yeah, she rocks me to the bone.

I took her back to my bachelor flat
While the stereo played for two.
She unwrapped her gift
And played me a riff
And said, "This old record was just made for you."

Then we danced to songs of passion and
The singer's velvet tones
On the gramaphone
While the record played.
She rocks me to the bone,
Knocks me to the bone.

For those who may be interested, the Ray Davies autobiography "X-Ray" is an engaging (if eccentric) read. And for those who may perceive that the riff to "You Really Got Me" or the one-off oddity "Lola" are the creative poles of the Kinks, I highly recommend the LPs "Something Else," "The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society" and "Muswell Hillbillies," all of which, I think, are available on CD.

One final note from Anita: The game is against Kansas City, if it matters to anyone :>)

Thanks for clearing this up for me, group! Still, I find it fun to think of Gerry as "The Professor." Doesn't he have that professorial look about him?

<<your'l be sorry to see me go then vic???????? >>

Absolutely Paul, and give everyone from your home planet my regards. Just kidding, JUST KIDDING! Really, no one says you have to leave, just move on to some other subject. There's plenty of "room" here, to talk about AMERICA stuff.

The Camden Yards website doesn't list a specific Babe Ruth Memorial Site, so Anita Bloom called the park. They told her that there is no such site, per se, but they do have concerts after games sometimes. The concerts are held at one of two plazas within the park, so a ticket to the ballgame will be required. Thanks for the additional information, Anita.

Johnny, I also thought it was Doug Suman that Dewey was referring to. Click here to see the America Fans web page that talks about The Professor and shows a couple of photos of him playing the guitar.

but I thought Dewey was referring to Doug Suman

I thought so too,although it IS confusing the way Dewey's comment comes across on the cd. I thought he meant Gerry too until I read so reference to Doug Susman as "the Professor".

The show scheduled for 7/11/04 in Baltimore, MD at Camden Yards Stadium is affiliated with the baseball game. America will play immediately following the game. The promoters tell us that the concert will be held in the “Babe Ruth Memorial Site”. (Thanks to Erin Edwards for this information)

For those old enough to remember the Kinks ("You Really Got Me", "All Day and All of the Night" and "Lola")...The lead singer and songwriter, Ray Davies was shot in my "hometown" of New Orleans. The crime actually happened about 36 hours ago, but it has gotten a lot of coverage here in our local news. Luckily, he survived the shooting. He was shot on his right thigh after chasing a mugger who stole his companion's purse. They were walking in our world famous French Quarter when it happened. Just thought I'd pass this on to any Bristish Invasion fans out there.

On a lighter note, on this 12th day of Christmas, Happy Kings Day everyone!

Sir Joe

Fun triv questions, Vic and Anita!

Jenna and All ~ I haven't listened to the King Biscuit AMERICA cd in quite a while, but I thought Dewey was referring to Doug Suman (I think that's his name and that perhaps he was their tech guy?) as "The Professor". I may be quite wrong, however.

your'l be sorry to see me go then vic????????

Here you go Paul. Bye now.

1971 America
1972 Homecoming
1973 Hat Trick
1974 Holiday
1974 On The Road - America/Eagles Live (Bootleg)
1975 Hearts
1975 History
1975 Greatest Hits: Best of America (Taiwan Import)
1976 Hideaway
1977 Harbor
1977 America Live
1979 Silent Letter
1980 Alibi
1981 America's Gold
1981 Live In Central Park (Laser disc/VHS)
1982 View From The Ground
1982 The Last Unicorn Soundtrack
1983 Your Move
1984 Perspective
1985 America In Concert
1990 The Very Best of America
1991 Encore: More Greatest Hits
1992 Ventura Highway And Other Favorites
1994 Hourglass
1995 America In Concert (King Biscuit)
1995 Van Go Gan (Gerry's Solo Album)
1995 Horse With No Name (Music/Video CD)
1995 Live In Germany '95 (German TV)
1996 You Can Do Magic
1996 Premium Gold Collection
1996 Centenary Collection
1997 Heard (Home-Rolled)
1998 Human Nature
1998 Best of MusikLaden: America (DVD/VHS)
1998 The Legendary America
1998 A Horse With No Name (German Import)
1999 America 2 CDs
1999 Greatest Hits
1999 Live In Germany '99 (German TV)
2000 Live
2000 Go Man Go (Remix of Gerry's Van Go Gan)
2000 Highway: 30 Years of America
2001 Hits You Remember Live
2001 The Definitive America
2001 The Complete Greatest Hits
2001 Homecoming (DVD-Audio)
2001 In Concert - Ohne Filter (German DVD)
2001 The Last Unicorn (German Import)
2001 Live At Santa Barbara (German Import)
2002 Ventura Highway (Dutch Import)
2002 Anthology #1 CD-ROM (Russian MP3 Compilation)
2002 Anthology #2 CD-ROM (Russian MP3 Compilation)
2002 Holiday Harmony
2002 The Best of the Beat-Club Live: America
2002 The Grand Cayman Concert
1999 Honored - Volume 1 (Home-Rolled)
1999 Honored - Volume 2 (Home-Rolled)
2000 Like A Brother (Beckley/Lamm/Wilson)

Yes, Jenna, you are exactly right! A fun comment by Dewey, wasn't it?

I would like to say sorry to everyone here i just wanted people to understand the reason why i asked for America bootlegs, I live in the UK the boys dont come over here so i have to rely on getting their music anyway i can i get their releases way after you guys do. But nuff said on the matter of boots there obviously isnt anyone who wants to trade and thats ok, before i leave you good people alone for good could one of you give me a list of every America Album released so i can see if im upto date. Thanks

Hi Guy's,
Lovely day down here in Australia, it's fine in most parts, creeping up to 40*c - 105*f.... eh guys, lets not argue, isn't there enough scrapping going on in the world already.... and it's only the 6th Jan 04'.

anyway.... a message for Dewey & Gerry & Crew....

Don't forget to bring ya swim suits (as they say "swim trunks", when ya head downunder... the weather is hot & humid...and lovvvveeerrrlllyyy...

Chill People, lifes too short...!

Goanna & Co.

