I loved my mom more than anyone or anything on earth.. We always had a special bond, and when she passed away in 2019 at 92-years old she was still my best friend. We were always sort of on the same wavelength, and that’s probably because I was her favorite. On a related note, you might not want to mention that to my sister.
Want a straight answer? Ask my mom and you’d get one. She was always brutally honest and really wasn’t one for sugarcoating things. It’s one of the many things I loved about her, because what more could you really ask for?
Mom always loved me absolutely and unconditionally. And she was always, without fail, there for me. Even when I had no right to expect it, she believed in me.
But that doesn’t mean I was always treated with kid-gloves. Sometimes I was treated with no gloves, which you’ll hear about later.
One summer my mom took me aside and said she had something important to ask me. She then proceeded to tell me she’d been offered the fifth grade teaching position, a class of which I was to be a part. How would I feel about this?
Are you kidding? Having my mom as my teacher? Su-weet! This would be like having a year off! Let’s do this!
She paddled me the third week of school. I mean really paddled me. I’m pretty sure it was 3-whacks. I begged her not to do it, to wait until we got home, to please not humiliate me in front of the class.
No go. She walloped the living heck of me. Did I mention it was 3-whacks?
In retrospect I know exactly what she was doing. Number one, I was being an idiot, thinking I could take advantage of the situation. I deserved it. Number two, she was proving a point to the rest of the class – everyone will be treated equally.
Point proven, Mom.
But back to the “no gloves” thing. I was probably, oh, maybe 13 or 14, and my mother was in the kitchen doing dishes. I was apparently in a playful mood, she, apparently not. For whatever reason I got in a boxing crouch and began hopping around her, feigning jabs and hooks, not making contact but coming close.
After a minute or so she asked to stop, but I kept it up, even throwing in the occasional uppercut just for kicks. Then she turned around, and as she wiped her hands on a dish towel said this:
“Stop it. Now.”
But I kept it up. Why, you ask? I guess I was just young and dumb. You know, as opposed to now, when I’m old and dumb. For whatever reason I kept it up. Well, for a few more seconds anyway.
I didn’t really see the punch coming, but I’m pretty sure it was a right cross because it connected on the left side of my jaw. The next thing I knew I was flat on my back, knocked out of the kitchen and onto the living room floor.
Mom just went back to drying the dishes.
In retrospect I should’ve known better. Mom grew up on a farm with two brothers. She was tough as nails.
I guess in today’s world, where paddling in schools has been banned and spanking children is considered barbaric, my mother would be considered a terrible teacher and parent. Shoot, she’d probably be reported to the authorities and somebody would have to step in and “save” me. But had they done that, how could mom have saved me so many times in the years to come?
Ha! Save me from my mom? I would have liked to seen them try.
For various reasons many cities have been the center of musical revivals, places where something special either started or was centered. Sometimes there doesn’t seem to be a rhyme (get it, rhyme?) or reason why the seed was planted there, but planted it was. Sometimes big cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, London, Cleveland are New York City are involved, other times it’s a small college town like Austin, Texas. Some of the most famous musicians in the world came from places we don’t even associate with music. Hell, John Mellencamp grew up in Bloomington, Indiana. James Brown? Macon, Georgia. And although everyone thinks of Manhattan when hearing the Velvet Underground, they’re actually from Long Island. Of course, we all know what that hot-bed of music, Tupelo, Mississippi produced, right? The King himself, Elvis Presley. And Cleveland? While the term Rock ‘n’ Roll actually originated there with legendary DJ Alan Freed, it doesn’t really have its own sound, right?
I guess the old saying is true – it doesn’t matter where you’re from, it’s where you’re at.
Anyway, what follows are 10 of the most influential musical cities, cities that changed the world of music as we know it. Let’s start our travels now . . .
DETROIT
We’re talkin’ Motown, baby. The Jackson 5, The Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder all began their careers in Detroit in the 1960’s. Berry Gordy started Tamla records there in the early 60’s, and it eventually evolved into the legendary Motown Records. Without Motown we wouldn’t have songs like “Heard It Through The Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye, “Dancing in the Street” by Martha and the Vandellas, “Please Mr. Postman”by the Marvelettes, “My Girl” by the Temptations, “Super Freak” by Rick James, or “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder. ‘Nuff said.
LIVERPOOL
Back in the 1950’s Liverpool was one of England’s biggest seaports. Sailors brought all sorts of American goods into the United Kingdom, including books, clothes . . . and records. A lot of these records were of the R & B variety. This made Liverpool one of the centers of American culture and American R & B music, and a couple young men named Paul McCartney and John Lennon were listening. The rest, as they say, is history. The British Invasion was on. Soon came not only The Beatles, but Gerry and the Pacemakers, Echo and the Bunnymen, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, The Las, The Searchers, The Wombats and more.
MEMPHIS
Come on, man, Memphis could be argued as the birthplace of Rock and Roll. It had two legendary record labels, Sun Recored in the 50’s and Stax in the 60’s. The Memphis Sound was an eclectic mix of country, swing, gospel, and blues, and when you put them all together you got Rock and Freakin’ Roll. Legendary producer Sam Phillips once famously said this – “If I could find a white man who had the Negro sound and Negro feel, I could make a billion dollars.” Two years later Elvis Presley walked into his studio, and the rest was history.
NEW ORLEANS
I mean, the Birthplace of Jazz has to make the list, right? Not only Jazz, but Ragtime, Dixieland, Cajun and Zydeco all have strong bases in The Big Easy. Want some names? How ’bout none other than Louis Armstrong, Dr. John, Fats Domino, Harry Connick Jr. and Jelly Roll Morton? And oh yeah, we can’t forget a famous rapper – Lil’ Wayne.
NEW YORK CITY
Hip-Hop, Punk, and Disco all have strong roots in The Big Apple, and the artists from NYC are as diverse as music itself. What city could boast such wide-ranging artists such as Lady Gaga, Simon & Garfunkel, Beastie Boys, Santana, Billy Joel, Lou Reed, Talking Heads, KISS, The Ramones, and Jay-Z? New York has so many different sounds that you can’t really choose just one. PS- I can choose one because it’s my website – Punk.
PHILADELPHIA
Now you’re in my wheelhouse, baby. The Philly Sound! The Philly Sound combined the rhythms of Motown but added symphonies and dare I say Beatlesque production to make some of the best damn sound ever created. God how I loved the music coming out of Philadelphia during the early 70s. I loved a million of these artists, but I’ll list my absolute favorites – Blue Magic, the Delfonics, Hall & Oates, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, the O’Jays, The Spinners, and The Stylistics. Also, there’s another legend that emerged from Philly during this time that doesn’t really fit any musical genre – Mr. Todd Rundgren. Put him in the Hall of Fame! Fun Fact: The O’ Jays were originally from Ohio!
ATHENS
As in Athens, Georgia to be precise. In the late 70s-early 80s Athens became the city that produced a big part of the sound that was to be called Alternative Music. Bands like The B-52s, Love Tractor, Drive-By Truckers, Pylon, Widespread Panic, The Whigs, and the greatest of all, R.E.M. began playing in the little college town of Athens.
MINNEAPOLIS
Around the same time Alt Music was kicking off in Athens, another alt music revolution was taking place up north in Minneapolis. Bands such as Hüsker Dü, The Replacements, Soul Asylum, Babes in Toyland and Semisonic all came blasting out of the Twin Cities with their unique take on Alternative Music. Oh, and there was another sound coming out of the area as well – a nasty blend of funk-rock by some dude who called himself Prince.
CHICAGO
Although being famous for a lot of genres, Chicago is probably most famous for one – The Blues. Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Willie Dixon, Buddy Guy, and Bo Diddley all sharpened their skills in the Windy City. Other famous bands or artists that originated there? How about Chicago, The Chi-Lites, Rufus, REO Speedwagon and Cheap Trick?
SEATTLE
Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden. Need I say more? Actually I need to. Why? Because bands like Mudhoney, Green River, Screaming Trees and most notably The Melvins, all started the whole Grunge movement of the early-80s to mid-90s. Alice in Chains too! By the way, Grunge music was, in a nutshell, music that was loud, tough, raw . . . and with a molasses slow melody.
So there ya go. My Top 10 Cities that influenced music. What did I miss? Who ya got? Lemme hear it.
One of my former students recently asked me how many concerts I had seen in my lifetime, and I told them I had no idea but it had to be over a hundred. I LOVE live music and always have, and I’ve been going to shows for approximately 45-years. Anyway, because I was asked I have attempted to recall all the shows I’ve seen, and believe me when I say there is no way I’ll remember them all. Because of this you can bet this blog will be updated often as the memories come flooding back or somebody reminds me of something I forgot. With all this in mind, let me begin. I’ll list the concerts along with notes on some of them, and they will be in somewhat of a chronological order but not really. An asterisk indicates a Rock Hall of Fame inductee, and I believe I’ve seen 25 bands/artists that have earned that honor. That said, I’ve also seen some shows that might surprise you. Let us begin . . .
Redbone
1974, Kings Island Senior Night. They were Native Americans, they wore full Native American regalia, and their big hit was “Come and Get Your Love.” I was front row and I was forever turned on to live music. Who could not be after seeing this?
Note: I have no idea if that’s politically correct or not, I just know it’s a great song.
Brownsville Station
These cool cats sang the original “Smokin’ in the Boys Room” and followed Redbone. I’ll never forget singer Cub Coda’s roaring vocals and drummer Henry “H-Bomb” Weck destroying the skins. Epic.
Seals & Crofts
Thanks to my Uncle Myrl we always had great seats at the Ohio State Fair. Hence the front row seats for the band that gave us “Summer Breeze” and “Diamond Girl.” It was a very good show.
The Stylistics
Believe it or not I saw this legendary R&B group at the Ross County Fairgrounds. Who booked them there I do not know, but it was the early to mid-70s so they were in their heyday.
Aerosmith*
Ah, the famous (well, at least to me) Aerosmith concert. You know, the one where I drank Stroh’s beer with Joe Perry and Steven Tyler? That one? Yeah, I used to have a cool photo of me sitting between those rock Gods on a backstage couch, smiling broadly, luxurious locks cascading down our backs. Sorry, I got lost in the mists of time there for a second. Anyway, here’s the link: Steven, Joe and Me: Meeting Aerosmith. Read it. I would but it would make me cry again.
Note: I looked it up. It was March 24th, 1978 at Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Columbus.
Allman Brothers Band*
I saw these guys at an outdoor venue somewhere over near Zanesville. I don’t think it was Legend Valley, but I could be wrong. Anyway, they were as good as you might expect Southern Rock legends to be.
The Beach Boys* (6)
I’ve seen The Boys six times at various venues, including the big return of Brian Wilson sometime around 1977. They’re always a good show. Oh, and remember the time Mike Love tried to steal my girlfriend? If not, here’s the story: In the late 70’s I went to see them, again at Riverfront Coliseum in The Natti. We were once again right down front. From the get-go Mike Love was paying special attention to my date, at one point getting down on one knee and singing a song right up in her grillmix. I don’t remember the song, probably because I was too busy watching the security dude and figuring my odds of getting a shot at Love’s nose. Eventually Love actually sent a guy down to ask if she was interested. She said no and he never came close to us the rest of the show. Bizarre experience.
Chicago* (4)
Yep. This guy.
Chicago was always a good show, especially when they rocked and before they started with all the sappy ballads in the early 80s. The most memorable show was when Peter Cetera nearly stole my date. Yep, it happened again, and this show and The Beach Boys show were only a couple weeks apart. I guess I should look at the bright side and assume I had good taste in women? Anyway, here’s a link to the whole sordid affair: How Peter Cetera Once Ruined a Relationship. Mine. I saw Chicago again on 7.23.22. They only had two original members, Pankow, Loughnane and Lamb (who wasn’t there that night) but I still enjoyed them immensely.
Warren Zevon
I saw the legend back in early ’79 when I was living on West 8th Avenue, just south of The Ohio State University campus. I distinctly recall sitting at a table in the since demolished Serene Lounge, a misnamed establishment if there ever was one. As I sat there enjoying Happy Hour, a buddy came rushing in and said he had tickets to a show up the street at The Agora, which is now The Newport. Of course I asked who was playing, and he told me Warren Zevon. Being the sophisticated music aficionado that I was, I immediately jumped at the chance. O.K., truth be told I’d never heard of Warren Zevon. Seems I’d missed the whole “Werewolves of London” hoopla from a few months prior. Go figure. Long story short, I went, was blown away and became a huge fan.
Note. It’s odd but one clear memory I have of that night was Zevon mentioning that his dad was named Stumpy. That’s a cool dad name, don’t you think? Anyway, one of my big regrets (among many) is the fact that I never saw Warren Zevon live again.
Steely Dan
I think I saw these guys at St. John Arena, but I’ll be damned if I can remember exactly. Anyway, it was the late 70s, a period my loving father used to refer to as “my hazy period.”
The New York Dolls
Believe it or not I actually saw these punk legends at the Fairgrounds Coliseum where they opened for The Babys and, wait for it . . . REO Speedwagon. To say I’d never seen anything like them (spiked collars, high heels, multi-colored hair, hot pants) is an understatement. I’m pretty sure I stood there, mouth agape, during their entire show.
Steppenwolf
These rock legends actually performed at Sam’s Place, a big barn-type venue south on Chillicothe on Route 23. I believe the building is still there. Anyway, they rocked out “Born to Be Wild” and “Magic Carpet Ride” right here in good ol’ Ross County USA.
The Babys
The Babys followed the New York Dolls, and although “Isn’t It Time” and “Every Time I Think of You” are great songs, following the Dolls was a tough gig ( not to mention everyone was there to see REO).
REO Speedwagon
I feel like I’ve seen REO more than once, but perhaps not. Anyway, it was a rockin’ show. I remember they closed with “Ridin’ the Storm Out.”
Jeff Lynne
Electric Light Orchestra* (13)
Yep, I’ve seen ELO 13-times at least, and every single show was a joy, a revelation and an absolute rock spectacle. Hey, who doesn’t like lasers, giant spaceships and giant butterflies and moths fluttering above the audience? I know I do. Seriously, Jeff Lynne is a musical genius and a rock legend, and I shall see him again in less than a month. However, the most memorable ELO show was the night I found myself in the middle of a Jeff Lynne/ELO scenario of which I wanted no part of. To fully understand, read this: Pimping for the Electric Light Orchestra. UPDATE: Caught ELO again on 7/30 at Nationwide in Columbus. Once again it was an outstanding show.
