Chuck HinsonMORE INVASION BANDS: 2008
September 20th 2008 07:52
Soooo, since yer Uncle Relic only wantsta satisfy yer strong Classic Rock hunger, here we go:
First, a question: Do ya like Herman's Hermits ... or Herman's Hermits? (HUH?!?)
Y'see, there are two bands of the same name ... one fronted by Peter Noone (the original "Herman") and playin' the states. Actually, they're just a backing band, mostly American gents, but since Noone has the rights to the name here, they're billed as Herman's Hermits.
Now, lemme throw a quick break in here, 'cause I need a space between pics (yeah, it'll fit into the groove here!): Among the Invasion bands, there was one minor foursome that flopped miserably with stateside teens, and soon high-tailed it back across the pond. They called themselves The Snobs, and their gimmick were (a) powdered, 18th-Century wigs and fancy coats of the period, (b) a ... well, snobbish demeanor, (c) a pinch of snuff up their noses throughout their sets (REALLY!) and (d) second-rate music. Well , after a one-time stint on The Red Skelton Show, they returned to the UK and soon moved to Finland, where they not only enjoyed success(!), but still reunite on occasion to perform today!
Though Gerry has sortuva rep now for bein' outspoken and, at times, a bit blunt about things, he still puts on a fab show, `and has a great heart for kids and charities involving them.
Speakin' of hearts: He's also one helluva survivor, since, in '03, he underwent a quadruple-bypass surgery that would slow down most mortal men! But not Gerry ... he's just another of rock's miracle medical marvels (I've just gotta introduce ya to the rest in an upcomer! So stay tuned ...).
If ya still fancy yerself as a Wild Thing, you'll be pleased to know that Reg Presley and The Troggs are still packin' houses here and throughout Europe! (FYI: Reg's not actually a "Presley"; he just named himself after some singer in Memphis. His real last name is "Ball". And didja know that the song Wild Thing was written by Chip Taylor, who's actually the brother of actor Jon Voight?)
Okay .... that's it for this look at the bands who are still kickin' it and makin' waves here in 2008 -- forty-four years since they first hit our airwaves! They're living proof that (1) ya can't beat quality -- that's why, even today, more teens are choosing our generation's sounds over the modernized, synthesized stuff, and (2) you're never too old to rock-n-roll!
So, that bein' said (and 'cause I need my required 360 zzzz-time. Man, it's almost 4 in the AM here!), remember to stay tuned for tomorrow's episode. And remember:
If you've got rockin' pneumonia and the boogie-woogie flu, then you just gotta have the FEVERR!!
See ya on the flip side!
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