| Rockin' News for April 14 ,2009, p. 2 |
Dee Snyder teams with the March of Dimes for "Bikers
for Babies" ride
On Sunday, May 17, motorcyclists will join Dee Snider (radio personality
and lead singer of TWISTED SISTER) and the March of Dimes in the fight
against premature birth at Dee Snider's seventh annual Bikers for Babies
ride. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at Town Park at Point Lookout located
on Lido Boulevard in Point Lookout. Bikers will hit the open road at 11 a.m.
Dee Snider was named Honorary Chairman of March of Dimes Bikers for
Babies in September. The cause is personal: two of his children were born
prematurely, and he's leading the pack to help other babies be born
healthy.
Despite the wild-man image from his heavy metal days, Snider and his
wife, Suzette, have been together for 32 years and have four children.
for Babies" ride
On Sunday, May 17, motorcyclists will join Dee Snider (radio personality
and lead singer of TWISTED SISTER) and the March of Dimes in the fight
against premature birth at Dee Snider's seventh annual Bikers for Babies
ride. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at Town Park at Point Lookout located
on Lido Boulevard in Point Lookout. Bikers will hit the open road at 11 a.m.
Dee Snider was named Honorary Chairman of March of Dimes Bikers for
Babies in September. The cause is personal: two of his children were born
prematurely, and he's leading the pack to help other babies be born
healthy.
Despite the wild-man image from his heavy metal days, Snider and his
wife, Suzette, have been together for 32 years and have four children.
Snider is also a radio personality, television host, author, voiceover artist, screenplay writer and actor. He has adopted the March of Dimes
Bikers for Babies as his charity of choice. After riding with the Connecticut Chapter of the March of Dimes for three years, Snider saw a
need and created and chaired the event that carries his name — Dee Snider's Bikers for Babies on Long Island, N.Y. That was seven years
ago. "I'm honored to be a part of these events and proud of their success in raising funds to fight premature birth," he says.
"Dee Snider has been a dedicated volunteer for several years now, and we're really pleased that he's agreed to take on a greater role in
helping March of Dimes efforts for stronger, healthier babies," says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. "Just looking
out at all of the dedicated bikers, both individuals and families, who come together for this event makes you want to suit up yourself and go
for a spin."
The March of Dimes is the leading organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for
Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
(Courtesy of blabbermouth.net)
Bikers for Babies as his charity of choice. After riding with the Connecticut Chapter of the March of Dimes for three years, Snider saw a
need and created and chaired the event that carries his name — Dee Snider's Bikers for Babies on Long Island, N.Y. That was seven years
ago. "I'm honored to be a part of these events and proud of their success in raising funds to fight premature birth," he says.
"Dee Snider has been a dedicated volunteer for several years now, and we're really pleased that he's agreed to take on a greater role in
helping March of Dimes efforts for stronger, healthier babies," says Dr. Jennifer L. Howse, president of the March of Dimes. "Just looking
out at all of the dedicated bikers, both individuals and families, who come together for this event makes you want to suit up yourself and go
for a spin."
The March of Dimes is the leading organization for pregnancy and baby health. With chapters nationwide and its premier event, March for
Babies, the March of Dimes works to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.
For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
(Courtesy of blabbermouth.net)
| *** *** *** *** *** *** |
Peter Wolf preps solo record, J. Geils reunion
It's been seven years since Peter Wolf last released a solo album, but the J. Geils Band frontman
is planning to end that drought later this year.
Wolf tells Billboard.com that his as-yet-untitled album, his first since Sleepless in 2002, will be
out "sometime during the summer" on a Universal Music Group label. He's been recording in New
York and Boston and recruited guests such as Merle Haggard, Shelby Lynn, Neko Case and Larry
Campbell (Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris).
"It's been a lot of hard work, but it's seeming worthwhile," says Wolf, who produced the album.
"There's a lot of meat and potatoes, some songs on there that are great, emotionally close to me.
It's heart-felt type of music; it's just country, honky-tonk, hillbilly, R&B, blues, rock -- it all
kind of gets whisked around, because I love it all. It's got the Woofa Goofa Mama Twofer seal of
excitement."
Wolf says he's recorded "a bunch" of songs for the project but expects 13 to be on the final track
list. And for now he's being circumspect about song titles and lyrical subjects.
"The songs kind of speak for themselves, and I'd rather they do that," he explains. "You can sort
of go on about the content of a song or the meaning of a song, but unless someone is familiar with
it...For me as a fan of music, it doesn't mean much until I've heard it, so I'm gonna wait for that
to happen with these (songs)."
It's been seven years since Peter Wolf last released a solo album, but the J. Geils Band frontman
is planning to end that drought later this year.