Roxy Music
I saw Roxy Music open for ELO at Veterans Memorial in 1975, and Bryan Ferry did not disappoint, singing “Love Is The Drug” and others in all his Glam Rock glory.
Gentle Giant
Saw this Prog Rock band open for ELO in The Natti, circa 1977.
Steve Hillage
Hillage was a guitarist of note back in the 70s.
Rick Derringer (3)
I first saw Derringer on the “Frampton Comes Alive” tour at the Tangerine Bowl in Florida. There were several bands before Frampton, and one of them was Kansas. They came out and it was clear from the get-go they were tanked. Just smashed, drunk and/or high as hell. Midway through song two or three they just turned and walked off the stage. The crowd basically rioted until something pretty cool happened. Rick Derringer, who had played a short set earlier, returned to the stage and started playing. Slowly the crowd got into it and eventually he was actually playing requests. That’s a true pro right there, and he saved everyone from a potentially nasty situation. When Frampton finally came out he thanked Derringer profusely and even called him back out for an encore. I’ll always have fond memories of Rick Derringer because of that day.
Led Zeppelin*
Led Zeppelin
At some point a bit before The Who tragedy at Riverfront Coliseum (again, my dates are a little fuzzy) I saw Led Zeppelin there. The whole festival seating/general admission thing was in place, and it was pretty ugly. We got there real early to get in line. The coliseum’s policy at the time was to open just 4-doors at around 6:30 PM (again, hazy) for the 8:00 show. We were right up front, and a little after 5:00 PM things began to get ugly. Remember, 4-doors for 12,000+ people. Idiocy. People in the back began pressing forward and those of us in front were getting crushed against the doors. Guys were begging the security inside to open up, but they weren’t listening. A police chopper suddenly appeared and began hovering about 30-feet up, and a guy with a bullhorn was telling people to back up. Nobody was having it, and at one point I remember a beer bottle being thrown at the chopper and shattering off its side. By this time I was seriously in fear of not making it out of there. My arms were pressed against my sides so tightly that I couldn’t raise them. Occasionally my feet would rise off the ground and I’d have to completely go wherever the crowd took me. Scary stuff for sure. The worst part was when the crowd would start to lean and you feared getting crushed. It was hard to breathe and several people passed out but obviously didn’t fall down. Surreal as hell. Finally, an ignorant security guard did a dumb but ultimately good thing – he cracked a door open, ostensibly to tell somebody when the gates would open. At that point the door was ripped open and the crowd poured in. Glass was flying everywhere, and as I was being pushed through a guard reached out and ripped a flask from my neck, nearly slashing my throat. No tickets were taken and chaos ensued. After I got away from the rushing crowd, I sought out a cop and yelled, “If these people don’t start opening more doors somebody’s going to get killed here!” A prophetic statement, unfortunately. When the news came down months later that 11-people were killed at The Who show, I wasn’t surprised. I knew exactly what had taken place. Oh, and by the way, I scored a front row spot. Hey, it was Zep.
The Eagles* (3)
I first saw The Eagles during their Hotel California Tour, and I remember the big album cover backdrop. Joe Walsh had just joined the group and he was on fire. Great show. As a bonus, no band member tried to pick up my girlfriend.
Todd Rundgren (5)
I’ve seen the greatest rocker never to be inducted into the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame four times, and every single time he has been amazing. Just a multi-talented musician and performer. Most recently I saw him at the Taft Theater in Cincinnati and then as a member of the Beatles 50th Anniversary White Album Tour and he was amazing as always.
Elton John*
I was lucky enough to see Elton at the peak of his powers, during the legendary Yellow Brick Road Tour. I can’t recall who opened for him but I do remember Kiki Dee coming on stage for the song, “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”. I also remember that we had seats w-a-y at the back of the arena, near the top. At one point Elton stopped to thank his writing partner Bernie Taupin and pointed him out in the crowd. They shone a spotlight on him, and he was sitting right behind me. I asked him why he was sitting in the cheap seats and he said he liked to hear what the acoustics were like from up there. Cool.
Marshall Tucker Band
No clue where this concert took place. Kentucky perhaps. Rupp Arena? I’ve no clue but it was during the “Heard It In A Love Song/Can’t You See” era. What can I say? I fell into the Urban Cowboy country rock phase for a minute.
Cheap Trick*
This one was at St. John Arena in Columbus and I recall that it was on the same Monday night that Marquette won the NCAA Basketball Title. 1977 perhaps? Let me check. Hold on . . . . . . . yep, March 28th, 1977. 67-59 over Dean Smith and North Carolina. Al McGuire’s last game. Anyway, at one point some kid from Zane Trace threw his ZT hat on stage and Rick Neilson put it on and wore it for the rest of the show. Wild night. Can’t remember who opened.
Rush*
Went with a buddy who was a huge Rush guy, I believe it was in Dayton at Hara Arena. On a related note, Rush people are an interesting group.
Edgar Winter Group
“Frankenstein” baby! EWG rocks, man. Saw them at an outdoor show somewhere in Columbus. It was in a big parking lot and was sponsored by QFM-96. I think.
Joe Walsh
I saw Joe just before he joined The Eagles, just after he released his “But Seriously, Folks . . .” album. Dude was really good with the crowd, and of course his guitar playing was amazing.
Kansas
I told you about Kansas when I talked about Rick Derringer earlier. They sucked.
Peter Frampton (3)
Peter Frampton
I was a big Frampton fan back in the day, and myself and 3 friends followed him on his “Frampton Comes Alive” Tour. We saw him in Tampa, Louisville and back in Ohio. He was touring with the aforementioned Kansas, Rick Derringer and the J Geils Band. Trust me, Peter Frampton put on one hell of a show.
John Sebastian*
John Sebastian was the frontman for the Lovin’ Spoonful before embarking on a solo career. He didn’t have much success until he penned the theme song for the TV show “Welcome Back Kotter”. Anyway, I saw him as the opening act for, wait for it . . . Steve Martin. The show was at Mershon Auditorium in, I believe, the Spring of ’77 or ’78.
J Geils Band (2)
Saw these guys during the Frampton tour, and one thing sticks out in my mind. Their Louisville show was the last show of the tour and lead singer Peter Wolf busted out the champagne. As usual we’d worked our way down to the front row, and Wolf poured a good portion of the bottle right over my head before I tilted my head back and drank the rest. Good times indeed.
John Waite
Waite was the lead singer of The Babys before starting a solo career. I saw him at a small venue in Columbus (The Newport?) and he was really good. Remember “Missing You”?
Wild Cherry
Yep, I saw these guys sing “Play That Funky Music” in a small bar on High Street in Columbus j-u-s-t before they hit it big.
Barry Manilow
I told you some of the artists would surprise you. I went with my sister and her husband Jigger, and it was a really good show. Vets Memorial I believe.
Doobie Brothers
Thankfully I saw The Doobies before Michael McDonald arrived to wreck their sound with his so-called “blue-eyed soul”. Newsflash: It was not. I preferred the pre-McDonald days of “China Grove”, “Long Train Runnin'” and “Blackwater”. It was a fantastic show that I saw somewhere in Cleveland.
James Taylor* (5)
Ah, the original JT. I’ve seen him at least 5-times, the most memorable being the night I stole his jacket. From my original blog: I went to see him at Blossom Music Center back in ’78 with my friends Tom and Chris. After the show we ambled down to the side of the stage, just getting a look at the setup really. The roadies were tearing down the set, wandering around doing this and that. At some point I looked up and said, “Hey, look. He left his jacket hanging on the mike stand.” He’d worn it onstage and had taken it off during the show. Anyway, one of us (probably Tom) gets the bright idea to try to grab it. Nice plan but the place was crawling with security and roadies. I turn to Chris for ideas, turn back around, and Tom had already jumped the railing and was halfway across the stage. He was just casually walking like he belonged there. A couple of guys glanced at him but didn’t say a word, either because he looked like he belonged or because he was 6′-3″, 280-lbs and looked like he could rip your heart out and show it to you before you died (which by the way he could have but that’s another story). He casually grabs the jacket, throws it over his shoulder, and hops off the other side of the stage as Chris and I run frantically around to meet him. We walk away without looking back, expecting at any moment to hear, “Stop them! Thieves! They have James Taylor’s jacket! For God’s sake stop the bastards!” Except it doesn’t happen, and we make it to the car. At that point Tom tries it on. Obviously too small. Chris grabs it. Too big. Heh-heh. Fit me perfectly. Apparently, in ’78, James Taylor and I were exactly the same size. Anyway, that’s how I came to own James Taylor’s jacket. By the way, later I woke up wide-eyed in the middle of the night, realizing I hadn’t checked the pockets. The possibilities were mind-boggling. Carly Simon’s phone number possibly? Alas, nothing. Damn . . .
Charlie Daniels Band
Again, this was during my country rock phase, which lasted about, oh, a minute and a half. Charlie was cool back then though, although I felt that way partly because I wasn’t aware of the right-wing conservative assclownery he’s exhibited the last 20-years or so.
Blue Oyster Cult
Dayton, Ohio, in Hara Arena. At the end of the concert the drummer threw his sticks into the crowd. I got my hand on one but it slipped through my fingers, damn it.
Yes*
I was never a big Yes fan, but I attended this show with a friend. As I recall I wasn’t that impressed.
Emerson, Lake & Palmer
See Yes above.
Grand Funk Railroad
I watched Mark Farner, Don Brewer and the boys at St. John Arena in Columbus and they were great. I distinctly recall them blowing the roof off the joint with “We’re An American Band”. I think Farner found Jesus shortly after this tour.
Amy Grant
Another shocker, amirite? Yep, I saw Amy at the Ohio State Fair and once again we were right up front. My girlfriend at the time loved her, hence my presence at the show.
Gordon Lightfoot*
I’d forgotten about this show until someone reminded me of it recently. It was at Mershon Auditorium in Columbus, Ohio during his “Sundown” period. I have zero memory of it otherwise.
Hall & Oates*
Talk about a great opening act. I saw these guys open for ELO in Cleveland at Richfield Coliseum. Of course, they were incredible.
Pat Benatar*
Yep. Big Pat Benatar fan, man. Saw her in Riverfront Coliseum back around ’82 ish. I remember being impressed with her lead guitarist and future husband Neil Geraldo too. Dude could shred.
Alabama
Another Ohio State Fair show where I couldn’t turn down the tickets. Hey, it was the early 80s and the band was pretty damn big.
Barbara Mandrell
Same as the Alabama show with one big difference – Barbara Mandrell was smokin’ hot at the time.
Kenny Rogers
You’ll have to give me a break on this one. My mother was a big Kenny Rogers fan and I took her as a surprise for her birthday. She loved it. I’m such a good son.
The Alarm
The Alarm
This show was actually a surprise for me pulled off by my ex-wife Twana, and it was spectacular. I loved The Alarm (still do) and their show at Riverbend in Cincy was great. However, they were just the opening act for the big surprise, which was . . . drumroll please . . .
Bob Dylan*
It was 1988 and like I said, this was a surprise gift for me. Dylan was amazing as you might expect, putting on an unforgettable show.
Pink Floyd*
In June of 1975 I traveled to Pittsburgh to see Pink Floyd at Three Rivers Stadium, and they were insanely good. Obviously this was when Roger Waters was still with them, contrary to the American tour 20-years later when they were without him and I refused to attend. To me, the best part of Floyd was Roger Waters. Anywho, great show with flyin’ pigs and whatnot.
Meat Loaf
I saw Meat at a small venue near Lancaster in the mid-80s. This was after his success with Bat Out of Hell in the late 70s and before his big comeback in ’93, and he was in the middle of his well publicized emotional issues. At one point during the show he stopped mid-song and helicoptered his mic stand into the crowd, nearly decapitating myself and several others. It was like “Meat Loaf! YEAH! Woohoo! Wait . . . look out!” Fortunately he got it together and finished, but I remember his voice was freakin’ shot. Let’s just say Meat did not bring his A game that night.
Paul McCartney* (10)
Yes, I have seen Sir Paul many times at many venues in cities ranging from Cincinnati to Indianapolis to Cleveland to Chicago. Perhaps my favorite show was the one in Columbus where a bunch of us went all out rented a suite. Our seats were right over the stage. Also, one year in Cincy I was in the front 8-10 rows which was incredible. With McCartney every song is legendary, plus there’s always that awareness that you’re watching a freakin’ Beatle. I recently saw Paul at Winston-Salem, NC on 5/21/22 and he was fantastic. He put on a 3-hour show with no breaks at nearly 80-years of age. Amazing.
Dan Fogelberg (4)
Fogelberg was always great live, and I saw him at Blossom in Cleveland, The Palace in Columbus and a couple other places.
Indigo Girls
I’d never heard of the Indigo Girls when first saw them open for R.E.M. at Riverfront Coliseum, but it didn’t take a genius to figure out they were going to be big.
R.E.M.* (15)
I’ve seen R.E.M. more than any other band, first on May 5th, 1985 at a gym in Springfield, Ohio in front of maybe 100-people, and the last time at Blossom in Cleveland in ’04 along with 20,000 other fans. It was pretty cool watching them grow from a small, relatively unknown band to a worldwide sensation. R.E.M. trails only The Beatles on my favorite bands list.
The Minutemen
I saw these alt legends open for R.E.M. at Vets Memorial a couple weeks before lead singer D. Boon was killed in an auto accident. Memorable concert for sure.
