Rock Of Ages

Latest Playlist

All the playlists are available in the
Playlist Archives.

Podcasts

Benjy Mudie talks to Ian Anderson (22MB)

You say it's your birthday...

April 1
Ronnie Lane - Faces/Small Faces - 1944
John Barbata - Jefferson Airplane/Starship - 1945
Jeff Porcaro - Toto - 1954

April 2
Leon Wilkerson - Lynyrd Skynyrd - 1952
Leon Russell - 1941

April 3
Jan Berry - Jan & Dean - 1941
Richard Thompson - Fairport Convention - 1949
Mel Schacher - Grand Funk Railroad, ? and the Mysterians - 1951

April 4
Berry Oakley - Allman Brothers Band - 1948

April 7
Ravi Shankar - 1920
John Oates - Hall & Oates - 1948
Janis Ian - 1951
Bill Kreutzmann - Grateful Dead - 1946
Mick Abrahams - Jethro Tull - 1943
Spencer Dryden - Jefferson Airplane, New Riders of the Purple Sage - 1938

April 8
Steve Howe - Yes - 1947
Julian Lennon - 1963

April 9
Gene Parsons - Byrds/Flying Burrito Brothers -

April 12
John Kay - Steppenwolf - 1944

April 13
Jack Casady - Jefferson Airplane/Starship, Hot Tuna - 1944
Max Weinberg - E Street Band - 1951
Lowell George - Little Feat - 1945

April 14
Ritchie Blackmore - Deep Purple, Rainbow, Blackmore's Night - 1945

April 15
Allan Clarke - Hollies - 1942
Gerry Rafferty - Stealers Wheel - 1947

April 16
"Lonesome" Dave Peverett - Foghat - 1943
Lee Kerslake - Uriah Heep, Blizzard of Ozz - 1947

April 17
Don Kirshner - 1934
Roy Estrada - Captain Beefheart, Mothers of Invention, Little Feat - 1943

April 18
Mike Vickers - Manfred Mann - 1940
Skip Spence - Quicksilver Messenger Service, Moby Grape, Jefferson Airplane - 1946

April 19
Mark Volman - Turtles, Flo and Eddie, Mothers of Invention - 1947
Alan Price - Animals - 1942

April 20
Craig Frost - Grand Funk Railroad - 1948

April 21
Iggy Pop - The Stooges - 1947

April 22
Peter Frampton - 1950
Paul Carrack - Squeeze, Roxy Music - 1951

April 24
Gary Cambra - Tubes
Jack Blades - Night Ranger, Damn Yankees - 1954
Doug Clifford - Creedence Clearwater Revival - 1945
Glenn Cornick - Jethro Tull - 1947

April 25
Stu Cook - Creedence Clearwater Revival - 1945

April 26
Gary Wright - Spooky Tooth - 1943

April 27
Casey Kasem - 1932
Pete Ham - Badfinger - 1947
Ace Frehley - KISS - 1951

April 28
John Wolters - Dr. Hook - 1945
Jimmy Barnes - Cold Chisel, INXS - 1956

April 29
Klaus Voorman - Manfred Mann - 1942

Courtesy of
About ClassicRock

Birthday Archives

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Newsletters

Newsletter

To receive regular updates and news about Rock Of Ages, please join our Mailing List.

News Archives

Previous newsletters are available in the News Archives.

Playlist Archives

All the playlists are available in the Playlist Archives.

Benjy says...

Hi Rock of Ages listeners, fans, friends & family,

I hope that you enjoyed the final show last Thursday, according to you it ranked up there with the best! Thank you for all the phone calls on the night as well as the hundreds of emails in the days following the broadcast, the reaction was phenomenal and I feel truly blessed and humbled by the outpouring of passion for the show ... and thank you to all those fans who emailed and called Radio 2000 in their hundreds as well as those rock fans who started up petitions on Facebook - knowing how the SABC operates, there was never going to be a change of heart about retaining Rock of Ages and now that I have officially exited the station I can share my feelings with you.

