Monday January 23, 2012

Nickelback
Encore Presentation

As you've no doubt heard, Nickelback has announced a mammoth tour of large venues (15-20,000 seaters) that will see the band performing for two months beginning this spring.This allows us to revisit the outstanding show we had with the entire band two months ago. At the time they were getting pummeled with complaints about performing at the Detroit Lions Thanksgiving day game. That now seems like a distant memory. The following is the original piece written for the debut of the newest CD, "Here and Now".  

There are things in this life that are polarizing, most of which are considered controversial or highly opinionated in some such manner, hence the heated split decision. In cable TV politics a couple of names spring to mind, say, Bill O'Reilley and Keith Olberman, in religion, whatever belief you're not usually carries some polarity. Sports are full of polarizing teams, It's been said the most loved football team in the NFL is the Dallas Cowboys just as it's been said the most hated team in the NFL is the Dallas Cowboys. Sarah Palin? She's likely a person you love or hate, with her middle ground is the lesser chosen route and it's the same for Denver Bronco, Tim Tebow. We could continue ad nauseum, but you get the point. One thing we don't understand, however, is a common reaction to Nickelback. The Vancouver, BC based quartet somehow elicits powerful responses from most everyone: it seems one either views the group as the bane of popular music, or has all five of their albums, has seen them a dozen times and can't wait for their new album, "Here  and Now". Rarely does one hear a take them or leave them attitude with the band. Readily and easily you can place us in the anticipatory category knowing their new CD is almost "here", "now".  In fact, we'll have the national radio premiere of the forthcoming  album for you on our next show. Visit Nickelback.com for more information.

We got on the bandwagon (literally) early on in their career when they appeared on the second half of a ROCKLINE for their international debut CD, "The State" back on August 28, 2000. The headliner that night was Cold. My how things have changed. We wouldn't dream of putting another artist on the show with Nickelback now, it would seem borderline blasphemous. Our viewpoint is perfectly clear, these Canucks are arguably one of the best bands in rock, we just don't understand why that irritates some folks and frankly Scarlet, we don't give a damn. Go see the boys live in concert (they'll always be the headliner) and while you're at it check out some of the opening acts before the main event occurs, artists who are over the moon that they're on tour with Nickelback. We've arranged it so you can hear the new album and speak with them before watching them headline Ford Field in Detroit during halftime at the annual Thanksgiving Day game. Yeah, that's the gig where some complained an American band didn't get the nod and that of all the other bands available Nickelback did get the bid. For anyone who knows the Motor City, you're aware that if you head south you'll end up in Windsor, Ontario, Canada, the home of a lot of die-hard Detroit Lion fans.

That's not the issue though, if you love Nickelback then enjoy coming along for the ride, if you don't then just leave them and us alone, we're too busy having a good time. It's Nickelback on the next ROCKLINE!

Wednesday January 25, 2012

Dave Mason
In Concert!

            Dave Mason’s contribution to the world of Rock and Roll is the basis for legend. Now, the legend will be properly honored as Dave receives one of Rock’s ultimate honors, being inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame on March 15th as a member of Traffic. With humble beginnings, he was road manager for The Spencer Davis group, he connected with then child prodigy Steve Winwood and went on to form Traffic with Jim Capaldi and Chris Wood. Creating such classics as “Dear Mr. Fantasy”, currently enjoying a rebirth as the soundtrack to the NFL Channel promos, “40,000 Headmen”, “Feelin’ Alright”, and so many more great songs, Traffic was an eclectic mix of Rock, Blues, Psychedelia and originality.

            What many may have forgotten is that Dave also did a project with the late Mama Cass Elliott, worked as a member of Delaney and Bonnie, was a Fleetwood Mac member and also carved out a memorable solo career with a string of successful songs. He’s played with Jimi Hendrix on “All Along the Watchtower” and dozens of other Rock luminaries. You’ll hear songs from Dave’s storied career, both on disc and playing live exclusively for ROCKLINE as well. And only ROCKLINE will give you the opportunity to speak with Dave and be heard coast to coast in the U.S. and Canada. Log on at DaveMasonMusic.com  to find out more and then join us for an evening with a true Hall of Famer. It’s Dave Mason on the next ROCKLINE!