Latest news with #WreckingCrew
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘We're not coming': Rock legend to skip his own induction ceremony
Chubby Checker would much rather perform in front of a live audience than attend his own induction ceremony. 'The Twist' singer explained his reasoning for skipping the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction in November at a recent concert in Des Plaines, Illinois, Future Rock Legends reported. 'I told my manager, 'Make sure when we go to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, that I'm doing what I love doing most: being in front of an audience. A live audience. Not a television audience,'' the 83-year-old said in a video posted to Bluesky. 'She got me a show and the Rock Hall says, 'We want you to come here this day and be here.' I said, 'We're not have a gig,'' Checker explained. Organizers wanted Checker to forget about the gig, to which he replied, 'You never forget about gigs.' Checker added that his reason for skipping the ceremony is 'to show that I'm alive.' 'My dream is still being fulfilled and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is happening all at the same time,' he added, according to another video posted to Bluesky. Read More: Trailblazing singer has unique request for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame The chart-topping singer is not the only musician who won't be attending the Hall's induction ceremony. Legendary bassist Carol Kaye, who was part of a group of session musicians known as the Wrecking Crew, revealed in June that she is boycotting this year's ceremony as well. 'People have been asking: NO I won't be there,' Kaye wrote in a since-deleted Facebook post. 'I am declining the RRHOF awards show (and Denny Tedesco process)... because it wasn't something that reflects the work that Studio Musicians do and did in the golden era of the 1960s Recording Hits.' According to Rolling Stone, Kaye was featured in Tedesco's 2008 documentary, 'The Wrecking Crew,' about the collective that recorded songs with The Beach Boys, Phil Spector, The Monkees and more in the 1960s and '70s. However, she objected to the Wrecking Crew name, which came from drummer Hal Blaine. Kaye said she started as a jazz guitarist who 'got into recording good music' in the '50s with artists like Sam Cooke. She once replaced a bassist who failed to show for a studio session and soon found it 'easy... to invent good bass lines' — but still gave credit to the group of collaborators. 'You are always part of a TEAM, not a solo artist at all….there were always 350-400 Studio Musicians (AFM Local 47 Hollywood) working in the busy 1960s, and called that ONLY ….since 1930s, I was never a 'wrecker' at all….that's a terrible insulting name,' she wrote. 'I refuse to be part of a process that is something else rather than what I believe in, for others' benefit and not reflecting on the truth – we all enjoyed working with EACH OTHER.' Read More: Chubby Checker will be at The Big E; here's other performers just announced Checker is most famous for 'The Twist,' which hit No. 1 in 1960 and was named the top song on Billboard's all-time Hot 100 chart. His decades-long career also includes 'Pony Time,' 'Let's Twist Again' and his version of 'Limbo Rock.' Checker, who was eligible since 1986, will be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on Nov. 8 along with Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, Bad Company, Outkast, Soundgarden and the White Stripes. The ceremony will stream live on Disney+ and be available on Hulu the next day. More music content The Who's final tour is coming to Boston - Here is how to buy tickets Country legend, 92, wows fans with 'once-in-a-lifetime' performance Legendary rock duo's longwinded legal battle resolved Taylor Swift shocks boyfriend's brother on podcast with big announcement Rock icon says band's tour 'is the last time you will see us' Read the original article on MassLive. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
11-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Art Fein, Cable TV Host & Author, Dies at 79: ‘The Ed Sullivan of Public Access TV'
Art Fein, a longtime fixture of the Los Angeles music scene who achieved his greatest success as the host of Art Fein's Poker Party, a music-focused public access TV show, died on July 30. He succumbed to heart failure while recuperating from surgery for a broken hip. He was 79. Art Fein's Poker Party, which debuted in 1984 as Lil Art's Poker Party and ran for 24 years, drew such guests as Brian Wilson, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Love with Arthur Lee, Dwight Yoakam, Spirit, Dion, Joe Strummer, Etta James, and session musician Carol Kaye, a member of the fabled Wrecking Crew. And that's just for starters. More from Billboard Gone But Not Forgotten: Musicians We Lost in 2025 UMe & Sofa Entertainment to Bring Vintage Ed Sullivan Show Clips to Streaming for the First Time 10 Memorable Band Managers in TV Shows & Movies Each episode ran for 30 minutes, and featured conversation and performances. Many of the videos are archived at Fein's YouTube channel. 'Terribly saddened to hear that Art Fein, producer/manager, music historian and really, the Ed Sullivan of public access TV, has passed away,' bass player Toni Pambianco wrote on X. 