Ah, yes! The Summer of '02. Definitely a fateful one, with August 19 looming in the not too distant future! SHEESH!! And as a measure of what had been occurring, we lead off with UTTER tragedy. The death of John Entwistle. As The Who prepared for a new tour in Las Vegas, the stunning news of John's passing shocked rock'n'roll. I wasn't planning on seeing any shows, but now it seemed as I had to in tribute of THE greatest rock bassist. And an intense desire to reconnect with Who Fandom scattered around the country. But within the month, his death was being attributed to drugs. How sad. Not much more I wanna say, 'cept that desire was dashed and that once high esteem held for Pete Townshend and The Who had dissolved into nothingness. So sad about us.
Naturally, the summer flew by, bringing us to the third weekend in August. Seeing that I was born in that far distant year of 1952, it could only be the big 5-0!!!! SHEESH!!!!OK that's it. It is August 20. Big deal! Spent the weekend on a little jaunt to Philadelphia to see Brian Wilson of Beach Boy fame
and visit with old buddy Jim Fromalbini. A rather short visit in fabled Ardmore. And upon the following morn, yes indeed the sun did riseth on that glorious day. We drove up to Bethel, New York to check out old Yasgur's farm and the site of Woodstock '69. A moment that transcends time in the rock'n'roll world 'cause here, 33 years ago.....jimi, janis, guitars and a cast of hundreds of thousands.....well, it was a neato spot to celebrate 50 years in the life and times of...... PEACE
And here I am, age 50! Me and my buddy the Crow, hanging out at Woodstock! A splendid time was guarranteed for all!
It is time for our annual west coast exodus. September '02 brings us some Raider football, a Seattle swing, visiting Jared and Stan, and hanging out with our bestest of buddies in southern California! And not to mention Sept. 6 at the California Speedway in Fontana and an awesome rock'n'roll event! The sun shone brightly in Oakland Sept 8. Opening Day NFL 2002! The Raiders demolish the Seahawks, an omen of incredible victories to come!
So off we went to Seattle the next day! HAHA A coupla days to see the sights, the Seattle Zoo with a Jimi tribute we hunted down, an underground Seattle experience, the Experience Music Project and of course Jared and Stan! Who will ever forget gargoyles and Billy Ray and the Washington State Fair!
Who woulda ever thought! I remember planning on flying out west in July for NFL action in early September. The Raider Rally in Oakland, mall excitement at the Raider Image and of course, THE EVENT itself, Raider Opening Day! Unfolding adventures for Raider fans!...BUT......CAN YOU BELIEVE IT......THE DOORS are scheduled to play in LA on Sept.6!!! First time in 30 years!!!!! Unbelievable! The news a hint of wonder and awe after a dreary year of sadness. THE DOORS!!!! I rearranged my plans to stay in LA and see what heights this band of the '60's could attain in this the 21st century!!!!(fox) And as the summer entered its' final month, me and my brother jetted westward, Thursday, Sept5, California beckoning. It was Friday and I couldn't wait to get to the Speedway. A nervous anticipation had me on edge all day and as evening approached....let's get going! I don't wanna be late for this! Driving down that freeway(I-10), we entered Fontana and approached the mammoth California Speedway. This was a Harley anniversary tour, and The Doors were not really hyped, but as the bikes roared in, and the California sun set over the Los Angeles sprawl, I settled in twenty yards dead center from the stage and tapped my toes to some banjo pickin' by Earl Skruggs. And as nine pm clocked in, an irritating assembly of Harley luminaries fouled the mood and set me even more on edge! After an eternity of minutes and speeches, the stage cleared and.....LADIES AND GENTLEMEN! FROM LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA....THE DOORS......and they were there and of course ROADHOUSE BLUES...and I screamed and sang along with unbridled passion for the next hour forty five! It had brought tears to my eyes-THE GREATEST AMERICAN BAND EVER-playing again. Of course Jim didn't attend, but with Ian Astbury masterfully holding down that vocal edge, it was a rock'n'roll experience! Damn, it was incredible! It has been years since I was last so emotional over the music that has meant so much! Even my brother said it was amazing! WOW
Break on Through, an unbelievable performance of When the Musics Over, Riders of the Storm, LA Woman Light My Fire.....Ray Manzarek and Robbie Krieger brought 1968 to the new millenia. I think I have used all those hackneyed adjectives, but hey......The Doors! Well, the trip, this is the best part, was over. Home to Utica once again to get ready and go to Toronto in a few days, 'cause wouncha wanna believe it, THE DOORS WERE PLAYING AGAIN!!!!!!! So we loaded up the truck and moved to Barrie! Ontario, that is! The above Doors pics are actually from Barrie. Another Harley 100 year anniversary. The Doors were top billing for night two and with very little publicity, played to a small crowd on a cool Canadian late September Sunday. This time we assumed positions in the front row in front of Robbie after a few ardent David Usher fans left their spots and the same set as LA with the only change being an INTENSE Spanish Caravan, was indeed riveting and so fresh almost 35 years later. I could not believe it. Definitely a supposed tour and NEW music in 2003 will be something to look forward to. WE WANT THE WORLD AND WE WANT IT NOW!!!! NOW!!!!
Oh well, what can ya do. It was great to see the old friends tho! Been a coupla years or more. Alan, Alan and Susan, The Lewk and Sol. Woulda been kinda neat re-enacting Toronto 1982, but....we headed homeward, stopping off at Niagara Falls
The Pretenders! Definitely one of my all time raving fave bands! A tour begins January 2003, so I should see a show or two. And as November winds down, it is the first anniversary of George's passing.
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