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Boomerocity.com

 

Watch current interviews with music and entertainment icons and influencers of the baby boomer generation as well as rising stars in music.

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  • Home
  • Interviews
  • BUZZ!
  • News
  • New Releases
  • Concert Reviews
  • Contributors
    • Bob Gruen's Studio
    • Bob Heimall - Cover Stories
    • Jim Kroemer - Album Art
  • About
  • Contact Us
  • 2022.01 Boomerocity Buzz

     

    WKRP in Cincinnati”s ‘Dr. Johnny Fever’ Howard Hesseman Dead

    HowardHessman 31Jan2022

     

    SLASH To Perform On 'Jimmy Kimmel Live!' This Wednesday (February 2nd)

    slashconspiratorsjuly2021 638

     

    Neil Young Couldn’t Remove His Music From Spotify On His Own. Here’s Why.

    Spotify CCO

     

    Steve Vai Postponed Tour Due to ‘Stupid’ Pizza-Making Injury

    attachment Steve Vai

     

    JIMI HENDRIX IN MAUI GETS GLOBAL THEATRICAL RELEASE IN FEBRUARY FROM ABRAMORAMA

    Hendrix Maui

     

    America’s Gerry Beckley recalls band’s “rocket ship” ride that began with debut album’s release 50 years ago

    M AmericaAmerica630 012622

     

    Flashback: Dan Peek’s Last Interview Exclusively On Boomerocity (Two Parts) Here and Here

     

    ‘IRL’ Concert Platform Fever Raises $227 Million in Goldman-Led Round, Touts Demand For ‘Thrilling and Well-Curated’ Events
    Fever, an eight-year-old “global live-entertainment discovery platform,” has officially raised $227 million in a funding round led by Goldman Sachs.

     

    Peter Robbins, Original Charlie Brown Voice Actor, Dead at 65

    charlie brown

     

    Van Morrison Postpones Florida Concerts From February To April Because of COVID Surge

    Van Morrison 26Jan2022

     

    Elvis Costello Inks ‘Exclusive’ Administration Deal With BMG as Catalog Sales Rush Continues

    binary comment

     

    What Happened To The Actors From “Dukes Of Hazzard?”

    dukes 735x413

     

    Flashbock 1: The 1st Boomerocity Interview With John Scheider

     

    Flashbock 2: The 2nd Boomerocity Interview With John Scheider

     

    World Premiere: Hear Bryan Adams’ Punchy New Song ‘Never Gonna Rain’

     

    Randy Travis “More Life” Documentary Sets Premier

     

    Following UMPG Publishing Deal, Bob Dylan Sells Recorded Catalog to Sony Music

     

    2022 State of Music: Is TikTok the New SoundCloud?

     

    VENTURES GUITARIST DON WILSON DEAD AT 88

    attachment wilson

     

    Daryl Hall Announces Spring 2022 U.S. Tour With Todd Rundgren

    attachment daryl hall todd rundgren

     

    Clapton Speaks: The Real Music Observer

     

    KISS’ PAUL STANLEY REFLECTS ON TURNING 70

    attachment paul stanley in front of kiss sign pointing at the camera

     

    A New ‘Guitar Hero’ Video Game Could Be Coming

    attachment guitar hero controller

     

    TikTok Testing Support for Paid Subscriptions to Creators

     

    Queen’s Brian May to Make His Acting Debut on British Children’s Show

    brian may queen 2019

     

    GRETA VAN FLEET's JAKE KISZKA Celebrates 61st Anniversary Of GIBSON's Iconic SG Guitar

    jakekiszkagibson2022 638

     

    World Premiere: Listen to Joe Satriani’s Groovy New Single ‘Sahara’

     

    Garth Brooks Reschedules Gillette Stadium Concert

    GarthBrooks 20Jan2022

     

    The Enduring Mystery of “Magic Alex”

    Magic Alex lennon mccartney alamy

     

    Chris Daughtry Confirms Stepdaughter’s Cause of Death

    Chris Daughtry2jpg

     

    Kenny Chesney sells music catalog to Hipgnosis Song Management

    Chesney 20Jan2022

     

    Sound Credit Unleashes Version 4 — A Quantum Leap for Eliminating $1.4 Billion In Annual Missing Royalties

     

    Marty Roberts of Iconic Los Angeles Lounge Act “Marty & Elayne” at The Dresden Dies at the Age of 89

    marty and elayne the dresden loz feliz marty roberts

     

    DAVID ELLEFSON And JEFF SCOTT SOTO Have 'Something Brewing'

    jeffscottsotodavidellefsonjan2022 638

     

    Who Are the Richest Musicians? Here’s a 2021 Year-End Ranking

    who are the richest musicians in 2021 article

     

    TwinsTheNewTrend Discover Michael Jackson’s Off The Wall ( Acapella with Backing Vocals Complete )

     

    John Mellencamp Likes the Effect Smoking Has Had on His Voice

    attachment mellencamp 18Jan2022

     

    Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi Mourns the Death of His Longtime Manager Ernest Chapman

    Iommi 18Jan2022

     

    Country Legend Dallas Frazier Dead, Writer of Oak Ridge Boys Hit ‘Elvira’ Was 82

    frazier

     

    World Premiere: “Big Dreams and Faded Jeans” - Now Streaming - Listen to the first track off the companion album to Dolly’s
    upcoming novel co-authored with James Patterson

     

    Boomerocity Coulda Told You This: What Year is It? Nearly a Third of the iTunes Top 100 Taken By Oldies, New Releases Not Catching On

    Creedence Clearwater Revival

     

    55 Years Ago: Hippies ‘Turn on, Tune in, Drop out’ at Human Be-In

    HumanBeIn

     

    World Premiere: New Alex Lifeson Project “Envy Of None” Releases First Single

     

    ROGER TAYLOR DEFENDS ‘BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY’ TIMELINE CHANGE

    attachment taylor

     

    A 1964 Porsche 904 GTS Once Owned by Robert Redford Could Fetch $1.7 Million at Auction
    The gorgeous racer is one of the just 100 road-legal examples ever made

    redford904gts

     

    PIMCO, ONE OF THE WORLD’S BIGGEST INVESTMENT FIRMS, TURNS ITS ATTENTION TO MUSIC RIGHTS

     

    Primary Wave Acquires Stake in America’s (the group) Catalog, ‘Certain Name and Likeness Rights’

    America Main

     

    50 ALBUMS TURNING 50 IN 2022

    attachment 1972 collage

     

    World Premiere: JETHRO TULL Releases Video For Title Track Of First Album In Over 18 Years, 'The Zealot Gene'

     

    Elvis Costello Says He Won’t Perform “Oliver’s Army” Anymore, Tells Radio Stations Not to Play It
    The song contains the line "One more widow, one less white n*****"

    elvis costello wont play olivers army

     

    Releasing Music Is Easy, Marketing Music Is Hard. Here’s How Chartmetric Is Leveraging Data to Make Marketing a Lot Easier

     

    Bob Dylan Fires Back Against Sexual Assault Allegations: ‘A Brazen Shakedown Masquerading As a Lawsuit’

     

    Nita Strauss Makes History as First Active Rock Solo Female Chart-Topper

    attachment attachment nita strauss 2021 1

     

    Calvin Simon, Former Singer for Parliament-Funkadelic, Dead at 79

    calvinsimon

     

    World Premiere: See Previously Unreleased Footage of Rolling Stones at Altamont

    attachment Stones Altamont

     

    Sidney Poitier, Beloved Legend And First Black Best Actor Oscar Winner, Dead At 94

    sidney 4

     

    Catalog Releases Now Account for 75% of U.S. Music Consumption — With 89% of Baby Boomers Streaming Songs

    2021 Report Main

     

    Bon Jovi Announce Spring 2022 North American Tour

    Jon Bon Jovi1

     

    World Premiere: Hear Edgar Winter Cover ‘Johnny B. Goode’ Featuring Joe Walsh

     

    Watch The Beatles’ Rooftop Gig in IMAX Theaters on 1/30 as a Special One-Night-Only Engagement

    the beatles get back imax

     

    Fender CEO Andy Mooney “Not Optimistic” That Guitar And Amp Supply Chain Struggles Will Improve Any Time Soon

    fender supply chain

     

    British Recorded Music Industry Eeks a Modest 2021 Gain as 1,918 Artists Surpass 10 Million Domestic Streams

     

    With Get Back, Paul McCartney Became the Most Interesting TV Character of 2021

    Ringo Starr, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, and George Harrison in THE BEATLES: GET BACK. Photo courtesy of Apple Corps Ltd.

     

    World Premiere: Chuck Berry Live from Blueberry Hill

     

    Cruise Control? The Iconic Porsche 928 From ‘Risky Business’ Can Now Be Yours
    Cruise like Cruise himself in this legendary vehicle-- which was also the star of its own documentary

    Porsche Risky Business4

     

    Spotify CEO Daniel Ek Officially Responds to Neil Young’s Pullout — Here’s His Complete Statement

    Daniel Ek750400

     

    Joni Mitchell Wants Songs Off Spotify In Covid Row

    Joni Mitchell 31Jan2022

     

    Keith Moon Biopic to Start Shooting in Summer

    KeithMoon 31Jan2022

     

    Wayne's World AMC Pacer 'Mirthmobile' Auctioned for Record Amount

    amcpacer

     

    THE BEATLES AND INDIA - DOCUMENTARY TO STREAM EXCLUSIVELY ON BRITBOX IN NORTH AMERICA STARTING FEBRUARY 15, 2022 ~ SILVA SCREEN RECORDS RELEASES COMPANION ALBUM THE BEATLES AND INDIA: SONGS INSPIRED BY THE FILM

    BeatlesandIndia

     

    Young Slash Wouldn’t Have Believed Guns N’ Roses’ Pandemic Tour

    Slash 27Jan2022

     

    The Zombies add North American summer leg to Life Is a Merry-Go-Round Tour

    the zombies 2022 tour

     

    Home of the Week: Inside the Spectacular $85 Million Beverly Hills Mansion That ‘Full House’ Built

    Cielo2

     

    Julian Lennon Is Selling The Beatles Memorabilia As NFTs

    john lennon 01

     

    Brian May Helps Reunite 8-Year-Old Boy With Lost Guitar

    Brian May 25Jan2022

     

    Elton John Postpones Dallas Shows Of Restarted Tour After Testing Positive For Covid

    elton john dallas 25Jan2022

     

    Neil Young Demands Spotify Remove His Music Over ‘False Information About Vaccines’
    “They can have [Joe] Rogan or Young,” Neil Young wrote in a letter to his manager and label. “Not both”

    neil young pulls music from spotify

     

    Is Old Music Killing New Music?
    Old songs now represent 70 percent of the U.S. music market. Even worse: The new-music market is actually shrinking

     

    Find Your Lane as a Musician. Ignore Everything Else.

