Apr 032010
In honor of Easter Sunday, it’s only right that Rock Town Hall reserve some time and space to discuss issues of rock ‘n roll martyrdom, resurrection, and communion.
Who are rock ‘n roll’s martyrs? What constitutes rock ‘n roll resurrection? Who makes up your rock ‘n roll ministry? Mine begins with Patti Smith and Joe Strummer, with the self-excommunicated John Lennon working in the wings. Let’s roll away the stone this weekend, shall we, and enjoy the festivities in whatever way seems right.
Well, we all know the great government conspiracy to wipe Rock from our minds. They drafted Elvis, killed Buddy, Richie, and J.P., and arrested The Mighty Chuck. They sent God Himself after Little Richard. Jerry Lee just self-destructed on his own. Then they gave us Fabian and Dion and the like.
The Beatles (and the rest of those British buggers like The Stones) ressurected the power and reminded us that Rock is good.
Then there was Sha Na Na and all was good.
TB
Sid Vicious is a rock and roll martyr.
Iggy is a story of rock and roll resurrection.
John Lennon, Keith Richards, and Dee Dee Ramone make up my rock and roll ministry.
Jimi Hendrix is my R-N-R martyr. He had to die when he did so that ALL other guitarist would have to bow at his unblemished alter.
The Beatles constitute R-N-R resurrection due to the fact that every new generation ’til the end of all time will “discover” their musik.
My holy trinity consists of John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix & Mick Jones. Praise Fender!
Mott had its own resurrection last October when the original group reformed after 35+ years for a series of shows at Hammersmith.
Ian Hunter’s never gone away and he still brings it; I’ll be seeing him later this month in NYC.
And then there’s Leon Russell who, for someone who was once so ubiquitous, might as well have died 30 years ago for all he gets mentioned, including in the Hall here.
His first five or so albums were great and include a different song also titled Roll Away The Stone. Listen here about 3:00 minutes in: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VpTCFGE4p2Q