Johnny Bee Badanjek did some hot drumming on Alice Cooper's new EP "Bread Crumbs" and gave us a Bee review tonight! Thanks John! xoK
Johnny Bee: Someone told me that producer Bob Ezrin was trying to get in touch with me. When I came home there was a message from Bob saying to give him a call. I called him back. He was sitting in LA in a Hotel Room with Alice Cooper. He asked me If I knew of any good drummers in town, I said, I knew hundreds. But, there's only one who has that Detroit sound...that would be me.
They both cheered. He spoke of an upcoming project with Alice that dealt with his roots in Detroit that would include Mark Farner. I said, cool! He wanted to mix things up with players and add a little soul with Rock & Roll.
He said he wanted a solid soulful funky Bass player. I answered, Paul Randolph. Next, he wanted a young hot lead guitar player, I told him his name was Garrett Bielaniec. The final piece was Amp Fiddler, unfortunately, Amp was stranded in England. We also had Nolan Young on Saxophone and Allen Dennard Jr. on Trumpet.
The session was rounded out with Bobby Emmet (Sturgill Simpson) and Bob Ezrin on Keyboards. The fun began with the song selections.
Up first was a song I recorded when I was fifteen years old in Mitch Ryder And The Detroit Wheels. Bob took Shorty Long's version of "Devil With A Blue Dress On" back to the original version (which we adored). and mashed it up The Dirt Bombs version of J.J. Barnes "Chains Of Love.'
Next, a song from a prolific teenager named Bob Seger, the classic "East Side Story," Some of the surprises was the re-working of Alice's "Detroit City" and the collaboration of Alice and Brother Wayne on "Go Man Go."
The Detroit train kept rolling with Suzy Quarto's song "Your Mama Won't Like Me," and finished off with Badass Fred Sonic Smith's song "Sister Anne" (MC5). And this is how Breadcrumbs came to be. It's great having Alice back home!...you can never leave Detroit! 😈
Ann Arbor, Michigan’s Hoozebeth is living proof that rock’s reckless roots are alive and kicking in an age where “hook and chorus” pop seems to rule the airwaves. Their neo-vintage sound pays homage to the raw elements of early rock while pushing to explore the energy of their own distinct voice. Since it’s inception in 2011, the band has been creating a buzz locally and is poised to challenge the music scene with their innovative direction.
Hoozebeth is fronted by raspy vocalist Shay Allen, with guitarists Karl Tek and Scott Allen creating the melodic leads. Bassist Unkle Raja and drummer AJ Kahn lay down the rhythmic core to complete the sound.
Contributing DRNRM editor, famed Radiobirdman guitarist, and brother of Hoozebeth guitarist Karl Tek shared this brotherly Q&A today...
Deniz: What are your main influences as a guitarist and songwriter?
Karl: When I first started playing I was really influenced by Jimi Hendrix, loved it. His music really motivated me to learn some of his songs and also just to try to play along with his recordings even when I didn’t really know how to play the guitar. Later on, I got into Van Halen, The Stooges, Alice Cooper, the Stones and your music of course. I was really into Blue oyster Cult too.
Deniz: What are you listening to these days? Has this changed much over the years?
Karl: I still like most of the bands I grew up with some exceptions. I still often listen to old blues and surf music too. I like listening to more obscure cuts lately. I suppose since you can hear anything and everything these days all the time.
Deniz: You have a new album out, of all original music. In this age of digital streaming, some say albums are obsolete. Why make an album in 2019?
Karl: Well, Hoozebeth started as a cover band and we wanted to create something original. Something we could hand to our friends and family.
Deniz: What words of advice would you have for a young guitar player just starting out in bands these days?
Karl: So many kids these days have great technical ability and can play very complex stuff. What I’ve seen lacking with some kids these days is the ability to improvise at the moment and to play without a plan.
For instance, try sitting down with some music you like and try to make sounds on the guitar that go with it. Like humming or dancing. That may seem like unsophisticated way to practice but it can be a useful tool to play more naturally.
Deniz: What challenges is the band facing going forward, and how do you plan to meet those challenges?