     

    Meat Loaf’s Daughter Pens Touching Tributes To Late Singer

    meatloaf daughter 02

     

    Adele Cancels Entire Las Vegas Residency Due to COVID

    adele cancels las vegas residency article

     

    Graham Nash Condemns Anti-Vaxxer For Co-opting His Song ‘Chicago’

    attachment nash

     

    Ozzy Osbourne’s CryptoBatz Project Shares Scam Link — Thousands Stolen From Unsuspecting Fans

    ozzy crypto batz scam article

     

    Meat Loaf, Rock Legend and ‘Bat Out of Hell’ Singer, Dead at 74

    meat loaf dead 09

     

    World Premiere: Dee Snider Covers ‘Theme for an Imaginary Western’ for Upcoming Leslie West Tribute Album

     

    Indie Venues Face a Surging Concert No-Show Rate — 50% of Ticketholders Are Staying Home

     

    Steve Vai Postpones 2022 Tour from January to September; Needs Surgical Procedure

    steve vai tour 2022 crop

     

    Jimi Hendrix Experience Estates in Dispute Over Royalties

    Jimi Hendrix Experience

     

    Rocky Dijon: The Spicy Percussion Master

    sticky fingers cover

     

    Ozzy Osbourne Bit the Head Off a Live Bat 40 Years Ago Today
    He’ll never live down the infamous moment, even though the whole thing was a complete accident

    ozzy osbourne 20Jan2022

     

    Catalog Appraiser Massarsky Consulting Sells to Citrin Cooperman as Music IP Sales Rush Continues

     

    ‘Payola Is Illegal’: Lawsuit Revives Pay-for-Play Accusations in Radio Industry
    Independent radio promoter Steve Zap made more than 130 payments totaling over $300,000 to help cover bills for a West Coast radio company, according to court docs

     

    Peloton’s New David Bowie Workouts Include Exclusive Remixes

    david bowie peloton

     

    U2’s Bono Feels “Embarrassed” Hearing His Voice On The Radio

    Bono 19Jan2022

     

    Recording Academy Reschedules the 2022 Grammys For April, Moves Ceremony to Las Vegas

    when are the grammys article

     

    Microsoft Buys Activision in $69 Billion Deal – Will It Revive Guitar Hero?

    microsoft activision who owns guitar hero article

     

    Digital Burnout Fears: ‘It’s a lot we’re asking of artists’

     

    Jewel-Box Heroes: Why the CD Revival Is Finally Here
    Compact discs never had the romance of vinyl or the convenience of MP3s. But they’re still the ideal format for getting lost inside your music collection

     

    World Premiere: Loverboy’s New Song, “Release”

     

    25 Years Ago: John Deacon Plays His Final Queen Show

    attachment John Deacon Brian May Queen

     

    Fred Parris Dies: Singer On ‘In The Still Of The Night’ By The Five Satins Was 85

    Fred Parris

     

    World Premiere: ROLLING STONES UNRELEASED: ‘LOW DOWN’ (alt. version, Keith on vocals, 1997)

     

    MLK Day Finally Arrives As Paid Day Off For Most Hollywood Workers

    Martin Luther King Jr D.C. 1963

     

    40 Years Ago: A Rejected Babys Song Becomes Journey’s Signature Ballad

     

    World Premiere: Slash ft. Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators ‘Call Off the Dogs’ on Red-Hot New Song

     

    How Ronnie Spector Helped Eddie Money Score His Biggest Hit

    attachment ronnie spector eddie money

     

    ROUND HILL MUSIC BUYS CATALOG FROM WHITE SNAKE’S DAVID COVERDALE, STRIKES DEAL WITH NANCY WILSON FROM HEART

    David Coverdale 1 e1642166241596 418x236

     

    He Used Plastic Surgery to Raise Rock Stars From the Dead - Decades before hologram tours, one rogue '70s promoter found another way to put Elvis, Janis, Jim Morrison, and other late icons back onstage

    PlasticSurgeon 14Jan2022

     

    Keith Richards, Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell Items for Auction

    attachment richards

     

    Ronnie Spector, Rock Icon Behind ‘Be My Baby’ and Ex of Phil Spector, Dead At 78

    ronnie spector

     

    DAVID LEE ROTH Addresses COVID-Related Cancelations In Latest Artwork

    davidleerothmay2021 638

     

    Burke Shelley, Singer and Bassist for Budgie, Dead at 71

    attachment Burke Budgie

     

    World Premiere: Saxon Unmasks New Single, “Remember The Fallen”, From Their Upcoming Album, “Carpe Diem”

     

    Woodstock Organizer Michael Lang Dies At 77

    attachment michael lang woodstock death

     

    World Mourns Death Of Comedy Icon Bob Saget: “Wasn’t A Kinder Person In Hollywood”

    bobsagetdeath

     

    Elton John Guitarist Davey Johnstone Says Elton’s Upcoming Shows Will Feature A Moment “You Wouldn’t Expect”

    DaveyJohnstone 10Jan2022

     

    Google Infringed On Multiple Sonos Patents, U.S. International Trade Commission Rules

     

    Peter Bogdanovich Dies: 'The Last Picture Show', 'Paper Moon' & 'What's Up, Doc?' Director Was 82

    Peter Bogdanovich dies

     

    Lollapalooza Co-Founder Ted Gardner Has Passed Away – Aged 74

    ted gardner lollapalooza founder passes article

     

    The Eagles Announce 2022 Hotel California Extended Tour Dates

    eagles tour additions 07jan2022

     

    TwinsTheNewTrend Discover Chuck Berry's 'Johnny B. Goode'

     

    Live Nation and Ticketmaster Face Class-Action Antitrust Lawsuit Over ‘Blatant, Anti-Consumer Behavior’

     

    Country Songwriter Tom T. Hall’s Death Ruled a Suicide
    The Country Music Hall of Fame member known for songs like “Harper Valley PTA” and “Homecoming” died last summer

    tomthall suicide

     

    David Bowie Estate Sells Icon’s Catalog to Warner Chappell for $250M

    david bowie press 2015

     

    Take A Peek Inside: Adele Gets a ‘Steal’ on Sylvester Stallone’s Beverly Park Mansion

    adele house

     

    The Nirvana ‘Nevermind’ Album Cover Lawsuit Has Been Dismissed By a Judge

    nirvana nevermind crop

     

    DEEN CASTRONOVO's Absence From JOURNEY's New Year's Eve Performance Explained

    deencastronovonov 03jan2022

     

    Steve McQueen’s Beloved Husqvarna Viking 360 Motorcycle Is Heading to Auction
    It's widely considered one of the most important Huskies of the 20th century

    McQueen Viking 360 10

     

     

    Hargus ‘Pig’ Robbins, Legendary Keyboardist Who Played on Albums by Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, Dead at 84
    Blind after an accident at age 3, Robbins learned to play piano with a distinct sense of feel, which made him a go-to Nashville session musician

    HargusPigRobbins

     

    World Premiere: Listen to Jimi Hendrix Jam Two Days Before His Death

     

    Joe Rogan Officially Responds to Neil Young’s Spotify Pullout — Here’s His Complete Statement

    rogan spotify statement 1200

     

    Burt Reynolds’s Iconic ‘77 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am Is Heading to Auction
    The retro gem will be offered without reserve at Barrett-Jackson’s Scottsdale auction this weekend

    BurtReynolds Pontiac

     

    SiriusXM Relaunches ‘Neil Young Radio’ Following Spotify Takedown

    Neil Young taunts Trump

     

    Beatles’ Full Rooftop Concert Headed to Streaming Services

    attachment beatles rooftop concert

     

    Not To Be: Spotify to Remove Neil Young’s Music Following Ultimatum: ‘We Regret Neil’s Decision’

    neil young spotify 27Jan2022

     

    Lefsetz Says: “Spotify is at the bleeding edge of the civil war.”

     

    Sammy Hagar Teams up With George Thorogood for Summer 2022 Tour

    Haggar Thorogood Tour

     

    To Be or Not To Be: Neil Young Reportedly Fights Spotify Over Rogan and COVID
    In a now-deleted letter, the rocker demanded Spotify pull his music from its platform unless they removed Joe Rogan's podcast, which has spread COVID misinformation

    Neil Young 26Jan2022

     

    Reservoir Acquires Publishing & Recorded Music Catalog of Country Star Travis Tritt

    reservoir travis tritt catalog deal article

     

    Kid Rock Recruits Foreigner and Grand Funk Railroad for U.S. Tour

    attachment kid rock foreigner grand funk railroad tour1

     

    Keith Richards Announces Reissue of ‘Main Offender’ Solo LP

    attachment Keith Richards Box Set

     

    Clapton Speaks, Part 2: The Real Music Observer

     

    The Music Industry Saved Songwriter Hugh Prestwood From Homelessness.