As you know it was not only Rock of Ages that was 'canned' but also Barney Simon's SA Music Show and Michelle Constant's daily Lucky Packet slot, both of whom played rock, both international and South African. We were informed last month by the station management that they intended to change the music format of Radio 2000 to 'Soft Urban Contemporary' with an emphasis on 'South African' and 'African' music. It seems strange then that both Barney and Michelle, who are recognised champions of SA music, were axed. It would appear by listening to the station over the last few days that rock is being purged from the play list and that in it's place is yet more 'urban' music - just what we need huh? Nonetheless the last 4 years and 9 months have been rock heaven for me, the opportunity to play what I want, when I want and how I want was a dream come true and I am grateful for the opportunity to have experienced radio as it should be.

There are a number of people that I would like to thank starting with the most important - you the listener. Without you and your loyalty to the music and the show, Rock of Ages would never have succeeded and I want to thank each and every one of you for your support. I would also like to thank the engineers that worked with over the years: Jill Limper, Charl Erasmus, Brian Reilly, Benny Moutang and especially my good friend Nick Mons who taught me about the audio aspects of broadcasting and whose sage advice was always appreciated.

The Rock of Ages webmaster, Brian Currin, has been a tower of strength to me and has contributed to the success of the show, ensuring that the website was up to date with play lists, rock news, etc and he is one of the show's biggest fans. If you ever need a website designed, Brian is definitely your man and you can reach him at brian@rock.co.za. My good friends and colleagues, Barney Simon and Michelle Constant, who are as passionate as I am about music - I hope that both of them are snapped up by other stations soon ... Richard Filmer at Musica Megastore, Cape Town (rf2@cdwherehouse.co.za) is not only one of the most knowledgeable rock fundi's around and participated on the show when it was based in the Mother City (remember 'What's hot in Richard's box'?) but he has also become a firm friend - if you are looking for that rare and not so rare rock record - Rich is your man!

Thanks ring out to all the wonderful folks in the music companies who kept me up to date with releases to play on the show and CDs/DVDs to give away in the many ROA competitions especially Chris Venter and Josi Kruger (Universal Music), Rob 'O Brian (Next Music), Michal Kaczmarczyk, Darren van der Walt and Tessa Barnes (EMI Records), Duncan Shelwell, Tracy Fraser, Joanne Olivier and Charise Matthews (Gallo), Dave Thompson, Paul Thackwray, Nigel King, Duncan Gibbon and Cerys Grant (Sony BMG ), Brett Schewitz and Melissa Conradie (Sheer Music), Karl Anderson (Just Music) and Mike Pocock (David Gresham Music) ... Finally I would like to thank the man who really was responsible for Rock of Ages being on the airwaves in the first place and that is .... trumpets! ... Radio 2000's original music and station manager, Richard Jones (now at Kaya FM).

The BIG question is ... where to now for Rock of Ages??? ... at this time I am looking around for a new radio home and have put some feelers out to the bigger stations to gauge their interest in hosting the show. Unlike the States, Europe or Australia, South Africa is not blessed with multiple stations or available frequencies and certainly as far as a national broadcaster goes it is very limited. If I do find a new host station among the commercial stations then it will, in all likelihood be a regionally based one. I am determined, as far as possible, not to let Rock of Ages die ... if need be, I may switch to being an Internet based station in order to keep the rock flowing. Whatever happens you will find the news here on the Rock of Ages website so keep coming back to check for updates. As soon as something concrete comes up I will send out an email flyer to you all.

That's all for now so until we meet again don't forget to ..... Keep the rock real!

