Weird really enjoyed the book ’ABBEY ROAD TO ZIGGY STARDUST‘ by KEN SCOTT and BOBBY OWSINSKI so, here’s his take on the title:

For anyone with even a passing interest in some of the most iconic albums of all time, this book is a must.  World famous engineer/producer Ken Scott takes you behind the scenes of albums by The Beatles, David Bowie, Elton John, The Tubes, Devo and a host of others.  Not only is all the technical data explained, but you get a close-up view of bickering band members, shady managers and record company and management maneuvers.

Lots of space is devoted to Ken’s classic recordings with Bowie & The Spiders, giving you the most intimate descriptions of how these gifted musicians put their songs on tape.  Not only did he record them in the studio, but it was Ken in the RCA mobile unit who captured the last concert at the Hammersmith Odeon.  In the book, he professes his dislike of both mixes of the show.  It would definitely be interesting to hear how the man who produced Ziggy would mix this historic live event!

I really like the way the book is put together. Ken will talk about a band then you will get quotes from band members or other people who shine their light on the subject as well.  There is a photo section in the center of the book with amazing pictures, but the book is also peppered with photos and illustrations throughout.  A must have book about a golden period in music – thanks Ken!

Growing up with Mick Ronson and we’re fine. Growing up without him, not so fine. Twenty years ago on April 29th, 1993 we lost an electrifying guitarist and ace producer and arranger when Ronson passed away of liver cancer in his home with family and friends at his side.

A son to Minnie, a brother to Maggi and David, a husband to Suzi, a father to Lisa, a friend to Ian, a hero to many; there was only one Ronno and our sympathy goes out to all who loved him. Personally, we’re forever changed for turning on to his talents. His simplicity, his smile, his tone and his tune are just a few of the things we’ve had to adjust to growing up without the past twenty years.

Still, his legacy burns bright and today in his memory we hold on to his music. There, while it’s cranked loudly, the bitter still sounds better and the hurt is healed by moonage solos and a Les Paul guitar. We remember Mick fondly… today and always.

God bless Ronno ~

Special thanks to AntiShok and to all involved with this video tribute.

Mott The Hoople Tour UK

Hey dudes, Mott The Hoople have announced tour dates in the UK and tickets go on sale Friday, April 26th. Act fast and prep to sit tight as the gigs are in November, launching from Birmingham’s Symphony on the 11th and wrapping up at the O2 in London on the 18th.

Drummer Martin Chambers (Pretenders) will sit in for original member Dale ‘Buffin’ Griffin who is unable to perform due to health issues. So, “hey you, with the glasses” its only five gigs in five cities so we trust you’ll plan accordingly and show Ian Hunter and company your utmost support. Buy a ticket or “carry the news” and check the official site Thursday, April 25th at 9AM for special links.

Remember, remember it’s MOTT THE HOOPLE November!!

Watch Mott The Hoople in action:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mfwVfEXJhQQ

Photo: Mio Tanaka

Next month (April 29) marks the 20th anniversary of Mick Ronson’s passing and as we approach that anniversary we’ve learned that the Institute of Contemporary Arts in London is planning a very special evening in Ronson’s memory.

Billed as the MickRonsonFest, the tribute will take place on Saturday April 27th kicking off at 1:00 and running throughout the evening. Specifics can be found here or on Mick’s official site but take note if you’re in the UK and have a love for Mick Ronson this is where you need to be on the last Saturday night in April.

Here’s your chance to see the premier screening of excerpts from Ronson’s solo gig at the Rainbow Theatre in 1974 and the premier of the film shot at the 1994 Ronson Memorial held at the Hammersmith Apollo better known as the Hammersmith Odeon. Wow!! How great will it be to finally see this footage?

In addition, sister Maggi Ronson will perform and plenty of other special guests are involved including; Suzi Ronson, Glen Matlock, Gary Kemp, John Hutchinson and Hull comedienne Lucy Beaumont to name a few. Rare Mick Ronson photos, letters and press cuttings from the Ronson family archive will be on display and Ronson inspired DJ sets will take place in the ICA Bar throughout the night.

Clearly this will be a very special night for Mick Ronson fans and though it’s doubtful we’ll be in the audience – we’ll definitely be there in spirit, quietly humming ‘Only After Dark’ just like old times.

defleppard.com

Viva Las Vegas! It’s just been announced that in honor of Def Leppard‘s residency Viva Hysteria!, Las Vegas mayor Carolyn Goodman has proclaimed TODAY – Friday, March 22nd ”Def Leppard Day.” Their 11 gig run at The Joint at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino launches tonight and ends on April 13th. It’s not very often that the entire band are all together, in one place, for that long of time so we know they’ll make the absolute best of it.

