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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of March 8-12, 2010
Posted:Saturday, 03/06/2010 at 11:03am by Bobby Skafish
Monday, March 8: Lynyrd Skynyrd
Hey, it's still winter; perhaps a "Skynyrd Queen Sized Fleece Blanket" is what you need to keep the chill away, priced at $64.95. Summer on the brain? The "Lynyrd Skynyrd Beach Towel", adorned with a blonde bustin' out of her bikini and priced sensibly at $16.95 is available also at LynyrdSkynyrd.com, under "Home decor."

Tuesday, March 9: The Doobie Brothers
So, it's the Doobs & Chicago at Charter One Pavillion on our lakefront July 17th. When (not if!) the Doobies perform Black Water, listen for a lyric change from Patrick Simmons, who wrote and sings it: "Chicago moon, won't you keep on shinin' on me?"

Wednesday, March 10: Creedence Clearwater Revival
CCR was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1993 by Bruce Springsteen. From here, it gets ugly. Creedence main man John Fogerty, nursing a decades old grudge, refused to appear onstage with former bandmates Stu Cook and Doug Clifford. When it came time for music, Fogerty took the stage with an all-star band, including Bruce, to play Creedence hits. Cook & Clifford rose out of their seats and walked out - could you blame them? Springsteen later wrote the two a letter trying to smooth things out, but the damage was done.

Thursday, March 11: Fleetwood Mac
According to a December 14, 2009, item at Pollstar.com, The Eagles and Fleetood Mac are routing a tour: "The bands have apparently been looking into a trek through arenas, baseball and football stadiums coast to coast." Hey, we have those kind of venues!

Friday, March 12: Led Zeppelin
In the February issue of Mojo magazine, Jimmy Page talks about (and reveals pics from) a soon to be published, limited edition, leather-bound deluxe photographic memoir, with 500+ pages spanning his entire career, from his pre-teen years through to the present day.

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Respectfully,

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive




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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of March 1-5, 2010
Posted:Saturday, 02/27/2010 at 12:02pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, March 1: The Who
Happy birthday to the Who's lead singer, Roger Daltrey. In a recent St. Peterberg Times interview, he spoke of missing the "wonderful culture" of vinyl records: "Now we get these stupid little boxes. You can't read the (naughty word) lyrics! Get me my (same naughty word) reading glasses! What we need is for vinyl to become trendy again."
Let's hear it for the Drive's Album Sides Thursday!

Tuesday, March 2: Blue Oyster Cult
Listen for Don't Fear the Reaper from the 2002 release A Long Day's Night, recorded in concert at Navy Pier's Skyline Stage by local audio wizard Timothy Powell. The liner notes' first thank you goes to Nick Miller of Jam Productions.

Wednesday, March 3: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
In a Rolling Stone interview to promote their splendid Live Anthology, late last year, Tom was asked who were the headliners that taught him stage presence during TP & the HBs opening-act days: "The ones I studied were Ray Davies of the Kinks and Peter Wolf of the J. Geils Band,"

Thursday, March 4: Genesis
As this is the last Genesis Live at 5 before their March 15th Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction, let's pass along that original Genesis singer Peter Gabriel will not be in attendance (starts his own tour a week later/busy rehearsing) and Trey Anastasio of Phish will induct the band.

Friday, March 5: Jethro Tull
It's Tull at Ravinia on June 20th. At Tull's official website they offer, for sale, a 4x4 woven Afghan throw (blanket/rug thingy) of the Stand Up album cover and note, "it's really woven, NOT printed on the material."

I've seen all 5 of this week's acts. You? Anything you'd like to share? Add Comments link is below.

As per me,

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive

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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of February 22-26, 2010
Posted:Saturday, 02/20/2010 at 12:02pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, February 22: Bad Company
On February 9th Bad Company's DVD/CD Hard Rock Live was released. Singer Paul Rodgers review of the preservation of Bad Company's August of 2008 gig in Hollywood, Florida: "I'm so glad this DVD captured the magic of the night." There's obviously an audience as the DVD already hit #4 on the U.K. charts.