The point im trying to make is i buy every genuine record company release i can from America so im not taking monies from anyone but what is the harm in trading bootlegs i have evry record the Beatles have released and about 95 boots i have every record the WHO has released and about 450 boots the artists have had their money from me i dont download music i buy it if i want it i don't see how any law is being broken GEE H over to you

it seems like 99.9% of people all have the sam opinion when it comes to bootlegs whos the odd one out MR DO GOODER KNOW IT ALL AND I QUOTE gee h

Brad and Alan,I also completly agree with you guys on the bootleg issue. I wasn't gonna comment initially,but you two basically said everything I was feeling. I also own everything by the guys that is commercially available,and also paid a High price to get the Import CD's of the titles that are not domestically available. I have bootlegs on both video and CD and I don't feel there is anything wrong with it. If Gee H feels its wrong,then thats just one opinion and he/she is entitled to it. In the meantime,I'll go on enjoying the material that I have,which was never gonna be for public purchase anyways! The only time I would have an attitude is if somebody is trying to sell a bootleg for a profit. People that want to trade bootlegs with other members of this chat site for their own personal
enjoyment--hey,I got no problems with that! 'Nuff Said!!!

Anita, love those easy triv questions!! It's about all my brain can handle right after vacation and the first day back in the office. I'll take a stab at it...and say the Live King Biscuit CD. And, I believe Dewey refers to "the professor" right before the beginning of Horse (?)

Sir Joe and Nancy, good guess. You are correct about the rhyme being "Finders Keepers Losers Weepers" and "Children" does fit, some what:

"The boy cried out
Gaily on the ground
At the joy
Of something he had FOUND "

It does fit, but there is one that fits better:

<< I agree that the childhood rhyme is Finders Keepers Losers Weepers. I think you are referring to Only Game in Town, sung by America (but not written by America--was that a clue?).
"Finders find love for the evening
Keepers keep the love they've found
Losers lose and wind up weeping
But it's the only game in town">>

That's the one Moser, "The Only Game In Town". As you said, the song is sung by America but not written by America. That was the other clue.

Vic,
I know Sir Joe already gave an answer for your question but I thought of a slightly different answer. I agree that the childhood rhyme is Finders Keepers Losers Weepers. I think you are referring to Only Game in Town, sung by America (but not written by America--was that a clue?).
"Finders find love for the evening
Keepers keep the love they've found
Losers lose and wind up weeping
But it's the only game in town"

That's my guess. Good questions. I liked the one about the Bible, too, but didn't know the answer.
Mo

This trivia thing looked like fun, so I thought I'd give it a try. This one is probably too easy for most of you, but here goes. On what CD, and at what point, does Dewey refer to Gerry as "the professor"?

Hi Valerie! How was the Rick Springfield concert? I didn't realize he was touring. (I loved him in the early 80's)

Cindy From The South

Hi all,
Yeah, I always liked The Grass Roots too.
My older sister and I went to see them a few times when they often performed at Disneyland in the late 70's. I remember trying to trade people all of our "E" Ride tickets to get better seats!
It didn't work!

I also saw them perform at The Los Angeles County Fair back in 1990. (I remember my 1 year old daughter was dancing in front of the stage, and the band was so friendly with her! Also, I was pregnant with my son, who turns 13 tomorrow!)

I have always hoped to see them in concert again.

All this talk about The Grass Roots has made me recall how much I loved their songs!

Bye, Valerie
P.S. A funny thing, - a woman I met at a Rick Springfield concert a couple of months ago said that she was dating the current drummer of The Grass Roots. I asked her to send me some information on their touring schedule, but she didn't.

I have always had a soft spot for the Grass Roots, they were a very local success story. I went to school with the sister of the original drummer , Rick Coonce. I still like their sound, they get a lot of airplay on the local oldies station.

Brad, I couldn't agree more. I see absolutely nothing wrong with trading bootlegs of material not commercially available. I don't have a lot of bootlegs to trade, but I have obtained a few through members of this board (the names are being withheld to protect the innocent) for the cost of duplication and shipping charges incurred. I also own everything that is commercially available by America, except those compilations that only contain songs I already have (unless they are live versions I don't already have). If we're talking material that isn't available commercially, I don't see how that is taking money out of anybody's pockets.

I certainly don't agree with making bootleg copies of commercially available material for sale or trade, except for your own use.

My 2 cents worth on the debate.

Alan

Hi Everyone :)

Thanks Tim & jimmy for your reply posts on The Grass Roots. I know when I posted about them, I was thinking the show was in Feb. well when I took a closer listen to the radio ad, here the show is this Friday Jan 9th, soooo I kinda doubt that I will be getting to go to it. I would like to go see them, Heaven Knows :) I have listened to sooo many of their great songs when I was younger.

Hi Brad ~~ Nicely said Post ~~ Thanks :)

Cheers Jason ~~ Have a safe trip here to NY. I'd love to hear your thoughts about your visit to the States afterwards! :)

Neat trivia Vic ~~ You are on top of things Sergio, I have to say My Mind is Running Amuck right now, too many things on it with my work. My guess to was the song Children.... :)