The O’Jays*
Ok, technically I never bought a ticket to watch these guys. However, I did hear them sing along with me on an airplane. Not kidding. Here’s the story: It happened when my late friend Jigger and I were heading to Vegas back in the early ’90s. You’ve got to remember that I’ve always been quite the Motown/Philly Sound fan and am pretty knowledgeable about a lot of the groups of that genre. We’d been in the air for a few minutes when I thought I recognized a guy a couple of rows in front of me. Was that Eddie Levert of The O’Jays? I loved The O’Jays! What the hell, I thought. I went up and sat by him (keep in mind there were only about 30-people on the plane). Sure enough, it was Levert and the rest of the group along with about eight roadies sitting here and there. Throwing caution and common sense to the wind, I started singing one of their big hits, “Love Train” and begging the guys to join in. What can I say? I was overcome with joy at meeting the O’Jays and I was pretty sure I’d never have this chance again. Long story short, in a couple minutes all three O’Jays were singing backup to yours truly on lead vocal. One of the guys (Walter Williams possibly) actually got up in the aisle and was doing the dance moves as I stood and sang beside him. Surreal. About halfway through I forgot the words and Levert took over. I then attempted to join the dancing but failed miserably, to the delight of the audience. I then took a theatrical bow with the group as the crowd went wild (at least in my mind, don’t tell me they didn’t), the stewardesses applauded and Jigger sat there shaking his head. I believe I even followed up by trying to start a rousing rendition of “Backstabbers” but my moment had passed. The group got off at our stopover in Minneapolis, bro hugs were shared all around, and the O’Jays went on their way. And you know what? To this day I can’t hear “Love Train” without getting a big grin on my face.
Fetchin Bones
The Bones opened for REM at Bogart’s and they were great. One reviewer described them as such: “a band that must be seen live for a full grasp of their eclectic frenzy.” Couldn’t have said it better.
The dB’s
These guys opened for REM in Dayton, at either Hara or UD Arena (I can’t remember which). The band was led by Pete Holsapple, who later sat in on many an REM gig.
The Neats
The Neats opened for REM at that show in Springfield, Ohio.
Toad the Wet Sprocket
I saw TTWS at The Newport sometime in the mid-90s. Can’t remember much about the show other than the fact that lead singer Todd Phillips didn’t wear any shoes.
Matthew Sweet
Ah, another great Newport show. I’ve loved Matthew Sweet since 1991 and he did not disappoint.
Hootie & the Blowfish
Once again I saw these guys at The Newport, just before they blew wide open. I remember Darius Rucker downed about 8 Budweiser bottles during the show, and he often had one in his hand as he sang.
The String Cheese Incident
I’m not really into Jam Bands, and I have no idea what inspired me to go to this show. Now that I think of it, I have no idea who I was with or where they played. Somewhere outside for sure.
Screaming Trees
Screaming Trees
The Trees were the middle act at College Park, MD in 1992. They followed Gruntruck and preceded Alice in Chains. Of those three bands, I loved the Screaming Trees the most. The show was at Ritchie Coliseum as I recall.
Alice in Chains
See above.
Gruntruck
Also see above.
Fugazi
Great show at the tiny City Lights venue in Indy back in 1993. I remember clearly that the tickets cost a mere $5.00.
The National
The National opened for REM at Blossom in 2004.
Brian Wilson*
I was thrilled to see Brian Wilson during his Pet Sounds Tour in 2002. His backing band was the Wondermints and they were fantastic too. He played the album in its entirety, start to finish. Stellar, and the work of a musical genius. I went to see him again on 7.23.22 and, although came onstage with the aid of a walker, once he sat down at the piano he was magical. Sure, he needs help with the high notes but along with Paul McCartney I consider him to be a an absolute living legend.
Steve Forbert (4)
I put Steve Forbert in my Top 10 All-Time favorite artists. I’ve seen him at small venues in Newport, KY, and Granville and Worthington in Ohio (2). He always puts on a great show. One of music’s most underappreciated talents.
Faith No More
Caught these guys at The Newport (surprise!) in September of 1992. The main thing I remember is that lead singer Mike Patton had some absolutely killer pipes.
Helmet
I have very little recollection of this one. Sorry Helmet.
The Temptations*
I finally got to see The Temps around 2008, and they only had one original member remaining. Still a great show though.
Ziggy Marley
Ziggy
I can attribute this one to pure luck. One night in the Caribbean I was sitting at a little Tiki Bar, and a guy came up and casually mentioned that Ziggy was playing a couple hundred yards down the beach. Wait. What? Hell yes mon. I hustled down there and the rest is history.
They Might Be Giants (8)
Man, I’ve seen the two John’s 8 times since 1992 (the last this past winter) and every show has been awesome. One of my favorite bands ever.
OK GO
This group opened for TMBG the night the electric went out at The Newport and everything was delayed a couple hours. They were great, but my main memory was after the show when the lead singer tried to pick up my nephew’s wife out by the merch stand. Musicians, man.
Eels (7)
Eels
I’ve seen E and the boys on several occasions, usually in Columbus but at least once in Cleveland. Big, big fan and E never, ever fails to entertain. I’ve been on E’s bandwagon since his early solo albums “A Man Called E” and “Broken Toy Shop”. One of the most underappreciated artists of my lifetime.
The Flaming Lips
Love the lips, and I saw them at the Nelsonville Music Festival a few years ago. And yes, Wayne Coyne got in one of those big bubbles and walked out over the audience. Fun aplenty.
Beck
I used to volunteer for a company that worked concerts around Columbus (actually I only did it twice) but on one occasion I ended up being Beck’s damn backstage bodyguard. He actually invited me to stand beside the stage and watch the show. Dude really liked me for some reason, man. You can read all about it here: Bodyguarding Beck. True story.
Martina McBride
I must have received good reviews for being Beck’s bodyguard, because a couple weeks later they asked me to be the bodyguard for Martina McBride. Once again I was allowed to watch from the wings. Hey, I’ve never owned a Martina McBride song but damn she was a hottie. Anyway, I protected two famous singers and neither were harmed under my watch. My record is unblemished.
Carbon Leaf (22)
Carbon Leaf
I’ve been a big Carbon Leaf fan since around 2000, and I’ve become acquainted with lead singer Barry Privett and the other band members. I’ve seen them at Kelly’s in the Outer Banks, The Basement and a few other places in Columbus, a little bar in Chapel Hill, the Southgate House in Newport, KY and The 20th Century Theater in Cincy among other places. I highly recommend this band! Update: I caught them at The Kent Stage on March 8th, 2020. Still amazing. Update II: Saw them again on October 16th, 2020 at Natalie’s Grandview. Amazing again. Update III: I saw them at the A & R in Columbus Ohio on 4.16.24 and believe me, they only get better with age. Go see these guys!.
The Wallflowers
I have no earthly idea where I saw these guys. Maybe the old Capital Theater on High Street in Columbus?
Paul Westerberg
I’d waited many a year to see the former Replacements frontman in person, and it was one helluva show. It was at The Newport, which was perfect, and one of my friends said it was the first time he’d actually seen a real life rock star. Westerberg growled/wailed his tunes in black jeans, boots and a leather jacket, all the while smoking a cigarette and barking at the occasional roadie. At one point he played while laying on his back, and he added covers like “If I Had a Hammer” and “Daydream Believer” along with his solo stuff and some Replacement classics. Just an amazing, powerful performance from a rock legend that I’ve admired for years. I’ll never forget it.
Ben Folds (4)
Ben always puts on a great show, and the interaction with his fans is incredible. I last saw him in the fall of last year and he hadn’t lost a step.
Billy Bragg
This show was at Mountain Stage, West Virginia, and was actually broadcast live on National Public Radio. For some reason I remember Billy telling the audience that on the way to the show his bus had passed a little town with an interesting name – Bragg. Weird the stuff you remember.
MC Honky
MC Honky was actually Mark Oliver Everett, otherwise known as E of the Eels. He opened for, you guessed it, The Eels. Strange but interesting night.
Taylor Swift
Yep, I saw her at OU-Chillicothe at the very beginning of her career back in 2007, performing before maybe 2500 people. She’d only had a couple hits at that time, and I remember she stood at the back of the gym after the show until she’d signed every single fan’s autograph. There was no dancing or anything like that, she basically just sat on a stool and played her songs solo.
Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band* (2)
Quite simply one of the best live performers to have ever lived. There was no big light show, no video screens, no theatrics. Just Bruce and the band playing straight ahead rock and roll. I saw The Boss at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, and it was unforgettable. Update: I saw Bruce again on 4.21.24 and he was even better than he was in 2002. His voice was incredible and the E Street Band sounded amazing.
Buddy Guy*
Buddy opened for Clapton at The Schott in the late 00s, and he was spectacular.
Bon Jovi* (4)
An ex of mine had a deep, unapologetic love for Jon Bon Jovi, hence the many trips to see the band. They’re crazy good live, and the trips were worth it to me to watch Richie Sambora play guitar. All the shows were at large arenas.
Goo Goo Dolls
I saw the Goos in their heyday, which was sometime around 1998-1999. according to my internal heyday meter. I must say Johnny Rzeznik and the boys were pretty damn good. I cannot recall where I saw them. Update: I recalled. I saw them open for Bon Jovi at Nationwide or The Schott. Update 2: I saw them again this past Sunday, 11.6.22, at The Embassy Theater in Fort Wayne, IN. They were in fine form I must say.
Cracker (3)
Love me some Cracker, and I’ve seen them at Kelley’s in the OBX, the Southgate House in northern Kentucky, and the Picktown Palooza (yes, such a thing exists). I’ve had the pleasure to meet guitarist Johnny Hickman a few times and am happy to report that he’s a good dude.
Green Day*
I took my son to see these guys at The Schott in Columbus as part of my Expose My Kid to The Legends Project (he’s seen McCartney, R.E.M., AC/DC, The Eels, and several others) and they were just about what you’d expect. Those little dudes are like Energizer Bunnies, man. It was their American Idiot Tour I believe.
AC/DC*
Tremendous show at The Schott, and for some reason I was pleasantly surprised at how good of a guitarist Angus Young is. I should have known I guess? Anyway, there were more 50-year old boobs on display than I care to recall.
Eric Clapton*
Saw Slowhand at Nationwide Arena, and it was something to behold. See, even though the show was 2 1/2 hours long Clapton didn’t play that many songs. All the tunes were a long, bluesy numbers and every one was breathtakingly good. Although a few morons were yelling for them there was no “I Shot the Sheriff” or “Tears in Heaven.” To top off the greatness of the show, Derek Trucks was a part of the band and Robert Cray came out to jam during the last 30-minutes or so. Legendary.
Robert Cray
See Eric Clapton above.
Angels & Airwaves
A & A is led by Blink-182’s Tom Delonge, and I went to The Newport with my son to see the band in the mid-00s. Kip wanted to get down front, so we worked our way down to the right front of the stage with yours truly against a railing. Suffice to say the mosh pit was deadly, my ribs were crushed repeatedly against the railing, and I could barely get out of bed the next day. Hey, you have to sacrifice for family. On a related note, it was totally worth it.
The Color Fred
These guys opened for A & A and I have very little recollection as to whether they were any good.
Fuel
I caught Fuel at a small venue in Columbus, but I can’t remember the exact location. Interesting crowd at Fuel shows.
The Smithereens
I saw these guys at the Roanoke Island Festival Park in Manteo, NC as part of a big summer show with 4 other acts. I’ve always loved The Smithereens and they did not fail me.
Scars on 45
Scars on 45 are English band that was a part of the Mateo show. They impressed me.
Gin Blossoms (4)
I’ve seen these guys at the Manteo Festival, Summerfest, Bogey’s in Dublin, OH and with Toad the Wet Sprocket and Barenaked Ladies at Rose Music Center in Huber Heights.
Spin Doctors
Another band at the Manteo concert, and believe me when I say they still have it.
Joan Jett*
Joan headlined the big Manteo show and she was stunningly good. On a related note, the Roanoke Festival Park is a stunning venue with the backdrop to the stage being the Roanoke Sound. Beautiful.
Social D
Social Distortion
After years of trying I finally got to see Mike Ness and Social D at what was then LC Pavilion in Columbus a few years ago. They were everything I expected them to be.
Mudhoney
My buddy Goose and I caught the legendary grunge rockers at tiny Café Bourbon Street in Columbus in 2010. Lead singer Mark Arm, the man who coined the term “grunge”, was in top form. I felt lucky to have seen them, and Arm gave me the setlist. Boom.
Manchester Orchestra
This band opened for My Chemical Romance and Blink-182 in Cincinnati. My only recollection is that they had a lush, orchestral sound, hence their name choice I guess.
My Chemical Romance (2)
I’ve seen MCR twice, once opening for Green Day in Columbus and once for Blink-182 in Cincinnati. On both occasions they were very good, and it turned out that the Cincy tour was their last.
Blink-182
My son was a big Blink guy and this show was pretty special. I recall sitting in the parking lot waiting for the rain to stop, and when it did we debated whether to make a run for the gates. We decided in the affirmative, and when we were exactly halfway to our destination the torrential downpour began anew. We were drenched for the entire show. I also remember that the banter between Tom Delonge and Mark Hoppes was hilarious. Really good show.
Band of Horses
Saw Band of Horse open for My Morning Jacket a few years ago and I thought they were fantastic. I actually enjoyed them more than the headliner.
My Morning Jacket
I don’t know, there’s something about these guys that’s sort of monotonous to me. Can’t say I loved it.
Bowling for Soup
A couple years ago I went to see Bowling for Soup at the A&R in Columbus. The show was at 7:00, but as I am want to do I went up around 4:00 to scout out the terrain. I could hear the band doing a soundcheck inside, and there was a line of probably 150 people sitting outside the door and down the sidewalk. I thought what the hell, I’ll take a shot at this. I walked past all the people, up to the door, and as luck would have it the door was open. I walked in, nodded at a few security guys in A&R polos, and sauntered on to the front of the stage and watched the guys warm up. After a bit I walked to the back of the venue and was leaning against the wall when I was approached by a very large dude. I was expecting the worst, but the guy said, “Hey, have you seen Greg?” I looked around as if I knew who the hell Greg was, then told him, “No, not recently.” He then thanked me and gave me a knuckle-bump before departing. Crisis averted. Then, a short while later I swear this happened: The band stopped and the lead singer looked straight at me and asked, “Whaddaya think? Is that enough bass?” The world stopped for a second as the entire band and everyone in the venue looked at me. I nodded knowingly and gave the thumbs-up sign as the bass player shot me a return thumbs-up before kicking into another tune. At that point I had cred with the entire place so I could basically do whatever I wanted. What can I say? The secret is acting like you belong. Bottom line, I saw the soundcheck and the show, and both were great.
Bacon Brothers
I was invited to this show at an outdoor mall somewhere in Dayton, and I have to say Kevin Bacon and his brother were pretty good. Somebody opened but I can’t recall the band name.
