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bmusic
Newsletter No.205
 February 6th - February 12th 2006

The discussion about copyright infringing transcriptions such as tablature has continued well into this week. One theme that seems to be brought up more than others is that the distribution of copyright infringing tablatures is somehow a result of technology and, in the interests of moving forward, it should be accepted as just that and not be shut down. I would hardly call Notepad or Word using Courier new font are technological advances, nor is PowerTab or GuitarPro. These are fairly basic programs when compared to the more commercial products available such as Sibelius etc. If one suggests that they're adopting technology in the way the transcriptions are distributed, that is the internet itself is the technology that is being argued as "moving forward", then there is also a counter to that. You see, for as long as I remember, digital format transcriptions have been available, copyrighted protected ones all above board. SunHawk and the like have been doing this for years. www.musicnotes.com also has tens of thousands of digital format transcriptions available. Of course they have to be purchased, the site is, after all, sell only copyright protected publications. And therefore paying their dues to the publishers and, in turn, the artist's or entities who own the copyrights to the material.

So the technology of the internet is being employed by these legit operations, and technology in the form of the programs used to deliver the transcriptions is always evolving. The aforementioned MusicNotes utilises Guitar Guru specifically developed for guitarists. This program displays the notes of a Guitar Guru format transcription on a virtual fretboard as the actual CD plays along, the artist's CD must be supplied by the end user and played in the CD-Rom drive (PC only). This way they're not only protecting the revenue from sheet music (virtual) sales of musicians, they're also working to promote the sales of the artist's recorded media, something fans of the tab the way it had been delivered hitherto the MPA crackdown argued that free tab was responsible for. It doesn't have to be free for it to be able to promote sales of recorded music. I do have my own opinions on just how much many who were so vocal about the elimination of free, copyright infringing tablature would have paid for their recorded music anyway. If they're so into record company bashing and wanting something for nothing do you think they're adverse to downloading copyright infringing mp3s too? That's not suggesting everyone's like that, but if you think a significant number of participants in copyright infringing tablature downloads don't get the majority of their music by similar means you're kidding yourself.

Companies like SunHawk and MusicNotes haven't been as successful as they might have been were it not for copyright infringing material. I would expect some could excuse the fact they don't use pay services is because they don't have the songs they want or they're unavailable from certain sites for distribution to some countries. (This is a copyright issue as oftentimes copyright may not be granted globally but only to a specific region). So the same old Catch 22 rears it's ugly head. If more people legitimately accessed their transcriptions more and more would become available as it used to be a decade ago. If more people legitimately accessed their transcriptions more sites would crop up offering the service and in more countries, then able to handle domestic copyright issues with the product they distribute. Then there's the expense reasoning. You're still paying single sheet prices for the digitally delivered transcriptions. But more participation creates the more sites just mentioned, and more sites creates more competition and lower pricing and so on.

This topic is still alive on our forum. If those who are for the distribution of copyright infringing transcriptions, most of those being the consumers of guitar tablature, still believe I haven't addressed the technology, availability, and expense arguments satisfactorily then feel free to take me up on it there. Just remember, it's musicians who are losing out, it's not a pittance in many cases, and even if it's a meager amount per legally sold transcription they make, it all adds up. There is a far bigger picture and I think the discussion has become more rational since it first aired. I don't read as much record company hate as I did before, those still interested in the discussion seem now to know better who are the stakeholders in this whole affair and who else, besides themselves, is affected or benefits by the practice be it against the law or lawful.

Featured Product this week has been replaced with Featured Site as we announce the latest addition to the stable of bmusic sister sites in our Caparison Guitars & Basses dedicated site. Most of the site is now complete with a few incidental pages and a Readers Rigs set of pages in the same vein as our ESP site features to come. All the important stuff is there, the guitars, basses, the specs, the hi-res images....and the all important prices!

This week's Where Are They Now? by request sort of takes in two acts. The initial request was for the movements of a solo artist but once upon a time we studied the band that this solo artist had found his initial fame in. So we decided to incorporate part of the original Where Are They Now? with that of the requested solo artist.
Regulars including Feature Article, The Week Ahead in Music History, Featured Artist and more are all inside Issue 205 of the bmusic Newsletter.
Links in the Table of contents below will launch your browser, so you'll need to be online to view the newsletter. If you are unable to receive html format e-mails then copy and paste the following link into your browser's address bar to view the newsletter:
http://www.bmusic.com.au/links/whatsnew/newsletters/archives/newsno205.html

Thanks to everyone for reading, we'll see you next week!

