BLUE ÖYSTER CULT : HARD ROCK LIVE CLEVELAND 2014 - Two Hours of Musical Bliss

This might be the comeback of the century.

When this one came across my email, I smirked. However, there was something in the back of my head that told me that I should give this a listen.

Maybe it’s because of Cleveland. Cleveland is where I had last seen Blue Öyster Cult back in 2010, and it hadn’t been pretty. That being said, Cleveland and I have been on a winning streak, so I thought I would roll the dice.

The last time I had seen the band, maybe it was an off day. Who knows maybe it was me, but what I saw in 2010 left me not caring if I saw the band again. A band I had adored since the early seventies, a band which had never let me down.

I don’t remember the lineup, but I do remember that the show had left me extremely unimpressed, and a little miffed for several reasons I won’t go into here. However, let’s let bygones be bygones.

Here we are on the verge of 2020 when this album will be released (January 2020 on Frontiers Music s.r.l.), and I’ve got to say, I’ve never been more pleased to be wrong. My shirk was shit, and this live set finds the Cult killing it.

HARRY NILSSON - LOSST AND FOUNND - Maybe the best Beatles related product since the 80s?

I've honestly tried to avoid reading about this after the fact album, comprised of the work Harry Nilsson had done just prior to his death, but what I have read has to me seemed to miss both the point and the mark.

To my ears, it sounds like producer Mark Hudson has totally hit the mark, and yes, this might be my favorite Beatles related work since the 80s. This is my favorite album of 2019. It's the record we would have all produced if given the shot, something I sure can't say that about Giles Martin's work on the Beatles reissues.

"Losst And Found" kicks off the proceedings, and its pub rock approved guitars and throbbing rhythm section (Keifo Nilsson and Jim Keltner) deliver a super sophisticated composition that twists and turns with sumptuous background vocals, and it features an arrangement that unexpectedly modulates then takes us perfectly back in time. Nilsson's voice is closer here to Elvis Costello and Graham Parker than his earlier atmospherics, but that's intended as high praise, not in any way a negative comment in any way. It's not the voice of seventies Nilsson, but is that the point? His phrasing and intonation are on point, and his delivery is charmingly perfect. This track alone is worth the price of the album.

K.K. Downing is a No Go for Judas Priest's 50th Anniversary Tour

Rock 'n' roll fans lose again...

In a bit of predictable, but still disappointing news, K.K. Downing announced this morning that he will not be appearing on Judas Priest's 50th Anniversary tour.

Now, I know this is no surprise given the fractious nature of the band's comments concerning Downing's leaving, and the things that Downing has had to say in the years subsequent to his leaving, but I have to say, isn't it a shame that the music lost again?

BLACK CROWES - A NEW CHAPTER or CRASS CASH GRAB?

Watching the newly reconvened Black Crowes on the Howard Stern show, and I have to say, they sound as as good as ever to my ears, and better than they have on occasion.

However, there's a big question on everyone's mind, and it's not something we'll know ever, or at least until Chris and Rich Robinson are back at each others throats. That question is this.

Is this reunion of the brothers Robinson an artistic desire or a crass cash grab?

“And there were days when we danced.” ~ My strange and wonderful days on and off the road with rock’s best kept secret, Guided By Voices

For the record, I consider Guided By Voices to be one of the best rock bands on the planet, and in history. I consider Robert Pollard (Bobby from here on out, I’ve never known him as Robert, that’s for others) to be amongst the greatest songwriters to have ever written rock. That being said, I am neither fanboy nor completist. There are many to fill that role, and to do it better than I could ever hope or wish to.

That being said, I was there at the conception, and I have an experience here that is somewhat, if not completely unique. 

Tony Conley Talks with Paul Raymond - an archive interview (previously unreleased)

This episode is very near and dear to my heart, a great chat with the late, great Paul Raymond of UFO fame. It was conducted on the eve of his excellent Paul Raymond Project album, Terms and Condition, an album that in my estimation eclipses most of UFO's latter day catalog. It has remained unpublished until now.

Huge thanks to Helen Raymond for setting up the interview and the friendship, UFO, and Paul Raymond for the brandy!

Tony Conley Talks - “You did WHAT with Bobby Womack?

This episode talks about my short, but wild ride with legendary soul man, Bobby Womack. We go from Guitar Center Hollywood to Tokyo, Japan and back! It even includes a certain member of the Rolling Stones!

