.....Randy Rhoads was arguably the best.....

I was struggling to find anything to write about but then I got incensed by the complete travesty, a mistake of monumental proportions in my musical world, Rush were inducted into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame.
My thoughts, leading up to it, were all positive, at last one of my all time favourite bands was being recognised finally for the talent and inspiration they are and I was pleased for them. Then I saw Dave Grohl's introductory speech and I was devastated, to paraphrase..."blah, blah, blah, when did Rush become cool? blah, blah, blah...."
They weren't cool, you moron, until you opened your mouth and now all the kids know you like Rush and will listen to them....NNNOOOOOooooooooooo!!!

Rush were the biggest cult band in the World, a secret that everyone knew about, but no-one in mainstream life knew any of their songs. They have a lyricist that is one of greats, possibly second behind Roger Waters, a genuine and understanding affection for each other.....I don't want that to change, they'll suddenly develop (late) midlife crisis's and start wearing fashionable designer clothes and "bling" and make music with warbling female singers and start a residency in Las Vegas and release singles!!....with videos!!! I feel sick.

I have to say that Dave's speech was fantastic, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QLOUgvsfDtg,  and Rush are long overdue some real peer recognition, where others have bowed down, Rush have always done exactly what they wanted. There are musical moments that are less good than others but I have loved this band since 1983, their individuality, their heart, the fact that the World doesn't "get" them but the multitude of Rush fans across the Globe do.
At the end of May, the UK contingent will come together for the 2+ hour concert that is a Rush show. My ticket is for the NEC and I can't wait.


I was running through so old recordings of various musical programs from my youth, TV shows that I had located at various times. One of them was a UK show called "ECT" and by and large is was diabolical, second rate rock bands with third rate songs but it did have Gary Moore and Phil Lynott playing a couple of songs. I was never really a Gary Moore fan, particularly his blues albums as I don't like blues very much and it seemed like a middle aged cop out on his part, to me. His rock playing was fiery and magical but his songs were sporadic but he and Phil Lynott were a great pairing. Interestingly, this clip has Gary Moore, Phil Lynott and the late great Cozy Powell. The other guitarist is Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and the keyboard player, I think, is the superb Don Airey.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2nVyHmHaSQ

One of my favourite guitarists is Randy Rhoads. He was the genius behind Ozzy's first two albums. Ozzy was always good at picking guitarists but Randy Rhoads was arguably the best (Jake E Lee was more natural and had the moves, the looks and the flash, possibly the coolest guitarist I've ever seen). Randy Rhoads died in a plane crash, leaving us with a whole world of "what if's". He planned to quit rock music and study classical guitar but never got the chance. The legacy he did leave is breath taking, fresh, exciting and sadly limited in quantity.
Randy Rhoads was the master of fills, the little solo bits that happen in the middle of the verse, usually under the vocal line. His solos were beautifully structured, he planned meticulously, ignore Ozzy's pained vocals and enjoy the work of a master: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcoweoZ6jpM

Lastly, it was the anniversary of the death of Pete Steele. I don't usually linger over dates, particularly as I have never viewed myself as a huge Type O fan...until I realised that I have all their albums and listen to them regularly. Here is a fitting tribute to a giant of a man, not just in size but in talent, a huge voice, immense song writing abilities and a superb producer.
This is the sound of Summer, I can feel the freshness and smell of a clean Summer morning. I think this is a fitting commemoration but more importantly, a great song that gives Summer a far more interesting turn, unleash the inner pagan and enjoy the naturalness of Summer and the World around you....Thanks Pete.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWAXFFU8Z6s