TABLE OF CONTENTS (You will need to be online to use the Table of Contents to jump through sections)
  • Where Are They Now? - Sean Kelly
  • This week's Music Quote
  • Featured Site - Caparison Guitars & Basses Sister Site Now Live
  • This week's Specials
  • This week's Feature Article - Self Publishing
  • This week's Feature Artist - Amy Vee & The Virtues
  • Musicians Wanted
  • Gear Wanted
  • Band Links
  • The Week Ahead In Music History
               Events
               Births
               Deaths
  • Give us your suggestions
  • Don't want the bmusic Newsletter?
  • Privacy Statement
  • See you next week

    • WHERE ARE THEY NOW? - SEAN KELLY

     Sean Kelly found fame in the Eighties as part of The Models before embarking on a solo career that saw only one release. We've included The Models Where Are They Now? from bmusic Newsletter No. 79 from way back in August of 2003. Being as this is a Sean Kelly feature we've only updated and expanded the look at his movements rather than those of his former bandmates. Sometime in the future we may revisit The Models feature in full.

    When Melbourne neo-punk bands Teenage Radio Stars and JAB folded in 1978 the Models were born. Sean Kelly and Pierre Voltaire (aka Peter Sutcliffe) from Teenage Radio Stars, and Janis Friedenfelds (aka Johnny Crash) and Ash Wednesday from JAB formed the group. After only a few live shows Pierre Voltaire was replaced by Mark Ferrie and Ash Wednesday left the Models to pursue solo interests. His replacement was Andrew Duffield.

    It was a shaky start for the Models and it didn't get any better. Personality clashes and musical differences led to the groups break-up in November of 1979.

    The split didn't last long and the Models comeback show at Melbourne's Crystal Ballroom drew over 1,200 fans. National tours with The Ramones and Midnight Oil followed and label interest was strong. Rather than signing immediately the Models financed the recording of their first album to guarantee creative control. They then signed to Mushroom and, as a sign of the label's respect for the group, they agreed to not release any singles from their ground-breaking electronic pop album "AlphaBravoCharlieDeltaEchoFoxtrotGolf".

    In 1981, following a support slot for The Police the group signed an international deal with A & M Records. Another line-up shuffle followed with Freidenfelds being replaced by Buster Siggs before recording commenced on their international label release. The demo session recordings so impressed the Models that they were released as an EP entitled "Cut Lunch". The resultant album was "Local &/Or General", released in October, 1981.

    Throughout the next year the Models avant-garde electronic pop made way for a more commercial sound. This was due, in no small part, to further line-up changes. Another former Teenage Radio Star, James Freud, was brought in and yet another new drummer, Barton Price, also joined. The next album, "The Pleasure Of Your Company" spawned the massive single "I Hear Motion". However, subsequent singles from the album were less successful and the future of the Models again looked shaky.

    Then INXS manager Chris Murphy signed the band to his management and set about pushing the Models to what he thought they were capable of. Andrew Duffield didn't see it that way, publicly accusing Murphy of pushing the band to "sell out". He left the group to be replaced by James Freud's former Berlin bandmate Roger Mason. Sax player James Valentine was also added to the Models line-up.

    The next big hit came in 1985 with the next album and it's title track single "Out Of Mind Out Of Sight". A Number One hit in Australia the release also charted well in the U.S. Under Murphy the band recorded another album, this time in London and, from all reports, at great expense. "Models Media" was the resultant album, released in December of 1986.

    The album didn't follow on from the success of "Out Of Mind..." and the band's always fragile structure came apart. The Models, for all intents and purposes, were finished. But no break-up announcement came as expected. In late 1987 the band released a cover version of the Beatles "Oh Darling". This was their final release. Nothing was heard from the Models until 1991 when they toured, reportedly to cover many debts, then finally announced their break-up.

    In November 2000 James Freud and Sean Kelly reunited for the first in a series of live shows for the next couple of years as the Models. A favourite venue for the reunion shows was The Gershwin Room at St. Kilda's legendary Esplanade Hotel.

