Category Archives: Uncategorized

Liberty Devitto: Life with the Big Beat (and Billy Joel)

Posted on March 14, 2021 by Bob Ruggiero

For nearly 30 years, he provided the big backbeat behind Billy Joel as a core member of his band for hundreds of concerts around the world and on a string of hugely successful records. The two also formed a deep … Continue reading →

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CCR’s Doug Clifford Keeps On Chooglin’ with Solo Record

Posted on February 20, 2021 by Bob Ruggiero

It’s common record company hype to claim that an album has been “years in the making” upon its release. But in the case of Doug “Cosmo” Clifford’s new record, it’s more like decades. Three and a half, to be exact. … Continue reading →

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Meet the Woman Who Shot the Mad Dogs (and Englishmen)

Posted on December 23, 2020 by Bob Ruggiero

There once was a glorious age of Music Journalism Past, an era when the magical could happen. A time when interviews with rock stars weren’t 15-minute phoners with a publicist listening in, or concert pictures limited to first-three-songs-only-no-flash. For back … Continue reading →

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Dennis DeYoung Goes Back to Where It All Began

Posted on September 5, 2020 by Bob Ruggiero

Like all musicians of varying ages, genres, and stages in their career during the Age of Coronavirus, Dennis DeYoung is stuck at home. He’s got a new solo record coming out, but has had to put a planned tour on … Continue reading →

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And From Stephan Pastis in “Pearls Before Swine…”

Posted on April 5, 2020 by Bob Ruggiero
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Eric Bloom: Cult Leader

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Bob Ruggiero

Though he was born to be wild, he (Or she? Theories abound.) is still an unlikely protagonist for a rock and roll song. This now 64-year-old amphibious reptile who stands around 300 feet tall and has breath you don’t want … Continue reading →

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John Kay’s Magic Carpet Ride with Steppenwolf

Posted on January 8, 2018 by Bob Ruggiero

  To the members of the band Steppenwolf, it was just one track out of 11 recorded for their 1967 self-titled debut LP. And one that didn’t seem to get any more or less reaction when played in concert than … Continue reading →

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Punk Legend Marky Ramone Gabba Gabbas!

Posted on September 1, 2015 by Bob Ruggiero

In his Band of Bruddahs, Marky Ramone’s primary role was that of drummer, the pounding heartbeat and engine of so many of the legendary punk rock group’s numbers. But over many years in meetings, rehearsals, recording studios, concert stages, and … Continue reading →

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Classic Rock Treasures from Faraway Lands at Nearby Locations

Posted on July 9, 2013 by Bob Ruggiero

Two of my favorite places in the world (other than a live concert venue) are used book stores and used record stores. So here in Houston, Texas I spend a lot of time poring over the shelves and bins at … Continue reading →

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