Lit
I saw Lit along with the Gin Blossoms and the next three bands during the Summerland Tour a few years back. Lit was excellent, Gin Blossoms were very good, Marcy Playground was Ok, Sugar Ray was surprisingly amazing and Everclear was disappointing.
Sugar Ray
See Lit.
Marcy Playground
See Lit.
Everclear
See Lit.
The Hold Steady
The Hold Steady
Caught these guys in Cincy at Bogart’s (I think). They were excellent. Really underrated band in my opinion.
Nathanael Rateliff & the Night Sweats (3)
Saw their show at the Nelsonville Music Festival a couple years back and they were great. They also opened for Kings of Leon last summer, and I saw them at Express Live! in early October. Always stellar.
Sister Hazel
Urban Meyer’s favorite band played Bogey’s in Dublin/Muirfield a couple years ago along with the Gin Blossoms. And yes, Urb and Shelley were in attendance. I used to know Shelley back in the day, and here she is giving me a shout out:
Soul Asylum
For the life of me I cannot recall where I saw Soul Asylum, but I remember it being a grungy little bar type of establishment. Go figure. It was towards the beginning of their success.
Kings of Leon
Attended a KOL show at Riverbend in Cincinnati last summer. Great band, great show.
Guided by Voices (2)
One of my friends is a big fan so I went with him to see his hero Robert Pollard. I’m glad I went. Update: Caught GBV again at the Bellwether Festival in Waynesville, Ohio. Once again a fantastic performance.
Tedeschi Trucks Band
Amazing band I saw during their Wheels of Soul Tour back in 2015 at the PNC Pavilion in The Natti. They’re unbelievable live.
Avett Brothers (9)
I first laid ears on The Avetts around ’05 in the Outer Banks, and have since seen them in Raleigh, NC, The Louisville Palace in KY, and several other venues in Ohio. One of my favorite live bands currently. Update: Caught The Avetts at Timberwolf on 6.28 and once again they were incredible. One of the best live bands out there today.
Tall Heights
I saw this band open for Ben Folds last fall. Cool sound.
Todd Snider
Todd is one of my friend’s favorite artists, and I must say I enjoyed the show. I think we saw him in Cincinnati. I think. UPDATE: I checked. It was at the Madison Theater in Cincy.
The Pixies (2)
The Pixies were on my Bucket List, and thankfully I’ve seen them twice in the last year or so. The first was at Express Live! in Columbus and the second at an amazing show I’ll talk about shortly. Just a legendary, influential alternative band.
John Hiatt
I love John Hiatt and I finally got to see him a couple years ago in Columbus. I think it was The Palace, and it was just John and his guitar. Incredible performance.
Rick Brantley
Opened for John Hiatt, and I remember his song “Hurt People” the most.
G-Love
G-Love opened for Jack Johnson and he was great. He came out later with Jack to sing “Rodeo Clowns” and it was amazing.
Jack Johnson
I was never a huge Jack Johnson fan but he won me over a few weeks ago at Riverbend in Cincinnati. It was a laid back, mellow show with a tremendous vibe.
Foo Fighters* (5)
Ah, The Foos. I’ve seen them 5-times in the past few years and they blew me away. The first show was in Cincy at US Bank Arena (formerly Riverfront Coliseum) and the second at Ruoff Home Mortgage Music Center in Noblesville, IN outside Indianapolis. The Indy show was special because we were 12-rows back. Incredible night. The third time I saw them was at CalJam ’18, which I’ll talk about below. Then I saw them at the Sonic Temple Festival in Columbus, Ohio and they were epic. We had backstage passes and spent some time in keyboardist Rami Jaffee’s private box. Amazing stuff. Finally, I saw them in their first live tour performance after the pandemic in Cincy and their return was incredible.
PS – Dave Grohl is a God.
The Struts (3)
The Struts are a Queen-influenced group fronted by a guy named Luke Spiller, who is fantastic. They opened for the Foo Fighters all three times I saw them. High energy, rockin’ band.
The Wombats
I loved The Wombats back in the late 80s, and if you didn’t like “Let’s Dance to the Joy Division” you are a phony, a pretender, and you have the musical taste of a ferret. I finally saw them a couple weeks ago as the opener for The Pixies and then Weezer, and as expected they killed it.
Weezer
To be honest I went to the Weezer show for opening acts The Wombats and The Pixies, but to my surprise Weezer blew the roof off at Riverbend. I mean, I knew they’d be good but they were way better than I expected. Incredible show that actually shocked me, and I don’t shock easily.
Jimmy Buffett (3)
I first saw Buffett in 1977, again in the late 80s, and finally a couple weeks ago in Cincinnati. Buffett shows are basically one big beach party, replete with leis, bikinis and margaritas, among other things [clears throat]. You get the picture.
Some of the bands below have been mentioned before, but I saw them all at Cal Jam ’18 the weekend of 10/4-10/6. What an amazing experience:
Nirvana*
Joan Jett, Pat Smear, Krist Novoselic and Dave Grohl.
Still can’t believe I was at this legendary show where Nirvana (minus Kurt Cobain of course) reunited with Joan Jett and Deer Tick lead singer John McCauley to perform seven songs at the end of the regular Foos show. When Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic walked out the place erupted, and Joan and John sounded great singing the lead with Dave Grohl back on the drums. Incredible.
Post Pop Depression
LOVED these guys. PPP is Godfather of Punk Iggy Pop (The Stooges), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age, Eagles of Death Metal), Dean Fertita (QOTSA, The Dead Weather) and Matt Helders (Arctic Monkeys) among others. Amazing show, and at 71 Iggy is still going strong.
Garbage
I really liked Garbage a lot. Shirley Manson definitely still has it, and her band was tight.
Yungblud (2)
I was surprised how much I liked this guy. Trust me, angry British punk is alive. The Sex Pistols would be proud. I saw him at both CalJam and Sonic Temple.
Metz
Enjoyed this show as well. Rockin’ young band.
Tenacious D
Yep, Jack Black’s band was there too, and I have to say I didn’t love them. Hard to take Jack Black seriously as a musician after School of Rock, you know?
Greta Van Fleet
Honestly, I can take or leave these Led Zeppelin sound-alikes. Didn’t dig it at all.
Deer Tick
LOVED these guys. Great band with 3 different lead singers. Reminded me a little of The Band in that way.
Gang of Youths
I really liked frontman David Le’aupepe and this Australian band. Sort of a cross between U2, Springsteen and The Alarm. Lots of anthemic rock.
The Front Bottoms
The Front Bottoms
Probably my favorite new band I saw in California. I got to meet lead singer Brian Sella briefly, and I can report he is a good dude.
Thunderpussy
This all-girl band rocked the hell out of it, and Foos drummer Taylor Hawkins sat sidestage and watched their drummer, who was fantastic.
Giants in the Trees
This is Krist Novoselic’s band, and I cannot say I’m a fan of the dreamy, psychedelic vibe they were putting out.
Billy Idol
Billy played the first night, and he did not disappoint. Dude still has the pipes, and guitarist Steve Stevens was as good as ever.
Cal Jam Bonuses:
At the backstage layout, I absentmindedly asked out loud what kind of pasta they were serving. From behind me I heard a voice say, “That’s Couscous Mac ‘n Cheese, man. You have to try it.” I turned around and it was Foo Fighter’s drummer Taylor Hawkins. Update: Rest in Peace Taylor.
I also got to meet and spend a little time with the man who played drums on one of my favorite songs of all-time, The Church of Logic, Sin and Love by The Men. Suffice it to say that Dave Botkin was a great guy.
I also had a brief encounter with Josh Homme that was very pleasant.
The Hives
Caught these guys at Sonic Temple and they were great. I’s always wanted to see them and was glad I did.
The Interrupters
At the Sonic Temple again, and if you like music akin to Elvis Costello you’ll love these guys.
Phish
My buddy had been begging me to see these guys for years but I just didn’t get the whole Phish thing. Having gone, I must say I had a good time. It was great music, great people and a great vibe. I’m not going to quit life and follow Phish, but I’ll certainly go again.
Selo
Saw this band at the Bellwether Festival and I was impressed. Good new band.
Strfkr
Yep. That says what you think it says, and they were a lot of fun. Because hey, who doesn’t like spacemen crowd surfing and blow-up dolls being tossed into the audience?
Nick Lowe
Caught the legend himself at the Joanne Davidson Center in Columbus and he did not disappoint. His voice is as good as ever, and his backing band, the legendary Los Straightjackets, were tight as hell. Loved every minute of it.
Todd Rundgren, Micky Dolenz, Christopher Cross, Joey Molland of Badfinger and Jason Scheff of Chicago
Saw these guys perform The Beatles’ White Album in Cincinnati on its 50th Anniversary and it was special to say the least. Amazing show.
Smashing Pumpkins
Finally caught the Pumpkins on 5/28/22 at Kemba Live! in Columbus, Ohio and they were amazing. Great great show.
Toad the Wet Sprocket
I finally saw Toad on 7.19.22 with both the Gin Blossoms and Barenaked Ladies at Rose Music Center in Huber Heights, OH (a GREAT venue by the way) and they were really good.
Barenaked Ladies
See Toad the Wet Sprocket above.
Roddy Ricch
This cat opened for Post Malone on 9.18.22 at Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH and I must say I liked the hell out of him.
Post Malone
Caught Posty at the above aforementioned show and he was electric. His stage presence is unreal, his songs are melodic and his relationship with his audience is really, really special. I have to say the crowd was as loud as any I’ve experienced. Loved this concert.
Whitehall
Caught this up-and-coming band when they opened for The Goo Goo Dolls in Fort Wayne, IN on 11.6.22 and I have to say I loved them. YouTube the song “Don’t Check Your Phone” to catch the vibe. Cannot wait to catch them again.
Joe Walsh
Finally saw Joe at his Concert for Veterans at Nationwide Arena in Columbus featuring bands from Ohio. He was the final act and still has it, man. Great show, great night.
Dave Grohl
Dave was at the aforementioned Joe Walsh show and played with Joe and The Black Keys. Sadly no individual set though.
The James Gang
I missed the James Gang in their heyday but I saw them at, you guessed it, the Joe Walsh Concert for Veterans. They were stellar.
The Breeders
Also at the Walsh show, and I’d always wanted to see them. Excellent.
The Black Keys
I’ve never been a Black Keys fan but I enjoyed their set at the Walsh show. However, they were overshadowed by . . .
Nine Inch Nails
Holy Mother of God these guys blew me away. I’d liked a few of their songs previously but immediately downloaded a ton of their stuff after the show. As Joe Walsh said when he followed them onstage, “I’ve never heard Nine Inch Nails live but I feel like I’ve been in an earthquake.” I will see those guys again for sure.
Brantley Gilbert
Saw this hard rockin’ country cat open for Nickelback at Riverbend in The Natti and he was great. Pleasant surprise.
Nickelback
These guys get a bad rap from a certain genre of music fans and I know not why, because they rock. I saw them before a sold out show in Cincy with 20,500 other unapologetic fans and they sounded amazing.
J-u-s-t Missed Shows:
The Who
Yep, we had tickets to Riverfront Coliseum the night of the tragedy where 11-people were crushed to death, and we were actually on the way to the concert. It was my birthday (12/3/79) and fortunately we were stupid enough to think a party for me in Chillicothe would be more fun, and it might have saved our lives. And yes, I know about a million people claim to have had tickets to that show. We actually did.
Lynyrd Skynyrd
I had tickets for a show at St. John’s Arena in Columbus on October 28th, 1978, but unfortunately we all know what happened 8-days prior – their plane crashed in Mississippi. I’ll never forget waking up the morning and my roommate Jed telling me what had happened. And, being the 21-year old jackass that I was, I returned my ticket because I thought I needed the $8.25 or whatever the hell the ticket cost back then, probably to buy beer.
Pearl Jam
I had tickets for Pearl Jam at Wrigley Field in the summer of 2018 but sadly my father was buried the day of the concert. He would have probably told me to go but of course that wasn’t going to happen. I’ll catch them at some point I’m sure.
Upcoming shows: Bruce Springsteen and Tedeschi Trucks.
Back in early April I lost one the most amazing, loyal and caring friends I’ve ever known. It’s taken me a few months to write about him because every time I started it became too difficult to continue. After a few starts and stops I finally found my footing and finished my story of the incredible Billy Hahn . . .
I first met Billy Hahn back in the summer of 1985. I was an assistant coach at Greenfield McClain in southern Ohio and was working a basketball camp at Ohio University. Billy was an assistant coach under Danny Nee there. It seems hard to believe now but Billy was 32 and I was 29. We hit it off immediately and it was the beginning of a life-long friendship.
The next season Coach Nee left for Nebraska and Billy was named the new Ohio University Head Coach. Over Billy’s 3-years at OU I began going to games and practices all the time, and of course myself and my teams never missed his legendary summer camps. Southern Ohio coaches still talk about Billy’s camps and all the fun we had there. I still recall all the great coaches I met there, including Jay Rees, Carl Wolf, Rick Scarberry, Joe Pangrazio, Geno Ford, Fran Fraschilla, Jay Wolfe and many many more. Trust me, there were no other camps like them anywhere and Billy is still loved in Athens by many people to this day.
About the time Billy was let go at OU I was named Head Coach at Paint Valley High School. I recall sitting in The Pub in Athens with Billy having lunch and I asked him what his next step would be. He said he’d been offered something but it wasn’t official yet. Then it hit me – Gary Williams had just left Ohio State to take the job at his alma mater, the University of Maryland. I asked him if he was going to Maryland (Billy’s alma mater too) with Gary and he just turned, tapped his beer to the bottle in my hand and smiled.
This was all happening in early May, and Maryland’s summer camps were just around the corner, in late June. A week or so after that meeting in The Pub Billy called and asked if I’d help get that first Maryland camp off the ground. Long story short that first camp had probably 50 kids from several southern Ohio schools as well as 12 coaches that I’d recruited to go to College Park with me to help.
All this led a long relationship with the University of Maryland, Coach Gary Williams, and of course my friendship with Billy only grew stronger. Those Maryland Camps were incredible, just like OU’s had been.
