Rocker Glenn Hughes Remembers Ronnie James Dio
Glenn Hughes says that if there was ever any competition between himself and the late Ronnie James Dio, it was friendly. Both Hughes and Dio sang lead vocals for Black Sabbath at different times in the band's history. The 57-year-old tells the UK's "Classic Rock," "Whenever we got together, we'd always have this argument over who was the better singer. I'd be saying, 'You're the best,' and he'd reply 'No, you are.''' Hughes adds, "When he died, we lost the greatest of all metal singers. But he was so much more than that. He could walk into a room with 30 people he didn't know and make every one of them feel comfortable. He'd also remember their names the next time they met."
Hughes -- who's also been a part of Deep Purple's lineup -- added that Dio was generous with his time, raising money and awareness for charity. The rocker says, "His Children Of The Night foundation helped kids on the street. He raised four-point-five-million dollars through Hear N' Aid. He was a saint."
Ronnie James Dio died on May 16, 2010 after a battle with stomach cancer. Hughes will get a chance to show his appreciation for Dio on stage at the UK's High Voltage Festival later this month. He'll join Masterplan's Jorn Lande on vocals with the surviving members of Heaven & Hell. The tribute concert will take place at London's Victoria Park July 24th.
Sir Paul Surprises Fans At Ringo's 70th Birthday Concert
It will be hard to top the frenzy surrounding Ringo Starr's big birthday this week. RollingStone.com reports that Sir Paul McCartney stunned fans at Radio City Music Hall on Wednesday night when he strolled on stage at the tail-end of Starr's 70th birthday concert. McCartney opted to sing -- appropriately -- "Birthday" off The Beatles' "White Album." The performance followed a star-studded ensemble rendition of "With A Little Help From My Friends." Ringo led a chorus that included Joe Walsh, John Lennon's widow Yoko Ono, Steve Van Zandt, Max Weinberg, and Mick Jones of Foreigner. In one memorable highlight, Ono reportedly looked on with delight as Ringo and Paul hugged on stage.
Ringo was born in Liverpool, England on July 7, 1940. The eldest of The Beatles, he's the first of the famed rockers to hit their 70s. Sir Paul McCartney won't turn 70 until until June 18th, 2012. Had they lived, John Lennon would have hit 70 this October 9th and George Harrison would have observed the milestone on February 25th, 2013.
Knopfler To Play Montreux, Plays Europe Through Month's End
Rock legend Mark Knopfler will soon headline one of the world's most famous jazz festivals. The Dire Straits singer-guitarist is slated to play at Switzerland's 44th Annual Montreux Jazz Festival on Thursday, July 15th. He'll play at Auditorium Stravinski, the fest's main stage. From there, Knopfler's off to the Moon & Stars Festival in Locarno, Switzerland. U.S. fans will need a passport to see the rocker play live before the end of this month. He's booked through July 31st at various European dates including Cordoba, Spain; Monte Carlo, Monaco; and Lyon, France.
In related news, Knopfler is a guest on country songwriter Jimmy Webb's latest LP, "Just Across The River." The album was released in the U.S. on June 29th.
Megadeth's Ellefson LP With Side Project Gets U.S. Release Date
David Ellfeson's back on bass with Megadeth, but he's rocking on the side with a project called Angels of Babylon. Babylon also features singer David Fefolt, guitarist Ethan Brosh, and Manowar drummer Rhino. The band's already released "Kingdom of Evil," its debut LP, in Europe and Japan. "Evil" is now getting a U.S. street date of July 27th. The U.S. version is remastered and comes with three previously-unreleased bonus tracks. Ellefson says of the music, quote, "Power, melody and hooks stand the test of time regardless of what category the 'experts' put it in."
In related news, Ellefson's still touring overseas with Megdeath. The "Moto Psycho" rockers are part of the Sonisphere Festival with Anthrax, Slayer, and Metallica in Madrid, Spain tomorrow night. Then, they're off to Russia for two shows on the 13th and 15th.
Fender Hall Of Fame To Induct Jimi Hendrix Next Month
Jimi Hendrix is getting a posthumous honor next month. Fender Music Instruments Corporation announced this week that it will induct the "Little Wing" rocker to its Hall of Fame on August 13th. The ceremony is scheduled to take place at the Tempe Center for the Arts in Tempe, Arizona. Guests scheduled to attend the event are guitarist Kenny Wayne Shepherd, producer and engineer Eddie Kramer, and Jimi's surviving step-sister Janie Hendrix. Shepherd is also slated to perform at the ceremony with blues musician Chris Layton backing him up on the drums.
In related news, a milestone is approaching for Hendrix's fans worldwide. September 18th will mark the 40th anniversary of the late guitar great's death.