Tuesday, February 23: Billy Joel
Need your mind boggled? Besides the fact that Billy Joel used to wake up with Christie Brinkley? Of his individual albums, The Stranger has sold more than 9 million copies, while An Innocent Man, 52nd Street (the very first CD) & Glass Houses have each sold more than 7 million. And,as you've perhaps already heard, no Billy/Elton concert at Wrigley this summer; Billy's taking some time off.

Wednesday, February 24: Concert For George
Eric Clapton & Paul McCartney, along with a killer band, tackle two great Harrisongs on the tallest Beatle's birthday. For truly emotional experiences, check out comments by son Dhani Harrison on either disc on the Concert for George 2 DVD set.

Thursday, February 25: Jackson Browne
It was nothing but raves for Jackson Browne's solo accoustic performance benefitting The Rory David Deutch Foundation last December in Skokie. A sampling of email comments we received at the Drive from lucky ticket winners: "Great show and the seats were from fantastic," complimented Terry Nolan. Paul Putong wrote "We felt like we were in Jackson's living room. The music and particularly his lyrics were terrific, but we expected that. What we didn't expect was the interaction." Perhaps
Greg Boyles summed it up best: "Man, that cat rocks."

Friday, February 26: Styx
The 101 Dalmations Musical is now on a national touring stop at our Cadillac Palace Theatre through the end of the month, with a New York engagement coming up in April. The point? Former Styx charter member (and Sox fan extraordinnaire) Dennis De Young is the composer/co-lyricist. For me, the roots of this can be found on Styx jam Rockin' The Paradise.

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Goodbye, it's me,

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive



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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of February 15-19, 2019
Posted:Friday, 02/12/2010 at 12:02pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, February 15: Bob Dylan
Flashback to the 1998 Grammy telecast: Dylan is up there performing when a shirtless, um, dancer crashes the stage
and cavorts next to the unflappabley cool Bob. What two words were emblazoned on the dude's bare chest? Answer at the bottom.

Tuesday, February 16: Sting
So, why is Sting's 2003 memoir titled Broken Music? Answer right here - his grandmother used it to describe his earliest attempts at playing piano.

Wednesday, February 17: Jimi Hendrix
March 9th brings Valleys Of Neptune, a new Hendrix album release, consisting of 12 tracks recorded at various studios during Jimi's final recording sessions. The title track is previously unearthed, there are re-recordings of Fire, Red House & Stone Free and studio versions of Bleeding Heart and Sunshine Of Your Love. Oh, and the cover blends a Hendrix painting and a Linda Eastman (later McCartney) photo.

Thursday, February 18: The Rolling Stones
The cover of 1969's Let It Bleed can now be found on an actual postage stamp in the UK, as can classic album covers of nine other UK discs. It was on this date in 1980 that Stones bassist Bill Wyman announced he would be leaving the Stones in 1983, which he didn't do.

Friday, February 19: The Eagles
The Eagles have nine tour dates lined up for April/May but none here. If you want to see a video that effectively complements a song, check out the Eagles' Busy Being Fabulous on You Tube.
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My name is...
Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive

Answer to Dylan question: Soy Bomb



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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of February 8-12, 2019
Posted:Saturday, 02/06/2010 at 02:02pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, February 8: J. Geils Band
Having driven up to the Auditorium Theatre from Hammond in my green, hatchback Pinto in 1973, I had my one concert experience with J. Geils Band. Two memories: The band was smokin' hot and there were some extremely wasted patrons sprawled across the plush balcony seats.

Tuesday, February 9: U2
Don't invite'm both to your next weenie roast: AC/DC frontman Brian Johnston had this to say about Bono in a recent interview: "When I was a working man I didn't want to go to a concert for some bastard to talk down to me that I should be thinking of some kid in Africa. I'm sorry, mate, do it yourself, spend some of your own money and get it done."

Wednesday, February 10: Peter Frampton
April 27 brings a new Frampton solo album, titled Thank You Mr. Churchill. His 2006 instrumental disc, Fingerprints, netted him a Grammy.