    Is It Also Responsible for His Plight?
    Prestwood wrote hits for Randy Travis and Trisha Yearwood in the Nineties, but at 79 he was forced to launch a GoFundMe campaign when he and his wife could no longer afford rent

    Hugh Prestonwood 25Jan2022

     

    Flashback: The Boomerocity Interview With Pearl Aday

    PearlAday

     

    World Premiere: Listen to Foo Fighters’ New ‘Fraggle Rock’ Theme Song

     

    The Temptations At 60: Still On Cloud 9

    temptations wiki

     

    Quite A . . . Heady Appetite: Ozzy Osbourne Bit a Third Dove’s Head Off on Same Day

    ozzy 3rd dove head

     

    Playboy Bunnies Blast ‘Predator’ Hiugh Hefner’s Bestiality, ‘Cult’ Sex and Worse

    hugh hefner 2

     

    Louie Anderson Dies: Comedian & Emmy Winner Was 68

    louie anderson

     

    John Mellencamp’s New Album, ‘Strictly a One-Eyed Jack,’ Arrives Featuring Three Springsteen Collabs

     

    Bet It Hurt His D String: Man Steals $8,000 Guitar by Stuffing It Down His Pants

    stolen guitar

     

    The New Boomerocity Interview With Steve Vai

    Inviolate final

     

    Elton John Resumes Yellow Brick Road Tour: Set List and Photos

    EltonJohn 20Jan2022

     

    The Funny Way Van Halen, Blackmore and Gary Moore First Met Each Other

    Eddie Van Halen 3

     

    Brittany Aldean Helps a Woman in El Salvador Keep Her House With a $10,000 Gift

    attachment BrittanyAldean1

     

    An Italian Castle That Starred in One of the ‘Godfather’ Movies Just Listed for $6.8 Million
    Make an offer that the owner can't refuse

    ItalySothebysRealtyAcireale3

     

    Neil Young & Crazy Horse ‘Barn’ Documentary Coming To YouTube
    The 73-minute film provides a behind-the-scenes look at the legendary band recording their latest studio album

     

    STAIND's AARON LEWIS Passes Kidney Stone Less Than Week After Having His Appendix Removed

    aaronlewisappendnew 638

     

    Daniel Radcliffe Cast as ‘Weird Al’ Yankovic in Upcoming Biopic

    attachment weird al

     

    Rosa Lee Hawkins, Singer of The Dixie Cups, Dies at 76
    The New Orleans girl group's "Chapel of Love" hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1964

     

    Elvis Costello Thinks Rock Has Lost Its ‘Roll’

    costello1

     

    Prince Estate Valued at $156.4 Million In Settlement of Years-Long IRS Dispute

    prince estate undervalued irs article

     

    Following KKR Catalog Agreement, BMG Partners With Pimco to Buy Additional Music IP

     

    Ralph Emery Dies: Country Music DJ & TV Host Was 88

    Emery Ralph

     

    World Premiere: HEART's ANN WILSON Releases Music Video For Her Cover Version Of ALICE IN CHAINS' 'Rooster'

     

    Joe Walsh to Guest on ‘The Conners’ This Week

    attachment walsh

     

    Flashback: TwinsTheNewTrend Discover Journey’s “Open Arms” (& Talks About Perry’s Tight Jeans)

     

    Jimmy Buffett to Make a Guest Appearance on ‘Blue Bloods’

    attachment jimmy buffett blue blodds

     

    MELISSA ETHERIDGE ANNOUNCES ‘HEARTSTRINGS’ GRAPHIC NOVEL

    attachment Etheridge cover

     

    SIRIUSXM ACQUIRES MUSIC FOR BUSINESS SERVICE CLOUD COVER MEDIA

    sxm 14jan2022

     

    World Premiere: STEVE VAI Releases Visualizer For New Song 'Zeus In Chains'

     

    Music Industry Is ‘Criminal Enterprise’ Says Jay Jay French

    attachment french

     

     

    MAMMOTH WVH And DIRTY HONEY Postpone Launch Of 'Young Guns' Tour

    wolfgangdirtyhoney 638

     

    The Rolling Stones Are Getting Their Own Stamps Courtesy of the U.K.’s Royal Mail

    rolling stones stamps

     

    American Radio Stations Weigh Conditional Settlement Offer From Irving Azoff’s Global Music Rights

     

    World Premiere: Elvis Costello & The Imposters Say Goodbye With New Single, “Farewell, OK”

     

    COVID-Sniffing Dogs Are Keeping Concerts on Track In 2022

    covid sniffing dogs concerts article

     

    Dwayne Hickman Dies: ‘The Many Loves Of Dobie Gillis’ Star Was 87

    DwayneHickman300 e1641751326914

     

    Dick Carson Dies: Director Of ‘The Tonight Show’ And Brother Of Johnny Was 92

    Dick Carson Obituary

     

    China Prohibits All Music Platforms From Inking Exclusive Copyright Deals Following Tencent Music Crackdown

     

    Warner Records CEO Aaron Bay-Schuck, Gene Simmons, Daniel Glass, Others Protest Artist Boycott of Sydney Festival

     

    Hollywood Remembers “Champion Of Cinema” Peter Bogdanovich: Francis Ford Coppola, Jeff Bridges, Barbra Streisand & More Weigh In

     

    The Grammys Are Officially Postponed Due to Omicron — Recording Academy Releases Statement

    grammy awards postponed article

     

    Blues Legend Walter Trout Postpones UK/EU Tour

    walter trout tour cancellation 07jan2022

     

    Valerie Bertinelli Reveals Eddie Van Halen’s Final Words

    EVH Valerie Jan072022

     

    Right on Cue, SiriusXM Launches a Dedicated David Bowie Channel

    sirius xm launches dedicated david bowie channel article

     

    Paul McCartney: The “Unknown Beatle”

    paul mccartney unknown

     

    PRS Confirms Launch Date, Specs of John Mayer Signature SE Silver Sky

    PRS Mayer Sig Guitar

     

    TwinsTheNewTrend Discover Otis Redding's 'Try A Little Tenderness'

     

    Beatles Film Producer Denis O’Dell Dead at 98

    attachment BeatlesMovies

     

    GENE SIMMONS's New Year's Resolutions: 'I'd Like To Be A Better, Kinder, Better-Looking And Richer Guy'

    genesimmonsinvictussept2018 638

     

    Paul McCartney Tells Why Good Things Always Happen After Bad Moments

    Paul McCartney 03jan2022

     

  • 2022.02 Boomerocity Buzz

     

    Foo Fighters to Become First International Act to Perform In Australia Since March of 2020

    Foo Fighters Main

     

    BLACKROCK TEAMS WITH WARNER TO LAUNCH NEW $750M MUSIC-BUYING FUND VIA INFLUENCE MEDIA

     

    Elton John’s Plane Forced to Make Emergency Landing

    attachment Elton John 2022

     

    Pete Townshend Talks About Upcoming Keith Moon Movie

    PTownshend Moon

     

    SoundCloud Inks Artist-Discovery Deal With Solid Foundation Management

     

    Gary Brooker Dies: Procol Harum Frontman, “Whiter Shade Of Pale” Singer-Songwriter Was 76

     

    Signed Jimi Hendrix Lyric Sheet Pieced Back Together After 55 Years

    HendrixLyricsSheet

     

    World Premiere: When The Levee Breaks feat. John Paul Jones | Playing For Change | Song Around The World

     

    Dwight Yoakam, Warner Music Group Officially Settle Copyright-Termination Lawsuit

     

    Ivan Reitman, Director of ‘Ghostbusters’ and ‘Stripes,’ Dead At 75

    ivan reitman 820

     

    Bon Jovi To See Greenwich Village Apartment For #22 Million

    BonJoviApt

     

    Ian McDonald: King Crimson and Foreigner Co-Founder Dies

    Ian McDonald 11Feb2022

     

    Willie Nelson To Release New Original Album “A Beautiful Time”

    willie nelson

     

    Slash Explains How Technology Has Changed the ‘Soul’ of Rock Music

    attachment slash 20202

     

    Watch Slash ft. Myles Kennedy & The Conspirators cover Elton John's 'Rocket Man'
    At their opening North American tour date

     

    Explosive Funk Singer Betty Davis Dead at 77

    BettyDavis

     

    Gumby Universe, Including Classic Kids Clay Character, Acquired By Fox With Plans To Create New Series

    Gumby

     

    Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band Finally Set to Return to the Road This Spring
    “I can’t wait to get back out on the road and play,” Starr said in a statement. “This is the longest I’ve been off the road in years”

    Ringo 07Feb2022

     

    SLASH Says He Loves Recording And Touring More And Has More Passion For It Now Than He Did When He Started

    slashrivershort 638

     

    World Premiere: RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS Release Music Video For New Single 'Black Summer'

     

    Gotta Watch: TwinsTheNewTrend See Michael Jackson Moonwalk Live For The First Time

     

    ‘Hot for Teacher’ Actor Recalls Private Show From Eddie Van Halen

    attachment vanhalen

     

    Philip Paul, Drummer on ‘Fever’ and ‘The Twist,’ Dead at 96

    attachment Philip Paul

     

    ALICE COOPER: 'I Don't Think Rock And Roll And Politics Belong In The Same Bed Together'

    alicecooper 02Feb2022

     

    Soul Bank Music Inks Comprehensive Catalog Deal with Famed Hammond B3 Organist/Keyboardist Brian Auger

    brian auger photo

     

    World Premiere: Listen to Beth Hart Cover Led Zeppelin’s ‘Black Dog’

     

    Guitars Signed By Keith Richards, Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Fetch tens Of Thousands At MusiCares Auction

    RichardsMcCartney Guitars

     

    Who Knew?! ‘Jeffersons’ Star Sherman Hemsley Was Prog Rock’s Biggest Fan

    attachment Yes Jon Anderson Sherman Hemsley Getty

     

    Primary Wave Acquires ‘Additional Stake’ In Def Leppard Publishing Catalog and Recorded Royalties

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  • Alice Cooper and Salvador Dali 1973

     

    About Bob Gruen

    Baby boomers have seen and admired the work of Bob Gruen ever since his initial work with Ike and Tina Turner back in 1970. Since that time, Bob has not only photographed some of the most iconic people in rock music, many of his photos have become iconic, as well.

    Bob has been a friend to Boomerocity since 2010 when we first interviewed him (here). The interview was so well received that none other than his dear friend, Yoko Ono, posted it on her website (here). It only seems natural to feature some of his work here on Boomerocity. Whether the images are those you have seen countless times or ones that have rarely been seen by the public, Bob’s photos presented here on Boomerocity will bring back memories and smiles.

    You can own your own authorized copy of these and other images by visiting BobGruen.com.

    You can also read our other interviews with Bob here and here as well as read more about his accomplishments here.


    Alice Cooper and Salvador Dali with 'Brain of A Popstar' in NYC. February 25, 1973. © Bob Gruen/www.bobgruen.com Please contact Bob Gruen's studio to purchase a print or license this photo. email: info@bobgruen.com Image #: R-88

    Before Marilyn Manson. Before Slip Knot. Heck, before Kiss, there was Alice Cooper.

    Not since Johnny Cash sang, "A Boy Name Sue," did we hear about a man with a woman's name. One would have thought that that alone would generate enough controversial attention. Yet, that was just the beginning.