Okay gotta go, take care everyone Nancy :)

~~~ In My Midnight Confession, when I tell all the world that I love youuuu ~~~~ Sing it from there Grass Roots ~~~ See I am going crazy, this lyric line is stuck on my minds replay mode today! Too Much :);)

Right you are TZ MAC! Guitarist, Dusty Hanvey and keyboardist Larry Nelson have been in the group since 1984(20 years)and drummer Joe Dougherty has been there 14 years now. I have seen them many times in the last 22 years and they always put on a great show. Rob recently went through a hip replacement surgery, but is reportedly doing fine. Sonny Geraci(former lead singer of The Outsiders and Climax) filled in for Rob on a few shows last year.

go to www.henrysgallery.com

Hi all,

Hope you all had a good new years and didn't get as drunk as me.

I'm off to New York in Feb and think I recall reading somewhere that the 70s rock photographer Henry Diltz had a shop in NY. If i'm right does anyone know where it is as I'd love to visit during my stay.

Cheers

Jas

Brad fair comment i was wrong in calling people jerks i admit that with the exception of one person. The response from you is what any chat forum is about cheers my friend i agree and disagree with you but your comments, i will take them on board

Hello, everyone. I have been catching up on the past several days discussion of bootlegs, mainly between Gee H and Paul. In my opinion, I feel that both of you are right and wrong on certain points.

First, I think that the tone of the discussion has gotten way too nasty. Paul, I have to say that I feel you are mostly responsible for this. I also think you were unfairly quick to call all the fans on this board "jerks" because you had not heard from anyone regarding bootlegs. Obviously, many fans have since contacted you. While I have not always been active on the board, I have "met" (if only electronically) many good fans and people on this board.

I have been an America fan for 15+ years. I have every album that they have ever released on CD and have seen them in concert more than 10 times. That said, I also own many "bootlegs" of the band. These are mainly recordings of live concerts from through the years and some videos. I have shared one of these videos with people on this board in the past. I understand Gee H's argument about their legality, but I personally don't see anything wrong with owning and enjoying these tapes, CDs, etc. For me personally, owning these recordings has never influenced me to NOT buy an America CD release. For example, even though I have numerous America shows recorded, I immediately purchased the Grand Caymen concert when it was released. I also own IN CONCERT and AMERICA LIVE on CD. If they release 5 more live albums, I will get those as well!

I would never want to do anything to take money out of Gerry, Dewey and the rest of the band's pockets. They are wonderful musicians who deserve everything they get for their talents. I do not endorse selling bootlegs for profit. But trading among devoted fans can be a good and fun thing, in my opinion.

Regarding Paul's suggestion that record companies issue outtakes, etc. of album's when they are released, I don't think this is generally realistic. Many artists probably don't want much of that material released, and other than for true completist fans, such recordings are not very commercially viable. I would love to have the chance to buy any demos, etc. America wants to issue, but, other than the songs on Highway, I don't think you will ever see such recordings available through record stores. I am also a huge Beatles' fan and own all the outtakes, etc. on the "Anthology" CDs. Most artists, though, can't sell such things successfully like the Beatles can.

I will now get off my soap box and read others' thoughts.

Happy New Year to everyone on the board!

Brad Askew

Vic,

I know I am being a "trivia hog", but I want to give this one a try too...The song is "Children" and the rhyme is "Finders Keepers Losers Weepers".
Oink, Oink,;0)
Sir Joe

Dear all i have been having a debate about bootlegs with various people on this and other sites id like to get other peoples honest answers to the question SHOULD RECORD COMPANIES RELEASE A EXTRA DISC (WHEN RELEASING AN ALBUM)OF OUT TAKES AND DEMOS OF THE ALBUM BEING RELEASED. Would,nt this stop bootleg discs to a degree, then people like, and i quote GEE H could get off their high horse

There is a song that is sung by AMERICA, that seems to be derived from or inspired by a simple childhood rhyme, that has to do with what is "lost and found". What is the song and the childhood rhyme?

Good guess, Sir Joe.You are correct on all 3 questions.

Vic,

Good trivia question! Here is my guess:

The SONG: DONKEY JAW
The WRITER: DAN PEEK
The Quote:
AH, GET BEHIND ME SATAN
Quit ravishing the land
Does it take the children
To make you understand?
How did I do?

Sir Joe

There is an AMERICA song that contains a quote from the New Testament, RSV. The quote is from a verse where Jesus addresses Peter. What is the song, who wrote it, and what is the quote?

I saw the Grass Roots about 5 years ago and was very pleased. Rob Grill is the only original member left, but the current touring quartet has been together for around 20 years. Rob still sounds great. He was the Grass Roots primary lead singer. The songs were played very true to their original sound.
After the concert I saw the band was heading off in different directions for a few days off. Rob had to head immediately to the airport after the show. But I got to chat a little with the other band members and they were very friendly.
Tim

Hi Steve... Who is Jim Nakao and what is his connection to the band?

Hi Cindy. JimNak is a big fan and good friend of the band. He lives in Southern California and attends many of the concerts there. I have met Jim in person several times and corresponded with him almost since the beginning of the America Fans web site. He's a great guy and has some wonderful insights (as well as some great photos).

Hi Steve...Who is Jim Nakao and what is his connection to the band? Loved his pics from New Years Eve...just wondering, he pops up every now and then here and I must have missed something somewhere on who he is. Thanks!!
Cindy From The South

The America Fans web site has even more information about Willie. By following the appropriate link in the biographies page, you can read the Up Close And Personal article which was written by Jim Nakao around 1997 and revised in 1999.

Speaking a tad more about Willie, while in Sweetwater I asked Woodz why Willie no longer performs that incredible drum solo right before going into Dan's song, "Woman Tonight". Woodz said he wasn't familiar with what I was talking about. I went on to mention that the drumming solo use to be performed live back around 1976 - 1977. Woodz still wasn't able to recall what I was talking about. After giving it more thought, he was able to remember. The reason Woodz gave made perfect sense to me. He said it's because it requires the percussion work of Tom Walsh to assist in performing it.

For those of you who have never heard the drumming intro, I think you'd be very impressed. It's unfortunate that it's no longer performed.

Since we were talking about Willie, I thought I'd search the internet for any information on him. The following is one of the articles I found:

William Robert Leacox was born in Shenandoah, Iowa on March 31st, 1947. In the Leacox family many members were playing drums. So it was not unusual that Willie Leacox started playing drums too. While at school he started playing with bands. One of those bands in the sixties was called the ECHOES. They were rather successful at talent shows in Omaha, Nebraska.

The next band Willie Leacox played with were the GREEN GIANTS. He stayed with them until 1965.

Willie Leacox played in some more bands during his high school time and he also got professional training. At Washburn University Willie Leacox majored in piano. He also played drums in various groups at college.

One of the bands he was in during his college years was called the JERMS. This group even released a single in 1968.

In 1973 a friend of Willie Leacox told him that he should audition for the job as drummer for the group AMERICA. Willie Leacox bought the two albums that AMERICA had released by then and learned the drum parts. During the audition he knocked AMERICA and their management off and of course he got the job. Now AMERICA was able to play all the instruments they needed.

(The article then goes on to tell about AMERICA becoming associated with George Martin and the rest of their history from there including the addition of Rich as the new bass player. If any of you wish to read the whole article, it's at: www.starclustermusic.de/artists/america/leacox/leacox1.htm )

Thanks for replying Mary, so glad to hear from you. That must have been unbelievably scary to see those fires so close to home. So sad that so many homes were lost. -Take care, Valerie

Hi Everyone :)

Cheers Margaret ~~ Thanks, I enjoyed getting to read this article. ~~Although it may be mostly WE Baby Boomers that Follow them still, I feel that Changing, and I feel that what still love about AMERICA will live on in our children & hopefully our granchildren.... Dewey said <<<<"At first we were sort of these young upstarts who got labelled as part of the California rock sound - and in fact we became that because at that time we still didn't have an identity of our own. We were in that camp along with The Eagles, who came along after us and passed us in a heartbeat.">>>>>> Hey Dewey ~~ I just gotta say that it was AMERICA's Horse With No Name that reached out and stopped my Heartbeat & kept me on the AMERICA Highway! One more thing, You & Gerry have Lots of Magical Gems that still stop my heartbeat! :) I hope there is More to Come, I am Hankerin for a New CD from you guys! :)

Hi Sergio ~~ Hmmmm ~~ Tooo much, pretty neat you seeing them 2years ago... They are advertising this show on the radio, and Yes Rob Grille is still touring with them... When thoughts of the Grass Roots songs come back to me... I remember going to my cousins and we would Play their songs on our make believe instruments.... our Bass Guitar was non other than that big Red Baseball bat, and our keyboard was a make believe board on top of a table, and then our drums were an actual play drum set... I of course did alot of lipsyncing with my make believe microphone ~~~WOW ~~~ What a Blast from the Past carefree Memory Keepsake.... LOL! :) ~~ I did mention to the Hubby lets goooooo seee this show!

Hmmm ~~Hi Paul ~~~ Why not try a Restart, and try a different Approach to your posts! ~~ I can appreciate your love for AMERICA's music, and I can understand that you haven't been given the opportunity to see them for a long time. If you have a DVD player, there are some really neat things available to get caught up with...The Homecoming Audio DVD is sooooo AWESOME, and there is the AMERICA Concert that was released about 2 years ago... I do Hope you will be able to get to see some of these things and more... :)

Okay gotta get now! ~~~ Take Care ~~ Enjoy your Sunday! Nancy :)