Benjy

Rock Of Ages News

FREE MAIDENS..... Iron Maiden are to release a compilation in May called 'Somewhere Back In Time'. It features 15 tracks, taken from the first decade of the band's career. And people will be able to download this for free from www.ironmaiden.com. You'll be able to hear this download three times before it expires.
PUMPKINS: NO MORE ALBUMS ... The Smashing Pumpkins have announced that they'll probably never release an album again. The band do intend to carry on recording, but will make them available in a separate way. In the meantime, the band are suing Virgin Records. They claim their name and music was used by the label in a manner that was detrimental to their reputation.
STUDIO ZZ ... ZZ Top are working on their first studio album since 2003's 'Mescalero'. This should be released later in the year, preceded by a live DVD, filmed last November in Texas.
SWEET TIME FOR BOSTON .. Boston have a new singer. He's Michael Sweet on Stryper fame, who'll tour with the band this summer.
HUGHES IN THE KITCHEN ... Glenn Hughes releases his new album 'First Underground Nuclear Kitchen (F.U.N.K.)' through Frontiers in mid-May. It features Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith.
THROUGH THE EYES OF CRANE ... Late keyboard player Vincent Crane is to have a two-CD retrospective released on May 5. Titled 'Close Your Eyes - A Collection 1965-1986', it spans his entire career, but will concentrate to some extent on his most famous band, Atomic Rooster.
REZNOR MAKES A MILLION ... Trent Reznor has revealed that the 36-track album Nine Inch Nails 'Ghosts I-IV' has netted more than $1.5 million, since its release as a donwload only. No price was attached; fans were just asked to pay what they wished.
WEILAND DENIES DRUG CHARGE ... Velvet Revolver singer Scott Weiland has pleaded not guilty to a charge of driving while under the influence of drugs. This follows his arrest in Los Angeles last November. Currently out on bail, the vocalist is due in court for a pre-trial hearing on April 4. Latest in off the wire is that it's official ..... Scott Weiland has left Velvet Revolver. It now remains to be seen whether the band look to replace him.
VINYL METALLICA ... Metallica are to re-issue their back catalogue on vinyl. This process starts in late April, with 'Kill 'Em All' and 'Ride The Lightning'. They'll be available in two formats: the original version, playing at 33 1/3rpm, and a double album in a gatefold sleeve, with each record playing at 45rpm.
HERE'S AN ANNIVERSARY FOR YA! David Coverdale intends to celebrate Whitesnake's imminent 30th anniversary with a three-disc set that will span their entire career. It will also include Coverdale-Page songs and solo stuff from the frontman.
HUSH! IT'S PURPLE Deep Purple are to have the classic single 'Hush' released as a download single on March 24. On the same day the compilation 'The Very Best Of Deep Purple' is re-issued.
VAN HALEN: WHAT THE ###? Van Halen latest: there are unconfirmed reports that Eddie Van Halen has checked himself into rehab, to deal with alcohol problems, and this is the reason the band have been forced to postpone a number of shows on their re-union tour. It would seem reports that Van Halen have cancelled the rest of their US tour are slightly exaggerated. The reality is that the band have postponed four dates, while guitarist Eddie Van Halen undergous medical tests. The Van Halen saga continues. The band have now postponed all dates on their re-union tour until April 19, so guitarist Eddie Van Halen can continue receiving medical treatment.
JEFF HEALEY DIES Blues guitarist Jeff Healey has died at the age of 41 from cancer. We send condolences to his family and friends.
CONVERSE TURN 100 Sid Vicious, Joan Jett and Billie Joe Armstrong are to take part in a major advertising campaign to celebrate the centenary of Converse Shoes. ... ummm How's Sid going to do that?
BUDDY MILES DIES Drummer Buddy Miles, who co-founded the Band Of Gypsys with Jimi Hendrix, has died at the age of 60. We send condolences to his family and friends.
DAVIES: NO KINKS NOSTALGIA TRIP Ray Davies has said there's no chance of a Kinks re-union - unless they write new songs. Davies claims the band will never get back together to do a purely nostalgic set.
TOP NAMES ROCK FOR PEACE There are reports that Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, ZZ Top and Velvet Revolver are in talks with the non-profit organisation World Peace One to play a series of major show from May 17. World Peace One aim to bring global peace to the world through a decade-long campaign of concerts, education and government initiatives.
MOTLEY DISH THE DIRT IN JULY Motley Crue are to release their new album, 'The Dirt'. Clips from the new Motley Cue single 'The Saints Of Los Angeles' have been leaked onto the internet. The single will officially be unveiled in May, with 'The Dirt' set to follow in July.
FOOS SUE MARVEL The Foo Fighters are suing Marvel Comics for using what are described as 'substantial' excerpts from two of their songs to promote upcoming TV series 'Wolverine & The X-Men'. The band insist Marvel didn't have permission to use either 'Best Of you' or 'Free Me'.
PURPLE CELEBRATE 40TH BIRTHDAY A 12-hour Deep Purple marathon is to happen at Esquires in Bedford on May 3, to celebrate the band's 40th anniversary. Bassists Glenn Hughes and Nick Simper will be present. The former will play acoustic versions of songs recorded by Mk3 and Mk4. The latter will play a set with his own band, The Good Old Boys, and then join Burn for Mk1 songs.
THIS WAS TULL - AGAIN Jethro Tull are to have their debut album, 'This Was', re-issued by EMI on April 28. This 40th anniversary edition will be a double CD. One will include the original mono version of the album, plus tracks recorded at the time in sessions for the BBC. The other will have a new stereo mix, plus early singles. There are also extensive sleeve notes, with anecdotes from the members of Tull.
'DC PREPARE FOR STUDIO? Yet more on AC/DC. There are reports that the band will finally start recording their new album in March. But whether this turns out to be another false dawn remains to be seen.
VELVETS STAR TURNS FASHIONABLE Velvet Revolver drummer Matt Sorum is to launch his own clothing line this month. It's the Sorum Noce range, and he's teamed up with designer Max Noce for the project. The clothing will be rock-inspired.
AERO GAME Aerosmith are to have their own video game available in the Summer. It's called 'Guitar Hero: Aerosmith' and will feature 30 songs from the celebrated band, plus tracks from other acts who've supported them down the years.