    Mascara. Thigh high boots. An electric chair. Gallows. A guillotine. A boa constrictor that was quite long and quite real. All of that and more was integrated into a band - which later became the man - Alice Cooper.

    As Alice's fame grew, so did the size of the crowd of celebrities who wanted to be seen - and get to know - the founder of Shock Rock.

    From the beginning, our friend, Bob Gruen, was there, snapping images of this phenomenon; images that became as iconic as Cooper did.

    In the video on the right of this page, Bob shares exclusively with Boomerocity followers his history with Alice Cooper, his relationship with him, and the story behind this month's featured photo that he shot.

    Watch it. Tell your friends about it. After watching it, please consider ordering your own official copy of this historic photo directly from Bob by clicking here.

    Click On The Video Below To Listen To Bob's Story Behind This Iconic Photo!  

     

    Click On The Lower Right Corner To Enlarge This Video

    You Are At The Right Place With Bob Gruen & Boomerocity!

    rightplacerighttimecoverThe foundation of most successful people is being at the right place at the right time. That is certainly the case with our dear friend and renowned rock photographer, Bob Gruen. For over fifty years he has photographically documented the music scene with photographs that have become as iconic as the legendary artists in them.

    Over the years, Bob has shared his photographs in a variety of books and Boomerocity is proud to have most of them in its own library. Naturally, with word of yet another amazing book being released by Gruen, we are stoked!

    The book is entitled, "Right Place, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer" (Abrams Press; October 20, 2020). It is Bob’s “first memoir of his winding, adventure-filled journey.” In it he shares with us such stories as his intimate visits to John and Yoko’s apartment in New York City; having backstage access with KISS; being there in the early days with Blondie’s Debbie Harry; being on the bus with the during the ill-fated US tour of the Sex Pistols; being on the road with Ike and Tina Turner; inside CBGB and many other amazing stories.

    Of course, no book by Bob Gruen would be complete without him sharing some of his amazing photographs. He does exactly that with some iconic and never-before-published images that offer a unique peek into the last five decades of the evolution of American music culture.

    Don’t just take our word for it. Check out what some of Bob’s friends have to say about this book:

    “Bob has seen it all, lived the life, and he doesn’t hold back in this book.” —Billie Joe Armstrong

    “Bob catches those explosive, signature moments that every photographer hopes to get.” —Debbie Harry

    “Bob Gruen has been a witness to many of the greatest moments in rock and roll’s history.” —Jakob Dylan

    “Bob is the guy behind the camera who you actually like! He brings out your best cool.” —Iggy Pop

    You can order your copy by clicking on the photo of the book at the top. With the holidays just right around the corner, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer is the perfect gift for that music nut or photography buff on your gift list so go ahead and order extra copies.

     

     

     

     

     

     Click Below To Order

    SeeHearYoko

      Click Below To Order

    RockSeenCover

     

  • Bob Gruen

    Posted March, 2010

    bobgruen1Bob Gruen @ MoMA Collage Exhibit © Mandi NewallElvis.  Aerosmith. Elton John.  The Stones.  Alice Cooper. Zeppelin.  Lennon/Yoko. Dylan. Frampton.

    These artists and icons dominated my mind (besides girls) in my youth.  Photo’s torn from my favorite rock magazines and posters purchased in the store (for the astronomical price of $1!) hung on my bedroom walls.

    The images are burned into the firmware of my mind.  Their poses, grimaces and smiles frozen forever in their youth.  The close that they were in the shots influenced how I dressed and looked.  Jeans and jackets were purchased because of something similar Bob Dylan wore in a photo.  Platform shoes?  Thank you, Elton John.  Hair?  Thanks to a still shot of Mick Jagger in concert at Madison Square Garden, I started parting my longish hair in the middle, trying to feather it back just like Mick.

    What single thread runs through these memories?  Many of the photos that hung on my walls, influenced my “look” and burned into my memory banks were taken by famous rock photographer, Bob Gruen.

    Gruen was destined for rock and roll.  An avid fan of The Who in the sixties, they were the band that compelled him to join a crowd a half a million strong at a place called Yasgur’s Farm.  There, he witnessed not only the band that he braved the crowds and eliments to see, but many other historic performances that made the Woodstock festival the stuff of legends.

    After Woodstock, Gruen eventually worked his way to the position of chief photographer for Rock Scene Magazine.  This afforded him the coveted vantage point of creating candid photos of bands and artist on and off the stage. 

    Bob Gruen didn’t allow himself to be stuck in the seventies.  His interest in the music scene allowed him to effortlessly go with the flow of changes in the sights and sounds of musical tastes.  Gruen has covered almost every major act and artist the 70’s to today.

    I recently caught up with Bob Gruen, by phone, at his gallery in New York City.  For some reason, I decided to start off the interview by asking Bob what career path he would’ve chosen had he not gone down the rock photographer path.  As with his answer during the rest of our conversation, his answers are open, honest and transparent.

    “I have no idea.  Well, the 60’s were a different time from now.  Now, people really plan their future and their career.  In the 60’s it was turn on, tune in and drop out.  And that’s basically what I did.  I wasn’t really thinking about a career.  I didn’t really do very well in school and I didn’t have a major in college.

    “I had an older brother who was an overachiever who always got straight A’s and it kind of left me with not much will to succeed on that level – to compete on that level.  So, I was living with a rock and roll band and having a good time. “

    So, the obvious question in your mind would be, why photography, so I asked.

    “Photography was always my hobby and I got pretty good at it.  When the band got signed, they used my pictures for the publicity.  I started meeting publicists for record companies and they started hiring me to take more and more pictures.  It just worked out that way. 

    “I didn’t really have a plan to be a photographer in any specific sense – to be anything.  A policeman, fireman, anything like that. I really didn’t have a plan.  I was aimless.”

    Boy, weren’t we all!

    Having read his thoughts about attending Woodstock, I asked if he took any pictures while he was there.

    “I did, actually.  I went as a fan of The Who and I like camping out.  Me and a couple of friends went up there to have a good time.  It’s funny, the pictures I took.  I did take pictures of my friends inside our tent so I have some ‘head shots’ with a green tent behind them but they don’t show much of the festival. 

    “I did find a couple of dozen pictures of the festival that I took - a couple around my tent and a couple of the stage area.  I didn’t take any of the acts.  I wasn’t there to work in that sense.  I hadn’t yet started getting into the music business yet.  

    Last summer, a French magazine asked me to put down my memories from Woodstock.  He (the editor) liked the idea that I was there as a fan and not working so I put together a story and put it up on my website (here.).

    I asked Bob if he attended the 40th anniversary festivities back in August of last year.

    “Not the 40th.  No, we didn’t go – or the 30th.  We went to, I think, the 25th.  Not the one that turned into an overblown riot but the first reunion which turned into a drunken mess.   We left half way through it.

    “Actually, I went up the hill into Woodstock to see a real show.  We saw The Fugs, with Alan Ginsberg, who were playing on the Saturday night of the festival. 

    All of us have stories of regrets and missed opportunities.  I asked Gruen if there were any shots or gigs that got away from him that he regretted missing.

    “Oh, well, there are a lot of things I missed.  I wish that I could have photographed Otis Redding but I started a little too late to connect with him.  I met Jimi Hendrix once.  He said, ‘We’ll meet again’ but he was wrong” he adds with a sad chuckle before concluding by saying,  “But, other than that, I’ve pretty much met or photographed everybody that I wanted to.

    Lots of changes have happened both in the music business and in the world of photography in general.  I asked Bob what he viewed as the most positive changes in his line of work.

    “Oh, well, the ease of delivery.  We don’t have to rush to dupe slides and hire messengers and ship things to England overnight.  The idea of making multiple prints and rush and having to get them out to all the different magazines . . . now we just e-mail scans.  It’s a lot easier.”

    And the biggest negative change in his line of work?

    “Photography has gotten so easy that there’s tens of millions of people doing it!

    “It used to be that a photographer had to be somewhat nerdy – to be a bit of a tech guy.  You had to focus and know what F stops and speeds meant.  You had to be able to develop and print film.  All of those things have been automated.  Now, you just pick up your phone and push one more button and whatever you’re looking at can be seen around the world.  That’s quite an advance.”

    Gruen had voiced his displeasure with websites like Flikr. I wanted to know, though, if he saw the internet as more of a positive or a negative in his industry.

    “Well, it negatively affects the work because people tend to think that everything they see on the internet is ‘free’.  Content is what I’ve sold all my life.  Everybody think it’s free.  It’s similar to the downloading of music files, people just take pictures and move them from one site to another and use them any way they want without even thinking that they have to pay for it.  So, this tremendously cuts into the income when people aren’t paying for your work.

    I thought for sure that the proliferation of music videos and concert DVD’s over the years would have hurt the photography trade. Bob’s insights into this area set me straight on that perception.

    “People tend to watch videos on YouTube or whatever.  You can’t put YouTube on your wall unless you have a big screen on your wall.  It recently came up in an article.  There was an exhibit recently at the Brooklyn Museum of Art called ‘Who Shot Rock’.  It’s about Rock Photography.  The reviewer wrote that he felt that video was the better way to review it.  We all could’ve been up in arms about that. 

    “Video hardly captured the excitement of rock and roll at all.  To capture one peak moment in a still photograph that says so much about the energy and excitement, the mood of an artist - you can only do that in a photograph – a photograph that you can put on a wall and it’s just there.  You feel the inspiration.  Not like having to turn on a TV or to operate the machinery or video.  I don’t think that video cuts into the still.  The appreciation is still photo. “

    As stated earlier, Bob Gruen isn’t stuck in the past.  I was curious, however, what his thoughts of the past are.  His answer is both philosophical and reflective.

    “I respect the past and I think people should learn from the past but I don’t dwell in the past.  I don’t wish that I could go back to Max’s.  It’s like we shouldn’t even go back to high school.  Some people do but I certainly don’t.  I look forward , looking for new experiences.

    Fast-forwarding to the present, I asked Bob what bands and artists command his attention today.  His response is instant.

    “Greenday.  There are a few others that I enjoy. I’ve seen Courtney Love.  She’s a riveting performer.  You can’t take your eyes off of her.  But Greenday is certainly the top band of the land.  They’re the most powerful and meaningful band around.  And the most fun, especially if you’ve ever seen them live.  They’re the most fun band around today.