~~~Try & remind myself that I was Happy here, before I knew that I could get on a plane and go to a place where the cars go and I could watch the sunset, and take my time, our time, I've still got Sand in my shoes, I should get on and forget you, why would Iiiiii want tooo, but Iiiiii wannna seeeeee you again, Iiiiiii wannna seeeee you again~~~ WOW ~~What a Mesmorizing song Dido! :) ;) :)

<<The Grass Roots are coming now instead! ~~ I wonder if they are any good????>>

Nancy,

Happy New Year my friend (and to all)! With regards to your Grass Roots question~I was lucky to see THE GRASS ROOTS about two years ago here in New Orleans at the Treasure Chest Casino and they were absolutely GREAT. Rob Grill the original lead singer was still with them (I believe he still is). The whole band sounded great just like the old 45's and the audience was on their feet screaming for more. Their music seemed to have brought everyone there to a very happy place in their youth. They performed all their hits~ "Midnight Confession", "Temptation Eyes", "Sooner or Later", "Wait a Million Years", "Heaven Knows", "Where Were You When I Needed You" "Two Divided By Love" and my absolute favorite by them, an anthem of the late 60's, "Let's Live for Today". Lots of High School memories for me. Nancy, you will not be disappointed, if you have any connection to this music, do yourself a favor and GO. :0)

Sir Joe

Hi Margaret,

Bet you can't wait for the Sydney Opera House concerts...!
counting the days...??? I know wer'e all amped...

I've seen and heard a bit of advertising here in Melbourne for the guys as well... Although Melbourne fans may have let them down a bit as the scheduled concert was cancelled due to poor ticket sales. Tis a shame... "Shame on you Melbourne Fans".... :(((

Anyway, at least the guys have made the effort to include the other states this time... which is really appreciated...! So Much...!


yak soon

Goanna

Mr. GEE H ive only seen America once that was 1971 they dont come to the UK but i was so impressed with them ive been a fan ever since you guys get to see them all the time i have to rely on Albums released hence trying to get hold of live shows in the form of boots it may be different if i saw them on a regular basis. Anyway i didnt join this site to have agro with prats like you i thought id get people who live in the real world to talk too. but thats not the case.Time for me to go i think

I think this may be the link to the article mentioned by Holiday.
http://today.thewest.com.au/20040103/music/td-mus-home-sto117784-pic22534.html
I saw an ad for the first Sydney Opera House Concert when the cricket was on the TV at lunchtime today. I thought that concert was sold out, so I was surprised that they weren't advertising the second show.

NightOwl Nancy Here :) Hmmmm ~~ Gotta get let my fingertips get this out of my system ~ Soooo I can head back to my Big soft Pillow! LOL!!!! Loook out! :)

First of all ~~

Cheers Goanna ~~ Yes sir reeeeeee Gerry is sooooo easy to Listen too, in fact I not only listened to Go Man Go, I also listened to Van Go Gan, plus Like a Brother and let me tell you I listened more than 1 time ~~ I guess you could say I needed to go on a "Gerry RETREAT" WOW WOW WOW ~~ You all don't know how hard it is for me to hold my fingers back from singing all of the great songs that have been playing here to keep me SANE while I was doing my END of the Month, END of the Final Tax Qtr. ROLLOVER work.... Yes I am wide awake here and Wound to the Max ~~~ Penelope Printer decided to give me a run for my Patience tonight.... if it isn't her it is Hewey HP my work pc that fights with Penelope printer, I will one day get my DOS program not to fight with Penelope's configurations..... till then I need all the HELP I can get.... and you got it, My Music playing non-stop here does that.... Nice! ~~ Sorry for running off into the outfield there.... back to replying to Goanna now... Nice that you too have been enjoying these great songs too. I bet the Countdown has begun there at your place... WOW Get ready to walk on the clouds and to experience that AMERICA Heaven we all are Addicted too! Please be sure and come back and let us hear all about it. ~~ I can't wait to see Gerry's VFTHW pics from there. ~~ They will kinda smoothe over the fact that they cancelled out of a show at Seven Springs in Feb here.... The Grass Roots are coming now instead! ~~ I wonder if they are any good???? Take care Goanna, all the best to you and yours in 2004! :)

Cheers to you too Holiday (Chris) ~~ Nice to hear from you, Soooo neat you too will be getting to see AMERICA there in your part of OZ too. Thanks for filling us in on the media coverage there. Hmmm I am wondering if any of these articles are available here on the web to see, if sooo could you please post the site address, so we can check it out ~~ Thanks & Enjoy your big night too, come back and tell us all about it.

Hey Jenna ~~ That is sooooooo GREAT that you got to go see the New Years Eve show ~~ WOW What a way to hit the Spontanaety JackPot! Nice :)

Hi Robyn ~~ Sorry about your Bummer of Misfortunate Happenings at the show!

