Children Of The Grave & Las Vegas Local Tribute And Cover Bands Rule !

Let's just say that I was blown away this past Friday night inside of Count's Vamp'd Rock Bar & Grill, by the best Ozzy & Black Sabbath Tribute Band that I've seen in Las Vegas In many a moon.

 The Band .. Children Of The Grave. 

Their look, their sound, and their stage presence were spot on. 

Children Of The Grave definitely put me in a Heavy-Metal-Mood for the night!

When you get the chance, go see this band!

They're Awesome! (And They're Local)

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 In my 25 years as an entertainment journalist here in Las Vegas. 

I've been blessed to get to see some of the best bands in the entire world. Most of them are local.

In my blog today. 

I'd like to recognize 5 of these amazing local cover/tribute bands that I think that every music fan should go see!

Click on their links, check them out, and go see them. You'll be glad that you did!

Sammy Hagar Tribute: Three Lock Box

Tom Petty Tribute: Petty And The Heartshakers

Heart - Pat Benatar Tribute: Heart Benatar

Kiss Tribute: Generation Kiss

AC/DC Tribute: LV/DC

These are only a handful (5) of the amazing bands that call Las Vegas their home.

Yes, Las Vegas is..... the Entertainment Capital of the world!

Have a Great Sunday.

And as I always say .. 

Keep On ROCK'N !

Gary England

Music & Bands One Hit Wonders .. How Many Are Out There?

 

First, what is a "One Hit Wonder"?

A "One-Hit wonder" in music refers to a musician, band, or artist who achieves mainstream success and widespread recognition primarily or solely through one song. These artists often experience a brief period of fame and commercial success due to the popularity of their hit single, but they are unable to replicate that level of success with subsequent releases. The term "one-hit wonder" is typically used to describe artists who are remembered for only one notable song rather than their overall career achievements.

How Many "One Hit Wonders" Can You Name?-

There can't be that many "One Hit Wonders" can there?

Here's a few One Hit Wonders That Come To My Mind.

Norman Greenbaum - "Spirit in the Sky" (1969): Norman Greenbaum's psychedelic rock anthem became a massive hit in 1969, but he never managed to repeat its success with any other songs.
Steam - "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye" (1969): Steam's catchy sing-along anthem became a sports stadium staple, but the band failed to produce another hit of similar magnitude.
Golden Earring - "Radar Love" (1973): This Dutch rock band scored a worldwide hit with "Radar Love," but they never achieved the same level of success again.

Sharona" (1979): The Knack's infectious power pop hit "My Sharona" topped the charts in 1979, but subsequent releases failed to match its success.
Soft Cell - "Tainted Love" (1981): This British synth-pop duo scored a massive hit with their cover of "Tainted Love," but they struggled to replicate that level of success with later releases.
Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) - "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" (1974): While BTO had other successful songs, "You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet" remains their most recognizable hit.
King Harvest - "Dancing in the Moonlight" (1972): King Harvest's upbeat tune "Dancing in the Moonlight" became a hit, but the band never achieved the same level of success again.

Seems like I can remember a few more One Hit Wonders in the back of my mind.

So, I started searching the internet.

Believe it or not. There's plenty to go around!

Here's 40 in the Classic Rock Genre Alone ..

Classic Rock One Hit Wonders

These bands and artists may have only had one major hit, but their songs have left a lasting impact on the classic rock genre and continue to be celebrated by fans decades later.

Keep On Rock'N One Song At A Time!

Gary England

Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame 2024 Inductee's .. Agree Or Not?

Artists who will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for 2024: (Performer) Ozzy Osbourne, Cher, Mary J. Blige, Dave Matthews Band, Foreigner, Peter Frampton, Kool And The Gang, and A Tribe Called Quest. 

(Musical Excellence) Jimmy Buffett, MC5, Dionne Warwick, Norman Whitfield.

(Musical Influence) Alexis Korner, John Mayall, Big Mama Thornton.

(AHMET ERTEGUN Award) Suzanne De Passe

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame List Inductee's 2024 (With Pictures)

The ceremony will air live on Disney+ and ABC from Cleveland on October 19, 2024.

It seems like each year there seems to be a lot of disagreement on who should get into the R&R Hall. 

What Criteria is used in the Nominating Process? 

How is it decided who gets in? 

Who has the final say?

Here's The Scoop..

1. Musical Influence: The nominee's impact and influence on the development, evolution, and perpetuation of rock and roll music.

2. Length of Career: The nominee must have had a significant impact on the music industry for at least 25 years since the release of their first record.

3. Innovation and Creativity: The degree to which the nominee has pushed the boundaries of the genre through innovation, experimentation, and creativity.

4. Critical Acclaim: Recognition by peers, critics, and other industry professionals through awards, honors, and critical acclaim.

5. Popularity and Success: The commercial success of the nominee's recordings, tours, and overall impact on popular culture.

