Todd Kerns & Friends And A Cool Meet And Greet Evening

 Last night I attended Todd Kerns and friends at Count's Vamp'd Rock Bar & Grill in Las Vegas.

Besides a kickass show. The night started off with a band "Meet & Greet".

A band meet and greet is an event where fans get the opportunity to interact with their favorite musicians in a more personal and intimate setting.

Besides getting to meet the band. Everyone got their picture taken with the band.

(Left-Right)
Andrew Cushing, Jimmie B Romero, (Fan & Rockstar) Joe Whitley, Todd Kerns, Corky Gainsford

And received a very cool commemorative lanyard to take home to remember the special occasion.

Like the ones that these three fans are showing off.

What a cool way to get to meet your favorite band!

Here's a general overview of what typically happens at a band meet and greet:

Fans usually arrive at the venue and check-in, often showing a ticket or pass that grants them access to the meet and greet.

There might be a waiting area where fans gather before the event starts.

The meet and greet can be conducted in groups or individually. In group sessions, several fans meet the band at once, while individual sessions allow for one-on-one interactions.

A professional photographer or a designated staff member usually takes pictures of fans with the band.

Fans often get a chance to have merchandise, albums, or other items signed by the band members. Some bands provide specific items for signing, while others allow fans to bring their own.

Fans typically get a few moments to chat with the band members, ask questions, or express their appreciation.

Sometimes, exclusive merchandise or memorabilia is available for purchase or included as part of the meet and greet package.

Some meet and greets offer unique experiences, such as backstage tours, soundcheck access, or even a short acoustic performance or Q&A session with the band.

The duration of a meet and greet can vary but typically lasts from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the number of fans and the structure of the event.

Overall, a band meet and greet provides fans with a unique and memorable experience, allowing them to connect with their favorite musicians in a way that's not possible during a regular concert.

Last night's show and the Meet & Greet was Awesome!

If you ever get the chance to see Todd Kerns, Do It.

He's Awesome Too!

Mind Body Spirit Music

Gary England

May 17th Today In Music History

 From time to time I like to post things and events that have happened in recent music history.

Some are pretty interesting to say the least!

Here are several significant events that have taken place on this date in recent and past years.

1. 1967: Bob Dylan was famously called "Judas" by a fan during a concert at the Free Trade Hall in Manchester, England. This incident occurred because some fans were unhappy with Dylan's transition from acoustic folk to electric rock.

2. 1969: The Who released their iconic rock opera album "Tommy" in the United States, which became a major influence in the rock genre​.

3. 1975: Elton John's album "Captain Fantastic and the Brown Dirt Cowboy" became the first album to sell a million copies on its first day of release​.

4. 1978: The movie "Thank God It's Friday," featuring a disco soundtrack, premiered in Los Angeles​ on this day in 1978.

5. 1980: Peter Criss left the rock band KISS to pursue a solo career. He was replaced by drummer Eric Carr​.

6. 1995: Legendary rock and roll pioneers Chuck Berry, Little Richard, and Fats Domino performed together for the first time in Sheffield, England​ on this day in 1995.

These highlights are a glimpse into the rich history of music that has unfolded on May 17.

Today In Music History.

Mind Body Spirit Music

Gary England

Where Are All Of The Rock N' Roll Female Drummers And Musicians ?

 Female representation in rock music isn't exactly what it should be. 

The world isn't lacking in female talent – especially when it comes to rock and roll music.

The underrepresentation of females in the music industry, particularly in roles such as drummers, stems from a combination of historical, cultural, and systemic factors.

Traditionally, music, especially certain instruments and genres, has been dominated by men. Drumming, in particular, has often been viewed as a male-dominated field due to societal perceptions of physical strength.

With fewer visible female drummers and instrumentalists, aspiring female musicians might not see themselves represented and may be less likely to pursue these paths.

Representation is crucial for inspiring the next generation and demonstrating that success is possible.

Other factors that might determine less female representation in the music industry may include. Hiring practices and pay disparities, less access to the resources and networks that can help females advance in the music industry, such as mentorship, funding, and professional connections. And family and caregiving responsibilities at home.

Efforts to address these challenges include initiatives to promote mentorship programs for female musicians, creating safer and equal working environments, and actively challenging and changing stereotypes.

Increasing awareness and support for women in music can help to gradually balance the representation in the industry.

On a Las Vegas personal note.

There are three Badass skin-smashing female local drummers that I know and want to recognize for their amazing talent!

Click on their names below.

Take a look at these three amazing females that make drumming a "Beautiful" thing!

Nannette Fortier

Sheila Cloud

Courtney Lourenco

"It's time for more female rockstars and musicians to be under the spotlights onstage"

Mind Body Spirit Music

Gary England

Does It Really Matter Who's In The Band ?

