This website is part of the South African Rock Encyclopedia
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Benjy says...
Greetings rockers all ..... welcome to this week's newsletter, apologies for the non appearance of the newsletter last week but our intrepid webmaster, Brian Currin, was away in Mozambique with Piet Botha & Jack Hammer at the annual rock gathering there (must get details of that ... sounds like a jol!). However that playlist is up on the Rock of Ages website if you are interested in reviewing what was played.
The early to mid 70's was the halcyon years for prog rock; when you listen to the likes of early Yes, Genesis, ELP, Gentle Giant, Van Der Graaf Generator and others you can hear the undeniable influence on the new breed of prog bands like The Flower Kings, Riverside, Porcupine Tree and Mostly Autumn. It's encouraging to hear so many new bands that continue to push the time honoured prog envelope. A couple of calls came in on Thursday from listeners who voiced their unhappiness with the prog special, one even labelling the music 'not rock', the other suggesting that we 'only play 70's hard guitar rock'. I beg to differ as prog is, after all, an important strand in the development of rock music as a whole and deserves to be on the show .... along with the many other strains of rock I might add, including psych, folk, hard, stoner, blues, country, punk, soft, metal, glam and everything else in between. To play only one particular kind of rock would be, quite frankly, boring and repetitive, not so? After all this is what Rock of Ages is all about - Total Rock Radio! ..... This coming week's special will be Roger Waters, his solo material and a couple of Floyd classics (well how could we not)...
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| Roger Waters |
I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed interviewing Paul Rodgers 2 weeks ago, what a great guy! It's amazing that an artist of such stature and pedigree is so down to earth and humble, his comments about the late Paul Kossoff were heartfelt and moving. Of course like many of you I am a huge Free/Bad Company fan and to hear him sing on the air was orgasmic to say the least! Do yourself a favour and get his new album "Live in Glasgow", it rocks and it's no wonder that they call him The Voice (www.paulrodgers.com)
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| Paul Rodgers - Live In Glasgow |
....... The week after next i.e. the 14th, I will be airing my recent heart to heart with blues rock giant Gary Moore so tune in to hear about his solo career, Thin Lizzy and of course why he loves the blues.
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| Gary Moore |
As you know we have been running an online Doors competition on the ROA website asking fans and visitors alike why they think the Doors continue to have such a profound effect on music. We received tons of detailed answers & explanations which made great reading, clearly many ROA listeners love The Doors! We have chosen the five best entries: Mike Waddacor (Northcliff,JHB); Ken Baker (Margate KZN); Dick Lombard (Rayton PTA); Brent Garvie (Claremont CT) and Claire Foster (Durban) ... congratulations you have each won a copy of The Very Best of The Doors package, courtesy of Warner Music Gallo Africa.
More rock (and reggae)
on your radio...
Tune in to the many other great music shows on RADIO 2000 ..... Wake up every morning with Ray White and Nichole de Silva on the funky, vibey Big Breakfast Show (6-9am) - news, weather, 2010 updates, comedy, competitions and tons of cool tunes - no 'superstar DJ ego bull...' just fabulously entertaining radio ..... Women on the Move with Celeste and Carol (9-noon) features interesting issues, guest interviews and more of the music that you like to hear ..... From 12 to 3pm it's the Empress of Cool Radio - Michelle Constant and The Lucky Packet - a daily dose of unmissable radio, a virtual melting pot of entertainment, interviews, documentary stuff, news, cultural issues, addictive music and much more ... lots of fun, fun, fun .... Tuesday nights 8 to midnight get ready to crank it up with the mighty Barney Simon on the SA Rock Show - wall to wall music, news, demos, gear reviews and some straight talking from the rock radio legend ... Sundays it's skanking time on Bongolution between 1-3pm with da man Bongani who spins the finest in roots reggae. Later you can chill with host Eric Allan's Jazz Rendezvous between 5 and 8pm where he spins the cream of classic and smooth jazz as well as some interesting fusion music.....
Rock of Ages presents "Footstomping Music"
For those of you who have bought our first CD compilation, thank you for supporting the show. I have had several calls and emails from disappointed listeners who have tried to get it at various stores around the country. The good news is that Footstomping Music is now available via the Rock of Ages website. Click on www.rock.co.za/rockofages for details.