While at Maryland Billy Hahn became one of the greatest college recruiters of all-time. During his coaching career he recruited Tony Massenburg, Jerrod Mustaf, Keith Booth, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Laron Profit, Terence Morris, ObinnaEkezie, Steve Francis, Chris Wilcox, Lonny Baxter, Steve Blake, and Juan Dixon from Maryland alone. At OU he’d recruited legends Paul “Snoopy” Graham and Dave Jamerson. At LaSalle he’d future NBA players Steven Smith and Rasual Butler. All told Billy recruited 27 NBA players in an amazing career.
From 1989 to 2002 I worked camps in College Park. I respect Gary Williams more than just about anybody, putting him right up there with Bob Huggins and Billy. After all, the man took a program at Maryland that was in shambles after the death of Len Bias in the late 1980s and led them to a National Title in 2002. It’s one of the most incredible rebuilding jobs in the history of college basketball. He retired with a 33-year record of 668-380 and was inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2014.
Legend.
Of course, I coached at all those Maryland Camps solely because of my friendship with Billy. None of it would have ever happened without him. I was the Camp Commissioner, which basically meant I didn’t do much but sort of oversee everything that went on during the week and make sure everyone showed up and taught what Gary wanted taught. Why was a high school coach from a small southern Ohio high school given the cushiest job at camp, a job that was handed to me over around 60 other high school, college and international coaches from all over the Eastern Seaboard and beyond?
You guessed it. Billy Hahn.
And man, I fostered some long-term relationships there, meeting many amazing coaches who have gone on to success since then. Guys like Jimmy Patsos who assisted Gary and also coached at Loyola (MD) and Siena College, Dave Dickerson (went on to assist at Ohio State, HC at Tulane, HC at Upstate South Carolina and now Associate HC back at Ohio State), Mike Lonergan, (coached at the University of Vermont and George Washington University), and successful high school and college coaches such as Mike Glick (now at Meade HS in Maryland), Josh Pratt (Archbishop Spaulding in Maryland), Andy Sachs (Salisbury University and Chesapeake College), Louis Twigg (LaSalle, Bowling Green and others – now with the NBA Academy in China) among many others.
I also met Coach Paul Coughter, who was the National Coach of Greece at the time. Coach Coughter was instrumental in getting me involved with basketball on the Caribbean island of Montserrat, and for that I’ll always be grateful.
Who recommended me to Coach Coughter as his replacement to train players on the gorgeous island nation of Montserrat?
Billy Hahn.
In addition, I was lucky enough to meet amazing players like Joe Smith, Steve Francis, Lonnie Baxter, Steve Blake, Walt “The Wizard” Williams, and many many more. Guys like Manute Bol and Chris Webber used to show up for evening workouts back then too.
Some of my greatest experiences involved meeting former Terp legends like Mo Howard and Len Elmore. Those two gentlemen in particular couldn’t have been nicer to me.
Billy used to give me seats in Row 1 right behind the Maryland bench during those times, and since College Park was near Washington DC (and Maryland was really good) a lot of celebrities would be at the games. People like Carl Bernstein, Robert Novak, Tony Kornheiser, Scott Van Pelt (a UM alum), and Michael Wilbon, all sat near me. I once sat by Steve Bisciotti, the owner of the Baltimore Ravens and founder of Under Armor, for an entire half before somebody told me who he was. I also distinctly remember a guy sitting beside me once that I thought looked familiar, like a distant uncle or something. I said hello and as we chatted it hit me . . . I was talking to Johnny Unitas.
I saw some amazing games there, including several contests against Duke, North Carolina, and Kentucky. Incredible memories for sure.
I met some of the greats through Billy – Jay Wright, Mike Krzyzewski, Bob Knight, Roy Williams, Bobby Cremins, Larry Shyatt, Rick Pitino, John Calipari, Dean Smith, Terry Holland, Jim Calhoun, Bill Self, Rick Barnes, John Chaney, Jerry Tarkanian and countless others. I sat in their coach’s offices and watched their private practices and game day walk throughs. One call from Billy and their doors would open. The one thing all these coaches had in common was that they treated me with respect, simply because of this fact – if Billy liked me I was good enough for them.
In an incredibly lucky twist of fate for me, Billy was hired to coach with my friend Bob Huggins in 2007 at West Virginia after a 3-year stint at LaSalle. Not only did this change my 6 1/2 -hour trip to camp in College Park to a 3 1/2 hour trip to Morgantown, it changed my summer plans from working at the University of Cincinnati and the University of Maryland to one all inclusive camp in Morgantown.
It was perfect.
During Billy’s years in Morgantown I was lucky enough to meet players like Da’Sean Butler, Jevon Carter, Kevin Jones, Joe Alexander, Juwan Staten, Devin Ebanks, and Alex Ruoff. I also met people like current Interim coach Josh Eilers, Coach Ron Everhart and Coach Erik Martin. And yes, I had the pleasure of meeting WVU legends Fred Schaus, Hot Rod Hundley and the logo himself, my childhood hero Jerry West.
I could tell many stories from camp but I won’t, mainly because what happened in College Park and Morgantown needs to stay in College Park and Morgantown. Trust me on that one. Let’s just say I’m pretty sure Jimmy Patsos saved my life once, and local guys like Craig Kerns, Joe Holbert, Joe Wills, Daron Myers, Thad Haines, Dave Tallman, Roman Diekan, Eric Snyder, Jason Smith, Shayne Combs and John Snyder would probably pay me to keep my mouth shut. Just kidding. Maybe it wasn’t that bad.
Maybe.
Bottom line, absolutely none of this would have happened without my friend Billy Hahn. I wouldn’t have met all those amazing college, international and high school coaches, I’d never have met all those NBA players, and I’d never have gone to the Caribbean where I still have relationships with people to this day that I cherish.
It was all because of Billy. He believed in me as a coach and as a human being. Billy was a man that was woven deeply into the fabric of my life, and my life will never be the same without him.
If I had to name the one most important thing I learned from Billy Hahn, it’s that life is all about relationships. No matter what occupation you’re in, relationships always matter most in each and every one of them. Billy was also the epitome of a straight shooter who would, without fail, tell me exactly what he was thinking even if he thought I might not like it. You simply cannot put a price on that kind of honesty.
Now he’s gone, and a huge part of a lot of people’s hearts are too. His wife Kathi, his son Matty and his daughter Ashley lost their hero, and I lost mine too. But trust me, nobody will ever forget Billy Hahn. His impact was so strong and lasting that he’ll be remembered forever. Just try mentioning his name to anyone who knew him without getting a smile in return.
You can’t.
Anyone who knew Billy has heard him talk about the Basketball Gods. I’m guessing he’s with them now, and I can see them sitting around him in the bleachers in a gym somewhere, listening and laughing to his jokes and stories.
Rest in peace my brother, and say hello to everyone for me.
Well, for me at least. I entered the 60s as a 4-year old listening to my Dad’s Al Martino records and left them rocking out to Led Zeppelin, The Doors and Creedence Clearwater Revival. And in between, of course . . . The Beatles. Hell of a decade for music, man, because the leap was incredible and music hasn’t changed so dramatically since. Narrowing down my list wasn’t easy, but nevertheless it was done. Without further ado . . .
The Beatles
Der. No brainer, kids. Everything you hear today owes something to The Beatles. John, Paul, George and Ringo were all individual talents in their own right. As a band they were the best ever and if you say otherwise I will fight you. Favorite song: Nowhere Man. Favorite album: Abbey Road.
The Beach Boys
Probably the most underrated band in rock history. The Boys are much, much more than songs about the beach, girls and fast cars. And Brian Wilson? Genius. Favorite song: Caroline, No. Favorite Album: Pet Sounds.
The Band
The Band had a unique, never duplicated sound. They were the greatest collection of musicians since The Beatles. Favorite song: Acadian Driftwood. Favorite album: Music From Big Pink.
Creedence Clearwater Revival
Swamp rock from a bunch of California boys, mainly John Fogerty. Again, a unique sound. Favorite song: Bad Moon Rising. Favorite album: Green River.
The Doors
Another band with an amazingly new and different sound, and the combination of Jim Morrison’s vocals and Ray Manzarek’s keyboards made it all happen. Favorite song: Touch Me. Favorite album: The Soft Parade.
Bob Dylan
The greatest rock poet ever, period. He changed the music world with his intelligent, thoughtful lyrics. Favorite song: Positively 4th Street. Favorite album: Highway 61 Revisited.
The Byrds
The favorite American band of The Beatles. Their jangly guitars were legendary and influenced future artists like Tom Petty and REM. Favorite song: Bells of Rhymney. Favorite album: Turn! Turn! Turn!
Led Zeppelin
When Zep released their first album it was pretty clear they brought a different vibe. By their fourth album and Stairway to Heaven they were legends. Favorite song: Battle of Evermore. Favorite album: Led Zeppelin IV.
The Who
LOVED The Who. They had the knack for combining hard rock with catchy melodies and hook-filled songs, not as easy task. Roger Daltrey’s voice and Pete Townsend’s guitar was one helluva combination. Favorite song: Won’t Get Fooled Again. Favorite album: Tommy.
Van Morrison
Van the Man brought a bluesy mood to 60s rock that was fresh and exciting. I heard Brown-Eyed Girl and I was done. Favorite song: Already told ya – Brown-Eyed Girl. Favorite album: Astral Weeks.
Special Mention:
The Animals
We Gotta Get Out of This Place rocked my world., and Eric Burdon’s voice is amazing.
The Rolling Stones
I’ve always liked but not loved The Stones. So shoot me.
Elvis Presley
I liked 50s Elvis (Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock) mush better than 60s Elvis (Suspicious Minds, In the Ghetto).
Honorable Mention:
Crosby, Stills & Nash, 13th Floor Elevators, BeeGees, Jimi Hendrix, The Four Seasons, Gary Puckett & the Union Gap, the Grass Roots, Herman’s Hermits, Neil Young, The Rascals, The Hollies, The Righteous Brothers, The Guess Who, The Lovin’ Spoonful, Tommy James & the Shondells, Steppenwolf, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Buffalo Springfield, Stevie Wonder, Chuck Berry, The Yardbirds, Jefferson Airplane, Pink Floyd, Moody Blues, Janis Joplin, Johnny Cash, Velvet Underground, Sly & the Family Stone, The Kinks, Cream, Marvin Gaye.
You all know the deal. That moment in a film where someone breaks out into a song or maybe it’s during an action scene when some kick-ass rock song ups the ante. It can give you chills I tell ya. With that in mind, here are my Top 20 favorite scenes in film that involve music.
Let’s start with an absolute classic from the 60s, the opening scene to Easy Rider. This Steppenwolf song immediately sets the tone to an incredible movie. Fun Fact: The term “heavy metal” was first used in this song.
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Born To Be Wild – Easy Rider
Next up is the Vietnam intro during Forrest Gump. Written and sung by John Fogerty of CCR, the lyrics fit the scene perfectly.
Fortunate Son – Forrest Gump
Great scene from the 90s classic Reality Bites. The song is the 1979 hit by The Knack. Love it.
My Sharona – Reality Bites
Ah, one of the last scenes from Back to the Future where Marty McFly breaks out Johnny B. Goode to a gym full of 1950s students who’ve never heard Rock and Roll. Timeless. See what I did there? Timeless? Never mind.
Johnny B Goode – Back to the Future
No respectable blog about music in movies would be complete without the boys from Wayne’s World singing Bohemian Rhapsody as they cruise down the street in their AMC Pacer.
Bohemian Rhapsody – Wayne’s World
Hell yes I’m including a Beatles song, especially since it’s my favorite scene in Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. When Ferris disappears and then reappears on a float lip syncing to John Lennon, well, it’s pure magic.
Twist and Shout – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
I like The Kingsman movies, and this fight scene with Free Bird playing in the background is somehow a perfect mix.
Free Bird – Kingsman
Loved this scene so much. The Blues Brothers are playing a country bar and the crowd isn’t into blues at all. Not knowing much about country music, the boys play the only country song they know – the theme to the 1960s classic TV show Rawhide. Of course it works.
Rawhide – Blues Brothers
When Joel Goodsen’s parents leave town he has the house to himself. It was after this scene when things start to go askew.
Old Time Rock and Roll – Risky Business
Anchorman is one of my favorite comedies of all-time, and when the crew kicked into the Starland Vocal Band’s 1976 hit Afternoon Delight it was movie magic.
Afternoon Delight – Anchorman
From another great 70’s comedy, Animal House, here’s fictional band Otis Day and the Knights version of the classic song Shout. A definite highlight of the movie.
Shout – Animal House
Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid made my Top 20 movies of all-time list, and this scene where Butch is taking Sundance’s girlfriend for a spin on a bicycle is great. BJ Thomas’s hit song just adds to the vibe.
Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head- Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid
From one of the most disturbing films I’ve ever seen, this scene from the beginning of the movie shows one of the main characters jamming with a local kid. Turns out the kid is pretty damn good.
Dueling Banjos – Deliverance
Another movie that I absolutely loved. Just like this scene, it’s a dark, twisted movie about a serial killer. Somehow, hearing Huey Lewis sing as a man is hatcheted to death fits my weird sense of humor.
Hip To Be Square – American Psycho
A classic 80s movie fo sho, The Breakfast Club is about a group of students serving Saturday detention. Being a John Hughes movie, of course there had to be a dance scene. This one is great.
We Are Not Alone – Breakfast Club
Flashdance was another great movie from the 80s, this scene came at the end of the movie when the poor girl from the streets of Pittsburgh performs for the folks judging her to see if she’s good enough to join a hoity toity dance troupe. Jennifer Beals was amazing as the dancer, and Irene Cara’s song fit perfectly.
What a Feeling – Flashdance
Quite simply my favorite song ever. I have covers by Eric Clapton, Me First and the Gimme Gimmes and Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. However, nothing really tops the original.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow – The Wizard of Oz
Finally, here’s Ducky from Pretty in Pink lip syncing to Otis Redding’s Try a Little Tenderness. Classic scene, plus any movie with Molly Ringwald is worth a watch.
Oh yeah, this one has been around for years, and noted level head Shaquille O’Neal swears it’s true. What say you? Is it true that Stevie Wonder Isn’t Blind? There are a few fascinating clues.
Mike D Of The Beastie Boys Was Screech From Saved By The Bell
This one’s been around forever, and there’s another variation that says they’re brothers. Truth – they are neither. Both have the last name Diamond, hence fueling the rumors. Also RIP Dustin Diamond.
