The Continuing Story of Bungalow Ted

The Continuing Story of Bungalow Ted

I usually devote this blog to discussions of "The Good" forces of artistic expression, but just this once I'd like to give equal time to "The Bad and The Ugly." I'm talking about shock-schlock rocker Ted Nugent - the man I've always referred to as "NugNuts" - who will no doubt shoot the candles off his birthday cake today as he turns 64. During this holiday season, as we sing about the ideals of peace, love and goodwill, let's not just talk the talk. Let's walk the walk, and strive to overcome the spirit of hatred by refusing to support artists who promote it.

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Joe Walsh is Making Records. His Fans They Can’t Wait.

Joe Walsh is Making Records. His Fans They Can’t Wait.

Last night I finally got to see guitar wizard and rock-n-roll funny man Joe Walsh play my favorite song from my favorite teenage summer. I dropped a helluva lot of quarters into the Student Union jukebox in 1978 to hear "Life's Been Good," a hilarious, iconic parody of the rich, spoiled rock star lifestyle. Now, the man who once sang, "I keep on going, guess I'll never know why," is back on the road to promote his first album in 20 years, "Analog Man."

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When Glen Campbell Visited Glen Campbell

When Glen Campbell Visited Glen Campbell

As I slowly wind down from the excitement of seeing the legendary Glen Campbell perform his fabulous hits last night at the Byham Theater in Pittsburgh, I think back to those days when his "Goodtime Hour" was the hot show on prime time TV, and the time he made a surprise visit to a tiny village named Glen Campbell, not far from my hometown. Hey, when you're growing up in a rural county on the fringe of the Boondocks, the visit of a big celebrity creates quite a stir.

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‘Scuse Me, While I Kiss This Guy

‘Scuse Me, While I Kiss This Guy

Oh, Jimi Hendrix! Why did you have to swallow those 9 sleeping pills, suffocate in your own vomit, and deprive us of many more years of power-charged electric rock? You died 43 years ago today. We can only imagine what contributions you would have made had you not expired at age 27 in a London apartment.

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