    “There’s a group here in New York that I like called The Sex Slaves. They’re very  blunt and also a lot of fun.  But there’s not a lot.  I was never somebody who ever sought to follow every single group that ever existed and have an encyclopedic knowledge of it.  I just follow what I like.  I’m a fan.  I mostly follow my friends or people friends recommend.  I’m not out every night on the prowl looking for a new band.

    “I’m a bit older now.  Thirty years ago it was fun for me to sit on a bus with 22 year olds who are getting drunk but it’s not really the same any more for me.”  With a laugh, he adds, “I’m a grandfather nowadays,  I prefer to spend time with my family.

    With the mention of his family, I commented on the fact that his son, Khris, is pursuing a little bit different route in the music business than his.

    “Yeah, he’s just finishing up his third CD, which should be out soon.  He’s got his fans and he’s getting more and more popular.   He started kind of late – somewhat intimidated by my reputation.  Also, my ex-wife married Joe Beck, the jazz guitar player, who is a world famous musician. And I think that, rather than encouraging Khris, it kind of held him back a bit because he felt he couldn’t on that kind of level.  And I’m very happy to see that he’s doing very well on his own and enjoying it a lot.

    In the course of the conversation, I mention the use of his photo of John Lennon that graces the cover of Philip Norman’s biography of the man.  It brought to mind the many others Bob Gruen had known because of his line of work.  I asked him who are some of the people that he misses either due to their death or retirement from active life and what is it that you miss about them?

    “I miss Joe Strummer – being able to hang out with him and spend time with him.  His shows were great.  He was great.  It was great fun. Whenever my wife and I would go out to dinner with Joe Strummer, we would have to remind each other to bring our sunglasses because we knew we weren’t coming back until after the sun was up.  When you walk out of a bar at eight in the morning you NEED your sunglasses” he finishes with a laugh.

    “Of course, I miss John Lennon – hanging out with him.  He was great. Every time I saw him, I felt that I learned something.   I miss a lot of people.  I miss Johnny Thunders.  Joey Ramone.  But I make new friends.  The Sex Slaves, Green Day.  You move on.  That’s the down side to living longer than your friends, missing them” he says with a chuckle.

    With so many accomplishments that he can point to, I asked Bob what he would like to achieve that he hasn’t already.  His deadpan answer floored me.

    “Make a lot of money.”

    Say WHAT?! I thought rock photographers made a lot of money?

    “No, this is a VERY low budget operation!  I don’t know if there was more than two or three times in my life when I started the month with enough money to finish it.  I mean, I never had a cushion where I knew my bills were paid.  I’ve always had to work every week to insure that I would have an income.

    “I think that people tend to think that if you hang out with Led Zeppelin or John Lennon that you have that kind of money – that you live on that kind of level rather than just visit.  I visit.  But then I come home to a small apartment in the Village.  I don’t have a yacht. For many years I never even had a new car.  Only recently, because my wife has an income and she shares with me am I able to lease a new car.

    “I’m doing much better than I used to.  I’m at least leasing a new car rather than driving my old beaters.  It’s a misconception that you live the high life and travel around and make a lot of money.  Some photographers do.  A few. Not many. 

    “Certain photographers working with a ‘boy band’ who sells dozens and dozens of pictures to every magazine around the world - if you have good access to them then you can make some good money.  But, for most people shooting most bands, especially nowadays there are so many magazines and so many online so-called magazines that pay practically nothing because there are tens of thousands of people interested in photography since it got so easy.  And many of them will just give away a picture for the credit.

    “So, though prices have increased ten-fold, payment for photographs haven’t increased much at all since the 70’s.  If anything, it’s going down because of so many more people willing to just put it out there for credit.

    “And then other things like Corbis and Getty – the major photo agencies that are buying up the other smaller photo agencies in the world – they’re trying to own the content and so they’re purposely setting out to put photo agencies and photographers out of business by licensing photos at tremendously discounted rates.  I mean, photos that we license for four or five hundred dollars, they license for five or ten dollars, literally that kind of difference. And to have to try and compete with those kinds of prices, we can’t.  That’s the point: those kinds of companies want to put all of the other people out of business.  They want to own all of the content for the future because content is king on the internet.”

    Wow!  Who woulda thunk it?

    How about touring exhibits?  I wanted to find out where I could see exhibitions featuring his art and if books were available featuring him.

    “I don’t really have a world-wide agent organizing that.  I’m still pretty independent here.  So, I only do a few exhibitions a year.  I do have a some planned in June for London and, possibly, in the fall in Paris.  My John Lennon book is going to come out in French next October in France. 

    “I just had a big collage piece of my work that was in the Museum of Modern Art over the last summer, but that’s over now.  ‘Who Shot Rock’ is going to travel to five other museums.  It may actually be down south there.

    “We’re also excited about getting the show together for the opening here in NY – I don’t even have the list of where it’s going.  It closed here January 31st.  But then I know that it’s going to travel to a few other places.

    “My website, BobGruen.com, directs people to most of the available things.  My photos are available from several different galleries here in the states.  There’s one in particular that does a lot of business online.  My books, Clash is still in print but hard to get.  John Lennon is still available.  The New York Dolls book is available on Amazon or BarnesandNoble.com or whatever website people want to go to. 

    “The best collection of my work, called Rockers. Currently it’s only published in Brazil but it’s available on my website but it’s a little pricey because it’s heavy and we have to ship it.  I think its $60 or $70 with the shipping.  But that’s the biggest collection of my work.

    “I’m currently just beginning to work on a book that will be out in the fall 2011 that will be an American published collection of my work.”

    My time with Bob Gruen was quickly coming to a close and I had a couple of more questions that I just had to ask.  One had to do with his thoughts about the artists’ he knew (other than Lennon) who are no longer with us.

    “Joe Strummer comes to mind first.  I spent a lot of time with him.  Joey Ramone.  He was a wonderfully sweet guy. Johnny Thunders was a good friend.”

    What about the other artist who he wasn’t quite as close to?

    “Quite a lot of my photos were just done as jobs.  They were friendly but not necessarily friends.  You’re pleased to see each other but you don’t go out to dinner with each other. Some of them you develop friendships with. As in any business where you work with a lot of people there’s certain people that you hit it off with and wind up being friends with.

    “I was lucky in that way to have a number of good friends.”

    I thought I was wrapping up the interview by commenting as to how I thought it said a lot about him with the fact that he was able to develop the relationship and friendship with John Lennon and Yoko and that he still has the relationship with Yoko.  Only expecting a “thank you” for the compliment, Gruen, instead, takes the opportunity to defend his good friend, Yoko Ono.

    “You know, Yoko’s been very maligned in the newspapers and in the press.  With her new album in the past year, she’s got quite a bit of positive press.  But, when people ask me what kind of women Yoko is, I always say that she’s the kind of women that John Lennon could marry.”

    Since he opened the door to discussing Yoko Ono, I asked Bob what he thought the biggest misconception about her was.

    “The biggest misconception?  That she doesn’t have a sense of humor. John said that she’s the most famous unknown artist in the world.  Everybody knows who she is but nobody knows what she does.  And I think with her new album out, she’s getting a lot of press, she’s getting a lot of attention.  More people are getting to see her perform and starting to get an idea of what a wonderfully open and how much humor her work has.

    “She’s quite prolific.  On her website, Imagine Peace, she answers 10 to 15 questions every week from people all over the world.  They just write in questions and she comes up with almost zen-like answers.  She’s got a Twitter feed that she updates every few hours with, again, zen-like conceptual art ideas.  She’s just fascinating.”

    Soon after, we wrapped up our chat.  While going through the rest of my hectic schedule on that January day, I reflected on the gems that Bob Gruen gave me in the way of stories and quotes.  I also realized that Bob still influences us today.  Long gone is our ability to squeeze into hip-hugging bell-bottom jeans and whose feet can handle wearing platform shoes? And I don’t even want to go down the path of discussing my hair. 

    No, those are pains we can do without.  However, while Bob’s work from the past brings us smiles and memories, his work today is creating new impressions that will stay with us for the rest of our days.

    Thank you, Bob Gruen, for all that you’ve done and are doing.

  • Bob Gruen's Studio - Labelle-1972-and-Vicki-Wickham-OBE

     

    About Bob Gruen

    Baby boomers have seen and admired the work of Bob Gruen ever since his initial work with Ike and Tina Turner back in 1970. Since that time, Bob has not only photographed some of the most iconic people in rock music, many of his photos have become iconic, as well.

    Bob has been a friend to Boomerocity since 2010 when we first interviewed him (here). The interview was so well received that none other than his dear friend, Yoko Ono, posted it on her website (here). It only seems natural to feature some of his work here on Boomerocity. Whether the images are those you have seen countless times or ones that have rarely been seen by the public, Bob’s photos presented here on Boomerocity will bring back memories and smiles.

    You can own your own authorized copy of these and other images by visiting BobGruen.com.

    You can also read our other interviews with Bob here and here as well as read more about his accomplishments here.


    (L-R) Nona Hendryx, Sarah Dash and Patti LaBelle of Labelle on stage at Lincoln Center in New York City. October 6, 1974. © Bob Gruen / www.bobgruen.comPlease contact Bob Gruen's studio to purchase a print or license this photo. email: websitemail01@aol.com phone: 212-691-0391

    As Boomerocity viewers and readers already know, we not only like to cover the icons from back in the days of our youths but the influencers as well. We get a huge kick out of covering the movers and shakers that helped shape the culture of our times. This monthly feature exhibits that thrill by featuring the work of a legendary man behind the camera that shot some of the most iconic photos in rock and roll.

    This month’s featured photo by our friend, Bob Gruen, is about both the artist and the people behind them. In this case, Labelle and their legendary manager, Vicki Wickham.

    I won’t steal Bob’s thunder. You’ll want to hear and see it for yourself by watching the video to the right. I only want to accentuate that Ms. Wickham’s work with the British TV show, Ready Steady Go! is the stuff of legends - ReadySteadyGoCoverClick Above To Order Your Copyespecially in a male-dominated industry. So much so, that Bob speaks glowingly about her in this video as well as provided a link to a playlist tied to the show (here). There’s also a great book about Ready Steady Go! that references Vicki a lot.


    Watch it. Tell your friends about it. After watching it, please consider ordering your own official copy of this historic photo directly from Bob by clicking here.

    Click On The Video Below To Listen To Bob's Story Behind This Iconic Photo!  