    PIERRE VOLTAIRE (aka PETER SUTCLIFFE)
    Peter Sutcliffe has also gone by the moniker Mr. Pierre in his past electronica life, many bands pre-Models featured the mysterious Mr. Pierre. Today Peter Sutcliffe's life is a little less mysterious. He works as a Public Relations representative and actually handles the PR for Readings Bookshop in Melbourne, the store where Molly Meldrum helped launch the autobiography of Sutcliffe's fellow former model James Freud in September last year.

    JANIS FRIEDENFELDS (aka JOHNNY CRASH)
    Crash has played with a number of groups since his days with the Models. Iconic Australian bands such as the Sacred Cowboys, Beasts Of Bourbon, The Slaughtermen and Tombstone Heads have all enlisted the services of Friedenfelds. As for his movements these days we have no idea so if anyone knows please e-mail us and let us know.

    ASH WEDNESDAY
    Following his time in the Models Ash Wednesday continued his synthesised punk/pop, his first release being the independent "Love Numbers/Boring Instrument".

    Taken from Ash Wednesday's website Ash-Wednesday.com is the following:
    "Around 1980 he was to join AL WEBB and ANDREW PICOULEAU to complete an experimental recording project THE METRONOMES ( 2 singles and 2 albums Cleopatra records).
    Concurrently, WEDNESDAY was to collaborate with NUVO BLOC member T.E. POWER on a project titled THEALONIAN MUSIC. Although almost clandestine by nature, this exercise in spontaneous composition was to strongly influence much of WEDNESDAY's attitude to subsequent projects.
    He continued experimenting with electronics throughout the 80's with numerous and diverse, but relatively low profile projects - most notably, perhaps, being MODERN JAZZ - an impromptu assemblage of electro-based musicians, performing live on stage to a randomly programmed techno beat, although at this point of time (early 80's) the term 'techno' was yet to be invented!
    1988 - CRASHLAND! WEDNESDAY was to apply his approach to digital sampling, initially culminating in CRASHLAND! - another very self-styled group of considerable impact and live popularity.
    1992 - WEDNESDAY was based in Berlin from 1992-1997.
    1995 he was a member of the production team for NINA HAGEN's 'Freud Euch/Bee Happy CD (RCA Deutschland).
    1997 he began working (in a live performance capacity) with the legendary EINSTÜRZENDE NEUBAUTEN - to this date having completed 3 tours with this group.
    1999 he returned to Melbourne, Australia where he re-united with ex-CRASHLAND! vocalist LYN GORDON to form THE TINGLER. An initial CD, 'The TINGLER' released April 2000."

    Wednesday's cinematic electronic project with Lyn Gordon, The Tingler featured on the bill during the Models 2000/2001 reunion shows.

    It's thought that Wednesday continues his work with The Tingler and EINSTÜRZENDE NEUBAUTEN to this day. MARK FERRIE
    Ferrie has also been involved with a number of groups since the days of the Models, one of which was the Sacred Cowboys in the Eighties with fellow former Models man Johnny Crash. Most recently Ferrie has been playing in a duo with ex-Daddy Cool axe-slinger Ross Hannaford and playing a lot of roots blues gigs around the place.

    ANDREW DUFFIELD
    Andrew Duffield played keys in Interchange Bench with fellow former Model Sean Kelly for five years or so in the mid-Nineties. Nowadays Duffield weaves most of his musical magic on Pro Tools. He operates an extremely sophisticated studio set-up with Phil Kernihan where most of their work is in sound collage and music for cutting edge advertising.

    JAMES FREUD
    Late last year James Freud released his excellent tell-all biography "I Am The Voice Left From Drinking", subtitled "The Models - From The Burbs to Barbados and Beyond".

    It tells the story of his career from the Models and throughout his subsequent solo career. He details his battles with substance abuse, substances like alcohol and heroin that took him from pop star to waiting in line at Centrelink for his fortnightly payment. He even took a job as a roadie for former Young Talent Timer Jane Scali and her troupe of eight-year-old dancers. It lasted one night. He blew up the lighting desk. There were law suits, debts (Freud's Mushroom label solo album, "Step Into The Heat", once held the record for the most expensive Australian album to record), and even a verbal brawl with Molly Meldrum that actually rocked Freud's confidence for some years.