Thursday, February 11: Cheap Trick
Did you hear the remake of Dream Police Cheap Trick recut as Green Police for use as the music track in the Audi A3 TDI clean diesel commercial that aired during the Superbowl?

Friday, February 12: Peter Gabriel
Happy birthday, Peter! "As far as I know I'm definitely not going to sing" he told Rolling Stone in reference to the Genesis Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction in March. "I learned at our last reunion (1982) that you can't just get up there. You have to rehearse." Right now Peter's rehearsal time is devoted to his solo tour, which kicks off March 22.

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Reversely psychological,

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive

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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of February 1-5, 2010
Posted:Wednesday, 01/27/2010 at 09:01pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, February 1: Fleetwood Mac
Congrats to Mick Fleetwood, with his Blue Again album from last year being nominated for the Best Traditional Blues Album Grammy. Fleetwood Mac's Rumours won the Album of the Year Grammy back in '78.

Tuesday, February 2: Crosby, Stills Nash & Young
Happy birthday, Graham Nash, a true gentleman I had the pleasure of interviewing twice, including on location at Poplar Creek in 1988. Speaking of twice, Mr. Nash is being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the second time on March 15, this time as a member of The Hollies. The first was with partners Crosby & Stills.

Wednesday, February 3: Dire Straits
According to his website, onetime Dire Straits main man Mark Knopfler will be doing a solo concert (with his touring band) April 23 at the Chicago Theatre. I saw him at the Rosemont Theatre in 2001 - fabulous show.

Thursday, February 4: The Doors
We're ready when you are, dudes: still waiting for a DVD release of When You're Strange, the official, authorized Doors film biography, which debuted at Sundance in January of 2009 but never got a widespread release.

Friday, February 5: Queen
Want live Queen? The Drive's Live at 5. Want a Queen fridge magnet, coffee mug or "stash tin?" Try Queenonlinestore.com, then the tab "homewares."

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Live Music's humble servant,

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive

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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of January 25-29, 2009
Posted:Friday, 01/22/2010 at 02:01pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, January 25: The Allman Brothers Band
Since 1989, The Allmans have had a tradition of a lengthy (last year 15 shows!) March residency at New York City's Beacon Theatre. This year, due to a Beacon scheduling conflict, the shows will be held uptown at the 3200 capacity United Palace (formerly the 175th Street) Theatre. Tix through Ticketmaster. The Allmans are also playing the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on 4/25.

Tuesday, January 26: Van Halen
Happy birthday, Eddie. Here's how not to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Sammy Hagar & Michael Anthony are still vexed that Eddie & Alex Van Halen, as well as David Lee Roth were all no-shows at the band's 2007 induction, and that Velvet Revolver both inducted them and play Van Halen's music onstage. Sammy sez "It's an honor to be let into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and I'm going to show up if I'm invited...it's as simple as that." During R.E.M.'s set, Michael said to Sam "Man, it should have been us."

Wednesday, January 27: Pink Floyd
Happy birthday to Floyd drummer, charter member Nick Mason. In his "Personal History of Pink Floyd", Inside Out, he wrote about Pink Floyd playing with Roger waters for the first time in 20 years at 2005's Live 8 concert: "It was fantastic to be playing with the others again - Richard (Wright) layering his unique textures, David (Gilmour) as reliable as ever, pitch-perfect and lyrical, and Roger delivering those familiar bass patterns and personal lyrics with body language that told me he was really enjoying himself."

Thursday, January 28: Eric Clapton
It seems fitting to play Clapton, the only three-time inductee into the Rock & Roll hall of Fame, on the Drive's Triple Play Thursday.

Friday, January 29: Eddie Money
As per the Money Man's website, "Viewers watching the 2010 Liberty Bowl saw a surprise halftime performance by Eddie and his daughter Jesse. Eddie sang Two Tickets to Paradise, which we'll play from his Unplug It In disc.