Wolf tells Billboard.com that his as-yet-untitled album, his first since Sleepless in 2002, will be
out "sometime during the summer" on a Universal Music Group label. He's been recording in New
York and Boston and recruited guests such as Merle Haggard, Shelby Lynn, Neko Case and Larry
Campbell (Bob Dylan, Elvis Costello, Emmylou Harris).
"It's been a lot of hard work, but it's seeming worthwhile," says Wolf, who produced the album.
"There's a lot of meat and potatoes, some songs on there that are great, emotionally close to me.
It's heart-felt type of music; it's just country, honky-tonk, hillbilly, R&B, blues, rock -- it all
kind of gets whisked around, because I love it all. It's got the Woofa Goofa Mama Twofer seal of
excitement."
Wolf says he's recorded "a bunch" of songs for the project but expects 13 to be on the final track
list. And for now he's being circumspect about song titles and lyrical subjects.
"The songs kind of speak for themselves, and I'd rather they do that," he explains. "You can sort
of go on about the content of a song or the meaning of a song, but unless someone is familiar with
it...For me as a fan of music, it doesn't mean much until I've heard it, so I'm gonna wait for that
to happen with these (songs)."
One of rock's most energetic and identifiable
front men, Peter Wolf has a new solo record in
the works as well as upcoming gigs with the
legendary J. Geils Band.
front men, Peter Wolf has a new solo record in
the works as well as upcoming gigs with the
legendary J. Geils Band.
Wolf, who was on the road with Kid Rock's "Rock N Roll Revival Tour" in 2008, says he plans to tour in support of the album as well,
mostly in "intimate venues" in key cities. "I'm looking forward to getting out on the highways and byways and playing a whole
retrospective of a lot of that (solo) stuff," he says.
Before that happens, however, Wolf will revisit his Geils past on April 24-25, when the group reunites for a pair of concerts in its
"adopted home town" of Detroit. There are "no plans" for any further Geils projects, but Wolf says the shows will help a bit to set up
the new album's release.
"The Geils shows are exciting," he acknowledges. "They are a part of my life that I love and that I treat with great respect. But the
(solo work) also is another part of my life that I also treat with great respect. As a musician I feel honored and value that I have
different palettes and different things to choose from. It's the totality of it all that makes it exciting for me and keeps me going and
motivates me and still keeps me a hard-driving man."
(Courtesy of billboard.com/story by Gary Graff, Detroit)
mostly in "intimate venues" in key cities. "I'm looking forward to getting out on the highways and byways and playing a whole
retrospective of a lot of that (solo) stuff," he says.
Before that happens, however, Wolf will revisit his Geils past on April 24-25, when the group reunites for a pair of concerts in its
"adopted home town" of Detroit. There are "no plans" for any further Geils projects, but Wolf says the shows will help a bit to set up
the new album's release.
"The Geils shows are exciting," he acknowledges. "They are a part of my life that I love and that I treat with great respect. But the
(solo work) also is another part of my life that I also treat with great respect. As a musician I feel honored and value that I have
different palettes and different things to choose from. It's the totality of it all that makes it exciting for me and keeps me going and
motivates me and still keeps me a hard-driving man."
(Courtesy of billboard.com/story by Gary Graff, Detroit)
Update: LA Jury Convicts Phil Spector In Murder Of Actress
Two trials involving one legendary music producer. The first jury couldn't reach an unanimous
decision, but the second found Phil Spector guilty of second-degree murder in the shooting
death of actress Lana Clarkson.
Six years after Clarkson was found dead in the foyer of Spector's mansion, the diminutive
69-year-old now finds himself in a Los Angeles jail cell after he was convicted on Monday. His
sentencing is scheduled for May 29 where he faces at least 18 years to life in prison barring
a successful appeal.
Spector, wearing one of his signature suits with a long black coat, red tie and red
handkerchief, had no obvious reaction. His 28-year-old wife, Rachelle, sobbed as the verdict
Two trials involving one legendary music producer. The first jury couldn't reach an unanimous
decision, but the second found Phil Spector guilty of second-degree murder in the shooting
death of actress Lana Clarkson.
Six years after Clarkson was found dead in the foyer of Spector's mansion, the diminutive
69-year-old now finds himself in a Los Angeles jail cell after he was convicted on Monday. His
sentencing is scheduled for May 29 where he faces at least 18 years to life in prison barring
a successful appeal.