Short Cuts ... Fall Out Boy's attempt to play gigs on seven continents inside nine months has failed! The band were aiming to do a show in Antarctica this week, but scrapped the idea because of 'global warming'. We've heard some excuses before, but this beats most ... In what has to be among the strangest moves in a long time, the makers of the Dr. Pepper drink have announced that everyone in America will receive a free can of the drink, if Guns N' Roses release the 'Chinese Democracy' album this year. Everyone, that is, apart from guitarists Slash and Buckethead. Will this news encourage or discourage Axl? We shall see ... The Rolling Stones will be delighted that the ban on them playing Blackpool has been lifted. The Stones have been banned from the seaside town since 1964, when the Empress Ballroom suffered damage after a show there. So, Mick, Keith and co. must be hurrying to book a major gig in pier this Summer. Or not ... Tom Scholz isn't a happy man. The Boston leader has reacted furiously to reports that US Republican presidential candidate has been using the celebrated 'More Than A Feeling' at rallies. Scholz personally wrote to Huckabee, telling him to stop doing this. The guitarist claims that the band have never been political, and if they were, then this candidate's policies are the polar opposite of Boston's viewpoint ... Slash is suing the estate agent who sold him a house in the Hollywood Hills for $6.25 million in January 2006. Apparently, it was neither as big, nor as private as was claimed. Erm, didn't he bother to take a look for himself? Ah, he's a rock star ... In February, 1967, someone stole a guitar from Jimi Hendrix after a show in Darlington. Now, some locals are trying to find out what happened to it. Bit late now. Hendrix isn't bothered about getting the thing back ... Anyone wonder why Ozzy hardly said anything while co-hosting the Brit Awards in London? Apparently, he fell over twice beforehand. Vocalist Doogie White has left Yngwie Malmsteen's band. His replacement is former Judas Priest/Iced Earth man Tim 'Ripper' Owens ... Dave Mustaine has filed for divorce from his wife Pamela. The pair have been married for 17 years ... Uriah Heep are to release their new album, 'Wake The Sleeper', in June. It's their first studio record for nearly a decade ... Poison drummer Rikki Rockett has allegedly been arrested on a charge of rape. More soon ... Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora has been arrested in California and charged with driving under the influence of alcohol. He's been released on bail ... Legendary bassist/vocalist Jack Bruce is to have a six-CD box set released to celebrate his 65th birthday. It's titled 'Can You Follow'. It spans his entire career, and will be released by Esoteric Records on June 2 ... Nickelback frontman Chad Kroeger has been found guilty in Canada of drunk driving. He will be sentenced on May 1, but should only get a fine and/or a temporary driving ban.

Rock of Ages presents "Footstomping Music"

Order this album directly from the Rock of Ages website.
Click on www.rock.co.za/rockofages for details.

click to buy this CD direct from Rock Of Ages

Rock Of Ages Presents Footstomping Music

Track List

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

Keep the rock real...

Benjy

Contact Rock of Ages

Email:
Website: www.rock.co.za/rockofages
Snail mail:
PO Box 782022, Sandton 2146

Your Host

Benjy Mudie

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. Since 1999 he has been 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.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------