Monthly Archives: June 2022

The Violent Femmes Revisit Their Avian Roots

Posted on June 30, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

Note: This interview originally appeared in September 2021. The Violent Femmes are just three gigs into their first live shows since the pandemic started. And singer/guitarist Gordon Gano is pretty much just picking up from where he left off. “Well, … Continue reading →

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The Metal Magic of Ronnie James Dio Shines in Posthumous Autobiography

Posted on June 23, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

Rainbow in the Dark: The AutobiographyBy Ronnie James Dio with Wendy Dio and Mick Wall264 pp.$28Permuted Press When Ronnie James Dio—announced in 2009 that he had stomach cancer, it certainly gave him an impetus to complete the autobiography that he’d … Continue reading →

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John Mellencamp’s Life of Roots, Rock, and Rebellion

Posted on June 15, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

It’s telling about John Mellencamp that his nickname, “Little Bastard,” is not only a sobriquet that he revels in, but does his damnedest to live up to. His tough-as-nails/loud-as-a-motorcyle-engine persona and songs have helped define an image and put him … Continue reading →

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The Box Tops are Still Delivering Letters

Posted on June 4, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

In many rock, blues, and country songs, written letters do not bring good or welcome news to the recipients. They usually carry messages about the death of a loved one, a dumping by a romantic partner, demands for payment, or threats of … Continue reading →

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Ellen Foley Comes Out “Fighting” and Remembers Meat Loaf & Jim Steinman

Posted on June 2, 2022 by Bob Ruggiero

Note: This interview was conducted and story published after the death of Jim Steinman, but prior to the January 20, 2022 death of Meat Loaf. According to an interview she gave shortly afterward to Variety, Foley said her working relationship … Continue reading →

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