    The book is a fantastic read and pulls no punches. If you want to know EVERYTHING that happened to James Freud get yourself a copy. HarperCollins Publishers, ISBN 0732274400, just in case you were wondering.

    BARTON PRICE
    Price has also been involved with a large number of bands and musical acts since his time in the Models and his bread and butter these days is divided between session drumming work (he is one of Australia's most successful studio drummers) and programming commercial MIDI drum tracks.

    ROGER MASON
    Mason was also a part of Absent Friends with Sean Kelly following the Models. His musical work since then has been prolific, to say the least. Here's his movements since those days with thanks to Mana Music Productions:
    "After leaving the Models he was granted a scholarship to attend Robert Redford's Sundance Institute Composers workshop as the first international student, under the direction of acclaimed composer David Newman.
    Since graduating from the Composer's Workshop, Roger has worked in both Sydney and Los Angeles on a variety of films demanding scores with sounds ranging from 120 piece orchestras, Latin combos, traditional Chinese instruments and alternate guitar/thrash and lounge music. He has recently finished scoring the Imax documentary "Horses: The story of Equus", the ABC-TV's "Australians At War" and the Scott Reynolds directed feature film "Shearer's Breakfast".
    Roger has released an album, 'Vision II', through New York based Angel Records, featuring the world-renowned talents of Sheila Chandra, Noah, Esther Dobong na Essiene and the late great Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan."

    Doing the work detailed above Mason has won countless composition awards. He has also composed a number of themes for Australian television such as the "Medivac" series.

    JAMES VALENTINE
    Yes, it is the James Valentine you are thinking of. He too was involved in Absent Friends and here's his definitive and current bio with thanks to abc.net.au with whom Valentine is a radio broadcaster:
    "James Valentine is a broadcaster with 702 ABC Sydney. He presents a news/talk shift each weekday afternoon from 1pm. He writes and performs satirical radio comedy for Humour Australia which is heard across the country on ABC Radio. He is also the presenter/producer of The Screening Room, a weekly program on contemporary cinema seen each Saturday Night on Showtime. He has just had published his first novel for children, JumpMan, with Random House.
    James has written for Rolling Stone, Vogue and Cleo. He was a music reviewer for The Australian and has written feature and opinion pieces for the Sydney Morning Herald.
    James has two young children, Ruby and Roy, with his wife Joanne, a psychologist. He wonders what it's like to have spare time."

    SEAN KELLY
     In 1989 Sean Kelly released his first solo album, "Thank You, Goodnight". A year later he turned up as part of Absent Friends with Wendy Matthews (she sang backing vocals on "Out Of Mind Out Of Sight" and she and Kelly were in a relationship for a time) and INXS bassist Gary Beers.

    Next he formed Sean Kelly and The Iron Dukes, renaming it soon after to The Dukes. The band featured Kelly's Absent Friends cohort Geoff Stapleton, a founding member of GANGajang. They released an album, "Harbour City", in 1992 and the EP, "I Fought The Law", in 1993. The lead track from that EP appeared on the 1993 soundtrack to the film "Reckless Kelly".

    As a producer Kelly has worked on his own projects such as Absent Friends and The Dukes in the early and mid-Nineties as well as producing for Sly Butcher in 1991 through to Wendy Morrison in 2000. As a session musician during and after his time with The Models he has worked for Dave Graney, INXS ("The Swing"), Iva Davies and Icehouse, Wendy Morrison and as a part of a Michael Hutchence memorial work.

    He played guitar on Melbourne double bassist/songwriter/guitarist/vocalist Rosie Westbrook's 2003 "Wave" release and performed the following year with her at a Brian Hooper benefit in St. Kilda put together to raise money for Brian after the The Beasts of Bourbon, Kim Salmon and the Surrealists, Body Electric fell from a balcony whilst on a "...Beasts" reunion tour, suffering multiple injuries and serious spinal damage. Good news is Brian has healed well and has his own Brian Hooper Band as well as his myriad other projects.

    Sean continues to write, produce and perform prolifically. He still performs Models numbers and some new material with Andrew Duffield and Billy Miller on the Melbourne circuit.

    Drop us an e-mail if you'd like us to track down some of stars of the past for you and feature them in Where Are They Now? or if you have anything to add or correct from one of our features.