Karl: Time! We are all really busy. The other members play in one or two other bands. I have my own business to run and actually play the least in terms of performing. AJ (drummer) is a dentist and plays in the Memphis Thrillbillies with Shay (singer) and Scott (guitarist). Roger (bassist) is busy with various musical pursuits and other commitments also.
Deniz: You are from the Ann Arbor / Detroit area. What does it mean to you and your band to be rock musicians in the context of this rich heritage?
Karl: It’s great to be here in the midst of this great rock ’n roll culture. We all contribute to writing music and our songs reflect that. Our sound is unlike anything else I’ve seen out there. I think people will appreciate that.
TRACK LIST
It's a Twister
Beggar's Alley
Waiting for You
I Don't Care
Who Is Beth?
On with the Show
Crash and Burn
Leave Me Alone
Atomic Bitch (Because I Can)
★Deniz Tek, from Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a prolific guitarist, singer and songwriter currently based in Sydney, Australia. His career in music, grounded in late-60's Detroit, extends through several decades and across continents. He is best known as a founding member of the influential Australian independent rock band Radio Birdman.
Just received this book and it is gorgeous! Packed full of Tom Weschler's behind the scenes photos and written with great care for proper detail. A must-have for all the legions of Seger fans out there!
The book offers a detailed, unbiased and accurate account of Seger's life and career as a true rock legend, with Tom Weschler (Bob's former road manager) providing the book's forward. Turn the Page, follows Bob from his earliest days emerging out of the Detroit music scene, just as fellow artists Kid Rock and Glenn Frey, up through, and including, his current 2019 national tour "Roll Me Away, the Final Tour."
It tracks Seger's entire music career, including the Silver Bullet Band - comparing the songs and stage shows, similar to Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, and Bruce Springsteen's E-street Band.
The book features inside stories, interviews, Bob's composing, band personnel, recording sessions, tours, and his very private personal life. Turn the Page is a "must" for any true Bob Seger fan. This is the only Bob Seger biography written to date, with over 280 pages, 24 in color with over 60 images, and 224 documented footnotes. Many of the color images are from the distant past, including very rare photos - as a poster advertising a Seger concert headlining John Lennon.
The author, Edward Sarkis Balian, Ph.D. grew up in Detroit and was in a local band at the same time as Seger; in fact, they shared the same Detroit entertainment attorney for over four decades. Balian, himself a recording musician (the George-Edwards Group), put together Turn the Page with a steady eye toward accuracy and quality, in his words "Turn the Page summarizes the brilliant and astonishing career of a true Hall of Fame composer and entertainer.
Seger's body of over 50 years of work, coupled to his love of music and an almost unbelievable tenacity, led him to well-deserved fame and fortune. A career full of major challenges - a rock'n'roll roller-coaster to be sure." Balian is donating 30% of his royalties to charity, 50% to the Seger's favorite charity, Oakland County Children's Village. Visit https://bobsegerturnthepage.com for more info.
A few years ago, Deniz Tek was asked to go to Sugar Hill Studios in Houston, Texas and record a new version of the 1965 hit “Treat Her Right” with Roy Head. The version was true to the original in many ways. Andy “Mort” Bradley engineered and produced the session.
Now, the updated version of “Treat Her Right” is featured in the film trailer for the new Quentin Tarantino film “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood”
We here at DRNRM are thrilled with Tarantino's use of our Detroit Rock Icons in his film. Makes Tarantino cred even cooler in the D.
We were thrilled to find out Deniz Tek was on the new track of "Treat Her Right" and graciously he was on hand to take us behind the scenes at that session with Roy Head:
Deniz Tek photo by Anne Tek
Deniz Tek: Roy Head is Still Treatin' 'Em Right
Legendary recording engineer Andy “Mort” Bradley
Andy “Mort” Bradley was Radio Birdman’s soundman in 1977, before pursuing a career as a recording engineer and producer. He became chief engineer and owner at historic Sugar Hill Studios in Houston Texas - the oldest continually operating recording studio in America, and home to countless legendary recording stars. Lightnin’ Hopkins, Johnny Winter, ZZ Top, The 13th Floor Elevators, Doug Sahm. Archie Bell, Willie Nelson, The Stones, and The Who to name only a few.
