Electric Mayhem Band members Dr. Teeth, Janice, Floyd Pepper, Lips, Zoot and Animal take a break from the recording studio to talk new Disney+ series “The Muppets Mayhem,” musical idols and their influence on rock.
Here’s The Music From Pocket Rockers: The Fisher-Price Cassette for Kids
Pocket Rockers was a brand of personal stereo produced by Fisher-Price in the late 1980s, aimed at elementary school-age children. They played a proprietary variety of miniature cassette (appearing to be a smaller version of the 8-track tape) which was released only by Fisher-Price themselves. Designed to be as much of a fashion accessory as a music player, the devices were enough of a youth craze to even be banned in some schools for a brief period. Housed in a variety of stylish, translucent colors, each tape had two songs in mono which could be clipped to clothing to showcase one’s musical taste. Tapes were available from several pop stars, including Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Tiffany, or Debbie Gibson and even rock stars like Bon Jovi or The Bangles. The commercials featured an original theme song which was a parody of “Down on the Corner” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. In addition to standard blue on black and pink on black color schemes, 3 variations of Pocket Rockers were released utilizing Memphis Milano (a popular and contemporary design style at the time). A collectors set was released featuring one such design, and a deluxe system was also released which included speakers and a display stand with an amplifier. Other official Pocket Rockers branded accessories included bracelets, a bandana, a multitude of tape storage options (cases, frames, and clips), mini tape clip-ons, a carrying case, a purse, and headphones. Following a sharp decline in sales, the Pocket Rockers line was discontinued in 1991 until ultimately being removed from Fisher-Price’s toy catalog in 1992. Today, the player and cassettes are sought after by collectors for their unique novelty and design.
You can listen to it all here.
My Next Read: “Icons of Rock – In Their Own Words: From Eric Clapton to Mick Fleetwood, Joni Mitchell to George Harrison, An Intimate Portrait Of Their Craft” by Jenny Boyd
there have been innumerable ‘rock star’ biographies and music histories before, but there is no book that presents the deepest, innermost thoughts from some of the industry’s most legendary musicians on not only how they create, but what drives their creative process. Have you ever wondered how your favourite rock stars get inspired? How they write a song? How an album is put together? What made them choose a life devoted to music?
Written and compiled by Jenny Boyd, who has lived at the heart of the rock world since the 1960s and experienced many of its most iconic moments, the book contains interviews with each musician to give the reader a compelling and groundbreaking insight into the creative process at the heart of each rock star’s musical success. From Eric Clapton to Mick Fleetwood, Joni Mitchell to George Harrison, this is a bible of rock royalty that provides an intimate portrait of their craft.
Icons of Rock is the perfect book for any fan that wants to know more about their favourite musicians and bands – or any budding composer and performer who wants a unique insight into how the world’s most legendary rock stars created and delivered their greatest music.
Video: Sammy Hagar and The Grateful Dead’s Bob Weir Jam in Mill Valley
Sammy Hagar meets up with his neighbor from the Grateful Dead, Bob Weir, to jam and talk all things music. Then, he heads to Mickey Hart’s house to learn about how Mickey makes his music.
14-Year-Old Seattle/Toronto-Based Guitarist Nikhil Bagga To Perform U.S. National Anthem At NHL’s Winter Classic January 1, 2024
Today, the National Hockey League (NHL) provided an illustrated preview of its takeover of T-Mobile Park, home of Major League Baseball’s Seattle Mariners, and unveiled its entertainment plans for the 2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic outdoor game between the Seattle Kraken and Vegas Golden Knights on New Year’s Day, January 1, at 3 p.m. ET (TNT, B/R Sports on Max, SN, TVAS). A limited number of tickets are available for purchase via Ticketmaster, the official ticketing partner of the NHL, and performing the U.S National Anthem will be teenage guitarist Nikhil Bagga.
The NHL’s premier event will be the first outdoor contest for the Kraken who began play during the 2021-22 season.
At only 14-years-old, Bagga is winning over fans and critics alike with his undeniable charm and enthusiasm. Deeply connected with music from a young(er) age, Bagga took up guitar at the age of 9 and learned to play along with his favorites: AC/DC, Ed Sheeran, Nirvana, and Queen. His first public performance was busking on Pacific Beach, San Diego – on his 10th birthday.
With a gift for playing by ear and a passion for melodic exploration, he spent the early days of the pandemic sharing a song a day with his fans, covering artists spanning pop and rock. His fans came to know him as a human jukebox who could cover over 350 songs.