     

    Click On The Lower Right Corner To Enlarge This Video

    You Are At The Right Place With Bob Gruen & Boomerocity!

    rightplacerighttimecoverThe foundation of most successful people is being at the right place at the right time. That is certainly the case with our dear friend and renowned rock photographer, Bob Gruen. For over fifty years he has photographically documented the music scene with photographs that have become as iconic as the legendary artists in them.

    Over the years, Bob has shared his photographs in a variety of books and Boomerocity is proud to have most of them in its own library. Naturally, with word of yet another amazing book being released by Gruen, we are stoked!

    The book is entitled, "Right Place, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer" (Abrams Press; October 20, 2020). It is Bob’s “first memoir of his winding, adventure-filled journey.” In it he shares with us such stories as his intimate visits to John and Yoko’s apartment in New York City; having backstage access with KISS; being there in the early days with Blondie’s Debbie Harry; being on the bus with the during the ill-fated US tour of the Sex Pistols; being on the road with Ike and Tina Turner; inside CBGB and many other amazing stories.

    Of course, no book by Bob Gruen would be complete without him sharing some of his amazing photographs. He does exactly that with some iconic and never-before-published images that offer a unique peek into the last five decades of the evolution of American music culture.

    Don’t just take our word for it. Check out what some of Bob’s friends have to say about this book:

    “Bob has seen it all, lived the life, and he doesn’t hold back in this book.” —Billie Joe Armstrong

    “Bob catches those explosive, signature moments that every photographer hopes to get.” —Debbie Harry

    “Bob Gruen has been a witness to many of the greatest moments in rock and roll’s history.” —Jakob Dylan

    “Bob is the guy behind the camera who you actually like! He brings out your best cool.” —Iggy Pop

    You can order your copy by clicking on the photo of the book at the top. With the holidays just right around the corner, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer is the perfect gift for that music nut or photography buff on your gift list so go ahead and order extra copies.

     

     

     

     

     

     Click Below To Order

    SeeHearYoko

      Click Below To Order

    RockSeenCover

     

  • Bob Gruen's Studio - New York Dolls - Japan 1973

     

    About Bob Gruen

    Baby boomers have seen and admired the work of Bob Gruen ever since his initial work with Ike and Tina Turner back in 1970. Since that time, Bob has not only photographed some of the most iconic people in rock music, many of his photos have become iconic, as well.

    Bob has been a friend to Boomerocity since 2010 when we first interviewed him (here). The interview was so well received that none other than his dear friend, Yoko Ono, posted it on her website (here). It only seems natural to feature some of his work here on Boomerocity. Whether the images are those you have seen countless times or ones that have rarely been seen by the public, Bob’s photos presented here on Boomerocity will bring back memories and smiles.

    You can own your own authorized copy of these and other images by visiting BobGruen.com.

    You can also read our other interviews with Bob here and here as well as read more about his accomplishments here.


    The New Yorks Dolls photographed at Studio 29, NYC. November 1973. © Bob Gruen / www.bobgruen.comPlease contact Bob Gruen's studio to purchase a print or license this photo. email: info@bobgruen.com Image #: C-53

    Before the punk and glam metal things started in the early ’70s, there were the New York Dolls. Their influence was - and is - far-reaching and phenomenal. According to Wikipedia, “They influenced rock groups such as the Sex Pistols, Kiss, the Ramones, Guns N’ Roses, the Damned, and The Smiths, whose frontman Morrissey organized a reunion show for the New York Dolls’ surviving members in 2004.” (Click here to go to read all that Wikipedia has to say about them).

    As we’ve learned long ago, our friend Bob Gruen was Johnny On The Spot and met the New York Dolls before they developed a cult-like following during their short but influential career. Believe it or not (actually, it is QUITE believable), Bob connected with the New York Dolls via his association with his good friend, John Lennon.

    How cool is that?

    Bob's featured photo for this month is from a photoshoot in Japan that he did with the New York Dolls. In the exclusive video on the right side of this page, Bob tells Boomerocity viewers his story of his relationship with the band and provides some deep insight into the band and Bob’s relationship with them.

    Bob's featured photo for this month is his iconic photo of The Clash with the New York City skyline as their back drop. In the exclusive video on the right side of this page, Bob tells Boomerocity viewers his story of his relationship with The Clash and especially with Joe Strummer as well as the story behind this photo.

    Watch it. Tell your friends about it. After watching it, please consider ordering your own official copy of this historic photo directly from Bob by clicking here.

    Click On The Video Below To Listen To Bob's Story Behind This Iconic Photo!  

    Click On The Lower Right Corner To Enlarge This Video

    You Are At The Right Place With Bob Gruen & Boomerocity!

    rightplacerighttimecoverThe foundation of most successful people is being at the right place at the right time. That is certainly the case with our dear friend and renowned rock photographer, Bob Gruen. For over fifty years he has photographically documented the music scene with photographs that have become as iconic as the legendary artists in them.

    Over the years, Bob has shared his photographs in a variety of books and Boomerocity is proud to have most of them in its own library. Naturally, with word of yet another amazing book being released by Gruen, we are stoked!

    The book is entitled, "Right Place, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer" (Abrams Press; October 20, 2020). It is Bob’s “first memoir of his winding, adventure-filled journey.” In it he shares with us such stories as his intimate visits to John and Yoko’s apartment in New York City; having backstage access with KISS; being there in the early days with Blondie’s Debbie Harry; being on the bus with the during the ill-fated US tour of the Sex Pistols; being on the road with Ike and Tina Turner; inside CBGB and many other amazing stories.

    Of course, no book by Bob Gruen would be complete without him sharing some of his amazing photographs. He does exactly that with some iconic and never-before-published images that offer a unique peek into the last five decades of the evolution of American music culture.

    Don’t just take our word for it. Check out what some of Bob’s friends have to say about this book:

    “Bob has seen it all, lived the life, and he doesn’t hold back in this book.” —Billie Joe Armstrong

    “Bob catches those explosive, signature moments that every photographer hopes to get.” —Debbie Harry

    “Bob Gruen has been a witness to many of the greatest moments in rock and roll’s history.” —Jakob Dylan

    “Bob is the guy behind the camera who you actually like! He brings out your best cool.” —Iggy Pop

    You can order your copy by clicking on the photo of the book at the top. With the holidays just right around the corner, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer is the perfect gift for that music nut or photography buff on your gift list so go ahead and order extra copies.

     

     

     

     

     

     Click Below To Order

    SeeHearYoko

      Click Below To Order

    RockSeenCover

     

  • Bob Gruen's Studio - Sly Stone at NYC's Madison Squaare Garden 1973

     

    About Bob Gruen

    Baby boomers have seen and admired the work of Bob Gruen ever since his initial work with Ike and Tina Turner back in 1970. Since that time, Bob has not only photographed some of the most iconic people in rock music, many of his photos have become iconic, as well.

    Bob has been a friend to Boomerocity since 2010 when we first interviewed him (here). The interview was so well received that none other than his dear friend, Yoko Ono, posted it on her website (here). It only seems natural to feature some of his work here on Boomerocity. Whether the images are those you have seen countless times or ones that have rarely been seen by the public, Bob’s photos presented here on Boomerocity will bring back memories and smiles.

    You can own your own authorized copy of these and other images by visiting BobGruen.com.

    You can also read our other interviews with Bob here and here as well as read more about his accomplishments here.


    Sly Stone of Sly and The Family Stone on stage at The Schaefer Festival in Central Park, NYC. August 1, 1973. © Bob Gruen / www.bobgruen.comPlease contact Bob Gruen's studio to purchase a print or license this photo. email: info@bobgruen.comImage #: R-326

    Sly and the Family Stone was - and to a certain extent, still is - a diverse (racially) band who are known for their huge hits like "Dance to the Music" and “Everyday People" in1968; "Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)" and "I Want to Take You Higher" the following year; Family Affair" a couple of years after that, and 1973’s "If You Want Me to Stay.”. The band also made history by performing at the first Woodstock and the Summer of Soul concerts.

    Our friend, legendary rock photographer, Bob Gruen, first saw Sly Stone during that legendary Woodstock performance as a fan and participant. In the years since, Bob photographed him professionally, including the photo featured this month that was taken in 1973 at New York City’s Madison Square Garden. The video to the right is Bob’s story behind this month's picture as well as his history with Sly Stone. it is shared exclusively here on Boomerocity.

    Watch it. Tell your friends about it. After watching it, please consider ordering your own official copy of this historic photo directly from Bob by clicking here.

    Click On The Video Below To Listen To Bob's Story Behind This Iconic Photo!  

     

    Click On The Lower Right Corner To Enlarge This Video

    You Are At The Right Place With Bob Gruen & Boomerocity!

    rightplacerighttimecoverThe foundation of most successful people is being at the right place at the right time. That is certainly the case with our dear friend and renowned rock photographer, Bob Gruen. For over fifty years he has photographically documented the music scene with photographs that have become as iconic as the legendary artists in them.

    Over the years, Bob has shared his photographs in a variety of books and Boomerocity is proud to have most of them in its own library. Naturally, with word of yet another amazing book being released by Gruen, we are stoked!

    The book is entitled, "Right Place, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer" (Abrams Press; October 20, 2020). It is Bob’s “first memoir of his winding, adventure-filled journey.” In it he shares with us such stories as his intimate visits to John and Yoko’s apartment in New York City; having backstage access with KISS; being there in the early days with Blondie’s Debbie Harry; being on the bus with the during the ill-fated US tour of the Sex Pistols; being on the road with Ike and Tina Turner; inside CBGB and many other amazing stories.

    Of course, no book by Bob Gruen would be complete without him sharing some of his amazing photographs. He does exactly that with some iconic and never-before-published images that offer a unique peek into the last five decades of the evolution of American music culture.

    Don’t just take our word for it. Check out what some of Bob’s friends have to say about this book:

    “Bob has seen it all, lived the life, and he doesn’t hold back in this book.” —Billie Joe Armstrong

    “Bob catches those explosive, signature moments that every photographer hopes to get.” —Debbie Harry

    “Bob Gruen has been a witness to many of the greatest moments in rock and roll’s history.” —Jakob Dylan

    “Bob is the guy behind the camera who you actually like! He brings out your best cool.” —Iggy Pop

    You can order your copy by clicking on the photo of the book at the top. With the holidays just right around the corner, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer is the perfect gift for that music nut or photography buff on your gift list so go ahead and order extra copies.