Roy Head and the Traits
Back in 1965, Roy Head and the Traits recorded their monumental international hit “Treat Her Right” at Sugar Hill.
After receiving several Grammy nominations and making over 1000 albums, Andy decided to write a book to celebrate the studio’s 70th anniversary. Entitled “House Of Hits”, and published by the University of Texas Press, the fascinating story recounts the history of Sugar Hill.
To coincide with the book’s release, he compiled a double CD compilation of Sugar Hill recordings, many of which were re-recorded for the project with any of the original artists who were still alive and kicking.
One of these artists was Roy Head, and the task was to re-record “Treat Her Right” with Roy and the original bass player and songwriter Gene Kurtz.
I flew down to Houston to play guitar on the session, along with the extraordinary Houston drummer Stefanie Friedman, from the band Sugar Shack, and horn players from The Suspects.
The session for the backing track took place in Studio B with Gene Kurtz on bass, myself, and Stefanie on drums. Andy engineered and produced the session. We recorded the track live, under Gene’s guidance. He was very particular about how things should go. It turned out that I’d been playing the riff a little bit differently than the original for all those years, and I had to unlearn and relearn it on the spot. Gene said that the tempo had to be exact, and he had a little meter to measure the beats per minute to make sure that it was right on.
At least I was given the freedom to improvise the solos, and Stefanie killed on the drums! We were both a bit stressed, to say the least, being in the presence and under the direction of such greatness. But it all paid off.
Next, Roy arrived with his stunning wife. In his 70’s, he has not slowed down a bit, able to do backflips like a gymnast and dance like nobody else. In the riverboat casinos down around Shreveport where he was playing around then, he and Gene were still knocking out crowds with their high energy performances. Roy’s reputation as a wild man is well-founded. He was kicked off a James Brown tour for “being too wild” and for upstaging The Godfather of Soul (!). Legend has it that Elvis went to his grave bearing a scar on his ankle from Roy’s teeth marks.
Roy listened to the playback, and, Lord have mercy, he liked the track. He hung out in the control room while the horn players did their thing. Then Roy went out into the studio and sang his heart out. More gruff, perhaps, and deeper than in the ’60s, but the Voice has lost none of its power. In fact it has gained power. The screams, hey’s, and raw passion in that voice are almost scary. Seeing and hearing that go down on tape was a peak moment. “Living legend” is a word used too carelessly these days. This is one time that it fits.
The next day we had breakfast with Roy, and he told us some fascinating stories from the old days. We got along pretty well and he invited me out to his hunting camp. I have yet to take up that offer.
Now, Roy’s original track for “Treat Her Right” has been selected as the opening music on the soundtrack for Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon A Time in Hollywood”, while the version that we recorded is being used in the TV trailer for the movie. I am just super pleased to have been able to help make that recording and to meet and work with the great Roy Head. Thank you to my dear lifelong friend, Andy Bradley for making that (and so many other amazing things) happen. Deniz Tek
★Deniz Tek, from Ann Arbor, Michigan, is a prolific guitarist, singer and songwriter currently based in Sydney, Australia. His career in music, grounded in late-60's Detroit, extends through several decades and across continents. He is best known as a founding member of the influential Australian independent rock band Radio Birdman.
In 2007, Deniz was inducted into the Australian Music Hall of Fame, and in 2012 was voted number 7 in the top 100 Australian guitarists of all time.★
Is there a difference between the interplay of color and shadow and the bending of a note over a percussive beat? For many in Detroit’s creative community, visual and musical art are the same. Creativity is expression, no matter what the medium.
Please join the Detroit Artists Market as we explore the artwork of Detroit’s rockers, rappers, and jazz musicians and how they each respond to the blank canvas.