Soon, playing covers wasn’t enough to satisfy his passion. And while still locked down in the pandemic, Bagga started writing, documenting his daily reality in song. After amassing a catalog of originals, he wanted to find a way to share his music with others. Recorded at Seattle’s London Bridge Studios with producer Eric Lilavois (Ayron Jones, Saint Motel, Island Apollo), Bagga released his debut full length recording Leap of Faith in the spring of 2022. The record – featuring drummer Ben Smith (Heart) and bassist Jeff Rouse (Loaded) in addition to Bagga’s vocals and guitar – is a love letter to “thick guitar tones and the 90’s punchy alt rock of Teenage Fanclub and Matthew Sweet.” (Glide)
Born in Toronto and now living in Seattle, Bagga is carving out his own sonic path, inspired by the legendary hometown heroes who once ignited the city’s musical revolution. Channeling the spirit of Jimi Hendrix’s electrifying riffs, the raw authenticity of Kurt Cobain’s grunge revolution, and the soulful melodies of Pearl Jam, this young musician absorbs the essence of Seattle’s iconic sound.
Despite his youth, this teenage music prodigy has already amassed an impressive resume, boasting over 40 performances in the city including the Crocodile, Vera Project, and Pike Place Market . Notably, Bagga has become a familiar face at Seattle’s professional sports stadiums having played the national anthem for the Seattle Mariners (MLB) four times, and the Seattle Kraken twice (NHL) including a rare electric guitar version of ‘O Canada for the visiting Toronto Maple Leafs.
In addition to shows around Seattle, Bagga has shared the bill with Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), Dave Matthews, Allen Stone, and an all-star cast of fellow musicians for the SMASH “Songs of Hope” Benefit. Nikhil has also performed in support of several other charitable causes including the Big Table Benefit (supporting restaurant workers impacted by COVID,) and Champions for Change at Climate Pledge Arena
As he gears up for his fifth rendition of the national anthem at T-Mobile Park, Bagga continues to inspire with his remarkable talent and dedication to the craft.
This Guitarist is on a journey to fuse the diverse influences of Seattle’s musical landscape into a singular, powerful voice. As the echoes of the city’s past legends resonate through their fingertips, a new chapter in Seattle’s musical legacy is being written through Bagga.
Keep an eye out for Nikhil’s new single “Never Meant It” being released soon followed by an EP in early 2024.
Woolwich’s CARLA MULLER Releases “I Can Hear The Bells” To Support Food Bank of Waterloo Region
Carla Muller is spreading the love to her listeners and community members alike with her new single “I Can Hear The Bells.” It’s available everywhere now, and 100% of proceeds from both the digital download and single on CD will benefit the Food Bank of Waterloo Region.
While the holiday season is a source of great joy for many, the wintertime can also bring additional challenges to many of our community members, including loneliness, food insecurity, and seasonal depression. With “I Can Hear The Bells,” Muller extends a helping– and a musical– hand. Further showcasing her ability to write thoughtful songs that walk with courage alongside grace and grief, “I Can Hear The Bells” is handcrafted to be of solace to anyone who may be lonely this time of year.
“I finished this song on a snowy morning where everything seemed to have gone wrong in the world,” Muller recalls. “I was overwhelmed with sadness, and I looked out of my window as the church bells rang in our little village. Everything was so still before those first footsteps in the snow that morning. I decided to go outside with my little ones to shake off the gloom. It’s amazing what a little snow can do to lift your spirits!”
Muller collaborates on the track with a cherished ensemble of local musicians: Gary Craig on drums, Jason Fowler on acoustic guitar, Mark Lalama on piano, and Ross MacIntyre on bass.
Carla Muller is a singer-songwriter from Woolwich, Ontario, who has realized her lifelong musical aspirations over the past two years collaborating with Canterbury Music Company. Alongside her musical journey, Carla proudly owns Baby Charlotte, a Kitchener-based children’s boutique, reflecting her dedication beyond the spotlight.
The single on CD will be available Dec 19th for $5.99 at babycharlotte.com and at Baby Charlotte at 692 Belmont Ave W in Kitchener. 100% of proceeds benefit the Food Bank of Waterloo Region. The digital download is available on Muller’s bandcamp site for $2.99, at https://carlamullermusic.bandcamp.com or at carlamullermusic.com. It is also available on Spotify, Apple Music, or wherever you stream music.
“Our food bank needs us,” Muller reminds everyone. “Please give generously.”