This weekend’s performance is a complete sellout and in addition to the shows a very special Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp (April 4th thru the 7th) will take place which will certainly appeal to the more serious fan. Talk of recording has also been mentioned in the press and it makes good sense to us. Inevitably, Def Leppard will make the Strip brighter than usual this month and to that we say: shine on!

hardrockhotel.com

Best wishes to Def Leppard, the crew and of course, the fans!
Hysteria – when you’re near!

Oh, by the way…have you heard the new version?
We believe it!

Trevor Bolder dropped a welcomed zinger in a recent interview with Classic Rock magazine when he hinted that a Spiders From Mars reunion with an un-named vocalist was in the works. The said time frame is targeted to take place around Christmas 2013.

So, un-named vocalist yeah but what about the un-named guitarist?

Stay tuned.

When news broke last month that former Spiders From Mars bassist Trevor Bolder had undergone a major surgery in January it was said that he’d suffered a heart attack. Bolder later revealed to Classic Rock that it wasn’t a heart issue at all, it was cancer.

Bolder who now plays bass for Uriah Heep has taken a leave from the band but he’s expected to return when he’s well rested and feeling up to it. “In a couple of months I should be back to normal and doing roadwork with Uriah Heep. Originally, I was told it would be nine months. I’ve gone private now and they say it should be four months – as long as I take it steady.”

Since then Uriah Heep announced the good report that Bolder is ahead of schedule and recuperating very well from his surgery. His aim was to return for the Download festival on June 14 but the band is hopeful that he’ll be back before then.

Here’s to a speedy bounce back Trevor!
From Cleveland to Hull…we’re cheering you on!

Cards can be sent to:

Trevor Bolder
PO Box 6249
Leighton Buzzard
Bedfordshire
LU7 0WS

Bass player and vocalist Gail Ann Dorsey and producer, arranger Tony Visconti posted status updates on Facebook yesterday as David Bowie’s ‘The Next Day’ officially hit the streets. Both Dorsey and Visconti who have partnered with Bowie for numerous records and tours had this to say about the release.

“Today, when I think about the little girl that I was in West Philly in the 1960′s and 70′s, dreaming of being a great musician, an actor, a screenwriter, a film-maker, or anything else my imagination could entertain, I realize that the odds of my succeeding in any of those areas were not in my favour. Today, I truly realize how blessed and lucky I have been to beat those odds. Today, I look at the sacrifices I have made on my incredible journey, and I embrace each and every one, for they were the seeds that bore the fruits of this day… Today, is “The Next Day”… a musical gift to The World” said Dorsey.

Visconti shared Dorsey’s post on his own Facebook timeline and added this comment, “Making ‘The Next Day’ has been a wonderful two year long ‘event’ to be working on together. I can’t call it a project or even an album. For two years it was our lives. God bless David Bowie.”

So, in the midst of all the Bowie news (print) stories it’s kind of nice to see a few sincere quotes appear via Facebook and these two updates are definitely worth sharing. We trust that if you’re reading this you’re enjoying what Dorsey calls a “musical gift to the world” in your own personal space, in your own special way on this day forever known as ‘The Next Day.’

So, back to it!

On January 8th 2013 while celebrating 25 years of creating under the guise of Weird and Gilly our well planned day took a drastic turn after signing on to the web before venturing out for our traditional festive dinner at Luigi’s in Akron, Ohio. SURPRISE!! Word had it: David Bowie had launched a brand new single for his 66th birthday and as music’s best kept secret went viral; we tuned in with the rest of the world, jaws dropped firmly on the ground.

After a ten year hiatus and rumors of health issues, here he was; delivering both new sounds and thought-provoking vision. The first single ‘Where Are We Now’ premiered by form of a video and so the Bowie buzz…begun. Instantly downloading it, we played it on repeat for the rest of the afternoon (no lie) and anticipated hearing the full length recording, promised to hit the streets eight weeks later.

On the 26th of February the second single ‘The Stars’ (Are Out Tonight) launched; its debut also coming dressed in the form of a new video, this one even more buzz worthy than the first. Packed with quite a bit more punch than ‘The Next Day’ it elevated our desire to hear more. Producer Tony Visconti had already hinted in the press that the majority of the songs rocked and ‘TSAOT’ proved to be of them.

On March 1st when the album started streaming on iTunes you could hear and read the praises from shore to shore. Now, it’s officially here ‘The Next Day’ and the date we’ve been waiting for: March 12th. Number one in 39 countries around the world is just one way to sum it up, we’ve missed you David Bowie. Welcome back!

‘The Next Day’ is available everywhere TODAY!! Order it online or better yet, get out there and support your local record store!

A new David Bowie album, the return of the Stooges  and then there’s the incredible Ian Hunter tour!

Spider Trevor Bolder‘s comeback, Ken Scott‘s terrific new book and the premier of the 1994 Mick Ronson Memorial Film and so much more!!!

Luv on ya,
Weird and Gilly 2013