'He'll be greatly missed.' Fein especially liked to give a platform to roots music artists such as zydeco star Clifton Chenier, Jerry 'Swamp Dogg' Williams, and Ray Campi & the Rockabilly Rebels. Fein was influential in putting a spotlight on this genre, long before the Recording Academy added dedicated categories to recognize this music, namely best regional roots music album in 2012, best American roots song in 2014 and best American roots performance in 2015. 'He just did such a great job,' Rosie Flores told writer Randy Lewis, who wrote a detailed tribute/biography following Fein's death. 'We could get on television, you know, and we weren't famous people – a lot of us weren't famous — but we were cool, and he would give us airtime and who else was doing that? Nobody.' Fein was quick to capitalize on a 1984 FCC policy that allowed cities to require a public-access channel any time they enter into a franchise agreement with a cable company. The show was taped in Los Angeles, where Fein relocated in 1971 after college, but also aired on local-access channels in Austin, Texas, a stronghold of roots music, and, on a less regular basis, New York City and Seattle. It was at a taping of the show at Century Cable in Santa Monica, Calif. that Fein met his wife, Jennifer, who worked there. The show was an ideal vehicle for Fein, showcasing his passion for music and his gregarious personality in a way that regular, 9-to-5 jobs never had. In the 1970s, Fein had worked in promotion or publicity for three record companies — Capitol, Elektra/Asylum and Casablanca — but he didn't last more than a year at any of them. He was also music editor for Variety for about a year. That wasn't a good fit for his talents and temperament, either. The show is where he really flowered. In 1992, when the show was eight years and 400 episodes into its run, The Los Angeles Times ran a major feature on Fein and his show. The writer of the piece, Bob Baker, noted that prior to the show, Fein 'had been making an uneven living in the margins of rock music —working as a music consultant on films and TV shows, writing freelance articles, writing album liner notes and, for a couple years, managing the Blasters.' 'If this show is a springboard, I'll be mighty happy,' Fein told Baker, 'but if it's not, I'm having a ball doing what I want to do. I've always had an artistic temperament, but before I started the show I never had any art. I couldn't sing; I didn't want to write a novel. But this is something I feel really good about. I almost feel like a knight going off to battle when I leave the house, like I'm going to really say something.' Fein was a catalyst who loved nothing more than making things happen (he was less concerned with whether he got paid for his role). He played The Blasters' 'Marie Marie' for Shakin' Stevens, who recorded it and landed a top 20 hit on the Official U.K. Singles Chart in 1980. He organized annual events such as an annual Elvis Birthday Bash, held on or around The King's Jan. 8 birthday each year for more than four decades, and a New Year's Eve Bash for six years from 1978 to 1984. Arthur David Fein was born on June 17, 1946, and was adopted at birth by Sam and Lillian Fein. The music bug bit him when he was 10, which is also, not coincidentally, when Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chuck Berry and other rock and roll icons exploded. In his 2022 memoir, Rock's in My Head, Fein wrote about accidentally catching Presley on The Ed Sullivan Show in January 1957. 'My life changed in a lightning bolt,' he wrote. 'Who was this side-burned Pied Piper from outer space with slick black hair like Superman, and just as handsome? … What was this music? This was rock & roll!' Fein became an even bigger fan of Lewis. 'If Elvis was God, Jerry Lee Lewis was the Prince of Darkness,' he wrote. Fein graduated from the University of Colorado, Boulder at the end of the 1960s with a degree in journalism. He moved to California in 1971, living for a couple of years just south of Santa Cruz. In 1973, he moved to L.A. He had a brief stint at Capitol in the label's newly-created college promotion department. The department was eliminated less than a year later. Fein freelanced music articles for a time before being hired as music editor at Variety. That job didn't last long either, nor did subsequent jobs in publicity at Elektra/Asylum and Casablanca. Some people just aren't cut out for 9-to-5 gigs. Fein did better working for himself. He hung out his shingle as an artist manager, working with Ray Campi & the Rockabilly Rebels, The Blasters, The Cramps and The Heaters. In 1983, he produced the album, (Art Fein Presents) The Best of L.A. Rockabilly. He was a music consultant for TV and film — Roadhouse 66 (1984), Tour of Duty (1987) and Blood Diner (1987). Fein was also a successful author. He wrote three books: The L.A. Musical History Tour: A Guide to the Rock and Roll Landmarks of Los Angeles (Faber & Faber, 1991, with a second edition published by 2.13.61 in 1998); The Greatest Rock & Roll Stories: The Most Outrageous, Magical and Scandalous Events in the History of Rock & Roll (Rhino/GPG, 1997); and the memoir Rock's in My Head (Trouser Press Books, 2022). In The L.A. Musical History Tour, Fein told readers where to find such L.A. rock sites as the