Hey there DanC ~~~ Catch that Train ~ Political Poachers & the Letter ~~~ WOW WOW WOW what a unique mention of some Awesome Gems ~~ You can betcha that I hit the replay button on all 3 of them.... Hmmmm I sure hope you checked out WISH's Sticks & Stones songs on the www.cdbaby.com site, there are some really Nice songs on this cd, I have been hitting the replay button on them alot too... there are 2 songs called Medley 1 & Medley 2 and let me tell you, you will be swept away when you get to hear these. All of the songs are nice, and the lyrics are soooo Sincere, they grab you where it counts... WOW I could write a BOOK here tonight.... :) Oooh well back to work on Monday, I guess with all of the Nice music Mr Mailman has been bringing my way, will soothe over the Payment Book he will be delivering here soon! Ouch! ~~ Hey my Bessielou has one of those 6 Stacker CD Players in it.... too much! :) :) :)

Hi Thomas :) ~~~ Please don't get discouraged, hopefully Kim's piano sheet music will help you out some! I still think it is soooo Nice that you want to play this great song on your drums. ~~ My 8yr old son Nathan wants to take Drum lessons, I keep asking him if he wants to learn how to play the guitar, soooo he can play AMERICA's songs for MOM, he says too me, I will play you some AMERICA songs on my Drums! :) Keep us Posted Okay???

Hey there Reddddd ~~~ Are you still enjoying your new Music CD's that Santa brought you for xmas! WOW ~~ You have kinda been on a RETREAT too HUH :) ;)

Hi Mary ~~~ Soooo Nice seeing you Posting again ~~ I hope you enjoyed some time off for your daughter's birthday. Take care :)

Okay I guess I am all done ramblin here.... only 1 more thing left to let these fingertips get out.... I have been listening to DIDO's new CD Life For Rent songs, and there is one that has me hitting the replay button, I guess you could say I am ADDICTED to it tonight, I have lost count of how many times it has replayed here.... Sooo I just have to let my fingers sing some of it before I go.....