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Makin' it through the winter - Drive style,

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive

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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of January 18-22, 2010
Posted:Friday, 01/15/2010 at 01:01pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, January 18: The Police
Sting has authored a book, Andy Summers has done two, and in October of 2009 Stewart Copeland's was released. It's titled Strange Things Happen: A Life with The Police, Polo and Pygmies. We learn that his dad was big in the CIA and that Stewart has seven kids!

Tuesday, January 19: Janis Joplin
This is the birthday of Janis, in 1943. She died October 4, 1970, before seeing Me and Bobby McGee and the album it comes from, Pearl, both go to number one. James Gurley, guitarist with Big Brother and the Holding Company (her San Francisco band she cut loose in late '6 passed away in December of last year - heart attack two days before his 70th birthday.

Wednesday, January 20: Cheap Trick
This band's excellent, still-got-it singer Robin Zander celebrates a birthday this Saturday, when we don't do Live @ 5. Robin was born in Love's Park, Illinois, although I once heard him tell a radio interviewer he's from Alaska - Cheap Trick used to fudge the truth of their Rockford roots. These days, Mr. Zander calls Florida home - though maybe we should say his true home is the road!

Thursday, January 21: The Who
To-day is Who day on the Drive. Roger Daltrey called his solo trek the "Use It or Lose It Tour", the It being his voice, but of course. I heard plenty o' raves about his late '09 House of Blues gig, which allowed him to sing some Who songs (such as I Can See For Miles) that Pete Townshend won't do.

Friday, January 22: Journey
Happy birthday to Steve Perry, the big, expressive, way-tuneful voice behind Journey. You know a guy's good when he's approached by Bob Dylan (as Perry was at the recording session of We Are The World) and told "you got the pipes, man!"

And so concludes our first Live @ 5 blog of 2010. What's that, you want to celebrate its return by adding your own 2 cents worth on something related to live music? See Add Comments link below.

Keep on rockin' in the free world,

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive

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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of Dec. 28, 2009-Jan. 1, 2010
Posted:Saturday, 12/26/2009 at 02:12pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, December 28: Cat Stevens
Two songs on this date from Majicat (Earth Tour 1976), a concert that lay in the vault until it's 2004 release. It was recorded in Williamsburg, Va. and videotaped as well, and the DVD gets high marks. You get Cat running through some 20 classic tunes - solo, with minimal backing and with a full band, as well as trio of magicians and an impressive stage set.

Tuesday, December 29: The Eagles
One of this day's two songs is an in-concert version of Take It To The Limit, originally sung and co-written by the Eagles original bass player, Randy Meisner. He's from Nebraska, and is the only artist ever from that state to sing lead on a top 10 hit. Feel free to win a bar bet with that info.

Wednesday, December 30: Steve Miller
If you've seen the Steve Miller Band at all over the last several decades, you've seen and heard Norton Buffalo, The band's harp player, who passed away in October. This is from Steve Miller's website: "There are some people who pass through this world who are so unique and special they defy description and Norton Buffalo was one of those people. There will never be another Norton. For 34 years Norton was my partner in harmony and a principal soloist in the Steve Miller band. He gave more than he took and brightened the world whenever he he played his harmonica or sang a song. He went out with his boots on and spurs janglin', he had a unique and wonderful musical voice and had love in his heart for everyone he met."

December 31: Enjoy The Live Drive New Year's Eve!

January 1,2010: Happy New Year!

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Keep on rockin' in the new year in the free world,

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive

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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of December 21-25
Posted:Saturday, 12/19/2009 at 03:12pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, December 21: Simon & Garfunkle
Paul Simon's son Harper, born in '72, his mom being Simon's first wife, Peggy, released his self-titled debut album in October. By age 12 he was making appearances on guitar during his dad's Graceland tour. His voice is reminescent of his dad's, a trait he shares with Julian lennon and James Taylor's son Ben. Oh, and, welcome to winter!

Tuesday, December 22: John Mellencamp
We told you previously on this blog that Spike Mellencamp, age 14, joined his dad's band onstage at this year's Farm Aid. Now he's not just on the old man's stage, he's on his back. Spike's gathering signatures on his facebook page to get John to quit smoking. John is a non-drinker/druggie but has had trouble putting down cigarettes.