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| Rock Of Ages Presents Footstomping Music |
- Grand Funk Railroad - Footstomping Music
- Deep Purple - Burn
- Uriah Heep - Look at yourself
- Black Sabbath - Sweat Leaf
- Thin Lizzy - Chinatown
- Robin Trower - Too rolling stoned
- Mountain - Never in my life
- Wishbone Ash - Blowin' free
- Foghat - I just wanna make love to you
- Budgie - Baby, please don't go
- Santana - Toussaint l'Overture
- Alice Cooper - Muscle of love
- Nazareth - Go down fighting
- Blue Oyster Cult - The Red & the Black
- Lynyrd Skynyrd - Gimme back my bullets
- Free - The Hunter
- Taste - What's goin' on
Buy this 'Footstomping Music' CD direct from Rock Of Ages
Rock Of Ages Recommendations
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| Rush - Snakes & Arrows |
The last few weeks have seen a spate of great new albums from both established and debut artists: kicking off with one of the most enduring bands in rock today, Rush. "Snakes and Arrows" **** is their first album of new original material since 2002's Vapour Trails and is a welcome return to form for a band that has been around since 1974. Packed with power riffs, intricate guitar/bass interplays, some intense drumming from one of the greatest players in rock, Neil Peart and a batch of songs that range from fiery prog rock workouts to gentle pastoral ballads - all topped with the unmistakeable voice of Geddy Lee. A definite contender for the Top 10 this year .....
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| Ozzy Osbourne - Black Rain |
Although these days Ozzy Osbourne seems to be remembered more for his bumbling caricature on the TV series "The Osbournes" we forget that alongside his work with the seminal Black Sabbath he is also one of rock's most successful solo artists. Let's be honest though - our loved Ozzy hasn't made a decent solo album for years - that all changes with "Black Rain" ***. Powered by the thunderous bass and drums combination of bassist Rob 'Blasko' Nicholson / ex Faith No More skinsman Mike Bordin and the buzz saw guitar of long time cohort Zakk Wylde, Ozzy rips through his strongest material in years. The first single "I don't wanna stop" has a memorable ball breaker of a riff that comes straight out of the Sabs handbook ... and that's just the beginning. What a comeback album! (read more »»») ..... More Ozzy for your money .... on a recent trip to The Big Apple to preview some of his label's rock bands, SA industry giant David Gresham had a chance meeting with the Prince of Darkness at the SonyBMG offices and snapped this piccie ... 10 points on the cred meter David! .......
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| Ozzy Osbourne & David Gresham |
Ratings:
***** Volcanic....not to be missed.
**** Seismic....highly recommended...buy it!
*** Aftershock....solid effort.
** Damp squib really!
* Do I need to explain this?
Rock Of Ages News
Nightwish Anounce New Singer
Nightwish have announced the identity of their new singer. She's Anette Blyckert, an unknown Swede. She appears on the band's new single 'Eva', is available from May 30 for download. The new Nightwish album, as yet untitled, is to be released on October 1.
Top Names Ready For Guitar Heroes
Alice Cooper, The Smashing Pumpkins, Kiss, Heart and the Rolling Stones are all expected to have songs featured on the 'Guitar Heroes III' game, which is due out in the Autumn.
Tyler To Quit Aerosmith?
There have been reports in the American press over the past few days that frontman Steven Tyler is considering quitting Aerosmith. However, this is being denied by official sources.
Cream Rise Again
It seems that Cream will again re-form for a series of shows. Expect this to happen later in the year.
Green Day Punk Up Simpsons and Darfur
Green Day have recorded a 'punked up' version of 'The Simpsons' theme. This will be released as a single in late July. The trio will be 'appearing' as themselves in the upcoming 'Simpsons' movie. The band will also contribute a cover of John Lennon's "Working Class Hero" to the forthcoming CD Make Some Noise: The Amnesty International Campaign to Save Darfur. The track will be available for purchase digitally and will be included on Make Some Noise, which will be released by Warner Music Gallo Africa on June 25 in South Africa.
Manson Denies Eminem
Marilyn Manson has revealed he turned down the chance to duet with Eminem, because the song suggested was too over the top, being about killing your girlfriend and stuffing the body in the boot of your car!
Procol Action
Procol Harum are to have their entire back catalogue re-issued by Salvo Records in the next year or so. This will start on August 6 with the double CD compilation 'The Secrets Of The Hive, The Best Of Procol Harum'. Furthermore, to celebrate its 40 anniversary, the classic single 'A White Shade Of Pale' will be re-released on July 16. It's to be available as a seven inch, CD and digital download.
Short Cuts ... Congratulations to Metallica drummer Lars Ulrich. His girlfriend Connie Nielsen gave birth to a son, Bryce Thadeus, on May 21.The Cult have signed to Roadrunner. Their new album, as yet untitled, is due out in late September...
