MUSIC
Rock Guitarist Ronnie Montrose Dies at 64
Legendary rock guitarist Ronnie Montrose passed away on Saturday, March 3, at the age of 64. The veteran musician founded the band Montrose with Sammy Hagar in the early ’70s. While an exact cause of death has not been announced, the guitarist did battle prostate cancer in recent years.
Ronnie played on Van Morrison’s 1971 album ‘Tupelo Honey,’ and was a member of the Edgar Winter Group before forming the band Montrose with Sammy Hagar in 1973. After two albums, 1973′s ‘Montrose’ and 1974′s ‘Paper Money,’ Hagar left the group to pursue a solo career. Hagar would later replace David Lee Roth as the frontman of Van Halen.The band Montrose continued on without Hagar, and released three more albums. Ronnie also released nine albums as a solo artist, in addition to four discs with his other group Gamma.
A post announcing Ronnie Montrose’s passing on his official website reads:
[quote]A few months ago, we held a surprise party for Ronnie Montrose’s 64th birthday. He gave an impromptu speech, and told us that after a long life, filled with joy and hardship, he didn’t take any of our love for granted. He passed today. He’d battled cancer, and staved off old age for long enough. And true to form, he chose his own exit the way he chose his own life. We miss him already, but we’re glad to have shared with him while we could.[/quote]
The Backstage Beat sends its deepest condolences to Ronnie Montrose’s family, friends and bandmates. To learn more about Ronnie’s career, visit his official website.
I owe him a poem:
Here’s a story of a sad clown who one night in February was traveling through O-town.
He brought a suitcase and a lot of gum, he brought music and videos and tons of fun.
He sang high but mostly he sang low, and he put of one hell of a good show.
He gave a bearded guy a cupcake and danced with a lady, a wolf he would make
There is no doubt he is a boss sir, he even got love from Kevin Costner.
Fans filled the plaza for a night of delight as the 7 foot clown gave us some real insight.
He sang Bowie and Queen and even some Who, also Cash, Lorde and “Let it go” too
Videos played of pets and babies crying, also beautiful artwork and people smiling.
Last night Orlando was anything but mad as we showed much love for a clown that is sad.
Ok, I’d cry too after that poem. Here’s some more info:
If you haven’t been to see a Puddles Pity Party show, you are missing out.
The show had me smiling and laughing so hard my stomach hurt, but I was also moved so many times by the range of Puddles voice. True entertainment never gets old and I have a feeling he is going to last forever.
I loved the interaction he had with the crowd. He pulled numerous people up to help him on stage and all of them were good sports, one man even singing the entire song, “All by myself” karaoke style! The show was so well thought out and planned but with room for some hilarious improv. Especially at the end when he pulled the 3 fans from the audience dressed like clowns. At the end of them performing together, Puddles suddenly remembers that he is scared of clowns! Genius!
Hands down one of the best performances I’ve seen in years.
Big Mike Geier and his Kingsized Rock ‘n Roll Orchestra, along with the Dames Aflame Dancers, Lil’ Santa and other special guests, bring tidings of comfort and joy with their signature glitz and glamour in what has become a tinsel-time tradition at the Variety Playhouse. The all-ages 90-minute show features your Holiday favorites by the likes of Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Andy Williams, Heat Miser, The Grinch and more!
Photo: Emily Butler
We caught up with Big Mike to ask a few questions.
TBB: Big Mike! It’s been a couple years since we had the pleasure of seeing you perform live. We are so excited to be back in Atlanta and we are ready for this show. What can you tell us about this years event?
Big Mike: Welcome back to Atlanta, Ange! We’re also excited to be in town for another wild and wonderful Holiday Jubilee. We like to honor the tradition that the Jubilee has become and don’t mess too much with the format. You can expect the always magnificent sounds of the 12-piece Kingsized Rock ‘n Roll orchestra performing your favorite holiday classics and the dazzling Dames Aflame dancers providing the glamour. The show is all about holiday nostalgia, whatever that means to you: Bing Crosby, Andy Williams, Donnie Hathaway, The Grinch, Rankin Bass, Peanuts, the Dreidel Song? It’s all in there.
Brooklyn based funk band Turkuaz played at Aisle Five in Atlanta last week and here are some shots from the show!
-
MUSIC10 years agoThe Best Rock in Town – Charley Magruders Memories
-
Tough Mudder10 years ago10 Musts to Survive Tough Mudder
-
Just For Fun6 years ago46 Double Takes You Won’t Believe!
-
Music Gallery5 years ago
Turkuaz at Aisle 5
-
GeekChic!6 years ago7 Tips On How To Be Successful at Dragon*Con
-
Comedy5 years agoHo Ho Ho Steve-O? Holiday Laughs with Steve-O at the Improv Atlanta
-
Aural Pleasure6 years agoExclusive : Tom Arnold Interview with The Backstage Beat
-
Concert Reviews6 years agoHundred Waters Entrance The Sinclair
