Steppenwolf- John Kay

Steppenwolf should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame if only for, in early 1968, introducing the world to the term and sound "...heavy metal thunder" in the song "Born to Be Wild". That and other iconic songs  "Magic Carpet Ride","The Pusher","Rock Me","Move Over", Hoyt Axton's "Snowblind Friend" were all recorded in rapid succession from 1968 to 1971 by Steppenwolf...led by Communist East Germany-via-Canada exile John Kay (born Joachim Krauledat) whose real life story, as you will hear in this Medium Rare interview, beats any Hollywood back lot fable.

Elton John- Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me 9-6-93

Elton John created quite a buzz  announcing his retirement from  live performance by simultaneously cushioning the considerable blow with news of a massive final tour. Tickets are already on sale for the Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour which…

U2- New Year’s Day- 1987

The 35th anniversary of U2's breakthrough album War   is looming next month, so to celebrate Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton, and Larry Mullen jr returning In the Studio to recall the times, here is a live version of "New Year's Day" from the…

Black Crowes- Rainy Day Women #12 & 35

Dedicated to Attorney General Jeff Sessions.

Peter Gabriel- Us, pt 2

Continuing my in-depth classic rock interview with Peter Gabriel in Autumn 1992 on the occasion of the release of his sixth studio album, "Us"pt 2.  This is the conclusion of the career-spanning conversation. -Redbeard

Smithereens-Indigo Blues-Only a Memory-Behind the Wall of Sleep medley

Shocked and saddened to report that singer/ songwriter Pat DiNizio of The Smithereens passed away. This one's "Especially for You" , Pat.

Phil Collins- Easy Lover- live Birmingham UK 1994

Phil Collins performed his song "Easy Lover", originally a hit duet with Earth, Wind, and Fire singer Philip Bailey, in Birmingham England in 1994 on the European leg of his massive two-year 100+ show tour. Multi-talented bass player Nathan…

Graham Parker- Back to School Days-Dallas 10-88

Happy birthday Graham Parker today ( 18th), & that's no Rumour!

Neil Young and Crazy Horse- Inca Queen 11-86- San Francisco

There is a very good reason why no one in the sold-out Cow Palace audience in November 1986 clapped in recognition to the first beginning notes of "Inca Queen" performed by hometown heroes Neil Young and Crazy Horse: it had not been released…

Jeffrey Gaines-The Hero in Me- Dallas Oct 1992

(cont)...In October 1992 , Jeffrey performed "The Hero in Me" live in a Dallas disco accompanied by four members of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, with music charts arranged by me humming the string parts to a most-patient and bemused classical arranger . Gaines reminds us that the potential for valor resides in each of us , and requires only the sincere desire to serve others .-Redbeard