Tony Conley Talks - Bill Ward, an awards show and a million BS fans!

This episode looks back at the time I started a viral Facebook page entitled, "1,000,000 Black Sabbath Fans Say Yes to Bill Ward", I met Bill's wife at a Michael Schenker gig, then hooked up Bill for a lifetime achievement award at the 2014 Bonzo Bash in Los Angeles.

Tony Conley Talks Thin Lizzy: A loving remeembrance

Tony Conley Talks about his love for Thin Lizzy, and my experiences with guitarist Scott Gorham. If Thin Lizzy isn't inducted by the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, they ought to tear that sucker down.

Tony Conley Talks - My Experience with Eric Clapton's Famed "The Fool" SG

Tony Conley Talks about my experience with "The Fool" Gibson SG, one of rock history's most fabled guitars. I came across the guitar when it belonged to Todd Rundgren back in the late 90s.

Tony Conley Talks with Frank Marino and James Byrd - an archive interview

Tony Conley Talks with a couple of guitar legends, Frank Marino and James Byrd. This wide ranging, and never before published interview was conducted not long before Frank finally got his amazing new DVD, LIVE AT THE AGORA THEATER, released. We cover the incredible story of this massive project, and also cover a tremendous amount of talk concerning guitars, gear, and the state of the music business, which both men have strong opinions on.

Tony Conley Talks with UFO Legend Pete Way - an archive interview

Tony Conley Talks with the legendary Pete Way. This interview has never been published - it was recorded a few years ago when Pete was sidelined by prostate cancer. It's a very sweet and cool chat concerning Pete's time with UFO including a hilarious episode concerning guitarist Vinnie Moore, and a $200 pair of skivvies!

Tony Conley Talks: Uriah Heep and How I Fell in Love with My Wife a Second Time!

This episode of Tony Conley Talks features one of my favorite bands, the mighty, mighty Uriah Heep! Now in their 50th year, guitarist Mick Box has never failed to field a weak lineup, and today the band is as strong as ever.

Thanks to Mick Box and Siren Artist management for the groovy Uriah Heep Live t-shirt!

Tony Conley Talks: On Meeting Michael Schenker - An RGD Remembrance

I remember the first time I met Michael Schenker. Strolling down Lankershim Boulevard in North Hollywood one afternoon, I looked up to see a very familiar face walking towards me. I had heardthat he was in town recording, but I was still surprised to see him walking towards me on a sunny Sunday afternoon. I said hello, he nodded and we went our respective ways.

A month or so later, and as I was walking through the Guitar Center store I'm managing in Sherman Oaks, and I notice one of my salesmen was having a rather animated discussion with a dapper Englishman. I sidled up, poked my nose in, and asked what was up. It seems the Englishman was wanting to rent a four track recorder - something we didn't do. The salesman was very courteously explaining this when I decided to ask the rather well-to-do looking chap why he didn't just buy one. He claimed to only need it for a night or two, and it wasn't even for him, but rather his employer. That piqued my curiosity, so I asked, "Who is your employer?" I'll never forget how he said it, "A certain Michael Schenker."

UFO - a band that had long ago lost its Way

Is it now “Lights Out” for UFO? 

The band is on its Last Orders tour, and frontman Phil Mogg has stated that it is his intention to retire when this tour concludes.

For me, this comes not a moment too soon. It’s no secret to those who know me well that I’ve never been a big fan of guitarist Vinnie Moore in this band, though I’ve loved his work as a solo artist, and in other projects, but not in UFO.

For those who would like me to unpack that last comment, here you go.

Alcatrazz – PAROLE DENIED – TOKYO 2017 Sees 30 Year Sentence Overturned!

This will be my last post for Rock Guitar Daily, a labor of love which I have tended for the last eleven years. RGD was never a monetized endeavor. It was a tool that I’ve used for establishing my credentials as a writer, developing contacts across the industry, reaching a million readers (a steady fifty thousand a month without buying a single reader), and generally having a great time writing about rock without ever having to “go negative.” In fact, I could write about music from now until the end of time without having to crap on anyone. It’s fitting that this piece would be somewhat nostalgic, featuring the return of a band I first fell in love with in 1983 when Graham Bonnet exploded back on the scene after establishing himself as the go to vocalist with superstar guitarists Ritchie Blackmore in Rainbow and a brief stay with the Michael Schenker Group in which he recorded the seminal classic rock album, Assault Attack.