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Rock’s Most Memorable Stage Props

Jan 252010

The recent selection of The Rolling Stones‘ lips logo as Rock’s Greatest Logo of All Time got me thinking of images from album covers, videos, and musical motifs suggested by an artist’s recent release that were developed into memorable stage props.

Pink Floyd‘s flying pig, from the Animals record sleeve, is the first stage prop that comes to mind. The Residents have made significant use of thematic props in their rare live performances.

Less memorably, the Stones have wheeled out cheesy inflated versions of the lips logo and giant supermodels, possibly related to some ’90s video of them and the supermodels overtaking Manhattan. Then there’s some legend of ZZ Top touring with cattle on stage. Did this actually happen? Not that I’ve looked too hard, but why have I never seen a photo or video from this tour?
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Battle Royale: We’re an American Brand

Posted by cdm

Jan 212010

I was poking around in the archives and I came across a discussion in which folks were talking about starting a thread to determine once and for all which rock band has the best logo. I don’t think that discussion ever materialized so I’m starting it here.

What is the Greatest Rock Logo of All Time?

Please don’t just say the name, show your work too. And don’t let your personal taste about the band’s music affect your appreciation of their branding skills.

I’m going to go with…
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Crafting a Serious Rock Look

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Jan 182010

I wanted to post something socially relevant that would show that Rock Town Hall cares about today’s Martin Luther King Day celebration – and believe me, we do – but then I got distracted by Dion‘s Look in this 1968 performance of “Abraham, Martin, and John.” I started thinking about artists who’ve crafted a new Look specifically to support a new, more serious and introspective direction. Unplugged-era Clapton came to mind. What other artists have crafted a new Look specifically to support a deeper artistic direction?

Rock Town Hall Presents…A Brian Maykover!

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Nov 122009

You’ll recall our recent poll concerning rockers in need of a new hairdo. Your choice of Queen guitarist Brian May was inspired. According to Rock Town Hall Salon’s stylist Toby Wetland, “Brian’s facial structure and skull shape present so many options. It’s a wonder he didn’t change hairstyles every few months!” In fact, Wetland and his staff envisioned so many options that they used a specially develop RTH Labs computer modeling program to determine the best option. Before we tell you what exciting new Look was decided upon, how about you tell us which option you would have chosen?

Digital modeling by RTH Labs and The Back Office.

COMING SOON: Rock Town Hall Presents…A Brian Maykover!

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Nov 092009

The Townspeople have spoken.

The Townspeople have spoken. Queen guitarist Brian May is badly in need of a new hairdo. Highly trained staff from the Rock Town Hall Salon have begun planning the rocker’s new hairstyle. We’re confident it will freshen up his Look to lead the remaining Queen members’ continued efforts to commemorate their deceased frontman, Freddie Mercury.

Gone with the wind!

Ladies, linger over this shot while it lasts. You’re about to be blown away!

Holy Sht!* Mandom Has a Theme Song!

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Nov 062009

The Soundtrack of My Would-Be Life

As we’ve contemplated Rock Town Hall’s MVJRP, some of you may have recalled our examination of the series of legendary Japanase tv ads starring Charles Bronson for the deodorant/talcum powder/sex aid Mandom. Well, at least that’s where my mind wandered. An extensive YouTube search for further Mandom ads turned up this most-shocking find, a hit song (in Japan) centered around the concept of Mandom. Check it out…after the jump!
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Excluding Sleater-Kinney, Has a Top-Flight Band Had Less Success With Facial Hair Than The Rolling Stones?

Posted by Mr. Moderator

Oct 062009

The Beatles‘ “Penny Lane” b/w “Strawberry Fields Forever” single is rightfully acknowledged as one of the finest pairings of songs ever committed to 7 inches of vinyl. What’s less often acknowledged is the band’s landmark display of facial hair, as presented on the promotional films for each song. Although rock facial hair had already been in bloom in the rock underground, John, Paul, George, and Ringo busted out an astounding array of complimentary moustaches (and one Van Dyke) to support their dazzling new sonic achievements. Paul will forever get his share of grief for being the most ambitious and glib of the Fab Four to reach old age, but along with all the praise due to his musical abilities, let’s not forget to recognize the perfection of the man Sgt. Pepper’s-era ‘stache.

While The Beatles were experimenting with mind-expanding sounds and drugs – and fashion-expanding facial hair – The Rolling Stones were searching for an appropriate response. Their Satanic Majesties Request was such a poor attempt at psychedelia that they would be bested in their efforts to follow the times by the likes of The Four Seasons‘ Genuine Imitation Life. I’m not kidding, and Frankie Valli and the boys put their thick, dark Italian follicles to great use, helping to launch the overlooked genre of Goatee Rock. The best the Stones could manage was Brian Jones‘ fabulous mutton chops.

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