It was 40 years ago today........
.......Sergeant Pepper taught the band to play. Can you believe it? - 40 years since The Beatles released what has become to many, the first technicolour psychedelic aural experience. Even to non Beatle fans there is a recognition that "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" is one of the most influential rock records of all time (despite what the embarrassing BBC poll said). Noted rock chronicler and journalist (and Rock of Ages listener) Mike Waddacor has written a fascinating and entertaining piece on the album and has kindly allowed us to post it on the website www.rock.co.za/rockofages - Take the time to read it.
![Remembering Tangerine Trees, Marmalade Skies and Plasticine Porters by Michael Waddacor [PDF - 500KB]](beatlespepper.jpg) |
The Beatles
Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band |
Remembering Tangerine Trees, Marmalade Skies and Plasticine Porters by Michael Waddacor [PDF - 500KB]
Keep the rock real...
Benjy
Contact Rock of Ages
Email:
Website: www.rock.co.za/rockofages
Snail mail:
PO Box 53585, Kenilworth, 7745
Studio phones: 021-4342523 / 4342525
Disclaimer:
The views, opinions, rants, raves and ramblings expressed on this website are the author's own and in no way reflect the views of Radio 2000 or the SABC.
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Latest Playlist
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All the playlists are available in the
Playlist Archives.
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| Live Gigs |
Boulevard Blues Band
31st May Harley Club, Namibia
The Dirty Skirts
8th June Independent Armchair Theatre, Cape Town
Flat Stanley
2nd Steak 'n Ale, Pretoria
10th Levi's Vintage Sessions, Green Dolphin Cape Town
24th Madame Zingara's Theatre of Dreams Cape Town
Fevertree
6th June 88 Lounge, Norwood, Joburg
Fuzigish
9th June Vaughan's Pool Club, Edenvale
Gently Scar'd
23 June - Tanz Cafe Bryanston, Joburg
The Hellphones
2nd June Zanzibar, Faerie Glen, Pretoria
9th June Burn, Durban
Jim Neversink
8th June Back2 Basix, Westdene, Joburg
SSSSH
6th June Buzerandt, Orange Grove Estate, Bloemfontein
7th Oolong Lounge, Bloemfontein
Southern Gypsey Queen
12th June - Kunskafee, Durbanville
13th - Dorpstraat teater, Stellenbosch
14th - Zulas. Cape Town City
15th - Berties Moorings, Gordons Bay
16th - Flaming Fox, Table View
20th - Kuns Cafe, Durbanville
12th - Die Boer, Durbanville, Cape Town
Violent Femmes (UK)
6, 10, 11 August - Venues tba
Concerts
Running with Scissors - gear stolen - Benefit gig 3PM
9th June Tempos, Randburg with RWS+ 10 BANDS
Fleetwood Mac 'Rumours' Tribute
Every Thursday - Saturday 15th June - 7th July BMW Pavilion, Cape Town Waterfront
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| You say it's your birthday... |
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June 1
Ron Wood - Rolling Stones, Faces - 1947
June 2
Charlie Watts - Rolling Stones - 1941
Steve Brookins - .38 Special - 1951
June 3
Billy Powell - Lynyrd Skynyrd - 1952
Ian Hunter - Mott the Hoople - 1939
Suzi Quatro - 1950
June 4
Michelle Phillips - Mamas & The Papas - 1944
Roger Ball - Average White Band - 1944
June 5
Nicko McBrain - Iron Maiden - 1954
Freddie Stone - Sly & the Family Stone, Graham Central Station - 1946
June 8
Boz Scaggs - 1944
Chuck Negron - Three Dog Night - 1942
Courtesy of
About ClassicRock
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Your Host
| Benjy Mudie |
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| Then |
Now |
Benjy Mudie is a self confessed 'rockaholic' with little chance of recovery... a music obsessive whose entire life has been spent in search of the lost chord... from discovering Jimi's "Are you experienced" at 13, he has constantly devoured music through lp's, singles, tapes, cds, dvds, books, magazines, film, concerts, radio, tv and the internet. His entire working life has also been music related: from running a record store and later joining WEA Records in the mid 70's through to his 21 year A&R/Marketing stint at Tusk Music where he signed some of the biggest names in South African rock and pop. The last 8 years have been spent nurturing new talent at his indie label Fresh Music and reissuing classic albums as part of it's ongoing Retro series.... To say that 'music is his first love' (to paraphrase John Miles's classic song) is somewhat understated.
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