New York Times Review

The latest issue of the New York Times Book Review (6/22) has a review of "Like A Rolling Stone." My book made it to book publishing's big show, so to speak. Though brief - I share a page with three other music books, including an Axl Rose biography - I'm deeply pleased (and relieved!) to report it's a favorable review. In the spirit of going out on top, it will likely be the last review I link to on the blog. You can read it here.

KISS TO MAKE CRAZY IDEA A REALITY?

At one point in "Like A Rolling Stone" I talk about how classic rock bands are increasingly taking on the faux qualities of tribute bands, and I mention the fact that the manager of KISS once ridiculously suggested the band should be franchised. Now comes word/rumor that Gene Simmons is planning a reality show to find replacements for the aging members of KISS. Presumably, they'll be younger musicians with more nimble tongues and less gray chest hair. So Gene wants KISS fans to pay money to see four guys who aren't KISS perform KISS songs in concert? That concept already exists - it's called a tribute band.

It Happened Again

After Journey found its new singer on YouTube now comes word that '70s rock band Boston found its latest singer on Myspace. Before his current gig, Tommy DeCarlo was a credit manager at a Home Depot in North Carolina. When Boston lead singer Brad Delp committed suicide last year, DeCarlo recorded his own karaoke versions of Boston songs and uploaded the MP3s to his MySpace page as a tribute - and a mock star was born. Is it me or does the tribute world seem more normal as the classic rock world becomes increasingly bizarre? Story here.

Appearance on WNYC's Soundcheck

I did a half-hour spot on the WNYC show Soundcheck today to talk about "Like A Rolling Stone" and the tribute band phenomenon. It was a lot of fun, mainly because Kevin Gleeson, the "Keithiest Keith" from Sticky Fingers, joined me in the studio. As often happens when Kevin is around, he stole the show. His raspy voice and imagistic language are a natural for radio. You can listen to the interview here.

Modern Guitars Review

Modern Guitars magazine just favorably reviewed "Like A Rolling Stone." The reviewer perfectly nailed the characters. My favorite line: "Glen Carroll, the “Mick” of Sticky Fingers, is seen as a sort of likable rock 'n' roll PT Barnum whose main concern is booking the next gig without regard for logistics, sobriety or the availability of his bandmates." You can read the full review here.

Journey Raids Tribute World For Talent Again

The June issue of GQ has a feature about Journey's new lead singer, who used to be in a cover band in the Philippines. The guys in Journey discovered him on YouTube. If you read my earlier post about a Journey tribute singer who has a song credit on the band's new record you'll know that they treat the tribute world as a farm team. I envision a day when the entire band will be replaced by former Journey tribute musicians. This, in turn, will leave the real members of Journey no choice but to form a Journey tribute.

Also - and this has nothing to do with tribute bands - I have a story in the same issue of GQ profiling Hugh Hefner's teenage son.

Last Batch of Pics

Kevin Gleeson and Dan Gorgone outside the Lucky Dog Music Hall in Worcester, MA. The Stones played this club in 1981 as a warm-up on the Tattoo You tour, billed as The Cockroaches.


The mascot for WRFX "the Fox," Charlotte's classic rock station, towers over the parking lot at Dixie's Tavern. Sticky Fingers played a Stones pre-concert bash.


Sticky Fingers on stage in Atlantic City

More Sticky Fingers Pics

Kevin Gleeson and the author, backstage in Atlantic City.


The Half Time Grill on Cape Cod


George Steckert, hanging loose before a gig.

Stoney Rollers Live

A clip of the Stoney Rollers playing the "Like A Rolling Stone" book party has surfaced on YouTube. (Forgive the shoddy sound recording).

Sticky Fingers Pics

Several people have asked me why I didn't include photos in "Like A Rolling Stone." The answer I always give is that I wanted the writing to stand on its own. But I know there's a curiosity about what the musicians look like so in the next few days I'm going to post some photos I took of the bands on the road. Here's the first batch.


Kevin Gleeson, "the Keithiest Keith," at a gig in suburban Boston.



Glen Carroll dressed casually before a gig. Soon he'll be dancing and prancing like Mick.


"Mick" and "Keith" (Glen Carroll and Kevin Gleeson) rocking at a Rolling Stones preconcert party at Dixie’s Tavern in Charlotte, NC.