Spector, wearing one of his signature suits with a long black coat, red tie and red
handkerchief, had no obvious reaction. His 28-year-old wife, Rachelle, sobbed as the verdict
| *** *** *** *** *** *** |
Phil Spector (left) has been convicted in the second-degree
of murdering B-movie actress Lana Clarkson. Spector is
legendary as a music producer for creating the famed
"wall of sound" in the 1960s used by The Ronettes and
the Righteous Brothers, among others.
of murdering B-movie actress Lana Clarkson. Spector is
legendary as a music producer for creating the famed
"wall of sound" in the 1960s used by The Ronettes and
the Righteous Brothers, among others.
was announced. Spector was led out of the courtroom by sheriff's deputies and remanded to jail immediately.
"He took it very stoically," defense attorney Doron Weinberg said later. "He wanted to know what is next."
The jury forewoman, who spoke later, also wept. She recounted the pressure of deciding the fate of another person.
"It just is a painful decision," she said. "For anybody in our shoes, you have no idea. It's tough to be on a jury."
The murder case was a flash from Hollywood's distant past, a reminder of the 1960s when Spector reigned as the hit maker supreme
with such songs as the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" and the Ronettes' classic, "Be My Baby."
The 40-year-old Clarkson, star of the 1985 cult film "Barbarian Queen," died of a gunshot fired in her mouth as she sat in Spector's
mansion in February 2003. She met Spector only hours earlier at her job as a nightclub hostess. In one of many ironies of the case, she
had no idea of his fame. Prosecutors argued Spector had a history of threatening women with guns when they tried to leave his presence.
The defense claimed she was despondent over her fading career and killed herself.
Spector's chauffeur, the key witness, said he heard a gunshot, then saw Spector emerge holding a gun and heard him say: "I think I
killed somebody."
The first jury deadlocked 10-2, favoring conviction in 2007. This time, jurors spent about 30 hours in deliberations before finding Spector
guilty. They had the option of choosing involuntary manslaughter, but did not do so. The panel also found Spector personally used a firearm
in committing a crime.
"It feels fantastic, this is the type of day prosecutors live for," said Deputy District Attorney Alan Jackson, who summed up Spector's
motive for killing Clarkson in one word: "Rage."
Clarkson's mother and sister attended with their lawyer, who said they would not personally comment because they now face resolution of
their civil damage suit against Spector.
"The family is pleased that the jury rejected distortions of Lana Clarkson's life," said attorney John Taylor.
Prosecutors, haunted by the acquittals of stars such as O.J. Simpson, Robert Blake and Michael Jackson, at first seemed invested in
making Spector the first showbiz star to be convicted in a major criminal case. But after the first trial ended in a deadlock, public
interest faded. The second six-month trial was played out in a sparsely populated courtroom with few members of the media present.
(Courtesy of billboard.com/Associated Press writer Alicia Chang contributed to this report.)
"He took it very stoically," defense attorney Doron Weinberg said later. "He wanted to know what is next."
The jury forewoman, who spoke later, also wept. She recounted the pressure of deciding the fate of another person.
"It just is a painful decision," she said. "For anybody in our shoes, you have no idea. It's tough to be on a jury."
The murder case was a flash from Hollywood's distant past, a reminder of the 1960s when Spector reigned as the hit maker supreme
with such songs as the Righteous Brothers' "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" and the Ronettes' classic, "Be My Baby."
The 40-year-old Clarkson, star of the 1985 cult film "Barbarian Queen," died of a gunshot fired in her mouth as she sat in Spector's
mansion in February 2003. She met Spector only hours earlier at her job as a nightclub hostess. In one of many ironies of the case, she
had no idea of his fame. Prosecutors argued Spector had a history of threatening women with guns when they tried to leave his presence.
The defense claimed she was despondent over her fading career and killed herself.
Spector's chauffeur, the key witness, said he heard a gunshot, then saw Spector emerge holding a gun and heard him say: "I think I
killed somebody."
The first jury deadlocked 10-2, favoring conviction in 2007. This time, jurors spent about 30 hours in deliberations before finding Spector
guilty. They had the option of choosing involuntary manslaughter, but did not do so. The panel also found Spector personally used a firearm
in committing a crime.
"It feels fantastic, this is the type of day prosecutors live for," said Deputy District Attorney Alan Jackson, who summed up Spector's
motive for killing Clarkson in one word: "Rage."
Clarkson's mother and sister attended with their lawyer, who said they would not personally comment because they now face resolution of
their civil damage suit against Spector.
"The family is pleased that the jury rejected distortions of Lana Clarkson's life," said attorney John Taylor.
Prosecutors, haunted by the acquittals of stars such as O.J. Simpson, Robert Blake and Michael Jackson, at first seemed invested in
making Spector the first showbiz star to be convicted in a major criminal case. But after the first trial ended in a deadlock, public
interest faded. The second six-month trial was played out in a sparsely populated courtroom with few members of the media present.
(Courtesy of billboard.com/Associated Press writer Alicia Chang contributed to this report.)