 I hear this all of the time. 

Who's in the band?

The original members. Or new members playing the band's original songs. 

Does it really matter?

To me, there are two kinds of music fans in the world.

 1. Some will not see a band perform unless the original members of the band are part of the show. 

2. The other kind of fan doesn’t care who’s in the band as long as they still play the big hits.

The dynamic of original famous bands versus bands with new members singing original music is a fascinating topic in the world of music. Here’s an overview of how this phenomenon has played out with some very well-known bands.

1. Queen

Original Lineup: Freddie Mercury (vocals), Brian May (guitar), John Deacon (bass), Roger Taylor (drums). With New Members: After Freddie Mercury's death in 1991, Queen continued to perform with different vocalists. Paul Rodgers joined the band from 2004 to 2009, and since 2011, Adam Lambert has been performing with Queen. Lambert's collaboration has been well-received, bringing a new dynamic to the band's performances while paying homage to Mercury's legacy.

2. AC/DC

Original Lineup: Bon Scott (vocals), Angus Young (guitar), Malcolm Young (guitar), Mark Evans (bass), Phil Rudd (drums). With New Members: After Bon Scott's death in 1980, AC/DC hired Brian Johnson as their new lead singer. Johnson's first album with the band, "Back in Black," became one of the best-selling albums of all time, cementing the band's continued success.

3. Van Halen

Original Lineup: David Lee Roth (vocals), Eddie Van Halen (guitar), Michael Anthony (bass), Alex Van Halen (drums). With New Members: Van Halen saw significant changes when Sammy Hagar replaced David Lee Roth in 1985. Hagar's era brought a different sound and style, resulting in commercial success. The band reunited with Roth in 2007 and again in 2012, with Eddie's son Wolfgang Van Halen on bass, revitalizing interest in the original lineup's music.

4. Journey

Original Lineup: Steve Perry (vocals), Neal Schon (guitar), Ross Valory (bass), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Steve Smith (drums). With New Members: After Steve Perry left the band in 1998, Journey went through several vocalists. In 2007, Arnel Pineda, a Filipino singer discovered on YouTube, joined the band. Pineda's vocal resemblance to Perry has helped the band maintain their classic sound while bringing new energy to their performances.

5. Genesis

Original Lineup: Peter Gabriel (vocals), Tony Banks (keyboards), Mike Rutherford (guitar), Phil Collins (drums). With New Members: When Peter Gabriel left in 1975, Phil Collins stepped up as the lead vocalist, transitioning the band from progressive rock to a more pop-oriented sound. This change led to even greater commercial success, especially in the 1980s.

These examples illustrate the challenges that bands can face when integrating new members, especially vocalists. While the chemistry and charisma of the original lineup might be different. New members can bring fresh energy and perspective, sometimes leading to renewed success and longevity for the band.

So, does it really matter who's in the band?

I say that the music should live on.

Mind Body Spirit Music

Gary England

A Look At How Rockstars Handle Social Media

 Rockstars often have a unique and engaging presence on social media, reflecting their charismatic personas and connecting with fans in innovative ways. Here are some common strategies and behaviors you might find among rockstars on social media:

1. Behind-the-scenes glimpses: Rockstars often share behind-the-scenes moments, giving fans a peek into their lives on tour, in the studio, or during downtime. This can include photos, videos, and stories that offer a more personal connection.

2. Interactive content: Many rockstars engage with fans through interactive content like polls, Q&A sessions, or live streams. This allows them to directly communicate with their audience and build a sense of community.

3. Announcements and updates: Social media platforms are key for rockstars to announce new music releases, tour dates, and other important updates. They often use these platforms to keep fans informed and excited about upcoming projects.

4. Fan appreciation: Rockstars often show appreciation for their fans on social media, whether it's through shoutouts, reposting fan art, or responding to messages and comments. This helps strengthen the bond between the artist and their audience.

5. Creative content: Many rockstars use social media as a platform to showcase their creativity beyond just music, sharing artwork, poetry, or other forms of expression. This can give fans a deeper insight into their artistic vision and interests.

6. Activism and advocacy: Some rockstars use their social media platforms to advocate for causes they believe in, whether it's environmentalism, social justice, or other issues. They may share information, resources, and calls to action with their followers.

7. Humor and personality: Rockstars often infuse their social media posts with humor and personality, reflecting their unique style and sense of humor. This can range from witty captions to playful interactions with fans.

Overall, rockstars on social media use these strategies to cultivate a strong connection with their audience, build their brand, and amplify their message beyond the confines of traditional media channels.

Mind Body Spirit Music

Gary England