     

     

     

     

     

     Click Below To Order

    SeeHearYoko

      Click Below To Order

    RockSeenCover

     

  • Boomerocity Buzz

    Boomerocity Buzz.  The latest news in the music industry.

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  • Chrissie Hynde 1979

     

    About Bob Gruen

    Baby boomers have seen and admired the work of Bob Gruen ever since his initial work with Ike and Tina Turner back in 1970. Since that time, Bob has not only photographed some of the most iconic people in rock music, many of his photos have become iconic, as well.

    Bob has been a friend to Boomerocity since 2010 when we first interviewed him (here). The interview was so well received that none other than his dear friend, Yoko Ono, posted it on her website (here). It only seems natural to feature some of his work here on Boomerocity. Whether the images are those you have seen countless times or ones that have rarely been seen by the public, Bob’s photos presented here on Boomerocity will bring back memories and smiles.

    You can own your own authorized copy of these and other images by visiting BobGruen.com.

    You can also read our other interviews with Bob here and here as well as read more about his accomplishments here.


    Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders on stage at Hammersmith Odeon in London, England. December 1979. © Bob Gruen / www.bobgruen.comPlease contact Bob Gruen's studio to purchase a print or license this photo. email: websitemail01@aol.com phone: 212-691-0391

    As the seventies were ending, a little band was formed in London. The band’s name was inspired by an R&B hit that Sam Cooke covered titled, “The Great Pretender.” Thus, The Pretenders were born.

    The band went on to record such hits as Brass In Pocket, Back On The Chain Gang, I’ll Stand By You, My City Was Gone (which, oddly enough, was used as the theme song for the Rush Limbaugh Show), Talk of the Town, Precious, Middle of the Road, Don’t Get Me Wrong, 2,000 Miles, and Boots of Chinese Plastic.

    Those hits were the foundation for the band to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2005. The Pretenders are still cranking out music with the band having released their latest album, Hate For Sale, last year.

    Chrissie Hynde, lead singer and front-person for the band, is the only remaining original member of the Pretenders. As has often been the case in his storied career, legendary rock photographer and Boomerocity friend, Bob Gruen, was photographing the band before they were a huge musical influence. This month’s featured photo, a 1979 image of Chrissie Hynde, is evidence of that.

    In the video on the right of this page, Bob shares exclusively with Boomerocity followers his history in following The Pretenders and his relationship with them.

    Watch it. Tell your friends about it. After watching it, please consider ordering your own official copy of this historic photo directly from Bob by clicking here.

    Click On The Video Below To Listen To Bob's Story Behind This Iconic Photo!  

     

    Click On The Lower Right Corner To Enlarge This Video

    You Are At The Right Place With Bob Gruen & Boomerocity!

    rightplacerighttimecoverThe foundation of most successful people is being at the right place at the right time. That is certainly the case with our dear friend and renowned rock photographer, Bob Gruen. For over fifty years he has photographically documented the music scene with photographs that have become as iconic as the legendary artists in them.

    Over the years, Bob has shared his photographs in a variety of books and Boomerocity is proud to have most of them in its own library. Naturally, with word of yet another amazing book being released by Gruen, we are stoked!

    The book is entitled, "Right Place, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer" (Abrams Press; October 20, 2020). It is Bob’s “first memoir of his winding, adventure-filled journey.” In it he shares with us such stories as his intimate visits to John and Yoko’s apartment in New York City; having backstage access with KISS; being there in the early days with Blondie’s Debbie Harry; being on the bus with the during the ill-fated US tour of the Sex Pistols; being on the road with Ike and Tina Turner; inside CBGB and many other amazing stories.

    Of course, no book by Bob Gruen would be complete without him sharing some of his amazing photographs. He does exactly that with some iconic and never-before-published images that offer a unique peek into the last five decades of the evolution of American music culture.

    Don’t just take our word for it. Check out what some of Bob’s friends have to say about this book:

    “Bob has seen it all, lived the life, and he doesn’t hold back in this book.” —Billie Joe Armstrong

    “Bob catches those explosive, signature moments that every photographer hopes to get.” —Debbie Harry

    “Bob Gruen has been a witness to many of the greatest moments in rock and roll’s history.” —Jakob Dylan

    “Bob is the guy behind the camera who you actually like! He brings out your best cool.” —Iggy Pop

    You can order your copy by clicking on the photo of the book at the top. With the holidays just right around the corner, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer is the perfect gift for that music nut or photography buff on your gift list so go ahead and order extra copies.

     

     

     

     

     

     Click Below To Order

    SeeHearYoko

      Click Below To Order

    RockSeenCover

     

  • Elvis Costello 1977

     

    About Bob Gruen

    Baby boomers have seen and admired the work of Bob Gruen ever since his initial work with Ike and Tina Turner back in 1970. Since that time, Bob has not only photographed some of the most iconic people in rock music, many of his photos have become iconic, as well.

    Bob has been a friend to Boomerocity since 2010 when we first interviewed him (here). The interview was so well received that none other than his dear friend, Yoko Ono, posted it on her website (here). It only seems natural to feature some of his work here on Boomerocity. Whether the images are those you have seen countless times or ones that have rarely been seen by the public, Bob’s photos presented here on Boomerocity will bring back memories and smiles.

    You can own your own authorized copy of these and other images by visiting BobGruen.com.

    You can also read our other interviews with Bob here and here as well as read more about his accomplishments here.


    Elvis Costello leaning on a pole at the 100 Club in London, England. November 1977. © Bob Gruen / www.bobgruen.comPlease contact Bob Gruen's studio to purchase a print or license this photo. email: info@bobgruen.comImage #: R-146


    Two years ago, when Bob Gruen first started contributing a monthly featured photo of his work, he started with Elvis his iconic photo of Elvis Presley.

    For two years, Bob has shared what he called some of his "greatest hits" of his work over his storied career. This will be the last installment of Bob's contribution to Boomerocity as he would like to give it a rest for now.

    How poetic that he closes his run with Boomerocity with a photo of another Elvis: Elvis Costello.

    As has been the case throughout Bob's career, he was "there" before Costello rocketed to international fame. In Bob's signature style, he spotted the star power in Costello and became a fan of his from the git go.

    In the video on the right of this page, Bob shares exclusively with Boomerocity followers the story behind this month's featured photo that he shot.

    Watch it. Tell your friends about it. After watching it, please consider ordering your own official copy of this historic photo directly from Bob by clicking here.

     

    Click On The Video Below To Listen To Bob's Story Behind This Iconic Photo!  

     

    Click On The Lower Right Corner To Enlarge This Video

    You Are At The Right Place With Bob Gruen & Boomerocity!

    rightplacerighttimecoverThe foundation of most successful people is being at the right place at the right time. That is certainly the case with our dear friend and renowned rock photographer, Bob Gruen. For over fifty years he has photographically documented the music scene with photographs that have become as iconic as the legendary artists in them.

    Over the years, Bob has shared his photographs in a variety of books and Boomerocity is proud to have most of them in its own library. Naturally, with word of yet another amazing book being released by Gruen, we are stoked!

    The book is entitled, "Right Place, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer" (Abrams Press; October 20, 2020). It is Bob’s “first memoir of his winding, adventure-filled journey.” In it he shares with us such stories as his intimate visits to John and Yoko’s apartment in New York City; having backstage access with KISS; being there in the early days with Blondie’s Debbie Harry; being on the bus with the during the ill-fated US tour of the Sex Pistols; being on the road with Ike and Tina Turner; inside CBGB and many other amazing stories.

    Of course, no book by Bob Gruen would be complete without him sharing some of his amazing photographs. He does exactly that with some iconic and never-before-published images that offer a unique peek into the last five decades of the evolution of American music culture.

    Don’t just take our word for it. Check out what some of Bob’s friends have to say about this book:

    “Bob has seen it all, lived the life, and he doesn’t hold back in this book.” —Billie Joe Armstrong

    “Bob catches those explosive, signature moments that every photographer hopes to get.” —Debbie Harry

    “Bob Gruen has been a witness to many of the greatest moments in rock and roll’s history.” —Jakob Dylan

    “Bob is the guy behind the camera who you actually like! He brings out your best cool.” —Iggy Pop

    You can order your copy by clicking on the photo of the book at the top. With the holidays just right around the corner, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer is the perfect gift for that music nut or photography buff on your gift list so go ahead and order extra copies.

     

     

     

     

     

     Click Below To Order

    SeeHearYoko

      Click Below To Order

    RockSeenCover

     

  • John Lennon and the Mobster 1976

     

    About Bob Gruen

    Baby boomers have seen and admired the work of Bob Gruen ever since his initial work with Ike and Tina Turner back in 1970. Since that time, Bob has not only photographed some of the most iconic people in rock music, many of his photos have become iconic, as well.

    Bob has been a friend to Boomerocity since 2010 when we first interviewed him (here). The interview was so well received that none other than his dear friend, Yoko Ono, posted it on her website (here). It only seems natural to feature some of his work here on Boomerocity. Whether the images are those you have seen countless times or ones that have rarely been seen by the public, Bob’s photos presented here on Boomerocity will bring back memories and smiles.

    You can own your own authorized copy of these and other images by visiting BobGruen.com.

    You can also read our other interviews with Bob here and here as well as read more about his accomplishments here.


    John Lennon testifying in federal court, NYC. 1976. © Bob Gruen/www.bobgruen.com Please contact Bob Gruen's studio to purchase a print or license this photo. email: websitemail01@aol.com phone: 212-691-0391


    Just when you thought you saw and heard everything to do with the Beatles, we are treated to something – not necessarily new – but just now seeing the light of day in minute detail.

    What on earth could that be?

    It is the story of the court case, Big Seven Music Corp. (who was pretty much the notorious Marvin Levy that took place in 1976 in New York City. That story has now been chronicled in book form by John and Yoko Lennon’s lead attorney, Jay Bergen, in his new book, “Lennon, the Mobster & the Lawyer – The Untold Story.” Jay is good friends with our good friend, Bob Gruen.

    During that trial, Bob was in the gallery and, with his trusty camera under his coat, clandestinely took two photos during the trial.

    Boomerocity interviewed Mr. Bergen (here) and Bob Gruen thought it would be a good idea to photo one of those photos this month.

