Since we're on the subject of dead old rock guys, I may as well remain true to my image, and mention that tomorrow, August 16th, marks the 31st anniversary of the croaking of the King of Rock 'n' Roll. The only reason I bring this up is I've been looking for a reason to post the following video and this provides a perfect opportunity.
I, among others, have been bitching for a while now that a lot of major rock tours skip Detroit altogether these day (it's the economy, stupid). Yeah, I see that Madonna is playing Ford Field in the near future (what a great place to see her, fer sure...that's sarcasm, btw)...but it's about time, since the hometown Material Girl has skipped D-Town on her last several tours. And it surely doesn't make up for Radiohead ignoring the city; Springsteen neglecting us on the second stage of his tour; Ray Davies coming no closer than Chicago...or Lindsey Buckingham (don't laugh; if you haven't heard his solo stuff away from Fleetwood Mac, you have no idea what you're missing) announcing a fall tour yesterday that doesn't include the Motor City.
At any rate, it wasn't always so, as this more than proves (and, no, I wasn't there -- I was probably being fed a bottle of formula at the time or having a diaper changed...but I'd give a lot to have been there). This is where it all started...
Just wish I could see it a little bit better...and hear what they sounded like at all. But this (obviously computer enhanced) video gives a small idea of what the folks in the first two or three rows might have been experiencing:
Finally, for you youngsters reading this, if you're wondering why anyone should still care about this man in 2008...well, this is as good of a reason as any, among numerous good reasons.