Nitey Nite all, Nice Dreams all, Nancy :)

~~~ I don't have time , time... I still got sand in my shoes, and I can't SHAKE the THOUGHT OF YOU, I Should get on and Forget YOU, but why would Iiii want too, I know we said goodbye, anything else would have been confused, but Iiiiiii wanna seeeee You againnnnnn, Iiiiiii wannna seee you Again ~~~ to get on a plane and fly to a place where I can get away and watch the sunset and forget about time.... Iiiii wanna seeee you againnn, I still got sand in my shoes, and I can't shake the thought of you, I should get on and forget about you, why should Iiiii, buttt Iiiii wannna seee you again ~~~~ Sing it for me again and again DIDO ~~~ She not only has some really nice Accoustics to her songs, she has such a Nice voice add to that she sure has a catchy way with her Lyrics too! :) ;) :)

Great Paul...knock yourself out but do us a favor will you? Next time you go to an America show and they are selling America T-shirts there, why don't you do something legitimate like actually buying one as opposed to soliciting a trade on the internet so that you can make a damned xerox copy of it.

While chatting with Rich prior to the Topsfield Fair show, he mentioned that Willie is a multi-talented musician. Besides drums, he can play bass and guitar and I believe he said piano as well.

Alan

Willie did not play the piano when I was in the club, I WAS listening to and watching the final drum check when the meanie club people closed the door on me, and I sttod there getting cold.... ah well I HAVE heard Willie before, at California Adventure. He was ( as you can imagine) magnifiicent! The band was great on NYE, but having my life threatened put a bit of a damper on the occassion. Sorry I missed you Jenna, I was RIGHT NEXT TO THE LADIES ROOM -- like I said, Primo seats.

Thank you so much for your concerns,Valerie. It was quite frightening when the fires were happening. We evacuated a day before the mandatory evacuations. We were displaced from our home for a week and a half and then when we got home we were still without power for 3 more days. My father-in-law purchased us a generator so that we could stay up here. We had taken all our pets, which are a big part of our family, all of our important papers and of course, I took with me all my America CD's DVD's along with a few of my other favorites. Couldn't take them all, but I did make sure my America ones went with me. My daughter, Leslie, took her Playstation and her CD player. It was so devastating, all the damage it did. Our town of Running Springs was encircled from all sides by the flames from all the fires and they thought for sure that Running Springs would be burned to the ground. But thank God and all the Firefighters, Forestry Dept. and the CHP, we only lost one home here. Unlike Cedar Glen, which is about 7 miles from us as the crow flies. They lost almost all of their residential area, a total of 350 homes were lost. My heart goes out to these people. They could use an awful lot of prayers. It wasn't too long ago that they finally re-opened all the roads up to the mountain areas. They had said that the combined acreage from all the fires that were burned was about the size of Rhode Island. I hadn't been back on the computer for some time due to going back to work and trying to get the Country Club cleaned up from all the smoke and ash. I was really worn out from it all and trying also to get our back in order. We had also had taken all the pictures off the wall and all our photo albums. But we are all doing fine and our mountains will once again be green and beautiful in time. We could use a lot of rain and snow now. Just wanted to say thank you for thinking of me. Take care. Mary

Dear Gee just to let you know that since my message to the site i have had 17 e-mails from people willing to trade bootleg cd's of America so maybe not everyone is as clean cut and upstanding as you think

Actually Johnny you are partially correct. Willie travels with what is referred to as a "trap set". This mainly consists of the cymbols but he also has his own set of chinese wood blocks (Used on Another Try) and tamborine. He used to use his own set of Ludwig drums (white with the America logo on the bass drum) for local California gigs and also when they used to play multiple consecutive nights at the Nugget Casino in Reno, NV. I have not seen his personal drums since the Reno gig when we had the last America Fan Gathering. The drums, cymbol stands, hardware and mics are generally rented locally.

Don't forget today is Sir George Martin's 78th.
Also longtime friend of AMERICA, Van Dyke Parks is 61.

G ~ Willie conducting the keyboard sound check during the initial set-up due to Bill's absence makes perfect sense. Thanks for the info.

When I was briefly backstage after the Sweetwater concert, I was very amazed as well as impressed to see Willie packing up his own equipment. I was equally impressed to see Erin Edwards laboring backstage doing a lot of the packing as well. The next morning, I was able to chat with Erin briefly in the hotel lobby as she was checking out. It was nice to meet her. She mentioned in our conversation that Willie's drums are rented locally whenever it's possible. I thought that was rather interesting, and it made perfect sense rather than to ship his equipment from concert to concert. So, I assume the equipment Willie was packing was the rented equipment he used that night. Either way, it was interesting to observe.

GEE H what a boring bloke you are get a life my friend i thought people like you only existed in soap operas

GEE H what a boring bloke you are get a life my friend i thought people like you only existed in soap operas

Johnny,

I beleive that the picture you are referring to where Willie is sitting at the keyboard was during the initial set up and sound check. As you know, America typically travels with a guitar tech (Pete) and a sound board tech (Bill). Willie acts as his own drum tech and assembles/disassembles his drum kit for each show. During set up, I have seem him go to the electric piano and play some tunes as a sound check for Bill who is making all those adjustments back there which enables the band to sound so great live. Kudos to Bill and Pete for their tireless efforts.

Quote from Paul......

"thats why the world is in a mess too many do gooders"

No Paul, the world is in a mess because of lack of accurate and precise communication. Wars have been fought, nations have crumbled, finanical fortunes lost....Why...because of a lack of precise communiation. Your original message on this subject...message #30825 stated "has anyone got any America bootleg Cd's they will trade with me please". Now Paul, according to Webster the definition of bootleg is as follows...to produce, reproduce, or distribute illicitly or without authorization.If you meant "out takes, screw ups in the recording process, etc,etc..then SAY WHAT YOU MEAN! Bootleg means bootleg. Again Paul, precise communication...you should try it sometime. It might open up a whole new world for you.

if people are honest GEE H they would probably agree with me rather than you. You are one of the world's do gooders ain't you thats why the world is in a mess too many do gooders I dare say your'l find a quote in there somewhere

Quote from Paul.........

"Gee H if the record companies made studio out takes and live shows available to the public then people would'nt have to go to the lenghts they do trying to get everything they can from their heroes swapping bootlegs"

If I used your logic Paul, then I would probably say something like: "if the drug companies would make cocaine available at the local Walgreen's, then drug addicts would not have to resort to holding people up at gunpoint or breaking into peoples houses and stealing vcr's to support their habbit"

That is a very lame justification Paul. What execatly are the proper channels for distributing an artist's copyrighted material without the artist's knowledge or approval?

There is an old saying Paul that I think applies here. You can dress up a pig with a tie and coat and take it to the dance, but when the dance is over, you still have a pig. You can call a bootleg anything you want, but if it is illegally recorded are distributed, then in the end, it is a crime.

Hello Nancy,

I can appreciate your excitment re; Gerry's solo work...

I've been listening to Van Go Gan & Go Man Go over the last couple of weeks,,,and whilst they are not "America" style of albums, I can really appreciate Gerry's work on these 2x albums, and probably some of my favourites that he's created, I really enjoy listening to the re-mix album "Go Man Go". I listened to "Kiss of Life" the other day and feel so much peace in the lyric, whilst there's a pleading from the heart to "save me, pull me from deep water" which I guess is a "help me off the floor" type cry for help..... hope that doesn't sound to out there...!

But yes agree...! WOW...! great albums from Gerry's solo selection...
and he's so easy to listen to don't you think...

Happy New Year everyone, hope it's a safe and happy one for all of us...

Peace & Love Always

Goanna & Co...
Australia

XXX

Gee H if the record companies made studio out takes and live shows available to the public then people would'nt have to go to the lenghts they do trying to get everything they can from their heroes swapping bootlegs i think is ok buying and selling i don't agree with unless done thru' the proper channels at a reasonable price. Would'nt you like to have a copy ( shall we say HOURGLASS ) ALL THE OUT TAKES AND F**K UPS that went into making Hourglass The start to the finish if you like.

I meant:

...with a music degree WITH an emphasis in piano.

AND

While chatting with Rich in Sweetwater, he said he (Rich, himself) was a music major at Chico State.

<<Who knew Willie could play piano?>>

Jenna ~ I'm not sure...maybe I just imagined it. I thought Willie majored in music and graduated with a music degree in an emphasis in piano. I'm pretty sure about the music degree part but maybe someone can shed some light regarding the "emphasis in piano" portion of my statement.

For those present during his piano-playing prior to the show on New Year's Eve, what song(s) did he play?

While chatting with Rich in Sweetwater, he (Rich) said he was a music major at Chico State. I seem to recall that he said he majored in CLASSICAL music. I definitely remember him saying he's learning to play the bagpipes which is quite a challenge to him, he added.

Robyn, So sorry to hear you had such a bad experience at the Canyon Club....next time has got to be better!! I unexpectedly spent a few days visiting friends in the LA area for New Years....and was just thrilled to still find some available tickets at the last minute. (just couldn't bare to spend another evening with Dick Clark's rockin eve show....haha!) It was a great night & they seemed to be in great form and in a great mood! Was glad to hear a few rare gems too! Was a little surprised too that the evening ended at 11pm and also hearing the announcement that there was disco for an hour. I tried searching for you but didn't have any luck (hopefully, next time! Btw, great photos!! Who knew Willie could play piano? very talented!) We didn't stay long either and I think we rang in the new year while driving on the freeway. Just might be working a lot of overtime soon since I think my credit card is maxed out, funny how that happens??

Hope everyone had a great News Years!

quote...

"I will carry on liking America but the fans of America, well i best not say what i think of you lot"

You must not like America that much since you want to engage in an activity that directly takes money out of their pockets. In case you have been living on another planet Paul, the swapping of boot-legged songs is a violation of Federal Copyright laws. There are a lot of loyal America fans on this site who refuse to participate in that activity because 1) it is illegal and 2)it is finacially detrimental to the band.

In your earlier post you stated that you best not say what you think of America's fans. I don't have enough patience or self control to recipricate the gesture so in essence, I think you are a criminal for violating federal law.

That's "I guess I'll catch YOU there".DanC.

Talking of drum notes, I have always loved the little drum piece right after the second line of "I guess I'll catch there" in the song "Catch That Train". Just a small piece of the song but I've always gotten into it. and I'll bet it's no machine either.DanC.

On the song Political Poachers, was that a sitar used as the lead guitar? If so, who came up with the idea of using it on the song and who actually played it? Also, was that the only song America ever used a sitar on? Maybe Letter? DanC.

Vic ~ I agree with you about appreciating Gerry's candor regarding the drum machine and especially all the specifics he provided about the use of it on "YCDM". It's VERY COOL when either he or Dewey takes time (and interest) to respond to a matter here on the folder.

(As a side note: Someone asked me in a personal e-mail message if I was the winning bidder (eBay) of the blue acoustic guitar with all three of the former trio's signatures on it. The answer is "no". I didn't even place a bid even though I truly believe all three autographs are authentic!)

I just want to say that I appreciate Gerry's candor regarding the use of the Linn drum machine in the recording of "You Can Do Magic".The song REALLY does bring back great memories for many.

Paul,
In your original message you asked people to get in touch with you if they had bootlegs, and would be able to share them with you. Just because no one got e-mailed you does not make the people on the chat folder rude. You are incorrectly assuming that the reason no one got back to you was that they didn't want to help. It is more probably that no one here has what you are looking for or knows where you can get them. Did you really expect hundreds of people to resond saying that they don't have any (bootlegs) nor knew where you can get them. Therefore, no one replied to you.

After you posted again, a number of people tried to provide you with the information you were looking for. Robsl provided you with some info and a link that might point to where you could locate them. Stating that bootlegs are rare and very few exist that he is aware of.

I don't see how anyone has been rude to you on this board as everyone has tried to politely help you outr. However, you, yourself, have made numerous comments about the particpants of this baord which might be misconstued as rude by the rest of us.

This is Thomas again I have still not found the Drumming notes for "you can do magic" I hope some one finds them and Kim i would like to try the piano notes Thank you very much but please keep searching

Kevin i think the jerks are on this site

Hi Hoooooo Everyone :) Such a Dreary Friday here, but that don't matter Cause Gerry has been singing to me here all afternoon. I am surrounded by his great songs on Go Man Go ~~~ WOW Double WOW ~ Gerry sure works his Magic Nicely on these songs! Thanks Gerry :)

Hmmm ~~~ Guess what ??? ~~ We are finally getting to go pick up our new Bessie this evening. Yeppers ~~ Let the Payments Begin :)

Happy Belated B'day Vic ~~ Hope you have a great year! Neat Trivia question..... Hope is such an awesome song! Hmmmm look out everyone, Gerry is here singing Kiss of Life ~~ Wooooo Yes Yes Yes ~~~ This song can instantly Melt me for sure! :) ~~~ When you love someone, it's gonna take some time, Come on and saaave me, saaave me, pull me from deeeeep water, give the Kiss of Life, now is the Moment Treasured, breathe the kiss of life intoooo the words we speak, into the words we speak, they come across the meadow, like a slow moving train, long determination, over every nameeeee, when you love someone, it'ssss gonna take some time, come on and saaaave me, savvve me, pull me from deep water, give the kiss of life, now is the moment treasured, breathe the kiss of life intooooo the words we speak, into the words we speaaaak Yeahh aaaaah ~~~ come on and give the kiss, kiss of life, savvve me, save meeee, give the kiss of life, when you love someone its gonna take some time..... Ohhhhhhh my WOW what a song, what lyrics, what a voice, what magic you doooo Gerry ~~ Nice :) :) :) Boy that felt good to let my fingers get carried away with that great song! :) ;)

Okay I just stopped in to sayyyyyy TGIF, get those desks cleaned off and it's time for the weekend again..... I just wanted to share a simple phrase that sure holds alot of Wisdom in it.... Since we are at the start of a new year.... it kinda is sooo appropriate to use as a focus sign ~~~ "Shoot for the Moon, Even if you don't make it, You Will Land Among the Stars" :) ;) :) Okay gotta go get ready to pick up our new Bessielou! See ya, Nancy :)