Marilyn Manson Is Actually Paul From The Wonder Years
Was Marilyn Manson on TV in his younger days? The internet slueths say he was that nerd Paul Pfeiffer on The Wonder Years. Although Josh Saviano certainly looks like a young Marilyn, it wasn’t him. Nice try interner slueths.
Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of The Moon Syncs With The Movie The Wizard Of Oz
Oh hell yes it does. I’ve seen it, and you can too by clicking here – Dark Side of the Rainbow.Chilling I tell ya.
Elvis Was In The Movie Home Alone
Whadaya think? Was Elvis In Home Alone? Because damn that looks like Elvis. Also, just Google “Is Elvis Alive” to see a ton of photos that are purportedly The King living the good life in Venezuela, Argentina, Ibiza and a hundred other places.
A Woman Was Murdered While The Ohio Players Were Recording Love Rollercoaster
I remember hearing this one in high school, and yes, that certainly is a bloodcurdling scream (and nobody wants their blood curdled, amirite?). Anyway, legend has it that a woman was murdered in an ajoining room during the recording of the song. Alas, it was just keyboardist Billy Beck letting off some steam.
Jim Morrison Is Alive
This one goes all the way back to the weeks after Morrison died, and it stems from a few things. First of all, he’d mentioned faking his death a few times. Said he wanted to live peacefully as a poet. Secondly, he was facing prosecution in Florida so a new start would’ve been a nice play on his part. Thirdly, only a couple people were at the funeral or actually saw the body. So, did Mr. Mojo actually rise like he sang in that song?
Tupac Shakir Is Alive
Hell, he’s spotted a gazillion times. Here are just the Top Ten. Then again, it seems like a lot of people have that Tupac look.
Phil Collins’ Song In the Air Tonight Is About The Time Phil Watched Someone Let A Man Drown
This one stems from a line in the song that says, “Well, if you told me you were drowning I would not lend a hand.” Yeah, I don’t get it either. Anywho, Phil says the rumor is balderdash so there.
Charles Manson Auditioned For The Monkees
Love this one. Although Charles Manson’s connection to the Los Angeles rock scene of the late ’60s, through his friendships with Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys and Byrds producer Terry Melcher, is well-documented, he did not audition for the Monkees. According to Snopes’ research, Manson was incarcerated at McNeil Island, Wash., when the show was cast in September 1965 and wasn’t released until March 1967. Damn.
So there ya go. Weird Rock ‘n’ Roll urban myths. Say hello to Elvis for me, will ya?
Admit it. It’s 2024, and we should know pretty much everything about the world we live in, right?
Wrong.
The truth is we’re just beginning to understand the world around us, not to mention the world outside us, as in space. For now however, let’s stick to good old planet earth. What follows are four of the most amazing unknown mysteries of this home we call planet earth . . .
Unclimbed Mountains
In the 162 years since mountaineering became popular, we’ve climbed most of the world’s greatest peaks. Everest, K2, and Mt. Kilimanjaro have been conquered repeatedly, as have hundreds of others that most of us have never heard of. Hell, climbing Everest has become something of a joke, as it’s basically a guided Sherpa tour these days. Still, we’re still a long, long way from getting to the summit of every mountain on earth. The fact is that there are infinitely more unclimbed mountains than there are climbed ones. That means there are hundreds of mountains that have never, ever been climbed or seen by a human being. Amazing really.
Unknown Animal Species
Consider this:
In 1972, some biologist named Jennifer Owen began to document the species that she found roaming around her suburban garden. By the time 40-years had passed, she’d noted over 8,000 species, 20 of which had never before been seen in England. And of those 20, four were completely new to science. Without leaving her home, Owen had documented four entirely new species.
Yep. That happened.
This little anecdote demonstrates how little we really know about the species with which we share our planet. There’s such a mind-bogglingly large number of creatures out there that people are stumbling over completely new ones all the time, often in the strangest places. As amazing as Owen’s finds were, they’re not even the most improbable. Dave Ebert, a scientist living in Taiwan, has found 24 new species of shark just by browsing his local fish market.
Mind-boggling indeed.
Factoid: Over the last year a new species of bat, dolphin and shark were discovered. Surprised yet?
Here’s the deal – by one 2024 estimate, the number of undocumented species on Earth stands at 7.5 million. At the time that estimate was made, we’d only cataloged 1.2 million. That means that up to 90% of marine species and 86% of land species could be utterly unknown to science.
Unknown Plant Species
Biologists have described and classified 1.9 million plants and animals as of 2024, less than one-quarter of the total species estimated in the world. Scientists figure there are still well over five million species waiting to be found.
And I’ve written about this before, but I need to include it here as well. Roughly 50% of all pharmaceuticals we use today are derived from the earth’s plants. Not that surprising. However, we’ve only fully examined and tested10-15%of the world’s plants. What exists in the other 85-90% of the plants we haven’t studied? Cures for cancer or other diseases? That’s one hell of a reason for saving our rainforests and other plant life, correct?
This information reminded me of something a very old Montserratian woman told me once. She said that the cure for any disease can be found in plant or animal life right here on earth because the earth created them, and that we just haven’t found them yet. Makes sense when you think about it.
Unexplored Caves
Followers of Shoe: Untied are an educated lot, so you all know that most of the Earth’s oceans remain unexplored. However, there are places right below us that we don’t really know about either. Beneath our feet are literally thousands upon thousands of caves that no human being has ever set foot in. These subterranean worlds aren’t even in the minority. One estimate by National Geographic put the number of undiscovered caves at 90% of the planet’s total.
It’s sort of chilling to learn that the vast majority of caves are hidden, with no visible entrances at ground level. Even in a region of the world as mapped and meticulously explored as the USA, it’s thought that only 50% of our caves have likely been found.
This means that all of those grand, crystal-filled caverns you occasionally see photos of online or those big tourist attractions like Old Man’s Cave might only be the tip of the iceberg.
There’s a whole undiscovered world down there, a lightless place cut off from the surface for centuries, perhaps millennia. Good God man, there’s no telling what’s down there. Maybe some of those unknown animal species?
And as I mentioned before, we haven’t even begun to study the ocean. Not really. Hell, we can’t even get down there. The Mariana Trench alone (off the coast of Japan) is nearly 7-miles deep, man! Maybe Godzilla is down there.
Check out that Snow White Yak, man. Just yakin’ like you read about. It’s a regular Yak accept it has pure white hair. So cool. The yak, also known as the Tartary Ox (meh), Grunting Ox (cool), or Hairy Cattle (also cool), is a species of long-haired domesticated cattle found throughout the Himalayan region of South Asia, the Tibetan Plateau, Gilgit-Baltistan, Tajikistan and as far north as Mongolia and Siberia. It is descended from the wild yak. Anywho, Snow White Yak.
[for more cool animals, type “Cool Animal” into the search box over yonder]
For those of you who don’t know, my mom was a saint. If you ask anyone who knew Kathryn Shoemaker or had her as a teacher they will say the same. I have never met a person my mother taught that didn’t say she touched them deeply and had a positive effect on their lives. If I’ve been lucky enough to have had that same effect on a student, they can thank my mom. She’s the reason I became a teacher.
You know how many times I’ve screwed up in my lifetime? I mean really screwed up? Made some damn poor life decisions that hurt people I love? Do you know the one person who stood by me, loved me unconditionally, and believed in me no matter how big of an idiot I was?
Mom.
My mother believed I could do literally anything, which in turn has always made me believe that, damn it, maybe I could. It’s amazing what you can do when one person totally and completely believes in you. It makes you want to prove them right.
And it makes you want to never, ever, let them down.
My mom taught me many things, not the least of which was independence. Let me tell you a story about the day I entered 1st Grade. We lived across from Twin School in Bourneville, and my sisters and I were to walk to school from there, a short jaunt of perhaps 50-yards or so. I don’t remember what I wore, but I remember carrying a lunch pail that was yellow and in the shape of a school bus. I was very excited to go to my first-ever day of school.
Anyway, Mom was staying at home at the time and she’d sent us off, probably enjoying the thought that summer was over and she wouldn’t have the three of us in her hair all day.
I should probably add here that my sisters are older than me, Karen by 8-years and Sara by 4-years. So, at the time I was entering 1st Grade, Sara was entering 5th and Karen the 9th. Their job? Walk their innocent little brother to his first day of school.
And that they did until I got about halfway there. At that point I got cold feet and hightailed it back home. My sisters, loving siblings that they were, waited about half a second and continued on to school without me.
Thanks sisters!
Note: My sisters claim no memory of this, but I’d probably block it from my mind too had I performed such a heinous act.
But anyway, I didn’t care, I was heading back to Mom and the safety of my home. Screw this school stuff, I’d made the decision. Even if I hadn’t even started yet, it wasn’t for me. Mom would understand. With all this in mind I get back home, walk up the steps and open the front door, or try to.
Locked.
But hey, I knew Mom was in there because I’d just left 3-minutes ago.
“Mom!”
Knock knock.
“MOM!”
Knock.
“Mom?”
After a few minutes of knocking, yelling and getting no response, I did the only thing I could do. I walked back to school, by myself.
I don’t know what happened when I finally walked in, but I survived. The point is Mom knew that it wouldn’t help me to hold my hand and walk me to school. I’d learn more quickly and get over my fear by doing it myself.
That’s my mother in a nutshell. She never jumped in to rescue me from adversity because she knew that letting me get through it by myself is what would build my self-esteem and confidence.
Why is that so hard of a concept for some parents to understand?
There are a thousand other stories I could tell about my mom, Kathryn Shoemaker. She was honest to a fault, just ask my sisters. I distinctly remember Mom opening up a Christmas present one of my sisters had given her. I don’t remember what it was, but I remember her opening it, taking a look and saying “What am I going to do with that?”
Of course, since I was her favorite she liked everything I got her.
Mom passed away a few years ago but I still think of her several times a day and how she smiled every single time she saw me. Mom was always happy to see me.
So if you have a mom you love like I loved mine, appreciate every moment you have with her. If you’re driving by her house and think of stopping but you’re in a hurry to go somewhere else, stop anyway. If you’re thinking of calling but don’t really have the time, call her.
Because one day she’ll be gone, and that’s when you’ll realize what she truly meant to you.
I’ve always been a big gym guy. I love to walk into high school gyms when I’m out of town, look at the banners, old team photos, all of that stuff really fascinates me. I also love the college and NBA arenas too, although I’ve been to many more college facilities than pros. That said, I was talking with a friend the other day she was asking me where my favorite place to watch a basketball game would be. Aha! Writing material. What follows are some of the favorite arenas I have been to personally and my thoughts regarding each. I’ve omitted high school gyms because really, nothing compares to Donald E. Anderson Gymnasium, better know as The Jigger. Aaaaand we’re off . . .
Cole Field House, College Park, MD – Ah, Cole Field House on the campus of the beautiful University of Maryland. I worked summer camps there from 1989-2003 and became a big Terrapin fan, thanks to my friends Billy Hahn and Gary Williams. Cole was an old, hangar shaped, no air conditioned monstrosity, and God was it awesome. I was behind the bench for many a Maryland game, and when Duke, North Carolina or a number of other teams rolled into that place it rocked. The Maryland student section was insane, man. Here’s something I wrote about my experiences there: Memories of College Park. The story I tell at the end illustrates what Cole Field House meant to Hall of Famer Gary Williams. Cole also hosted the historic 1966 National Championship game where an all black Texas Western team coached by Don Haskins beat the all white Kentucky squad led by Adolph Rupp. Bottom line, I put Cole Field House at the top of my list regarding basketball arenas. And oh, the new Xfinity Center is great but it ain’t Cole.
St. John Arena, Columbus, OH – Once again, a case of the old being better than the supposed newer, and better, arena. St. John Arena, which still stands on the campus of The Ohio State University, is an incredible venue. When you’re on the floor it appears as if the seats and crowd go straight up, and when it was filled to capacity it was loud. Its replacement was The Schottenstein Center (or Value City Arena) and its antiseptic, industrial feel where the fans in the upper seats seem a mile away from the action. Nope, it has never come close to matching the atmosphere of St. John Arena. Note: Nationwide Arena, Columbus’s other downtown arena, is better too.
Shoemaker Center, Cincinnati, OH – Shoemaker Center has succumbed to the corporate naming game and is now sadly known as 5th Third Arena. It’s a place that’s near and dear to my heart because 1) It was named after my late great Uncle Myrl Shoemaker, and 2) It’s the home of the Cincinnati Bearcats, a team coached by my friend Bob Huggins from 1989-2005. I have many great memories of Shoemaker Center, but none better than the night Huggs returned to the city with his West Virginia Mountaineers and I was behind the Neers bench.
Good God.
West Virginia Coliseum, Morgantown, WV – I’ve had some amazing times in the WVU Coliseum, seeing some great games and having some incredible experiences thanks to my old friends Huggs and Billy Hahn. WVU Coliseum is unique in that, although it holds 14,000 people, seems almost like a high school gym. I mean, you walk in and it seems everyone knows you. People are friendly and extremely rabid in their love for their ‘Neers. And when that muzzle loader fires after a big win or important moment in the game? Good God man, you will jump. And I’ll never forget the night I met Hot Rod Hundley and Freddie Schaus. You can read those stories by clicking on these links: My Father, WVU and Meeting the Legends and Helping Hot Rod Hundley.
Convocation Center, Athens, OH – If you’re a high school coach in southern Ohio “The Convo” is the mecca of basketball. It’s where you want to make it to and it’s where the District and Regional Tournaments are played. My teams played there 9 times in my 13-year high school coaching career, and every single game was special. It’s the crown jewel of Harvard on the Hocking.
UD Arena, Dayton, OH – Dayton may have the most underrated facility in the country, and they have a rabid, basketball smart fan base to boot. There’s really not a bad seat in the house, and during games there’s something about those dark upper corners that are intimidating. Home of the NCAA play-in games.
Assembly Hall, Bloomington, IN – Ah, the home of the great Bobby Knight. It’s now Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall, and I spent a weekend there back in the mid-80s and even got to meet The General himself as well as Shawn Kemp. Good times and great memories indeed. The arena rocks, and it’s also the site of the 1979 National Championship game between Magic Johnson’s Michigan State Spartans and Larry Bird’s Indiana State Sycamores. Classic.