    In the video on the right of this page, Bob shares exclusively with Boomerocity followers the story behind this month's featured photo that he shot.

    Watch it. Tell your friends about it. After watching it, please consider ordering your own official copy of this historic photo directly from Bob by clicking here.

    While you're at it, watch the interview with Jay Bergen and order his book!

     

    Click On The Video Below To Listen To Bob's Story Behind This Iconic Photo!  

     

    Click On The Lower Right Corner To Enlarge This Video

    You Are At The Right Place With Bob Gruen & Boomerocity!

    rightplacerighttimecoverThe foundation of most successful people is being at the right place at the right time. That is certainly the case with our dear friend and renowned rock photographer, Bob Gruen. For over fifty years he has photographically documented the music scene with photographs that have become as iconic as the legendary artists in them.

    Over the years, Bob has shared his photographs in a variety of books and Boomerocity is proud to have most of them in its own library. Naturally, with word of yet another amazing book being released by Gruen, we are stoked!

    The book is entitled, "Right Place, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer" (Abrams Press; October 20, 2020). It is Bob’s “first memoir of his winding, adventure-filled journey.” In it he shares with us such stories as his intimate visits to John and Yoko’s apartment in New York City; having backstage access with KISS; being there in the early days with Blondie’s Debbie Harry; being on the bus with the during the ill-fated US tour of the Sex Pistols; being on the road with Ike and Tina Turner; inside CBGB and many other amazing stories.

    Of course, no book by Bob Gruen would be complete without him sharing some of his amazing photographs. He does exactly that with some iconic and never-before-published images that offer a unique peek into the last five decades of the evolution of American music culture.

    Don’t just take our word for it. Check out what some of Bob’s friends have to say about this book:

    “Bob has seen it all, lived the life, and he doesn’t hold back in this book.” —Billie Joe Armstrong

    “Bob catches those explosive, signature moments that every photographer hopes to get.” —Debbie Harry

    “Bob Gruen has been a witness to many of the greatest moments in rock and roll’s history.” —Jakob Dylan

    “Bob is the guy behind the camera who you actually like! He brings out your best cool.” —Iggy Pop

    You can order your copy by clicking on the photo of the book at the top. With the holidays just right around the corner, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer is the perfect gift for that music nut or photography buff on your gift list so go ahead and order extra copies.

     

     

     

     

     

     Click Below To Order

    SeeHearYoko

      Click Below To Order

    RockSeenCover

     

  • Kiss Dressed To Kill 1974

     

    About Bob Gruen

    Baby boomers have seen and admired the work of Bob Gruen ever since his initial work with Ike and Tina Turner back in 1970. Since that time, Bob has not only photographed some of the most iconic people in rock music, many of his photos have become iconic, as well.

    Bob has been a friend to Boomerocity since 2010 when we first interviewed him (here). The interview was so well received that none other than his dear friend, Yoko Ono, posted it on her website (here). It only seems natural to feature some of his work here on Boomerocity. Whether the images are those you have seen countless times or ones that have rarely been seen by the public, Bob’s photos presented here on Boomerocity will bring back memories and smiles.

    You can own your own authorized copy of these and other images by visiting BobGruen.com.

    You can also read our other interviews with Bob here and here as well as read more about his accomplishments here.


    (L-R) Peter Criss, Ace Frehley, Paul Stanley and Gene Simmons of Kiss 'Dressed To Kill' album cover shoot at West 23rd Street and 8th Avenue in NYC. October 26, 1974. © Bob Gruen / www.bobgruen.comPlease contact Bob Gruen's studio to purchase a print or license this photo. email: info@bobgruen.comImage #: R-181


    Teens in the seventies were hit with some pretty mind blowing rock and roll acts. Our parents had Elvis whose shaking hips were all the scandalous rage. Then, our older siblings as teens in the sixties had the Beatles and the Rolling Stones with their own controversies.

    The seventies had to outdo all of that . . . and it did.

    First, we had the outer-worldliness of David Bowie. Then the shock rock of Alice Cooper. On the heels of those ground-breaking acts came Kiss.

    With the band members' true identity hidden behind kabuki style make up that transformed them into a demon, two space aliens, and a cat, Kiss catapulted to fame. Their looks and music was only part of the band's appeal. Kiss had a stage show unlike anyone with pyrotechnics, fire-breathing, and blood-spitting such the world has never seen. All of that and more allowed the band to ride a perpetual wave of publicity, controversy, and notoriety that has last to this very day.

    While Kiss's music has often been panned by music critics over the years, there is no denying that the band has made their indelible mark of the soundtrack of baby boomers during their youth.

    Case in point: Kiss's anthem, "Rock and Roll All Nite" from the band's third album, Dressed To Kill. The album's iconic cover photo was shot by our dear friend and monthly contributor, Bob Gruen.

    dressedtokillcoverClick Above To Order Your Copy of the Remastered CD

    Not surprisingly, Bob was right there when Kiss began to make the New York City music scene. He's traveled with them and shot lots of photos of them. But it's this "Dressed To Kill" photo that so clearly shows the contrast, mystique, and fun that makes Kiss one of the bands for the ages.

    In the video on the right of this page, Bob shares exclusively with Boomerocity followers the story behind this month's featured photo that he shot.

     

    Watch it. Tell your friends about it. After watching it, please consider ordering your own official copy of this historic photo directly from Bob by clicking here.

     

    Click On The Video Below To Listen To Bob's Story Behind This Iconic Photo!  

     

    Click On The Lower Right Corner To Enlarge This Video

    You Are At The Right Place With Bob Gruen & Boomerocity!

    rightplacerighttimecoverThe foundation of most successful people is being at the right place at the right time. That is certainly the case with our dear friend and renowned rock photographer, Bob Gruen. For over fifty years he has photographically documented the music scene with photographs that have become as iconic as the legendary artists in them.

    Over the years, Bob has shared his photographs in a variety of books and Boomerocity is proud to have most of them in its own library. Naturally, with word of yet another amazing book being released by Gruen, we are stoked!

    The book is entitled, "Right Place, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer" (Abrams Press; October 20, 2020). It is Bob’s “first memoir of his winding, adventure-filled journey.” In it he shares with us such stories as his intimate visits to John and Yoko’s apartment in New York City; having backstage access with KISS; being there in the early days with Blondie’s Debbie Harry; being on the bus with the during the ill-fated US tour of the Sex Pistols; being on the road with Ike and Tina Turner; inside CBGB and many other amazing stories.

    Of course, no book by Bob Gruen would be complete without him sharing some of his amazing photographs. He does exactly that with some iconic and never-before-published images that offer a unique peek into the last five decades of the evolution of American music culture.

    Don’t just take our word for it. Check out what some of Bob’s friends have to say about this book:

    “Bob has seen it all, lived the life, and he doesn’t hold back in this book.” —Billie Joe Armstrong

    “Bob catches those explosive, signature moments that every photographer hopes to get.” —Debbie Harry

    “Bob Gruen has been a witness to many of the greatest moments in rock and roll’s history.” —Jakob Dylan

    “Bob is the guy behind the camera who you actually like! He brings out your best cool.” —Iggy Pop

    You can order your copy by clicking on the photo of the book at the top. With the holidays just right around the corner, Right Time: The Life of a Rock & Roll Photographer is the perfect gift for that music nut or photography buff on your gift list so go ahead and order extra copies.

     

     

     

     

     

     Click Below To Order

    SeeHearYoko

      Click Below To Order

    RockSeenCover

     

  • Rocketman

    Rocketman PosterRocketman
    Starring: Taron Egerton
    Studio: Paramount Pictures
    Review Date: June 1, 2019

    As a teen in the 70’s, I was a huge fan of Elton John. It started in the summer of ’74 when his megahit, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, hit the air waves. It came during a very trying time for me and my family and there was just something about that song that I identified with during that time.

    From then on, I’ve been a fan of his work and have followed him in the press.

    When the buzz began on the movie, Rocketman, I chose only to note when the movie would hit theaters. The reason being is that there’s always pre-release “drama” (real or staged) that can distort the perception of a movie as well as hype up the turnout on release dates. The one thing that did get past that self-imposed embargo of information was that the movie used certain songs out of sync with their actual release dates.

    No harm. No foul.

    So, when I hit the theater yesterday afternoon for a matinee viewing of Rocketman, I really had no pre-conceived notions or expectations to speak of. I went to be entertained.

    And entertained I was.

    If you go to watch Rocketman expecting a bio pic/rockumentary ala Bohemian Rhapsody, you might be disappointed . . . but you shouldn’t. Some parts musical; some parts historical; many parts commentary; it’s really more Sir Elton’s wish that you see of his life, his sadness, his heartbreaks, and why he is what – and who – he was - and is - from his perspective and not that of a fan.

    Consequently, I came away from Rocketman feeling that I saw a very entertaining presentation of Elton’s view of his own life from childhood through his commitment to sobriety. In my opinion, it’s also a very warts-and-all presentation as to why he chose the gay lifestyle.

    It’s not a pretty story.

    Any Elton John fan knows his story. An estranged father. A tumultuous relationship with his mom that included not speaking with her for several years, reconciling (of sorts) two years prior to her passing at the age of 92.

    Such it often the result of being raised in a highly dysfunctional family. It’s clear from the film that, like all young kids, he ardently craved love, affection, and acceptance from his parents. The film will sadden the viewer as they watch the young Reginald Dwight (Elton’s given name) ache for love and acceptance from his apparently self-centered parents.

    Taron Egerton’s portrayal of Elton is bang-on and totally believable. He definitely reached into the heart and soul of the piano player and channeled him.

    Yeah, he was that good.

    Many scenes are set to musical-like productions (thus, the “part musical” label). I sense that this was the only way that Elton could dull the pain of sharing his story – much like a comedian does by joking while sharing their heartbreak.

    If Bohemian Rhapsody won Grammy’s, so should Rocketman.

    I believe that you’ll go to see Rocketman as a fan, watch it as a compassionate human watching a gripping human interest story, and come away viewing your fellow human beings through different spectacles: Elton’s.

Latest from Bob Gruen's Studio

You’ve seen Bob Gruen’s work in galleries, books, and on the official John Lennon stamp by the U.S. Post Office. You can now see some of his choice work each month here on Boomerocity.com!

Elvis Costello 1977

Elvis Costello 1977

  About Bob Gruen Baby boomers have seen and admired the work of Bob Gruen…
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