Happy Birthday, Jim Morrison!

Jim Morrison Cross

Jim Morrison, singer for The Doors was born on this day, December 8th, in 1943. Break on Through, Jim, wherever you are!

A Good Day to Die, Part 2: Remembering Nicholas Dingley, John Lennon and Darrell Abbott

John Lennon Shoulders

On This Date, December 8th, in 1980: John Lennon was murdered outside of the Dakota building in New York City where he was living. Mark David Chapman shot Lennon multiple times as he signed an autograph for Chapman. John Lennon was 40 years old.

Nick Dingley
Nick’s Favorite Drummer was Neal Smith of Alice Cooper

In 1984: Inebriated Motley Crue singer Vince Neil was involved in a car crash which killed passenger Nicholas “Razzle” Dingley, 24 year old drummer of Hanoi Rocks. Neil would spend 20 days in jail and pay $2.6 million in compensation.

Darrell Abbott

In 2004: Former Pantera guitarist “Dimebag” Darrell Abbott was murdered on stage during a performance with his new band Damageplan in Columbus, OH. Abbott was 38 years old.

Thanks To Paul Shaffer’s Day In Rock

Mystery Date Vintage TV Commercial

Oh, wow! I remember seeing this Mystery Date board game commercial when I was a wee lass, because I am one hundred years old. If only dating in real life were as much fun as they make it seem in this game. *Sigh*

Nothing Says “Christmas Rocks Very Hard” Quite Like The Roadrunner Records Holiday Party!

Roadrunner Records Logo

“Merry Christmas”

It is no secret that the music industry does not throw parties like they used to ten or even five years ago. Those glorious days of the full buffet, open bar and name acts that don’t suck playing sets of rocking music for your enjoyment, are over, baby. At least we have our memories. But one exception I’ve found is the annual Roadrunner Records Holiday Party!

I think anyone who is lucky enough to get an invite to this event will agree with me that it sets the music industry benchmark for holiday parties that kick total ass. This year’s party was held last night and, as usual, it was really fun and REALLY crowded. There were friends I waved to from across the room at various moments in the evening, but never could really find in the crowd to actually speak to. It’s that way every year. Sometimes a wave and a nod is as good as it gets.

Dressed like the rock goddesses that we are, Tracy and I spent most of the evening working the room with writer/editor Kirk Miller, who is always cool and fun to hang with. I also met up with the adorable Katherine Turman and a couple of her friends, and was kissed and hugged by many cherished music industry pals who I sometimes only see once a year at this event. Another highlight of the party for me, besides the food, was meeting the actor/comedian Jay Oakerson, who plays Neil on the fun IFC series, Z-Rock – which stars one of my favorite local rock bands, Brooklyn’s own Z02. He was super nice and (surprise!) very attractive in person. I enjoyed all of the plentiful and delicious foods (partaking heavily of the buttery beef filet with horseradish sauce) and drank a few too many vodka cranberries. Despite my toasty state, I made it home on the bus okay. Surprisingly, this morning I did not have a hangover. Thank you Roadrunner Records for another happy holiday memory and please continue to rock!

Remembering Frank Zappa

Zappa and Parents

On This Date, December 4th, in 1993: Frank Zappa died of prostate cancer at his home in Los Angeles with his wife Gail and children, Moon Unit, Dweezil, Ahmet and Diva, at his side. He was 52 years old. In the image above, Zappa poses with his parents in the living room of his Los Angeles home. On the wall directly behind him is the Ed Beardsley painting Pretties For You, which was eventually used as the cover art and title for the first album by the band Alice Cooper.

Pretties for You ACG