The Metrodome, Minneapolis, MN – I’ve only been to The Metrodome once, but the games were doozies. It was the 2001 Final Four and my Maryland Terrapins were there playing the Evil Empire, Duke. Arizona vs. Michigan State was the other matchup, and when Duke took the floor the fans of the three other teams booed them mercilessly. Looooved it. Maryland lost the game after losing a 17-point lead (I won’t blame the officials but damn they had their heads up Coach K’s ass the whole game), but bounced back the next year and won it all in Atlanta.
Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY – I haven’t actually watched a game there but I did take a tour of this legendary arena. Knowing that The Fight of the Century between Muhammed Ali and Joe Frazier took place there as well as the legendary Will Reed game in the 1970 NBA Finals gave me chills. Can’t leave out all the rock bands either as virtually every famous band has played there.
Cintas Center, Cincinnati, OH – LOVE the home of the Xavier Musketeers. It seats a little over 10,000 but seems much smaller. It really has an intimate feel. I was on the floor for Xavier’s upset of #1 Villanova a few years ago and the place was electric.
Rupp Arena, Lexington, KY – I’ve seen several games at Rupp, the first being when I watched the Rex Chapman’s team in the 1980s. The place was huge, holding 23,000 people. My best memory though? Attending the last show of the 1978 Peter Frampton Tour and J. Geils Band lead singer Peter Wolf pouring champagne into my mouth from the stage. Weirdly memorable, man.
Thomas & Mack Center, Las Vegas, NV – Long story here, but I became acquainted with UNLV legend Jerry Tarkanian after I met him in a bar in the aforementioned Lexington, Kentucky. It’s actually a pretty cool story that I called Meeting Tark the Shark. Tark was a cool dude, man. A few years after I met him I gave him a call when I was in Vegas with my friend Jigger, and long story short I was given a tour of the arena and locker room facilities by The Shark himself. I even got to meet Stacey “Plastic Man” Augmon, a starter on the 1990 National Championship team and future NBA player. All told Tark probably spent an hour that day with me, a guy he’d met in a hotel bar years prior. Unforgettable memory, and I’ll never forget Tark’s kindness and generosity. I never saw a game in the Shark Tank, but I’ll be damned if I didn’t sit in Tark’s chair and look around in wonderment at the arena. Thanks, Tark.
Breslin Center, Lansing, MI – Again, I’ve never seen a game on Michigan State campus but I did go to MSU to coach a couple summer camps back in the late 90s so I spent some time in the arena. Very cool, historic place that gave off some really cool vibes. I also spent a night in Head Coach Tom Izzo’s basement, which is whole other story to tell on another day. By the way, Izzo? Great guy.
Cincinnati Gardens, Cincinnati, OH – I have so many great memories of Cincinnati Gardens, which was sadly demolished in 2018. My father took us to many games there to watch the Cincinnati Royals, an NBA team that featured hoop legends Oscar Robertson and Jerry Lucas. I also watched players like Wilt Chamberlain, Pete Maravich, Jerry West and many more there. We were once at a Royals-76ers game and I really wanted Wilt Chamberlain’s autograph. He was by far my favorite player. Anyway, not knowing any better I decided to go down at halftime and tried to get it as the players walked off the court. At that time both teams exited at the same point, right at half-court, walking together and then going into opposite locker rooms. So, I’m standing there waiting for my hero when there he comes. Listen, I was probably 10-years old but Wilt looked 20-feet tall to me. He was walking right beside Jerry Lucas, and they were yelling at each other, saying words I’d never before heard in my young life. Then, right in front of me they stopped. They were nose-to-nose, just completely going at it. Other players came in and broke it up, but before Wilt left he looked down at me, rubbed my head, and shook my hand. I guess I should say he shook my forearm because his hand gripped mine practically all the way up to my elbow. Hell, even then I realized that was WAY better than an autograph. And years later, in 1992, I got to watch one of my former players Roman Diekan play in The Gardens as a member of the Xavier Musketeers. Special for sure.
Mackey Arena, West Lafayette, IN – I only visited Mackey once, but I loved it. My friend Jimmy Patsos was coaching at Siena and they played a game at Purdue. I loved the atmosphere of the arena. The floor is elevated which is always a unique feature. Siena came close to winning, too.
Millett Hall, Oxford, OH – My memories of Millet Hall are special because my cousin John Shoemaker played there from 1974-75 to 1977-78. Miami was really good back then (made the NCAA tourney) and the crowds were insane. Loved that arena.
Riverfront Coliseum, Cincinnati, OH – I attended many a rock show at this arena, and I even had tickets to the infamous Who concert on my birthday in 1979. Yep, my buddies Tom, Andy and I had tickets the night 11-people were crushed to death, and we were actually on the way to the concert. Fortunately, since it was my birthday we thought a party in Chillicothe would be more fun, and that fact might have saved our lives. And yes, I know about a million people claim to have had tickets to that show. We actually did. We went to the party, and we found out what happened when we returned to Andy’s house around 2:30 in the morning and found his wife sitting on the floor in front of the TV, crying. She thought we’d gone to the concert, and when she saw us walk in she leaped up, hugged us all, and told us the news. Chilling stuff, and I’m glad we turned back. I also saw the Elton John Yellow Brick Road Tour, the Eagle’s Hotel California Tour, Led Zeppelin, Peter Frampton, ELO, R.E.M. and many more acts there. On the sports side I watched my cousin Mick play his home games for the University of Cincinnati there and it was generally not a good experience. UC students actually had to be bussed to the games. Fun Fact: My Uncle Myrl (Mick’s father), unhappy with this setup, soon directed funds so a new on-campus arena could be built – the soon to be named Myrl H. Shoemaker Center.
Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA – This arena holds a special place in my heart for one reason and one reason only – it’s where Gary Williams and his Maryland Terrapins won the NCAA Championship in 2002. I’ll never forget it. Sadly, the Georgia Dome has since been imploded.
Cameron Indoor Stadium, Durham, NC – Yes, I ventured into this den of iniquity several years ago just to have a look-see. I was actually offered a personal tour by a friendly Duke employee after I stopped in on the way to the Outer Banks. It’s bigger than I thought and holds 9300 idiot Duke nerds named Hunter, Chase, Bradford, Geoffrey, and well, you get the idea. Anywho, overrated.
Dean Smith Center, Chapel Hill, NC – Of course after visiting Cameron Indoor I had to make the 12-mile drive over to the The Dean Dome, and once again I simply walked in an open door and sauntered around. What can I say? People generally leave me alone for some reason. Anyway, Dean Dome? BIG. It holds 21,750. Place is cavernous, man, and sort of had that antiseptic Schottenstein Center feel to it. On a positive note it lacked that Duke stench, so there’s that.
United Center, Chicago, IL – Ah, yes. The United Center. Famed home of the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan. It is with a heavy heart that I tell you I have not watched a game in the United Center, although I have been in the lobby. Sigh. Ah, hell, it’s too embarrasing to type again. Just click this damn link: Regrets, I’ve Had A Few: Missing One Of The Graetest Moments In Sports History. I’m sorry. I truly am.
PPG Paints Arena, Pittsburgh, PA – I was invited to watch some NCAA tournament games there a few years ago (2012 I believe) when some coaching friends all happened to have teams playing there on the same day/night. Those friends were Bob Huggins at WVU, Dave Dickerson at Ohio State and Jimmy Patsos at Loyola-Maryland. Gonzaga was also there. I watched Ohio State beat Loyola and Gonzaga beat WVU. It was a very cool experience knowing coaches from three of the four teams though. Cool venue as well.
So those are the arenas I can think of off the top of my head, arenas I’ve either been to or had some type of involvement with. I’m sure I’ve forgotten something, but if one comes back into my addled brain I’ll let you know.
I’ve written about my love of Grindhouse movies before. For those of you that don’t know, Grindhouse is an American term for a theatre that mainly shows low-budget horror, splatter and exploitation films for adults. There’s just always been something about the low budget, cheesy way these movies were made that fascinates me. Maybe it was growing up watching Chiller Theater at 11:30 every Friday night that started it all, I can’t be certain. Films like Attack of the 50-foot Woman, Psycho Beach Party and Plan 9 From Outer Space were spectacular. Oh, and those 70s films that were shown at the drive-in? Loved ’em. With this in mind I took a deep dive into YouTube looking for some vintage Grindhouse movie trailers and found some absolute gems. I also love the narrators of many of these traiIers, there’s just something about their tone and cadence that is chilling. I hope you enjoy these as much as I do. Let’s get down to it.
Warning: Most of these films were, by today’s standards, really really politically incorrect.
THE LAST HOUSE ON THE LEFT (1972)
Ah, the Last House on the Left. This movie left me flabbergasted, thrilled and disgusted. It was made with a budget of $87,000, a paltry sum even for 1972. It’s the heartwarming tale of two teenage girls who are taken into the woods and tortured by a gang of murderous thugs. Long story short the girls are murdered, one of girls’ parents find out, and what the mother does to one of the killers still makes me wince to even think about. Shockingly, most of the critics loved this movie. Even more shocking was that my date’s parents let me take her to see this.
I SPIT ON YOUR GRAVE (1978)
Famed film critic Roger Ebert lovingly referred to this film as “a vile bag of garbage” and he was right. It’s about a woman who was raped by four men and the revenge she takes on each of them. It is bloody, gory, nasty and violently evil. Watch the trailer, don’t watch the movie.
LET’S SCARE JESSICA TO DEATH (1971)
Newly released from a mental ward, Jessica hopes to return to life the way it was before her nervous breakdown. But when she moves to a country house with her husband and a close friend, she finds a mysterious girl living there who may or may not be a vampire. Jessica’s terror and paranoia resurface as evil forces surround her, making her wonder: Are the visions real or is she slipping back into madness? Really good movie in my opinion.
THE TOWN THAT DREADED SUNDOWN (1976)
This may be the most little known scary as hell movie in history. Even the trailer is spooky. Forget the awful remake from a few years ago, the 1976 original was chilling. It’s about a hooded madman that stalked the lovers’ lanes of Texarkana back in 1946. And get this – it’s a true story. Without giving anything away, the ending was stellar.
VILLAGE OF THE DAMNED (1960)
One day the peaceful village of Midwich is cast into a mysterious sleep for several hours, but with no obvious consequences until all the women of child-bearing age turn out to be pregnant. Their children are all born at the exact same time and grow quickly into very spooky young people with strange white-blonde hair and eerie eyes. Good times!
SCHLOCK (1973)
Ladies and gentlemen, the mighty prehistoric ape Schlockthropus has emerged from hiding after 20-million years to embark on a full-scale rampage across a quiet Southern California suburb, leaving the police baffled and the army powerless. What will we do?
Fun fact – this movie was directed by John Landis.
THE CREEPING FLESH (1973)
A Victorian scientist injects his daughter with the essence of evil. Not even kidding. This film actually stars Peter Cushing and Christopher Lee, two respectable actors. That’s nuts man.
VAMPIRE CIRCUS (1972)
What’s better than a circus? Why, a Vampire Circus of course. In 1825 a mysterious circus visits a Serbian village cut off from the world by an outbreak of plague, and corpses start being found totally drained of blood. Jeebus.
THEM (1954)
While investigating a series of mysterious deaths, Sergeant Ben Peterson (played by legendary actor James Whitmore) finds a young girl who is unable to speak. As Peterson joins forces with FBI agent Robert Graham (played by James Arness who later became Matt Dillon on Gunsmoke!) and scientist Dr. Harold Medford, he discovers that all the incidents are due to giant ants that have been mutated by atomic radiation. Peterson and Graham, with the aid of the military, attempt to find the queen ants and destroy the nests before the danger spreads. This movie was one of many made in the 50s that was influenced by the threat of nuclear power and atomic radiation.
MASSACRE AT CENTRAL HIGH (1976)
Maimed by bullies at a California high school, a new student engineers acts of revenge. This movie was made before school shootings began taking place in the USA, making it even more chilling when viewed today.
THE HILLS HAVE EYES (1977)
On the way to California a family has the misfortune to have their car break down in an area closed to the public, which also happens to be inhabited by violent savages ready to attack. A Wes Craven classic whose premise has hence been copied a million times..
PEEPING TOM (1960)
This one was chilling even for 1960. It’s about a loner who works at a film studio during the day and secretly takes racy photographs of women at night. Also he’s making a documentary on fear, which involves recording the reactions of his victims as he murders them. He befriends Helen, the daughter of the family living in the apartment below his, and he tells her vaguely about the movie he is making. She sneaks into Mark’s apartment to watch it and is horrified by what she sees – especially when Mark catches her. Run Helen, RUN!
WILLARD (1971)
Loved Willard and also its follow up, Ben. Willard is a guy who was squeezed out of the company started by his deceased father. His only friends are a couple of rats he raised at home, and their increasing number of friends. When one of them is killed at work, Willard goes on a rampage using his rats to attack. Yes kids, he had a Rat Army! Willard was a weird dude.
Fun Fact: Ben (Willard’s head rat) had a song written about him by none other than Michael Jackson.Here ’tis, with the movie trailer to follow:
THE CRAZIES (1973)
A military plane crashes near a small town, infecting the water supply with a deadly virus that causes insanity and then death. The army moves in to control the situation, only for the civilians to treat them as invaders and then infect them as well. It was a lose-lose situation really.
THE LEECH WOMAN (1960)
A scientist’s wife must kill men to make the serum that keeps her looking young. That’s really the gist of it, the age old battle against, well, aging.
And here are the movie posters for each film listed. Click and scroll accordingly.
BONUS VIDEO! 1950s SCI-FI MOVIES TRAILER COLLECTION
Check out that Spider-Tailed Horned Viper. Dude has a tail that looks like a damn spider. The tail tip is waved around and used to lure insectivorous birds to within striking range and then it’s all she wrote for said birds. Also, this venom is highly specialized for birds. That’s just diabolical, man. Anywho, Spider-Tailed Horned Viper.
[For more cool animals, type “Cool Animal” into the search box over yonder on your left]
I sat down with my crack staff here at Shoe: Untied yesterday and we attempted to come up with our favorite Christmas Movie characters, and there’s no other way to say it – it turned ugly. So much for the Christmas spirit, huh? Anyway, after much disagreement, screaming, and yes, fisticuffs, we narrowed it down to our Top 7.