~~~ From this day onnnn, I watch the setting sun, as if it may be my last, and as I view the Changing Color Hue I see the long shadows pass, Van Go Gan, van go gan, get a grip, if you cannnnn, 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 cannnn, van go gan, van go gannnnn, something Iiiii understand, soooo much waiting, sentimental memories, hesitating, Maybe I just wanna be.... Sing it again Gerry ~~~ Van Go Gan, van go gannnnn, get a gripppp if you cannnnn van go gan, van goooo gan, watch it sliiiip through your hands, van goooo gan, van gooo gan, something Iiiii understand..... :) :) :) :) :) :)

don't worry about it Robyn

don'y worry about it Robyn

Rob thanks for taking the time to get back to me
Paul

Hey Paul,
In regard to your post about bootlegs, there are a couple that are available but they are very rare and hard to find. You might want to check out the writeup on the America and the Eagles bootleg that was made in the 1970s, apparently some CD copies for it exist. HEre is the link : http://www.kingbiscuit.com/america/album/album92.htm
There really arent many bootlegs available from what I have found on this site and others. That's okay by me, I guess, I'm not a huge bootlegs person. Hope that helps.
Rob

Right you are Kevin! I am reminded of the old adage that you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. We're not such a bad lot. Now what was it you wanted, Paul?

Paul:

I've been frequenting this site for about four years now. I have never come across what you're talking about. Other fans have gotten pissed about critical comments I've written, and pissed about my sense of humor that they didn't appreciate from time to time and pissed at one another for various things and pissed that I would use words like pissed, but they've always been accessible. I've never experienced what you're referring to. If you tried to contact me, for instance, I probaby wouldn't have responded unless I recognized your email address. If my computer doesn't recognize your address, it sends the message directly to my junk mail slot. Perhaps that's what's happened in other cases. I don't know. Sorry you've had that experience. You sure you weren't on the Air Supply Fans Chat Page? They're a bunch of jerks over there.

Kevin.

America are are terrific group have liked them since i saw them in 1971 so when i came across this site i thought great but trying to touch base with the people in this group is like trying to walk to the moon. I will carry on liking America but the fans of America, well i best not say what i think of you lot

America are are terrific group have liked them since i saw them in 1971 so when i came across this site i thought great but trying to touch base with the people in this group is like trying to walk to the moon. I will carry on liking America but the fans of America, well i best not say what i think of you lot

The guys are getting plenty of media coverage downunder here in Perth. An article in yesterdays daily paper covered a telephone interview with Dewey "from his lakeside home in Wisconsin." The article was a full page feature with a good colour shot of Dewey and Gerry. The headline was "God Blessed America" with a sub-title: "I think we did our best work by accident. We never expected those early songs would launch a career that has lasted as long as this."

Dewey explained that in those early days they were "excited about coming of age and the music of the 60's we heard in England." He credited their longevity to "songs that had lasting melodies and lyrics that people can still relate to."

There have also been TV ads promoting the January 17 concert down here with a local radio station also heavily promoting the show and their music.

We're looking forward to a great concert at our Burswood Casino.

Cheers
Chris

Hi Margaret. Right on both counts.

Hope and the Southern Cross.

Gerry has written a song that mentions the name of a constellation that most of us that post here, with the exception of Jimbob, Goanna, Margaret and a few others, cannot view. What is the name of the song and the constellation?

<<I did appreciate your comment about Woodsy - he does seem so content and happy always!>>

Karen ~ That's what I appreciate about Woodz so much. He's the consummate professional. As we all know, a person can't always feel "great" during EVERY show (including Woodz), but he does a wonderful job at helping everyone have a good time. That's the superb showmanship in him.

