The Days of Lore

KISS WEEK! Me and Paul … and Gene?

Tuesday, November 17th, 2009 | musiX | No Comments

It’s as if Geraldo Rivera taped this show 20 years ago specifically with my adult self in mind. The unlikely lineup of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley—who look like pasty Barbie dolls—and Willie Nelson took the stage together as Geraldo lasciviously probed them on who pulls in more tail on the road. Just kidding.

Gene discusses having his first child (longtime girlfriend Shannon Tweed would give birth to their son Nicholas within a few months of the show’s airing), AIDS, and the origins of “Plaster Caster.” Willie talks about life imitating Honeysuckle Rose before leading the crowd in a singalong of “On the Road Again.” And for this, Geraldo Rivera, you are brilliant.

Tomorrow: KISS WEEK continues with a review of tonight’s Portland performance at the Rose Quarter. And stay tuned for a look at the bands KISS has covered in its 36-year career. Hint: They’re far outnumbered by the hundreds of Smelly Tongues, Kvikksølvguttenes and Nirvanas that have paid homage to KISS. Plus much more …

Tags: Gene Simmons, Geraldo, KISS WEEK, Paul Stanley, Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson: This is only a tribute

Thursday, November 20th, 2008 | musiX, pdX | 1 Comment

How’s this for timing: I move away from Chico … Willie Nelson schedules a show in Chico (Jan. 14 for all you sunza bitches who live in the area). I now live in Portland … and Willie doesn’t schedule any shows in the Pacific Northwest. BUT. There is a Willie Nelson tribute night Nov. 21, where local artists will take a stab at the classics. AND. It will only cost us Portland-folk $9.87 (the station putting the show on is Portland’s KUPL 98.7). That’s about 65 bucks less than what you’d pay to actually see Willie Nelson (No. 88 on Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Singers right behind Don Henley!). BUT, another BUT. I am paying my own tribute right here. Cost? Free.

The first time I saw Willie Nelson perform live I cried. Just watch and listen to him squeeze one of those sad notes out of his holy, hole-y guitar Trigger—if it doesn’t move you, place two fingers on your wrist or neck and make sure that little muscle behind your breastbone is functioning. His early ’70s records are his best. 1975’s Red Headed Stranger is a classic beauty. But it’s his unsung 1974 concept album Phases and Stages (produced by the late, great Jerry Wexler) that is truly brilliant, telling the tale of a breakup from both the woman’s and the man’s points of view.

I just saved you $75. On second thought, you just might want to pay the $9.87 and head down to the Wonder Ballroom this Friday. I would’ve performed “Bloody Mary Morning” … only because I’ve rehearsed it on many a lazy Sunday. I’m throwing the other song in there just to make you cry.

“Bloody Mary Morning” - Willie Nelson (Phases and Stages)

“I Still Can’t Believe You’re Gone” - Willie Nelson (Phases and Stages)

Tags: Jerry Wexler, Phases and Stages, Red Headed Stranger, tribute, Willie Nelson