Dave Swanson is a writer and musician from Cleveland, Ohio. He has spent a lifetime obsessed with all things Rock & Roll. Dave has written for a variety of publications including Shindig!, Bucketful Of Brains, The Cleveland Scene and The Cleveland Plain Dealer. He hosts his own radio show, has promoted concerts and played in several bands including, but not limited to, Rainy Day Saints, New Salem Witch Hunters, The Cynics, Chamber Strings, Guided By Voices, Death Of Samantha, and Captain Groovy & His Bubblegum Army. Favorite bands-Cheap Trick, The Monkees, Sparks, Motorhead, Beach Boys, Rockpile, XTC,Van Der Graaf Generator, Sweet, Bob Dylan,etc. Favortie color- paisley. Sign-Scorpio. Favorite Movies-Love And Death, Don't Look Back & Beyond The Valley Of The Dolls. Political party-Mod & Rocker. Religion-Rock & Roll. His biggest regret is having no regrets. If not playing, writing, reading about, listening to, or discussing music, he is most likely dead.
Dave Swanson
Annette Funicello Dies: Remembering Her Beach Boys and Monkees Collaborations
Annette Funicello has died at age 70 after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. To many she was the symbol of innocence in the '60s, and her distinguished career included collaborations with both the Monkees and the Beach Boys.
Brian Wilson To Hit The Road with Fellow Beach Boys David Marks and Al Jardine
Not one to let Mike Love have the upper hand, Beach Boys leader Brian Wilson is hitting the road with fellow Beach Boys members David Marks and Al Jardine this summer. The trio have announced seven dates (listed below), with a promise of more to follow.
45 Years Ago: ‘The Monkees” Final Episode Airs
On Monday, March 25, 1968, at 7:30PM, the final episode of 'The Monkees' aired over the NBC airwaves. When the television show about a rock and roll band premiered on Monday, Sept. 12, 1966, no one could have guessed the phenomenon it would become. Over the 18 months that followed, the fictitious band became a real band, and their records not only topped the charts, but even outsold the Beatles.
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10 Most Unique Beatles Cover Versions
Since the very beginning, many an artist took note of the songwriting brilliance of John Lennon and Paul McCartney (and later George Harrison), and lined up to record their own versions of a Beatles song. Del Shannon was one of the first, recording 'From Me To You' before the Beatles even hit America...
40 Years Ago: Paul McCartney Busted for Growing Cannabis
Paul McCartney really is "mother nature's son," and he's got the arrest record to prove it. In early March of 1973, Scottish police made a discovery on the McCartney farm. It seems Sir Paul was growing marijuana plants on his property. An arrest was made, which would lead to a conviction for "illegal cultivation" and with it, a £100 fine (about $240 at the time).
45 Years Ago: The Beatles Arrive In Rishikesh, India To Study With The Maharishi
By the second half of 1967, the Beatles were searching for answers to some of life's larger questions. This search would lead them to meditation, Eastern philosophy and, eventually, to Rishikesh, India, where, on Feb. 15, 1968, they began a period of study with the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
Dave Clark Five Bassist Rick Huxley Dead at 72
Rick Huxley, bassist for British Invasion legends the Dave Clark Five, has passed away. The BBC reports that Huxley, age 72, had been a heavy smoker and had long battled emphysema.
Troggs Singer Reg Presley Dead At Age 71
Reg Presley, lead singer for the Troggs, has passed away after losing a battle with lung cancer. Presely, 71, died at home today (Feb. 4) in Andover, England.
45 Years Ago: The Beatles Record ‘Across the Universe’
At the start of Feb. 1968, the Beatles found themselves, after a month-and-a-half break, back in Abbey Road studios to begin work on their next single, their first release for 1968. On Feb. 4, the day after work began on Paul McCartney's newest creation, 'Lady Madonna,' sessions took off on a new John Lennon song called 'Across The Universe.'
Rare 1970 Film Featuring David Bowie and Genesis Unearthed
The Atomic Sunrise festival was held in March 1970 at the legendary Roundhouse club in England and featured a number of the underground rock scene's most shining lights. The event featured David Bowie, Hawkwind, and Genesis, among others. All these acts were in their infancy, and that's what makes the event so interesting. Fortunately, the festival was captured on film and now, after over 40 years
Mike Nesmith of The Monkees Announces 2013 Solo U.S. Tour Dates
After the huge success of last year's Monkees tour, the usually reclusive Mike Nesmith has been recharged and is embarking on his own solo tour this spring. Nesmith took to Facebook to deliver this information today (Jan. 28). The dates are listed below.
45 Years Ago: The Beatles’ ‘Magical Mystery Tour’ Premieres
On Dec. 26, 1967 televisions across Britain were taken over by a surreal adventure, Beatles style. 'Magical Mystery Tour' premiered, in not so glorious black-and-white on Boxing Day, to both the delight and confusion of viewers.
Sharon Osbourne Says $250K DNA Screening Saved Her Life
Over the last fifteen years or so, the lives of Sharon and Ozzy Osbournehave pretty much been open books for all to gawk at. Now Sharon is opening the book to show how DNA testing saved her life.
Paul McCartney Blames Giant Bell For Problems During 2012 Olympics Performance
Nobody's perfect, as the saying goes, and Paul McCartney will attest to that. His performance of 'Hey Jude' at the 2012 Summer Olympics began awkwardly, which, to those of us watching at home, was strange given how many times he's sung that classic throughout the years. In a new interview, he explained what happened that caused the mix-up.
Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame 2013 Inductees To Be Announced Tomorrow
It's that time of year again! No, not Christmas, it's the time when the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame makes their big announcement concerning the 2013 inductees. The big announcement will be made tomorrow, Dec. 11, at 11:00AM Pacific.
Harry Nilsson’s ‘The Point’ Released on DVD with Help from Ringo Starr
Harry Nilsson was one of a kind. Ace songwriter, amazing singer and outrageous drinking comrade to the stars are just a few of the fine things on his resume. In 1971, he recorded an album called 'The Point,' which accompanied an animated film of the same name. Just in time for the holidays, MVD has just released the 'Definitive Collector's Edition' of 'The Point.' The film has been remastered and