Early this morning I learned that David Bowie had died after a battle with cancer. I had known that Bowie was not in the best of health for several years now from an apparent heart condition but his passing was still a shock. On January 8 David had reached his 69th birthday and released a well received album of new music of which I saw the video for  “Blackstar” the other night. David obviously still had it right up until the end as the video was as mesmerizing as any of his best 80’s MTV inspired work.

David Bowie was always a favorite of mine but I only saw him in concert a few times. The Station to Station tour, which the Stages live album came about from, and the Glass Spiders  stadium tour was the other. My wife and I also saw David Bowie on Broadway starring in The Elephant Man play.

If anyone ever asked I would always say that my three favorite artists were Neil Young, Lou Reed, and David Bowie. True artists challenge their audiences and take them along on their adventurous sonic ride. Bowie was that type of artist. In an era when album cover art actually meant something, and all you knew of your favorite artists was what you could find in the rock music magazines, Bowie was an enigma; an other worldly renaissance man who rocked. Rest in Peace David Jones. 

Let’s Dance

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GQ

I already broke my New Year’s resolution of getting my blog on everyday but here I go. The year ended with the Gov’t Mule show at the Beacon Theatre where Warren Haynes and friends played over three hours on the first of a two night stand with “Sugaree”, “I Shall Be Released”, and the Allman Brothers Band “Dreams” being the highlights.

A week before the Mule show, on Christmas Eve eve, I caught the Kenny Rogers’ annual Christmas show at NYCB Theatre at Westbury. Kenny Rogers is a true entertainer with a zillion radio hits from the 70’s and beyond, going back to his First Edition days in the 60’s. The clearly hobbled Mr. Rogers, fresh off a knee replacement, is at his best when chatting with the audience between songs; his self deprecating sense of humor included joking about and playing his Gambler inspired Geico commercial. Kenny Rogers said he has played Westbury for over thirty years but that this was the last time as he will embark on a farewell tour next year. He is an easy guy to like and is well worth a check in when he rolls through your town next year.

Dark Side of the Mule

Happy New Year

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GQ

Warren Haynes and Gov’t Mule landed at the Beacon Theatre tonight for their now annual NewYear’s Eve two day rock and roll marathon session.

Last year Robbie Krieger of The Doors joined the band for year end festivities.

Happy Mule Year!

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GQ

My Morning Jacket plays the third of four sold out shows at the Beacon Theatre tonight. 

It Still Moves

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GQ

After seeing the great Rhiannon Giddens again last night with my bride first row dead center at the Tilles Center at LIU Post University for the second.to last show of her incredible 2015 tour, I ventured out solo tonight to catch Hot Tuna at the Beacon Theatre for the first of the band’s two night run. Due to a complete miscalculation regarding time and traffic, I only got to my 3rd row seat on Jack Cassady’s side of the stage at 9:15 but just in time for a blistering version of  “Bowlegged Woman, Knock Kneed Man”; all was right with the world again and I’m glad I did not decide to bail on the latest rock and roll adventure.

One more electric tune and intermission,  after which special guests are expected to join the band proper for the second half of the show.

Hot F’ing Sh*t!

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GQ

The AndersonPonty Band featuring Jon Anderson and Jean Luc Ponty take their “Better Late Than Never” tour to The Paramount in Huntington tonight.

After the untimely death of bassist Chris Squier, the future of Yes, with or without vocalist Jon Anderson, is very much uncertain making this tour a must see event for the band’s fans. Jon Anderson did a tour with Rick Wakeman a few years back that was a revelation as the two chatted between songs creating a terrific dynamic.

Jean Luc Ponty and Jon Anderson- two legendary artists perform on the same stage tonight in Huntington.

Love and Light

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GQ

On a night where the Starship do a Jefferson Airplane tribute at Westbury and Judas Priest are hot rockin’ at the Paramount in Huntington, my wife and I find ourselves sitting in front of the VIP “friends and family” table at City Winery for the fourth of five nights with Gregg Allman.

Brothers and Sisters

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GQ

Chicago is a band of road warriors. They play Connecticut tonight before taking on Buffalo then a well deserved break after touring all summer with the great Earth, Wind and Fire.

Look Away

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GQ

The Power of Love

Back to the Future too?

Sorry Cubbies

Let’s Go Mets!

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GQ

Bob Dylan is not the only musician on a never ending tour. Joe Walsh takes the circular stage at Westbury tonight in what was supposed to be the “half round” but, due to popular demand, seats behind the stage were just released. Walsh has sold out the entire Westbury venue in the past, and just recently sold out two nights at the Paramount in Huntington, so I thought it odd that they only put half the building on sale to begin with. Perhaps Joe no longer likes to revolve in front of his audience but, in any event, now that the Eagles latest last tour is off the road, Joe Walsh returns as a solo artist to perform some of his many hits and play his always great guitar .Every Joe Walsh appearance is an event worth seeking out.

Not In the City

All Night Long

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GQ