Wednesday, December 23: The Rolling Stones
I'm guessing you've heard about Ron Wood being arrested earlier this month in a domestic dispute. He is alleged to have assaulted his gal pal. If true, very lame and he deserves what he gets. In the meantime, Wood doesn't deserve constant print descriptions of being an "aging rocker" with "craggy features." Were ALL aging, folks, even Miley Cyrus. The craggy features thing is just plain mean.

Thursday, December 24: The Ides Of March
Beware! It's The Ides Of March, "from the west side of Chicago", on Christmas Eve. Hope this doesn't confuse Santa. We have 2 live tracks from the Ides brand new seasonal disc, I Believe In Christmas.


Friday, December 25: Elton John
Merry Christmas! We're going with Elton, who wrote the score to smash Broadway play Billy Elliot (based on the 2000 movie)which won 10 Tony Awards, including best musical. Billy Elliot opens at our Oriental Theatre in March. On announcing this when he played Wrigley Field (with Billy Joel) in July, Elton said "I got sober here and I've been sober for 19 years. It's a nice place to be."

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"It's the best time of the year."

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive

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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of December 14-18, 2009
Posted:Saturday, 12/12/2009 at 10:12am by Bobby Skafish
Monday, December 14: The Moody Blues
The Moodies have announced dates and locations for their "USA Spring Tour 2010" - 22 dates in March, Chicago not included. This info is gathered from their official
website, where the merchandise section is titled "Moody Mall."

Tuesday, December 15: Bad Company
Now that Paul Rodgers & Queen have ended their musical dalliance, and Mick Ralphs has finished his part in Mott The Hoople's triumphant reunion concerts in London, Bad Company is doing a tour of England in the new year. I have the feeling Chicago has not seen the last of these classic rockers. We'll keep you posted on the Drive if anything pops.

Wednesday, December 16: Fleetwood Mac
Though you wouldn't know it from their mid and latter period music, Fleetwood Mac started out as a blues group. Mick Fleetwood felt a need to reconnect with those roots and thus formed a band (which includes short-term Mac member Rick Vito on guitar & vocals), gigged & released a live album, titled Blue Again, earlier this year. They rework a few Peter Green-era Fleetwood Mac tunes on it, Peter being a very hot guitarist who could count B.B. King as one of his fans!

Thursday, December 17: Pink Floyd
Nathan Lane as Pink? In the December Mojo Magazine cover story, Roger Waters discusses The Wall album in depth, and reveals he has been working on a Broadway adaptation of it. Waters said he was working on the fourth draft and hoping to find "the right" director in the near future.

Friday, December 18: Billy Joel
Billy Joel's solo debut was titled Cold Spring Harbor, released in 1971. The master tapes were inadvertently speeded up which made for a too-fast album that gave Billy's voice a nasal, unnatural tone. Upon hearing it, he flung it, where it smashed upon impact. You'd be hard-pressed to again find the word "smash" in reference to this album. It was speed-corrected and re-released in 1984.

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Keep on chooglin',
Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive

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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of December 7-11, 2009
Posted:Saturday, 12/05/2009 at 06:12pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, December 7: Bachman-Turner Overdrive
Randy Bachman and Fred Turner, the singing half of BTO, have reunited and are gearing up for a 2010 tour, billing themselves as Bachman & Turner. Not good enough, apparently, for BTO's Robin Bachman and Blair Thorton, who are suing to prevent Bachman & Turner from using that name (!) or Bachman-Turner Union, both of which Randy recently trademarked. The plaintiffs say that when Randy split from BTO in 1977 he (and Fred) signed away their rights to that name and "any similiar brands." Yuck. I'm the judge and here's my ruling: Robin, respect your older brother and go to your room. Blair, just hush.