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    THIS WEEK'S MUSIC QUOTE

     "Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that's creativity".
    - Charles Mingus

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    FEATURED SITE - CAPARISON SISTER SITE NOW LIVE

    Caparison @ Guitarsatbmusic
    bmusic's third brand dedicated sister site, this time for Caparison Guitars & Basses, an exclusive bmusic import line, is now live. Click on the above banner to visit the site. Some content is still to be added, such as a Caparison Readers Rigs section a la the one that currently exists on our ESP site, a hugely popular resource. The most important stuff, the guitars, basses, their hi-res images, detailed specs, and pricing are all live abad available now. Some other content may have been added depending on when you read and/or receive this newsletter so, chances are you can disregard everything I've just written and enjoy the site in full!

    If you can't access the site using the banner above enter the URL as seen here or click http://www.guitarsatbmusic.com.au/caparison

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    SPECIALS AT bmusic

     ESP GUITARS AND BASSES ON SALE ALL DAY EVERY DAY!
    We aren't the ones to "match" prices - we set 'em! Compare our LIST prices with any in Australia, good ol' bmusic.com.au is the cheapest hands down. You see, we don't need to price match when we are the thing other stores are trying to match. There's a lot to be said for taking the lead instead of following.

    SCHECTER GUITARS AND BASSES ON SALE ALL DAY EVERY DAY!
    Just like with our industry leading ESP prices and reputation, with our new Schecter dedicated site we are stepping up the profile and dropping the prices to never before seen levels with Schecter. We are also landing some of the only Schecter models of their type in Australia, and some of the very few anywhere in the world throughout 2005.

    Specials this week include:
    FRAMUS DRAGON GUITAR HEAD - $3595 save $500 off RRP
     FRAMUS COBRA GUITAR HEAD - $3795 save $600 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER ZENTERA HEAD - $4595 save $1100 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER ALEX LIFESON TRIAMP - $4759 save $836 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER TRIAMP MK II - $4275 save $1020 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER TRILOGY HEAD - $2495 save $504 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER PURETONE HEAD - $2795 save $700 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER WARP-T HALF STACK - $3259 save $740 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER MATRIX 100 HEAD - $725 save $170 off RRP
     HUGHES & KETTNER MATRIX 100 COMBO - $999 save $200 off RRP
     JIM DUNLOP ZAKK WYLDE WAH - $269 save $50 off RRP
     DIGITECH® SCOTT IAN BLACK-13 PEDAL - $339 save $60 off RRP
     WARWICK TAKE 12 80 WATT BASS COMBO - $789 save $210 off RRP
     ROCKTRON GAINIAC 2 PREAMP - $339 save $60 off RRP
     ROCKTRON XPRESSION GUITAR EFFECTS - $679 save $120 off RRP
     ROCKTRON BLUE THUNDER BASS EFFECTS - $759 save $140 off RRP
     ROCKTRON PROPHESY PREAMP - $2359 save $540 off RRP
     ROCKTRON VOODU VALVE PREAMP - $1359 save $240 off RRP
     ROCKTRON HUSH SUPER C - $339 save $60 off RRP
     ROCKTRON VELOCITY 100 POWER AMP - $479 save $70 off RRP
     All prices include GST

    Check out our Specials page for more info on these specials.

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    THIS WEEK'S FEATURE ARTICLE - SELF-PUBLISHING

    So just what is "Self-Publishing" and what are the pros and cons of a songwriter or composer taking charge of their own publishing duties? Writer Jason Blume explains what the benefits of self-publishing can be, but also looks at the downside and gives some excellent advice for those considering managing their own publishing affairs, or even the affairs of another.

    Check out the Self-Publishing article, excerpted from Jason Blume's book "6 Steps To Songwriting Success", HERE.

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    FEATURED ARTIST - AMY VEE & THE VIRTUES

    Singer/songwriter Amy Vee is a fresh and unique artist from NSW with a vast and varied background. Her style is difficult to define, but probably sits comfortably in the category of acoustic based indie rock. She is most renowned for her angelic voice and emotive lyrics as well as her enchanting live performances. Kudos is not limited to a well crafted bio, Amy vee & The Virtues backed up all that's said about them, winning the MusicOz 2005 Artist Of The Year Award late last year.
    Amy Vee pushes the envelope with her new band Amy Vee & The Virtues. Musically this is emotionally charged, introspective acoustic indie rock. In the past two years the band have released two EPs and a single, gained regular rotation on top-rating Australian radio stations, won awards for songwriting and performance, and did this all as independents. Amy works in solo shows around the work of the Amy Vee & The Virtues outfit so, in one way or another, you're likely to catch them soon on the East Coast somewhere.