Foster's Freeze in Hawthorne where The Beach Boys hung out; Morrison Hotel, where The Doors shot the cover photo for their 1970 album of the same name; and the location of the 'Rock & Roll Denny's.' He also wrote a blog, Another Fein Mess. Dispatches from 1998 to 2017 are archived at Fein's website. Fein had a long and complicated friendship with Phil Spector. Fein had long idolized the legendary producer and creator of the Wall of Sound. The first place Fein stopped when he arrived in L.A. in 1973 was the now-defunct Gold Star Recording Studios in Hollywood, where Spector produced sessions by such acts as The Crystals and The Righteous Brothers. Over the years, Fein brought many friends, including Gene Sculatti, Bob Merlis, Dick Blackburn, Kristine McKenna and me, to Spector's home for visits. Fein remained loyal even after Spector shot and killed actress Lana Clarkson at his home in 2003. He attempted to stay in touch even after Spector was convicted of second-degree murder in 2009 and was sentenced to 19 years to life in prison. But eventually, Fein seemed to accept that he had been loyal to a fault. 'I wrote to him 15 times when he was in prison and never got an answer,' Fein revealed in his memoir. 'By the time he died, on January 16, 2021, at the age of 81, I had completed my mourning.' Journalist Chris Morris (a former Billboard writer and editor), summarized Fein's unique collection of strengths in a review of Fein's memoir: 'Art has served rock & roll as scribe, flack, label guy, manager, promoter, TV host, kibitzer, schmoozer, and all-around good Joe. He has known the famous, infamous, nefarious, and fabulous denizens of the music and lived to tell the tale.' Fein is survived by his wife, Jennifer, and their daughter, Jessie. Best of Billboard Chart Rewind: In 1989, New Kids on the Block Were 'Hangin' Tough' at No. 1 Janet Jackson's Biggest Billboard Hot 100 Hits H.E.R. & Chris Brown 'Come Through' to No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay Chart Solve the daily Crossword
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
How to unlock Holtzman Amplifier in Dune Awakening?
To unlock the powerful Holtzman Amplifier within Dune: Awakening is quite crucial and an early milestone for the survivors of Arrakis. The most sought-after ancient technology piece provides some significant advantages. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now To find it, one needs to navigate treacherous sands and hostile scavengers. So, ready your stillsuit and be prepared for a vital expedition deep into dangerous wrecks. Rewards are worth taking a perilous journey across dunes. Here is how you can track the Holtzman Amplifier and get it. Where to find Holtzman Amplifier in Dune Awakening ? The quest for the Holtzman Amplifier starts at the Griffin's Reach. The bustling settlement hub is a major stop after initial trials. Seek Contracts Board here for initiating vital Scrap Mettle: Wrecking Crew mission. The task will direct you to the desolate Hagga Basin South. Where To Find The Holtzman Amplifier In Dune Awakening | Wrecking Crew Quest Guide Your target is Wreck of the Alcyon. Head east from the Griffin's Reach and carefully skirt northern rock formations. Be aware of the ever-present threat of sandworms during the trek. The wreck lies roughly 1000s meters out, a grim silhouette against the desert. Inside Alcyon lurks danger. Scavengers there fiercely guard ruins. Navigate to the starboard side of the ship and move steadily aft. The destination is the chamber dominated by distinctive and yellow holographic globe projection. Against a real wall of room rests the unassuming and small chest. In it lies the coveted Holtzman Amplifier. Secure it with ease. Survive the wreck and reap rewards Alcyon isn't a passive ruin. So, expect some heavy and sustained resistance from the scavenger factions, both within and outside the shattered hull. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Give priority to clearing hostiles in a systematic way before you attempt a thorough exploration. Enemies could respawn, so be vigilant, even after the initial sweeps. Remember, efficiency is a key to your survival. Before you leave the wreck, make a thorough exploration. Deep in it lies the significantly final chest. Its contents are quite valuable—Spice-Infused Carbon Ingots, a unique crafting blueprint, and some other essential survival resources. Do not miss the opportunity before you brave your return journey. Tips to survive in Dune Awakening Before you head out, stock up on the water as the heat of Arrakis drains stamina faster. Stick to the high ground when you travel in order to avoid sandworms. Bring decent weapons and armor to have a smooth fight with Scavengers guarding the area. Look at everything besides the amplifier. The wreck also has Spice-Infused Carbon Ingots and some rare blueprints. As you secure the amplifier and gather some additional loot, return it to Griffin's Reach. Head back to the Contracts Board and deliver the Holtzman Amplifier to complete the Wrecking Crew contract. The immediate reward you will receive is 2000 Solari, which will boost early resources. Quite importantly, the success unlocks access to more challenging and rewarding contracts all across Arrakis. The path for greater power on Dune: Awakening is now open.