Niagara Detroit (Destroy All Monsters, Solo Artist) Ava East (Shadow Show, Deadly Vipers)
Jimbo Easter (Solo Artist, Living Furniture, Piranhas, Druid Perfume, Odd Clouds, Moonhairy)
Lisa Goedert (The Luddites)
Maurice Greenia Jr. (Spaceband)
William D. Hafer (Human Eye) Michael Horner (Marcus Belgrave Group, Teddy Harris Jr., Big Joe Williams, Messiah)
Miz Korona (Miz Korona Band)
Katherine Leisen (Soft Location) Cary Loren (Destroy All Monsters)
Jamie Madrox (Twiztid)
Dave McMurray (Dave McMurray Band)
John Michaels (The Britemores) Kevin Patrick (Solo Artist)
Lisa Poszywak (Rogue Satellites) Jim Puntingham (Spaceband)
Ben Teague (Behind the Times, Solo Artist)
Chris Turner (Dark Red)
Tashif “Sheefy McFly” Turner (Solo Artist)
Ewolf (The Dirtbombs)
Albert Young (Albert Young and Straight 8, The Waynewood Boys)
FLY | DROWN Poster Designed by Mark Arminski. Limited signed editions of the exhibition poster will be available at the opening reception for I’m With the Band.
A rock legacy spanning forty years came to an end in 2015 when Ian "Lemmy" Kilmister passed away, having been the legendary front-man of Motörhead and only constant member of the band during all that time.
It’s a legacy that might never have happened, were it not for Lemmy being kicked out of his previous band, Hawkwind, having been arrested on the USA/Canada border for drug possession charges.
That controversy was ultimately the final straw for the other band members and their management, which led to Lemmy being fired from Hawkwind in 1975. He later revealed there were also differences of opinion, both personally and musically, during a 2011 interview with Chicago Tribune: "I did like being in Hawkwind, and I believe I’d still be playing with them today if I hadn’t been kicked out", he admitted in the interview, adding that "It was fun onstage, not so much offstage. They didn’t want to mesh with me".
The Birth of Motörhead
Lemmy was keen on a raw sound to his music, one of velocity and volume, "fast and vicious, just like the MC5", the legendary Detroit-based hard rock band who were his inspiration.
His new band was formed with former Pink Fairies guitarist Larry Wallis and Lucas Fox on drums. Nevertheless, choosing "Bastards" as their name wasn’t the best idea, according to their manager, who suggested they would never get a slot on UK chart show, Top of the Pops, with such a name. As such, "Motörhead" was chosen instead by Lemmy, as this was also the title of the last song that he’d written with Hawkwind.
Wallis returned to the Pink Fairies and Fox would also depart, making way for guitarist "Fast" Eddie Clark and drummer Phil "Philthy Animal" Taylor before any notable success began to arrive over the following years. However, it was undoubtedly the guttural vocals of Lemmy and his individual bass-playing style that provided Motörhead with a distinct and unique sound in rock at the time, even though that style would inevitably be copied during the emerging era of punk rock during the late 1970s.
Straddling the niches of hard rock, speed metal and punk brought increased popularity, which Lemmy and the band embraced.
With a growing army of fans packing concert venues, the band gradually developed a cult following of their own. "Overkill" became their first track to break into the top 40 of the UK Singles Chart, with the album of the same name being their first to find its way into the top 40 UK Albums Chart. "Bomber" was the next single to achieve commercial success, along with the subsequent album and tour of the same name, which brought recognition and new fans from Europe and the US. Motörhead was fast becoming one of the most unmissable rock music acts to see live, packing venues wherever they toured.
Ace of Spades Amongst the greatest hits released by Motörhead over the years, the lyrics covered a wide range of themes, from war to the battle of good versus evil and from abuse of power to the abuse of substances.
However, perhaps the most famous theme was that of gambling, which made Ace of Spades such a timeless and iconic hit around the world and a true crowd favorite at their gigs, with the raw sound matched by a devil-may-care attitude of taking chances in life.
Fans of this track will already be familiar with the Ace of Spades lyrics, which are undeniably an ode to gambling and the thrill of playing card games. In this particular song, it’s specifically the quickfire game of blackjack and hands being dealt, given the terminology used in the lyrics.
Reading up on such terms associated with this most popular of card games, which are covered in the Betway online blackjack guide, will help you understand what Lemmy means by "Double up or quit, double stake or split", with it becoming clear that he’s referring to staking terms in blackjack as he waits for that elusive ace of spades to be dealt.