Here’s our list. Feel free to tell us who we missed. And as always, we won’t listen.
1. Cousin Eddie (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – 1989)
Yep, Cousin Eddie, the “huge, beastly, bulging man” himself. If you’ve seen the movie and don’t understand that description, you weren’t paying close enough attention. The fact that Randy Quaid didn’t receive an Oscar for this performance is beyond comprehension. And to think it went to Kevin Kline for his role in A Fish Called Wanda. Blasphemy.
Favorite Quote: “You know that metal plate in my head? I had to have it replaced, cause every time Catherine revved up the microwave I’d piss my pants and forget who I was for a half hour or so.”
2. Buddy the Elf (Elf – 2003)
Will Ferrell’s awesome, innocent, hilariously inappropriate elf was a Christmas classic. The scene where he keeps calling the midget an elf makes me laugh every time.
Favorite Quote: “I’m a cotton-headed ninny-muggins.”
3. George Bailey (It’s a Wonderful Life – 1946)
I’ve probably watched this movie once a year since I was 10-years old. It’s all about appreciating what you have, appreciating the here and now. Great, great movie, and Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey was stellar.
Favorite Quote: “Dear Father in heaven, I’m not a praying man, but if you’re up there and you can hear me, show me the way. Show me the way.”
4. Clark Griswold (National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation – 1989)
Yep, the second choice from this movie. And who can forget Clark’s Christmas light display? But Cousin Eddie still makes the movie.
Favorite Quote: “If I woke up tomorrow with my head sewn to the carpet, I wouldn’t be more surprised than I am now.”
5. Willie (Bad Santa – 2003)
Very dark movie. Not real Christmasy. Very inappropriate. Not politically correct at all. Certainly not for children. I loved it.
Favorite Quote: “I beat the shit out of some kids today. But it was for a purpose. It made me feel good about myself. It was like I did something constructive with my life or something, I dunno, like I accomplished something.”
6. & 7. (The Wet Bandits – Home Alone 1 & 2)
Yeah, you have your classic 2 for 1 situation right here. The Wet Bandits combined were knocked out with a shovel, stepped on nails, took an air gun to the groin, hit with a staple gun three times, burned with an iron twice, took a crowbar to the chest, hit with multiple tools, took the Paint Can Pendulum to the face, landed on a car roof, fell from a burning rope, were burned with a blowtorch, were electrocuted, were hit in the face by bricks, and finally were hit in the face by a pipe which knocked them 15-feet down the stairs only to see the pipe fall on them. Whew. That Kevin was diabolical, man.
Favorite quote: “Harry, it’s our calling card! All the great ones leave their marks. We’re the wet bandits!”
So there are our Top 7 choices. Gwen over in accounting thought we should go with Gizmo from Gremlins but I thought that was just dumb. And Kody, our head of security, insisted on John McLane from Die Hard but that doesn’t seem like a Christmas Movie, just a movie that took place during Christmas. Kody is not happy.
Holy Cow check out that Bagworm Moth Caterpillar. This little dude constructs little log cabin thingys out of sticks and stuff so it’ll have a place to chill. Amazing really. What a sense of style. The adult males are strong fliers with well-developed wings and feathery antennae but survive only long enough to reproduce due to underdeveloped mouthparts that prevent them from feeding and that’s downright sad. Anywho, Bagworm Moth Caterpillar.
[For many many more cool animals, simply type “Cool Animal” in to the search box up yonder}
As a lot of you know I lost my dog Sparky on August 4th, 2021. Sparky was a legend among many far and wide, as most people got to know him through this website. His antics, bravery and intelligence put a smile on the faces of so many. The Spark helped me through a really tough period of my life that saw me lose several close family members and friends, and for that I am forever grateful. After Spark passed I couldn’t even begin to think of getting another dog. After all, I still had Sweet Lilly who’d been through a lot herself. So, I wasn’t ready and I didn’t want to stress Lilly out with a new rescue in the house.
Lilly hadn’t been the same since her best friend died, often skipping meals and hiding under the bed for long periods of time. She even slept under the bed rather than up top near me as was her usual habit. She was grieving like I was, and although I did my best to snap her out of it nothing seemed to work.
Then one day, out of the blue, I received a message. It was from my cousin, and it had this photo attached:
It seems my cousin’s niece was a foster mom for rescued dogs, and she had a puppy that she thought I might be interested in. Rescuers were sent to save dogs that were stranded in the Kentucky flooding during the summer of 2022, and at one point one of them saw a little wriggling body in the mud. It turned out to be a pup that would soon be known as Hank, fighting for his life.
Yep, after seeing that photo something was rekindled inside of me. Was it because he looked like Sparky? Probably. In any case I was smitten with the little guy and began the process of bringing him to his forever home. Of course I had to go visit him first to see if we were a proper fit. I believe this photo could describe what happened that day better than anything I could ever write:
So yeah, he was mine within a week. When I put him in the Jeep with Lilly, she was immediately alert and curious as most dogs would be. When we got home it continued, and from the moment Lilly met Hank she was reborn. She began sleeping on the bed, gobbled up every meal, and returned to her former incredible self. Somewhat miraculously, to this day she continues to age backwards. She has more pep, eats voraciously, enjoys car rides, and loves to play Tug of War with Hank. It is truly amazing. For her, Hank has been a savior.
Sweet Lilly, thanks to Hank, is back.
In the beginning Hank was a prodigious chewer/eater, and although he still chews/eats stuff most of it is not my personal property. Before though? Not good. In the past year+ Hank chewed, among other things, my glasses, numerous twigs, mulch, rocks, dead moles, pine cones, a balloon, socks, rugs, my coffee table, my neighbor’s truck tire, dirt, a plastic baggie, a tennis ball, a McDonald’s sack, my sister’s cat’s food, my sister’s dog’s food, my food, the neighbor’s Halloween scarecrow, and 7 guaranteed to be indestructible dog toys.
In addition, Hank has proven to be a mischievous prankster and a thief of the highest order. He has burgled several items in my neighborhood, including a work glove, a helium party balloon (he was joyously carrying it by the string), several Amazon packages (thankfully I have great neighbors), a fake bloody human hand, a brand new hammer, a Little Mermaid t-shirt, a full pack of cigarettes, a hamburger with grill marks that was still hot to the touch, a hot dog (same), a light switch cover, and a BMW hood emblem.
Note: All stolen items were returned to their rightful owners.I think.
Hank is a fierce defender of our property. During his time here he has defended our house from the following enemies: The UPS man (several times), the Horizon man (several times), a kid on a bicycle riding up Twin Road (which is 50 yards away), my neighbor Bob cleaning his gutters, many butterflies, a neighbor’s Halloween scarecrow, many blowing leaves, a sketchy looking plastic bag, cats, rabbits, squirrels, various and sundry birds, and my icemaker. He also, like Sparky, is the arch enemy of my sweeper. Hank also scared the bejesus out of a little old lady innocently walking by our house. Hey, Hank thought she looked shady. Who am I to question his judgement?
One morning last winter as I was showering Hank was causing a ruckus in the living room. This in itself is not unusual as Hank is quite the rabble rouser. Nobody can rouse a rabble quite like Hank. This time it was more intense however, so I snuck a peek to see what was up. Seems Hank was warning me about a 4-foot snowman the kids across the street had constructed in their yard. More recently Hank barked for several minutes at an inflatable Grinch on our street until I managed to convince him that Sweet Lilly and myself were indeed safe. In Hank’s world everything is perceived as a threat. Good boy Hank.
By the way, Hank has the bark of a 70-pound Rottweiler. Let me tell you that it is ferocious. That said, if the Manson Family ignored that bark and broke into my home Hank would immediately be besties with Charlie and his gang and accompany them on their next murderous spree.
Providing they had treats, of course.
Hank, like Sparky, loves his toys. He brings them out, throws them in the air, and generally acts a fool with them. It is adorable. Sweet Lilly just stares at him like he’s insane, which he sort of is. On a related note Hank also loves to frolic. Nobody frolics like Hank. He’ll get the zoomies and just run like hell, leaping up at tree limbs, butterflies, and the occasional low flying bird. Although he hates the extreme cold he loves to play in the snow. He runs around madly whilst using his snout as a plow, leaping about and basically acting like he’s nuts. His best friend (after Lilly) is an 80-pound poodle named Bo who lives next door. They frolic daily.
Hank’s intelligence is still under question. Although he has used deductive reasoning to retrieve a dead mouse from under a pile of logs, he has also run into a tree whilst pursuing a cat. Stay tuned.
I sent for Hank’s DNA and it turns out he’s what they call a Super Mutt. A Super Mutt has at least 15 breeds of dog in them. Hank, amazingly, has 16. Here are Hank’s results:
Hank is 27% Australian Cattle Dog, 20% Australian Shepherd, 13% Chihuahua (say what?), 9% Beagle, 7% Miniature American Shepherd, 4% Rat Terrier, 3% Border Collie, 3% Rottweiler, 2% American Pit Bull, 2% Poodle, 2% American Eskimo, 2% Bassett Hound, 2% Collie, 2% Chow, 2% Cocker Spaniel, and 1% Smooth Fox Terrier. Hank is an everydog in every sense of the word.
Oh, and Hank is also 100% Good Boy. On the other hand, I guess that depends on your perspective.
Bottom line, Hank has been a pain in the ass. He has been an agent of chaos since the day I brought him home. He’s far from perfect and has driven me crazy. He and Lilly play Tug of War daily and generally cause havoc in our house. He’s annoying. He’s loud. He’s disruptive. He knocks over things. He can be annoying as hell.
But, he’s also brought a new energy into a house that had lost so much of it when Sparky crossed the Rainbow Bridge. And best of all, because of Hank, Lilly has been reborn. For her, Hank has been a godsend.
And he’s also been a godsend for me.
[Scroll through the slideshow to see all that is Hank]
Back in my early years of coaching I faced a problem a lot of coaches face, especially at the lower levels – the best, most athletic kid in his grade level wasn’t interested in playing sports. All I heard, over and over again, was that I needed to get this kid named Max to come out for basketball. However, even back then I had no interest in begging a kid to play. Hey, if their heart isn’t in it then it’s not going to end well for them, the team or the coach. It never does.
Anyway, one day I had Max in study hall and at one point he walked up to my desk. I told him to pull up a chair and sit down, and he proceeded to ask why I hadn’t asked him to play basketball. Basically I just informed him that if he wasn’t interested and his heart wasn’t in it then he shouldn’t play, that I wanted what was best for him. He then asked me if I could meet him after school, that he’d like to talk more about it. I said sure, we had practice at 5:00 and he could stop in at my office before we started.
When he arrived he came into the coach’s office, shut the door and sat down. He basically explained to me that he really wanted to play but he was having trouble at home. His father wasn’t in the picture and his mother was suffering from addiction problems. Bottom line he was taking care of her and didn’t feel as if he had the time to commit to basketball.
Without getting into the details, Max and I figured out a plan where he could play, get help for his mom, and still have enough time to be there for her. The problem was, he’d missed the first 2-weeks of practice and he’d have a lot of running to make up for missed time. I told him as much and he said he’d do it, that he was ready to do whatever it took.
The next night he showed up for practice and I got the team together and explained the situation. I could tell there was some resentment about him showing up late and being allowed to play, but they knew it was going to happen regardless. After the meeting I asked one kid, Matthew, to stick around for a minute before we took the floor. Matthew was a good kid, a team leader and was going to be our best player until Max showed up. I was actually concerned he wouldn’t take it well. I explained the situation, that it wasn’t simply a kid trying to get out of conditioning or that he wasn’t fully committed. I also explained Max’s problems. Matthew nodded his head, seemed to understand and went on out to practice.
We had a good practice and Max was as good as advertised. Afterwards everyone went back to the locker room as Max begin his running. I’d figured he owed 1,000-laps/stairs to make up for what he’d missed, and he had to get it all completed before our first game if he expected to play. I had a manager counting his laps, so I went down to the locker room with the idea of going back up every few minutes to check his progress.
As I walked through the locker room, I noticed Matthew sitting there quietly. He wasn’t changing clothes, just sitting there looking at the floor and his untied shoes. Then, just before I half expected him to tell me he was quitting, he bent over and began retying his shoes.
He finished, stood up, and walked back into the gym. He then proceeded to run with Max, side by side. Incredibly, as I stood there I watched every single player on the team follow Matthew’s lead and come out and join Max. I remember some walking out fully dressed to go home, seeing what was happening, then going back down, changing, and joining the rest. It was a sight to behold.
Those guys completed 250-laps that night, and by the end several parents had walked in and watched what was happening. At first they thought the team was being punished, but after I explained the situation they were behind their sons 100%. The team completed 250-laps each over the next three nights as well, and every night after they finished they got in a huge group hug.
They became a team that week.
I’ll never forget those nights and what one selfless player did to help a teammate who he knew needed basketball, a teammate that needed another family. I’ll never forget every single player following that one kid’s lead. He, and ultimately the rest, put that player and the overall good of the team above themselves.
That, my friends, is leadership and teamwork.
PS- Names were obviously changed but some of you will remember the story.
![My Concert History: 1974-2024 [UPDATED 4.21.24]](https://shoeuntied.files.wordpress.com/2018/07/bruce-1.jpg?w=40&h=40&crop=1){kind=small}
best friend. We were always sort of on the same wavelength, and that’s probably because I was her favorite. On a related note, you might not want to mention that to my sister.
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or was centered. Sometimes there doesn’t seem to be a rhyme (get it, rhyme?) or reason why the seed was planted there, but planted it was. Sometimes big cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, London, Cleveland are New York City are involved, other times it’s a small college town like Austin, Texas. Some of the most famous musicians in the world came from places we don’t even associate with music. Hell, John Mellencamp grew up in Bloomington, Indiana. James Brown? Macon, Georgia. And although everyone thinks of Manhattan when hearing the Velvet Underground, they’re actually from Long Island. Of course, we all know what that hot-bed of music, Tupelo, Mississippi produced, right? The King himself, Elvis Presley. And Cleveland? While the term Rock ‘n’ Roll actually originated there with legendary DJ Alan Freed, it doesn’t really have its own sound, right?
Shoe: Untied 