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Legendary musician boycotting Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction
Legendary bassist Carol Kaye will not attend her own induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The 90-year-old musician, who was part of a group of session musicians known as the Wrecking Crew, said Wednesday she will not be attending this year's ceremony. 'People have been asking: NO I won't be there,' Kaye wrote in a since-deleted Facebook post. 'I am declining the RRHOF awards show (and Denny Tedesco process)... because it wasn't something that reflects the work that Studio Musicians do and did in the golden era of the 1960s Recording Hits.' According to Rolling Stone, Kaye was featured in Tedesco's 2008 documentary, 'The Wrecking Crew,' about the collective that recorded songs with The Beach Boys, Phil Spector, The Monkees and more in the 1960s and '70s. However, she objected to the Wrecking Crew name, which came from drummer Hal Blaine. Kaye said she started as a jazz guitarist who 'got into recording good music' in the '50s with artists like Sam Cooke. She once replaced a bassist who failed to show for a studio session and soon found it 'easy... to invent good bass lines' — but still gave credit to the group of collaborators. 'You are always part of a TEAM, not a solo artist at all….there were always 350-400 Studio Musicians (AFM Local 47 Hollywood) working in the busy 1960s, and called that ONLY ….since 1930s, I was never a 'wrecker' at all….that's a terrible insulting name,' she wrote. 'I refuse to be part of a process that is something else rather than what I believe in, for others' benefit and not reflecting on the truth – we all enjoyed working with EACH OTHER.' The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony is scheduled for Nov. 8 at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, California. Bad Company, Chubby Checker, Joe Cocker, Cyndi Lauper, OutKast, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes constitute this year's honorees in the 'performer' category, while Salt-N-Pepa and Warren Zevon will also be inducted and recognized with the 'Musical Influence Award.' The ceremony will stream live on Disney+ and be available on Hulu the next day. Iconic country music quartet may never perform this song live Boston Calling not returning for 2026, changing festival weekend Country star goes viral for forgetting lyrics to hit song at stadium show Chart-topping '60s pop singer dies at 82: 'He will be greatly missed' Springfield to host 8 concerts, 10 movies for free this summer Read the original article on MassLive.
Associated Press
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
Bassist Carol Kaye tells AP she's declining Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, 'Permanently'
NEW YORK (AP) — Carol Kaye, a prolific and revered bassist who played on thousands of songs in the 1960s including hits by the Beach Boys, Simon & Garfunkel and Barbra Streisand, told The Associated Press on Friday that she wants no part of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. 'I've declined the rrhof. Permanently,' the 90-year-old Kaye said in an email to the AP. She said she has sent a letter to the Hall saying the same thing. Her remarks come two days after a Facebook post — since deleted — in which she said 'NO I won't be there. I am declining the RRHOF awards show.' Kaye was set to be inducted in November in a class that also includes Joe Cocker, Chubby Checker and Cyndi Lauper. She said in her deleted post that she was 'turning it down because it wasn't something that reflects the work that Studio Musicians do and did in the golden era of the 1960s Recording Hits.' Kaye's credits include the bass lines on Simon & Garfunkel's 'Homeward Bound,' the Beach Boys' 'Good Vibrations' and the Monkees' 'I'm a Believer.' Along with drummer Hal Blaine and guitarist Tommy Tedesco, she was part of a core of heavily used studio musicians that Blaine later dubbed 'The Wrecking Crew.' Kaye hated the name, and suggested in her Facebook post that her association with it was part of the reason for declining induction. 'I was never a 'wrecker' at all,' she wrote, 'that's a terrible insulting name.' Kaye's inductee page on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame website makes no mention of the moniker. Hall representatives had no immediate comment. Many artists have been inducted in their absence or after their death, and in 2006 the Sex Pistols became Hall of Famers despite rejecting their induction. In 2022, Dolly Parton initially declined her induction, saying someone more associated with rock 'n' roll should get the honor. But she was convinced to change her mind and embrace the honor. ___ Dalton reported from Los Angeles.
