Stephen Colbert on musicians with political agendas:
“I’ve said it before, popular music should be nothing more than a string of meaningless cliches set to a pleasing melody to help kill the time on long commutes or loveless marriages.”
RIP Syd Barrett
“Arnold Layne…had a strange hobby…”
Original Pink Floyd Guitarist and front man, Roger ‘Syd’ Barret, has passed away on July 7th, 2006, at age 60 due to complications from diabetes. In his obituary for the NY Times rock journalist John Pareles writes that Barrett, “was also renowned both as an LSD casualty and as a symbol of how close creativity can be to madness.” Read more of that resonant obit at this link: Syd Barret Dies at 60. Shine On, You Crazy Diamond.
Photo of Syd Taken at Pink Floyd: Their Mortal Remains in Los Angeles, December of 2021
Happy 4th of July!
I am wishing everyone a Happy and Safe 4th of July. Please remember to wear your sunblock and don’t blow off any digits or extremities, please.
Hot Dog!
“I Like Mine Well Done.”
Tomorrow I’m traveling way the hell out to the nether regions of New Jersey to attend a BBQ. I hope that the host will be using Hot Dog Cookers like the ones pictured above. Because then you know it will be a really good party!
An Interview with Ray Luzier of Korn
As a renowned session and touring drummer, instructor and clinician, drummer Ray Luzier has enjoyed an almost storybook-like career. Playing drums since age seven, Ray grew up on a farm in rural Pennsylvania. After high school, he left home for Los Angeles – with visions of rock stardom in his eyes – to study drums and percussion at LA’s Musicians Institute. Later, Ray paid the bills teaching the hard rock curriculum at MI’s Percussion Institute of Technology. He also realized a childhood dream by playing drums on a dozen albums for the famed Shrapnel Records label.
Continue reading An Interview with Ray Luzier of Korn