Giants To Honor Memory Of Jerry Garcia Next Month
Jerry Garcia is being honored in the town that he called home next month. The San Francisco Giants will fete the late Grateful Dead singer at AT&T Park on August 9th, the fifteenth anniversary of his death. The event will host Garcia's former Dead band mates, Bob Weir and Mickey Hart. Weir will sing the national anthem. Meanwhile, Hart is attempting to make history as he conducts a seventh inning stretch featuring thousands of fans playing "Take Me Out To The Ball" game on kazoos. Hart's hoping to set a Guinness World Record in the process. Jerry's daughter, Anna Garcia, will throw out the first pitch. Other highlights will include a video salute to the "Touch of Grey" vocalist and custom Giants/Garcia bobble heads for sale.
Jerry Garcia was born in San Francisco on August 1st, 1942. He died on August 9th, 1995. In the years since his passing, the fabled city has referred to the days stretching from the anniversary of Garcia's birth date to his death as "the days between."
Today's Birthdays
Anthrax bass player Frank Bello 45.
Today In History
In 1955
Bill Haley and the Comets' "Rock Around The Clock" hit number one on the pop singles chart, beginning an eight-week run. It was the first rock 'n' roll record to top the Billboard charts.
Pat Boone's "Ain't That A Shame" broke into the Top 40.
In 1958
A Catholic youth magazine kicked off a campaign for, quote, "clean lyrics in pop songs." The publication didn't like the Elvis Presley song "Wear My Ring Around Your Neck" because it promotes going steady.
In 1963
Elvis Presley began recording sessions for material from his movie "Viva Las Vegas." Glen Campbell was among the musicians who worked on the sessions.
In 1964
The Animals' "House Of The Rising Sun" hit number one on the UK pop singles chart.
In 1966
The Cyrkle's "Red Rubber Ball" peaked at number two on the pop singles chart.
The Mamas and the Papas' "I Saw Her Again," The Troggs' "Wild Thing," Paul Revere and the Raiders' "Hungry," and Crispian St. Peters' "The Pied Piper" broke into the Top 40.
The Kinks "Sunny Afternoon" broke into the British Top Ten.
In 1969
Former Rolling Stones guitarist Brian Jones was buried in his hometown of Cheltenham, England.
In 1971
Jim Morrison was buried in Pere Lachaise Cemetery in Paris. The often-vandalized grave has become a shrine for fans.
In 1977
Kiss' album "Love Gun" broke into the album chart.
Electric Light Orchestra's single "Telephone Line" broke into the Top 40.
In 1978
Rolling Stones members Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ron Wood, and Charlie Watts jammed with Muddy Waters at a club in Chicago.
Steve Miller's "Jet Airliner" peaked at number eight on the pop singles chart.
In 1983
David Bowie's "China Girl" broke into the Top 40 chart.
Stevie Nicks' "The Wild Heart" broke into the album chart. It contains the hit "Stand Back."
In 1988
Cheap Trick's "The Flame" hit number one on the pop singles chart.
In 1990
Keith Richards' right index finger became inflamed after Glasgow concert, requiring hospital treatment. The band's upcoming six shows were postponed. It was the first time that the Stones missed a show due to a band member's illness or injury.
In 1994
John Mellencamp's "Dance Naked" broke into the album chart.
In 1995
The Grateful Dead performed their last concert with frontman Jerry Garcia, at Chicago's Soldier Field.
In 1996
Deep Purple performed "Smoke On the Water" at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. It was the first time the band had played the song in the Swiss city that inspired the tune.
In 1998
Alice Cooper was among the stars participating in a benefit golf tournament at the Calabasas Country Club near Los Angeles.
In 1999
Mick Jagger and Jerry Hall's marriage ended in an annulment in a London court. The couple had been married for eight years, and had been together for 22 years.
In 2002
Valerie Bertinelli's spokeswoman confirmed that the actress and Eddie Van Halen had split up after 21 years of marriage. She said the couple had been separated since October 2001, but were not looking to get a formal divorce.
In 2003
The Osbourne family announced that they would participate in a third season of their hit MTV reality series, "The Osbournes."
Elvis Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie, launched her first tour with a show in Bonner Springs, Kansas. She was on the road supporting her debut album, "To Whom It May Concern."
In 2004
Keith Richards was among the artists who performed at the first of two "Return to Sin City: A Tribute to Gram Parsons" concerts. The event, staged in Santa Barbara, California, raised money for the Musicians' Assistance Program, an organization that helps musicians get treatment for drug and alcohol problems.
In 2006
The Yardbirds launched a North American tour with an appearance at the Thunder Bay Bluesfest in Thunder Bay, Ontario.
In 2008
Coven's Jinx Dawson suffered a massive heart attack. While she was alone at the time, the "One Tin Soldier" singer was still able to call paramedics before losing consciousness. While the EMTs couldn't revive her, the emergency room doctor was able to restart Dawson's heart.
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