    Check out the Amy Vee & The Virtues web site HERE to learn more about the band and about Amy herself, a very busy girl is she. You can also download sound and video clips from the site. Well worth a visit.

    Each week's Feature Artist is selected from the Band Links page, so get on and list your favourite group at the Band Link page and they could be the Feature Artist at bmusic.com.au.

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    MUSICIANS WANTED

    Our 'Musicians Wanted' pages are getting more and more listings every week with musicians from across the country (and the globe) looking for singers and instrumentalists of all types.
    Get on over to Musicians Wanted to see all the new listings. Check back regularly as new listings are received almost every day.

    There are two simple sections at the FREE Musicians Wanted pages. 'Musicians Wanted by Bands' and 'Bands Wanted by Musicians'. If you fit one of these categories click HERE to see if there is a candidate to fit the bill. If not, then send us your new listing and we'll have it up inside a day. Just be sure to let us know if you fill the vacancy so we can remove it from the page.

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    GEAR WANTED

  • 1980s Roland 60 Watt Bas Cube Amp:
    1980's Roland 60 watt bass cube in good condition. The guy after one of these amps can collect or arrange freight to Melbourne. Contact us for more information.

  • Guitar promo catalogues:
    A good friend of ours here at bmusic is after any old catalogues from days gone by. At the moment he's particularly keen to get a hold of any Washburn catalogues from the late '70's. Those that feature the Washburn Wing Series of basses and guitars would be of particular interest.

  • Second-hand saxes, clarinets and flutes. We are looking for good quality, good condition, saxophones, clarinets and flutes to help out those parents who are a little dubious about their child's level of commitment to their chosen instrument and, subsequently, don't want to spend a bomb on what might turn out to be a fad. If you or your kids have taken up the horn but chucked it in, don't take it to Cashies. Brands like Yamaha, Yanigasawa, Selmer, Buescher etc. are always welcome at bmusic.


  • Marshall JCM800's. That's right, we STILL want 'em. JCM800 2203 and 2204 models.


    • If there's something you've been trying to get your hands on, let us know and we will list it here for you. You never know.

    If you spot something in the U.S. or Canada you're keen on let us know. We have contacts in those territories who, for a small fee, can act on your behalf in any transactions and make sure you get your stuff safe and sound.

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    BAND LINKS

    Click HERE to visit the Band Links page and be sure to check back regularly to see new listings.
    If you're in a band or are a supporter of any local bands in your area, why not create a link for them on our FREE Band Links page. Each week's Featured Artist is selected from our Band Links pages. List your band and you could be the next bmusic Featured Artist.

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    THE WEEK AHEAD IN MUSIC

  • Events

    • In 1963, the Beatles recorded "I Saw Her Standing There," "Boys," "Do You Want to Know a Secret," "There's a Place," "Twist and Shout" and other songs for their first British album, "Please Please Me" at EMI's Abbey Road studios in London. The session lasted 14 hours despite John Lennon's cold.

    In 1964, Max Firetag, publisher of "Louie Louie" as recorded by the Kingsmen for Wand Records, denied Indiana Governor Matthew Welsh's claim that the song iwas "pornographic." Firetag offered US$1,000 to anyone who could find anything "suggestive" in the song's lyrics.

    In 1965, Beatles drummer Ringo Starr married Maureen Cox in London, with John Lennon, his wife Cynthia and George Harrison attending. Paul McCartney was away on vacation in Tunisia.

    In 1967, the Bees Gees returned to Britain after living in Australia for nearly a decade. They began their string of British and North American hits that year with "New York Mining Disaster 1941".

    In 1967, the Monkees announced they would play their own instruments on all future recordings. This was to be the beginning of the end for the Monkees.

    In 1967, fifteen police officers raided Keith Richards home in West Wittering, Sussex, England. The police found "various substances of a suspicious native." Arrests were not made until May 10 when Richards and Mick Jagger were arraigned on drug charges.

