Moons and Starrs: How Uncle Keith Inspired Zak’s Rock Dreams

Beatles' drummer Ringo Starr was so determined that his eldest son NOT follow in his footsteps that he gave the kid but one drum lesson in his life. Zak Starkey, who turns 48 today, would have to master the skill all by himself…with a little help from his godfather, Keith Moon of The Who.

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Heil, Heil, Rock-n-Roll. What’s with Brit Rockers and the Third Reich? Part Two

Should I trash my entire collection of David Bowie recordings because I abhor the fascist comments he made over 30 years ago? In part 2 of an article examining British rock stars' fascination with Nazi imagery, we'll take a look at three English superstars who've have made some mighty disturbing comments over the years.

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Is There a Drummer in the House?

Keith Moon would have turned 68 today if he hadn't died in 1978 from swallowing 32 tablets of Heminevrin, a sedative he was taking to help him with alcohol withdrawal symptoms. The Who's chemically induced clown/drummer mixed one too many horse tranquilizers with brandy on the evening of November 20, 1973, causing him to pass out twice during the band's performance at the Cow Palace in San Francisco. But the show went on! Who guitarist Pete Townsend shouted out to the crowd: "Can anybody play the drums?", and a young man stepped forward.

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Heil, Heil, Rock-n-Roll. What’s with Brit Rockers and the Third Reich? Part One

Why have so many British artists had a fascination with Hitler, with Nazi fashion and, in some cases, with fascist philosophy? In this two-part article I’ll attempt to provide some insight -- hopefully, without appearing to excuse, justify or make light of truly bad behavior. We'll begin with the Nazi uniform itself - one of the Third Reich's greatest works of propaganda.

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Consider Yourself an Artful Dodger, Mate

Three diminutive stars of the rock world began their musical careers as Artful Dodgers on the London stage. They include Phil Collins and Steve Marriott, both 5'5", and Davy Jones, 5'3". Interestingly, Davy and Phil share a birthday on December 30. Here's a look back at their careers as child stars.

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