Guest Book

I'd like to say that Smilin' Jack definately hit the nail on the head. And I'd like to add that the music industry on a whole appears to be a whole lot more evil today than the early years of radio. Case in point Clear Channel and Ticketbasturd vs. the shady promoters and producers of yesteryear who shafted so many artists out of royalties as common practice. If anything greed appears to have overtaken American society in general. The division between those who have and those who have not is growing into a huge chasm at an alarming rate. And the conspicuous consuption, flaunting of status is so everywhere that it has become more important than the sporting event, the artist or whatever is being put out as art whether it is music, film or TV. Maybe it is just me, but rich people didn't behave like the classless, mannerless bunch that they've become today as compared to back in my youth. Of course I didn't know any robber barons, railroad tycoons or mafioso either. Doctors were people that you looked up to and respected. Heads of companies were actually concerned about their employees. And too, employees knew what was expected of them. People in general knew the differece between right and wrong (whether we chose to do right was another matter.) and acted more civilized. How does this pertain to the early ABB and music from the 67-73 era? Well I certainly won't speak for Reddog or the others but I believe that while commercial sucess was a motivating factor, it wasn't "THE" motivation behind the band. THE MUSIC WAS the most important thing. I have a tape of Duane sitting around playing some blues. I assume it is in Macon. And Duane lets slip with a MF which he appologizes immensely afterward to his wife or girlfriend at the time. Maybe you were there Reddog. It is from the Idlewild outtakes I think. That little snippet to me shows what kind of guy Duane was. Contrast that with today when preconceived, lip synching, riff regurgitating pop stars ruling the airwaves which from all appearances are controlled by Satan himself except that Satan has more class. " And now we have the current smash by DJ MC Ice T Vanillia Backstreet with M*ther F*$ker from his new same titled CD. Also catch him on tour. Tickets $150.00 a pop (so you know it's good!)" Sorry y'all for ranting. I've been under a lot of emotions lately. Having said that, I've found there is a lot of great music being made today. I can't stop raving about Umphrey's McGee. But you have to actively go looking for it. Apathy is probably what's killing rock radio today as well as American society in general. Peace. ------------------------------------------------- "I can't say that I was ever lost, but I was bewildered once for three days." - Daniel Boone