Released in October 1980, the Ace of Spades single reached 15 in the UK Singles Charts and the album, again of the same name, reached number 4 in the UK Album Charts, providing Motörhead with their greatest commercial success to date.
Now in great demand, the subsequent Ace Up Your Sleeve tour was accompanied by numerous TV appearances, including the iconic British comedy classic, The Young Ones.
Detroit and Back Again Given that Motörhead and Lemmy had originally been inspired by Detroit-based band MC5, it’s inevitable that they too would form a strong bond with the American city, regularly performing concerts over the years at numerous venues.
At the very peak of their worldwide fame, their first show in Michigan was supporting Ozzy Osbourne during his US tour at the Wendler Arena in Saginaw. Three days later, the band made their first appearance in Detroit at the Masonic Temple.
Such was their popularity amongst rock fans in the city, Motörhead made a memorable second appearance at the iconic Harpo's in May 1982, headlining during an American tour of their own. That would be the first of many returns to Harpo's over the years, leaving veteran staff with many fond memories.
Indeed, Harpos owner Ron Baltrusz waxed lyrical to Metro Times during a 2017 interview, recollecting his memories of the band playing at his venue along with some amusing anecdotes he shared about Lemmy.
On September 12, 2015, Motörhead played their final Detroit gig at The Fillmore, with Anthrax and Crobot as supporting acts, as part of the Bad Magic tour.
Bomber was played for the first time at any live concert since 2012, while Ace of Spades and Overkill were amongst the closing trio on the setlist. Those who attended were treated to another unforgettable show from one of the most prolific touring bands in rock history.
Lemmy departed this earthly plane just a couple of months after that concert, but those who got to see him perform with Motörhead over the years will cherish the memories they have. His influence in the world of rock and the great sound that he left behind as his legacy is sure to be enjoyed by generations of fans to come.
Los Angeles, CA — Alan George Gwyllt (Justin Alan Kase), 64, born January 6, 1955, died Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at the home of a close friend in Los Angeles.
He leaves daughter Alisha Ellison (Brian) and son, Justin Kase, grandchildren Vincent Joseph age 15, and Hudson Robert age 3, sister Karen (Gwyllt) Heddle, and many friends and fans.
Alan with Alisha
Alan grew up in Ypsilanti, Michigan the son of Hazel and Les Heddle Sr. who supported his musical dreams throughout their lives.
Alan's home on Sheridan St. in Ypsilanti was the hub of all the local teenage musicians (and fans) with his rehearsal (garage) in the back yard of the neighbor's house. The Garage was the coolest place to hang out as a young teen. Everyone I know has a favorite story of being in the garage watching Air rehearse.
Alan, Scott, Rich, and manager Jim Vanheck
He had a magical gift for playing just about any instrument he picked up.
In his early years, Alan’s parents had given him some very quality instruments.
He had a Guild semi hollow-body 6-string guitar, an Ampeg amplifier with a 15” speaker, a Wurlitzer electric piano, a Farfesia organ and a Shure microphone. He even owned a Sitar! He continued to collect rare instruments throughout his life. Rich Nisbet
The first popular band that formed in the "Garage" was named Blue Air. Rich Nisbet (bass/vocals), Dave Haushalter (guitar), Scott Carter (drums/vocals), and Alan on guitar and various other instruments... Haushalter left the band and it became a 3 piece known as Air.
In 1998, Alan, Scott, and Rich did a one-night reunion of “Air” at TC's Speakeasy in Ypsilanti. They performed “I Wanna Be Free” and “Words of Love”, just like they had done at a talent show 31 years earlier in Junior High.
In 1972 Air went into a studio in Detroit to record 2 originals; “Jump Back” and “Twelve O’Clock Satanial”. They were released on 45 rpm.
In 2018, Kanye West sampled Twelve O’Clock Satanial on an album called “Daytona” that he was producing for Pusha T. The song "If You Know You Know" was written by Terrence Thornton Kanye West Alan Gwyllt and Richard Nisbet. Pusha T performed it on the Jimmy Kimmel show that year and the album was nominated for a Grammy®.