Robyn ~ Bummer about the confrontation with the other attendees. At least it's a new year and a new start in many ways. As Karen said, there's the whole year of 2004 to make-up the difference!

Wow, Robyn. That's too bad. Sounds like a bad dream or something from the Twilight Zone. I sure hope you get to go to a concert in 2004 that will make up for your not-so-good time last night!! I did appreciate your comment about Woodsy - he does seem so content and happy always! Too bad the other concert-goers seated with you couldn't take a lesson from him.

Hmm Well I am finally back on line. I spent the day composing my thoughts about the show last night. I WILL NEVER GO TO THE CANYON CLUB AGAIN. PERIOD. Here's a rundown of the night.

When I picked up the tickets, the girl told me to be there between 5 and 6. so we were. we stood in the cold for about an hour and then they finally opened the door. unbeknownst to me all that was for NOTHING as we had been assigned a table already. As I feared it was WAAAYYY in the back, but we could see the stage so that was cool. Dinner which was NOT included in the $75 a person ticket price was a pre fixe meal for $50 each. It was inedible. The beef was filet mignon but you could still see the marks where the jockey had been beating it. Then the night got weird. We were seated by the hostess at the table and told we could sit as we liked, so dh and I faced the stage. In the middle of the meal, the party of eight that was to be seated with us came and DEMANDED that we MOVE so that they could all sit where they wanted. I said they should just sit down. They got UGLY and started name calling. ONE GUY THREATENED TO BLOW OUR HEADS OFF. If I wanted to get into a bar fight I would have gone to the local place and not had to pay $150 for the priviledge. The club was not helpful and they did not do anything about this patron. I won't go into it, but after the altercation I was sick and could not eat anything else ( not that it mattered) It toatlly ruined my night.

Now on to the show. the guys were great, playful and we were treated to the long set. Woodsy always looks like he found the secret to life and he is just bursting with the joy of it. It was my first chance to see and hear Rich. He was a lot of fun to watch as well. Now here's the strange part.When we ran into mB before the show ( said hi to him and to Mike who was with him) Matt said that they would not be playing up to midnight. HUH? and they didn't. they finished with a cast of thousands playing on HWNN including Gerry's brother Mike. They ended around 11 and the club announced that there would be dancing till midnight. DISCO??? we were, to quote the song "late for the door" and we went back to our hotel room to watch the ball drop.

If you go to the Canyon Club, don't do dinner. It is expensive and people who come in and stand get a better view. ALSO they CHARGE FOR EACH CUP OF COFFEE YOU GET! Oh well live and learn.

dh took some shots which we are playing with and will send along to Steve.

Well by 1 p.m. Eastern time yesterday, I figured it was out of the question that the hub was gonna surprise me with two plane tx and tx to the Canyon Club show for NY's Eve. Bummer. Hey, a girl can hope. Instead, I resigned myself to the planned roadtrip to the in-laws' enclave in Massachusetts that I had hoped was a cover story. But, alas, no. No surprises for New Years this time. Love New England, love the in-laws...well most of them...but would REALLY, REALLY have loved a surprise plane trip through 3 time zones to see my musical heroes ring in 2004. Ah well, maybe next year. Got to watch Boston College play in some bowl game...watch the kids sing "Grandma Got Run Over By a Reindeer" on a new karaoke (how the heck do you spell that word anyways?) machine...watch the ball drop on the TV...watch kids spill their sparkling grape juice on each other and me...watch a year that was an outstanding one for me come to a quiet close. I have much to be thankful for and much to look forward to in 2004. Happy New Year to all of you and your families...even your in-laws!!!

BY THE WAY...calling Robyn...come in Robyn...hoping to hear your report from the Agoura Hills show. It seems as though Mike and mB may have been there. Is that so? Hope you had a great time. Fill us in ASAP.

Happy New Year to All!

Hello to Mary H.
So glad to see you posting. I was very concerned about you during the fires Mary, and was very relieved when Nancy posted that she had heard from you, and that you were okay!
Take care, Valerie

Hi Thomas, I don't have the drumming notes, but I do have the sheet music for piano. I'm not sure if that would help w/ the drums, but if it would I'd be happy to send you a copy. Just e-mail me and let me know if you want it.

Kim

Nancy wrote: "Regarding Dewey's Poem ~~ Yeppers, you can betcha Dewey is gonna get a B'day Poem, no open discussion on this .... Yes Gen We Love Dewey just as much as Gerry! :) :) :)"

Weeellllll.....

FYI - Gerry sent me the following note about You Can Do Magic: "The whole track was performed by Russ Ballard including the Linn drum machine which he programed... It was set to a 2 bar loop for the entire song & the tom tom fills (also Linn drum) were overdubbed as a separate take."

Happy New Year!!!!!! Hello, Everyone, Wanted to wish all a very Happy New Year. It's been awhile since I have been on here, Have been really busy with work since becoming Head-housekeeper at the Lake Arrowhead Country Club. But I'm not complaining. I love my work and enjoy working with everyone there. Hope you have a great day. Take care. Mary

has anyone got any America bootleg cd's they will trade with me please

Gen & Nancy - you're right, there was never any question about it, we're doing a poem for Dewey! In fact, I've had a draft of my part of it ready since we did Gerry's! I'll dust it off and finalize it. Thanks all, for letting me do this again. It should be a lot of fun for us, like last time.

For any of you who weren't in on Gerry's poem back in early September, what we did was everyone just came up with their own verse of the poem and posted it when it was ready. The night before his birthday I compiled it all into one big poem, just putting the verses in the order they were posted. I separated each person's part by a little line and put their name in parentheses at the end of their part. We didn't seem to need to coordinate who would say what or try to come up with transitions between verses - it flowed quite well just as is. The whole idea is that it's everyone's contributions. I posted the compiled version here on the chat folder, and Steve also sent it via e-mail for us to the birthday boy. (Thx for offering to that that again for us, Steve!) To see the final version of Gerry's poem, refer to the archives, Sep 2003, Message 29481 posted Sept. 17.

Jimnak/Nancy, I'm hoping you'll remember YOUR ideas from back in September when we started thinking about Dewey's poem - Jimnak told Nancy to "think kaleidoscopically"! He said, "I bet DEWEY dreams in color, 3 dimensionally." I think something like that would be great for one or both of you to put in your part of the poem, (if you haven't already). That's our Dewey!

Any ideas for the title? Jimnak referred to him as "the legendary Dewey Bunnell", so maybe the title could be something like that? Other ideas???

Karen

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Last Revised: 1 February 2004