6. Musical Excellence: The skill, talent, and quality of the nominee's contributions to rock and roll music.

Ultimately, the final decision on who gets inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is made by a voting body consisting of music industry professionals, historians, and past inductees.

I say the fans should have a say on this!

What Do You Think?

Gary England

Every Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Member

(Complete List)

A

How Long Does It Take For A Really Talented Musician To Hit Rockstar Status ?

 Many of the musicians & rockstars that I know started their musical ambitions at a very early age. 

Continuing to hone their musical craft all the way through school. 

So how long does it take to hit the top of the mountain in the music business?

At what age can you expect to be called a Rockstar?

What It Takes To Be A Rockstar

Here are a few notable (And Very Famous) musicians and their ages at which they achieved their "Rockstar" Status.

1. Elvis Presley - Elvis rose to fame in his late teens, but he achieved rockstar status in his early 20s, especially after his breakout hits like "Heartbreak Hotel" in 1956. He was around 21 years old at the time.

2. The Beatles - The Fab Four became global sensations in their early 20s. By the time they invaded America in 1964, John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, and Ringo Starr were all around 20-22 years old.

3. Jimi Hendrix - Hendrix's breakthrough came in the mid-1960s when he moved to London and formed the Jimi Hendrix Experience. He gained rockstar status around the age of 24 with the release of his debut album "Are You Experienced" in 1967.

4. Janis Joplin - Joplin became a rockstar in the late 1960s with her distinctive voice and bluesy style. She gained widespread recognition around the age of 25, particularly after her performance at the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967.

5. David Bowie - Bowie achieved rockstar status in his mid-20s with the release of his album "The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars" in 1972. He was around 25 years old at the time.

6. Freddie Mercury - Mercury rose to fame as the lead singer of Queen in his mid-20s. Queen's breakthrough came with their album "Sheer Heart Attack" in 1974, when Mercury was around 28 years old.

7. Kurt Cobain - Cobain became a rockstar in his early 20s with the success of Nirvana's album "Nevermind" in 1991. He was around 24 years old at the time.

These ages can vary depending on individual definitions of "rockstar" status, but they represent significant points in these musicians' careers where they achieved widespread recognition and success.

Gary England

What It Takes To Make It To The Top Of The Music Biz And To Achieve Rockstar Stardom !

 

In my many years in the entertainment media. I've seen many talented musicians come and go. Most of which, had the talent to make it in the biz. But didn't possess the other important traits to make it to the top! (Rockstar Statis)

Becoming a rockstar in music typically requires a combination of talent, hard work, dedication, perseverance, charisma, and luck. Here's my breakdown:

1. Talent: You need to have a ton of musical talent, whether it's in singing, playing an instrument, songwriting, or all of the above. While some people are naturally gifted, others hone their skills through years of practice and training. Either way, you must have a ton of talent!

2. Hard Work: Behind the glamorous image of a rockstar lies hours of hard work. This includes practicing your instrument or vocals diligently, writing songs, and continuously improving your craft. This Ain't No 9 To 5 Job.

3. Dedication: Being a rockstar often means sacrificing other aspects of your life for your music career. You might have to spend countless hours on the road touring, recording in the studio, or promoting your music. Time Is Money.

4. Perseverance: The music industry can be tough, with numerous rejections and setbacks along the way. To succeed, you need to have the resilience to keep pushing forward even when faced with challenges. The Music Biz Is TuFF! Thin Skin Don't Win.

5. Charisma: A big part of being a rockstar is your stage presence and ability to connect with your audience. Charisma is about commanding the stage, engaging your fans, and leaving a lasting impression. Learn How To Turn Heads On & Off The Stage.

6. Networking: Building relationships within the music industry is crucial for gaining exposure and opportunities. This involves networking with other musicians, industry professionals, and fans. Be nice wins fans!

7. Luck: While talent and hard work are essential, luck also plays a significant role in the music industry. Sometimes, being in the right place at the right time or catching the attention of the right person can propel your career forward. Good Timing Pays Off.

8. Adaptability: The music industry is constantly evolving, so being able to adapt to changes in trends, technology, and audience preferences is vital for long-term success.

9. Authenticity: In a sea of artists, being authentic and true to yourself can help you stand out. Fans appreciate artists who stay true to their roots and aren't afraid to be different.

10. Business Savvy: It's not just about making great music; you also need to understand the business side of the industry. This includes managing your finances, negotiating contracts, and marketing yourself effectively. Music is big business!

11. Social Media: Keep in touch (Daily) with all of your social media platforms.

12. Public Relations: Be active, and easily accessible to your fans and to the media.

13. Number 12 ... That's Me :-)

14. Don't Buy-In To The Sex, Drugs, And Rock N' Roll Thing! You've got to keep in shape. Both mentally & physically. The music business is a grind!

Combining these qualities can increase your chances of making it as a rockstar, but ultimately, success in the music industry is never guaranteed. It requires a mix of talent, hard work, and a lot of luck to make it to the top.

Keep On Rock'N

Gary England