Check Out This 80s Footage Of A London Goth Club-Night Called The Batcave
In this 1983 clip, a UK news program introduces us to the patrons of The Batcave, many who consider to be the birthplace of South England’s goth subculture.
John Waters’ Quirky 1986 Apartment Tour Delights as the Best Seven Minutes of Your Day
In the whimsical time capsule of 1986, the irreverent filmmaker John Waters took enthusiasts on an unforgettable journey through the eccentricities of his Baltimore apartment
Green Day to Perform Exclusive Small Stage Concert for SiriusXM in New York City
SiriusXM announced today that four-time GRAMMY Award winning global rock superstars Green Day will perform a special exclusive small stage concert for SiriusXM at New York City’s iconic Irving Plaza on Thursday, January 18.
SiriusXM Small Stage Series with Green Day presented by Carnival Cruise Line will commemorate the release of Green Day’s upcoming album Saviors, out January 19. Attendees will get the exclusive opportunity to hear the band perform songs from the album ahead of its release live in concert, along with other fan favorites. Adding to the fanfare, this marks a rare appearance for the band at Irving Plaza, just their fourth since their first show at the venue in 1994, which took place shortly after their iconic album Dookie released and propelled them into super stardom.
SiriusXM subscribers can enter for a chance to win tickets to see Green Day perform, through the SiriusXM app on Green Day Radio starting December 27 through Monday, January 8. For all entry details and official rules visit siriusxm.com/greendaypr. No purchase necessary to enter or win.
The band also announced today that on December 27 they are bringing Green Day’s three decades of groundbreaking punk exploration and innovation to their own SiriusXM pop-up channel, Green Day Radio, to celebrate the release of Saviors as well as the 30th anniversary of Dookie and the 20th anniversary of American Idiot.
The channel will feature exclusive stories and insight from each band member as they walk listeners through their biggest tracks, brand new music from their upcoming album and music from artists that have inspired them throughout their legendary career.
Green Day Radio will also be the place for fans to experience Billie Joe Armstrong, Mike Dirnt and Tré Cool’s exclusive performance live. The show will air in its entirety on Green Day Radio (ch. 107) and will also be available to stream on the SiriusXM app. Additionally, the concert will air on Howard Stern’s SiriusXM channel, Howard 101.
“Green Day has continued to exemplify rock music for almost 30 years with iconic albums that continue to resonate with fans both new and old,” said Scott Greenstein, President and Chief Content Officer, SiriusXM. “We are thrilled to bring our listeners and their fans this exclusive show celebrating the band’s milestones.”
Green Day Radio will be available to subscribers nationwide in their cars on channel 107 and on the newly refreshed SiriusXM app from December 27 through January 23. Eligible customers can get their first three months of SiriusXM streaming for free. Click here to sign up and experience all that SiriusXM has to offer. See offer details.
Green Day recently announced their massive 2024 global stadium tour, The Saviors Tour, with support from with the illustrious rock luminaries The Smashing Pumpkins, Rancid, and The Linda Lindas in North America and Nothing But Thieves, The Hives, Donots, The Interrupters and Maid of Ace in the UK/EU. The Saviors Tour, fueled by Monster Energy, kicks off with the European run on May 30 and will be a larger-than-life, career-spanning celebration of one of the biggest musical acts of all time and some of the most important albums in history.
My Next Read: “Revólución to Roxy” by Phil Manzanera
Phil Manzanera, one of the UK’s best-known musicians and record producers, having shot to prominence in the early ‘70’s as the lead guitarist with the seminal band, Roxy Music, has written his memoir, titled ‘Revólución to Roxy’.
The book, with over 100 colour and black and white photographs, does of course cover Manzanera’s life and times with Roxy Music, David Gilmour and many of the luminaries of popular music, but its his startling family history, dating back to the expulsion of the Sephardic Jews from Spain in 1492, via the 1959 revolution in Cuba and the discovery of a Neapolitan Opera musician grandfather, that grips the reader every bit as the tales of being part of one of the UK’s greatest bands.
Phil commented on the reason for writing the book: “I’ve written this memoir for my English and Colombian family, dear friends and music fans, who have followed my musical twists and turns for over half a century. It’s a memoir that spans my 50’s childhood in Cuba, Hawaii and Venezuela, when everything seemed in the brightest technicolor, to monochrome but very cool ‘60’s London and the start of a music career that continues to enrich my life. Roxy Music is an important part of the story but I hope the reader will find my family history every bit as fascinating as my music adventures: I’m proud to be related to the most famous 17thcentury Sephardic Jewish pirate of the Caribbean, a British spy and an Italian opera musician.”