Masquerade
L-R Alan, Bill Jones, Jim King, Ken Gilbert, and Rich Nisbet
Alan and Rich had a jam session with Jim King (keyboards) and Bill Jones (drums), and by adding fantastic lead singer Ken Gilbert they formed the second version of Ann Arbor the band “Masquerade”.
The band played clubs and colleges in Michigan, Indiana and the famous underground bar in Chicago, “Mothers”. But “Second Chance” in Ann Arbor would become their “home” performance venue.
Masquerade with new drummer Neil Buchanan and Mgr Jim Goldberg
After Masquerade went their separate ways, Alan began pursuing a country music career. He wrote many country songs that he sent to Nashville. He won a Charlie Daniel's band songwriting competition twice. He later relocated to Tennessee and changed his name to Justin Alan Kase to pursue his new dream in country music.
Alan had a passion for so many things, not just music, the list is quite vast, here are some of the ones we remember.
He loved rescuing animals and we all thought he might become a Veterinarian some day. He at various times had a Tarantula, Scorpion, many Raccoons and a Kinkajou! Rich remembered his saltwater aquarium. He raised many baby raccoons/possums and took in many stray animals over his lifetime.
Alan's day job over the years was as an upholsterer. He had a pretty good clientele going before his move to Tennessee.
He loved Karate (a black belt), writing, songwriting/arranging/recording, poetry, video games, and was a huge Science Fiction fan.
In 2007, Alan moved to West Florida to be with his parents. He began writing his books there. After his parents passed, He relocated briefly to New Orleans and then on to Los Angeles.
In 2011, as Al G Gwyllt, he became a published author of 6 Sci-Fi books. Here are but 3 of them. Amazon has them all.
Jan. 2018 he moved in with his good friend Doug Brandon and after many years of struggling with end-stage Cirrhosis of the Liver, he passed away in his room April 24, 2019, at 11:55 pm PST.
At this time there are no plans for a funeral/memorial. We will post that info as it comes in. His loving daughter Alisha has asked that if anyone would like to make a contribution to Michigan Rehabilitation Center Home of New Vision in Alan's name. Rock on old friend...xoK
Many thanks to Rich Nisbet and Alisha Ellison for assisting with this story.
If you have photos, videos or a story about Alan please feel free to leave a comment on this post.
Richard Anthony Monsour (May 4, 1937 – March 16, 2019), better known by his stage name Dick Dale, was an American rock guitarist, known as The King of the Surf Guitar. He pioneered and created what many call the surf music style, drawing on Middle-Eastern music scales and experimenting with reverberation.
Dale worked closely with Fender to produce custom made amplifiers, including the first-ever 100-watt guitar amplifier. He pushed the limits of electric amplification technology, helping to develop new equipment that was capable of producing distorted, "thick, clearly defined tones" at "previously undreamed-of volumes."
The "breakneck speed of his single-note staccato picking technique" and showmanship with the guitar is considered a precursor to heavy metal music, influencing rock guitarists from the 1960s until eternity...
USA TODAY "Miserlou," which would become his signature song, had been adapted from a Middle Eastern folk tune Dale heard as a child and later transformed into a thundering surf-rock instrumental.
His fingering style was so frenetic that he shredded guitar picks during songs, a technique that forced him to stash spares on his guitar's body. "Better shred than dead," he liked to joke, an expression that eventually became the title of a 1997 anthology released by Rhino Records.
RIP DICK...our thoughts and prayers to all of friends, family and gazillion fans....
Lorenzo Cultural Center at Macomb Community College
44575 Garfield Rd., Clinton Township
Friday, March 15, 11 am / Free admission
Carson will lead off with a recap of the '60s era and then follow the careers of Motor City acts that went on to national fame in the '70s: Bob Seger, Ted Nugent, Alice Cooper, Parliament/Funkadelic, and Iggy Pop among them.
Also included are the veteran musicians from other '60s Detroit bands who formed new groups in the '70s such as the Rockets, Destroy All Monsters, and Sonic's Rendevous Band all of which eventually became rather influential.
By the latter part of the decade, a new wave/punk rock scene was happening at a place called Bookies Club 870 which spawned many new bands such as the Sillies, the Mutants, and most notably the Romantics.
Dave Carson will have his books for sale/signing during this event next Friday.