RIP John James Sykes. 1959 - 2025. Died at the age of 65. My mind is vague here but I think I saw him play live with Tygers of Pan Tang and Whitesnake.
Today is the anniversary of the commencement of the battle of Khe Sanh during the Vietnam War. The Australians had minimal involvement and I believe only provided a small amount of air cover and no Australians lost their lives during the battle. That didn’t prevent Cold Chisel from writing a song about it and which has turned into an Australian anthem. It is also the birthday of that great Russian con artist Grigori Rasputin, so here’s a song about him as well. And lastly today is also the day Eric Arthur Blair, better known by his pen name George Orwell died. His wife came from South Shields and went to school in Sunderland you know. He wrote, to my mind anyway, the greatest book in the English language, so here’s Eurythmics doing a song about it.
I don’t know this band but have this on my playlist … … brilliantly constructed, great use of instruments and lovely happy lyrics.
Town Without Pity (Remastered) - YouTube last song he ever sung, sang it as an encore in Cardiff went to hotel afterwards and never woke up
Fabulous musicianship and a song that sounds like it could've been recorded yesterday instead of 40 years ago. When they played Rock City, the first time, it was like being stampeded by a herd of wild horses ... ... two full drum kits and absolutely driving guitars. Seriously underrated band imo.
Never mind all these 19 minute guitar solos aficionados claim to adore ... ... the lead guitar break, in this song, is totally irresistible. Easily in my top ten, probably top five.
Quite annoying in some ways but weren't the most talented people, throughout history, annoying to some degree. Produced music that will live forever and was one of the best performers, musicians and guitarists we've ever seen ... ... the artist fans and media would love Michael Jackson to have been but doesn't come close.