    In 1968, Jimi Hendrix returned home to Seattle and played for the students of Garfield High School (to school from which he'd dropped out). Hendrix was presented with a key to the city.

    In 1969, George Harrison's tonsils were removed at London's University College Hospital. The tonsils were destroyed so that they couldn't be sold. bmusic asks the question; would the lure of eBay have proved too string for doctors had the operation been performed today?

    In 1972, Paul McCartney's new group, Wings, made a surprise appearance at England's Nottingham University. The group travelled around England in a bus, playing unannounced in clubs and halls.

    In 1972, Frank Zappa's concert at London's Royal Albert Hall was canceled because of obscene lyrics in the score of his song "200 Motels".

    In 1975, legendary record producer Phil Spector was injured in a serious accident, but details were, for unknown reasons, kept secret. The accident took place somewhere between LA and Phoenix, and according to a statement released by Spector's office, he suffered multiple head and body injuries.

    In 1978, Van Halen's debut album, "Van Halen I" was released.

    In 1979, Dire Straits' "Sultans Of Swing" was released.

    In 1979, Stephen Stills became the first rock artist to record on digital equipment, but the tracks were never released.

    In 1980, Pink Floyd performed their elaborate stage show, called "The Wall," in New York. Presented in only three cities - Los Angeles and London were the others - the show featured the building of an actual brick wall which eventually obscured the band from the audience's view.

    In 1986,Culture Club lead singer Boy George guest starred on an episode of "The A-Team." Boy played a singer mistakenly booked into a country dance hall.

    In 1986, Frank Zappa appeared on the TV show "Miami Vice", playing a crime boss named "Mr. Frankie".

    In 1989, Tiny Tim declared himself a New York City mayoral candidate.

    In 1990, rocker B illy Idol was forced to give up a major role in Oliver Stones "Doors" movie after suffering a serious motorcycle accident in which he sustained several broken bones.

    In 1990, Eric Clapton closed an 18 show run at London's Royal Albert Hall.

    In 1993, Michael Jackson granted his first interview in 15 years to Oprah Winfrey. In the interview, Jackson claimed that he has a disorder that destroys the pigmentation of the skin. He also claimed he'd had very little plastic surgery.

    In 1995, Rapper Tupac Shakur was sentenced to 1 1/2 to 4 1/2 years in prison on a sexual assault charge.

    In 1997, Liam Gallagher of Oasis called off his wedding to actress Patsy Kensit because of what he called "obsessive and intrusive" media attention. The couple were married in a quiet ceremony two months later.

    In 2003, bmusic.com.au dropped the weekly ARIA charts from the weekly bmusic newsletter because the chart was as boring as batshit.

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  • Births In 1935, Ray Manzarek, keyboardist for the Doors.

    In 1935, early Rock & Roll pioneer Gene Vincent.

    In 1942, singer/songwriter Carole King.

    In 1945, Bob Marley, the first superstar of reggae music, was born in Rhoden Hall, Jamaica.

    In 1946, singer Donovan was born Donovan Phillip Leitch near Glasgow, Scotland.

    In 1950, Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett.

    In 1961, Motley Crue vocalist Vince Neil.

    In 1962, singer/songwriter Sheryl Crow.

    In 1962, Guns n' Roses lead singer Axl Rose, real name William Bailey.

    In 1968, singer Chynna Phillips of Wilson-Phillips.

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  • Deaths In 1959, blues singer and guitarist Eddie (Guitar Slim) Jones died in New York City of pneumonia at age 32. His "Things That I Used to Do" was one of the top rhythm-and-blues hits of 1954 and was said to have sold more than a million copies. The soon-to-be-famous Ray Charles played piano on the recording.

    In 1981, Bill Haley died of natural causes in Harlingen, Texas at the age of 56.

    In 1998, the Beach Boy's Carl Wilson died of lung cancer. He was 51.

    In 1998, Falco, the singer responsible for the hit "Rock Me Amadeus", was killed in an uto accident in the Dominican Republic.

    In 1990, Del Shannon died of a self-inflicted gun shot wound. He was 50 years old.

    In 1997, Sweet singer Brian Connolly died of kidney failure in Southern England. He was 52.

    In 2002, Sweet drummer Mick Tucker died England, also aged 52.

    In 2002, country superstar Waylon Jennings died as a result of complications from diabetes. Jennings was 64.

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