Tuesday, December 8: Phil Collins
On the other hand, kudos to Phil Collins for taking it like a man. Phil explained "it" in a recent interview: "There is no drama in regards to my 'disability' or playing drums. Somehow while performing at the last of the Genesis tours I ended up dislocating some vertebrae in the upper area of my neck and that has affected my hands. After a very successful operation on my neck, my hands are not able to function normally yet. Maybe after a year or two that will not be the case, but for now there is no way for me to even try to play the piano or drums. I am not at all in a 'distressed' state - stuff does happen in everyday life."

Wednesday, December 9: Ringo Starr
Even with his impressive list of post-Beatles hits, Ringo is smart enough to know that his three-note range would have trouble carrying an entire concert. So, on & off for 20 years now, Ringo has toured with "The All Starr Band," an ever-changing roster of Ringo's heavy friends, each of whom also gets a few turns in the spotlight over the course of the evening. I saw them in '89 (Poplar Creek & Alpine Valley), '92 (Poplar Creek) and 1999 (Park West) and they were all excellent concerts featuring (among others) Rick Danko & Levon Helm (The Band), Joe Walsh, Todd Rundgren, Burton Cummings (The Guess Who),Dr. John, Billy Preston and Cream's Jack Bruce.

Thursday, December 10: Supertramp
Supertramp singer-songwtitwer Roger Hodgson split the band in 1983, having been responsible for Give A Little Bit, The Logical Song, Take The Long Way Home and others. Those and more are brought back on his solo Live In Montreal DVD from 2006. One reviewer gushed: unlike most singers from our musical past, Roger's voice seems to have only blossomed and improved with time."

Friday, December 11: Van Halen
Hear Sammy Hagar tackle one from the Roth era as well as a Who classic to kick off the weekend.

Rock onwards,

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive




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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of Nov. 30-Dec. 4, 2009
Posted:Saturday, 11/28/2009 at 05:11pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, November 30: Pete Townshend
While Who singer Roger Daltrey has been touring, Pete Townshend has continued working on a new Who musical titled Floss, which he calls "in the style of Quadrophenia and Tommy." But don't look for mods fighting rockers or pinball, as Pete says "at 64, I want to take on aging and mortality, using the powerfully angry context of rock & roll."

Tuesday, December 1: The Doors
We're still waiting for a DVD release of When You're Strange, the 2009 Doors-approved documentary, written & directed by Tom DiCillio, which first screened at Sundance in January. Apparently Mr. DiCillio's monotone narration was singled out for criticism, so Johnny Depp was brought in to redub the narration. Cool, so where is it? Oh, happy birthday, John Densmore!

Wednesday, December 2: U2
So, it's U2 again: Soldier Field, Tuesday, July 6, 2010. When they were here in September I walked by The Park Hyatt Hotel, where it became obvious U2 was staying by the large throng gathered ouside the entrance, clutching U2 signables and cameras, as well as beefed-up security. As I passed through the crowd, on the way to my glamorous subway ride, I loudly announced "Sorry, I'm not signing today." I got a few laffs and a sarcastic "wow, that really bums me out" for my attempt at comedy.

Thursday, December 3: Eric Clapton
Over the last several years Eric Clapton has done limited gigging with Cream, then old Blind Faith bandmate Steve Winwood. Earlier this year E.C. did 2 shows in Japan with Jeff Beck and they have one more booked for February 13, 2010 at London's O2 Arena. There are rumors of a joint U.S. tour; we'll keep you posted.

Friday, December 4: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
We have newly released TP & the HBs to play you, as their Live Anthology was released November 24: 4 CDs/48 tracks spanning 1978-2007 - that's in its simplest (and cheapest) version. There are also more "deluxe" (and pricier) versions.

Keep on rockin' in the free world,

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive



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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of November 23-27, 2009
Posted:Saturday, 11/21/2009 at 06:11pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, November 23: Talking Heads
We do 2 from Stop Making Sense, the soundtrack to what Rolling Stone called the "greatest concert movie ever." Personally, I like what The Boss said, "on any given night, any band can be the greatest rock and roll band in the world." That said, great flick. Amazon reviewers think so, as they collectively rate it the full 5 stars. The Blu-ray version was released last month.

Tuesday, November 24: Kansas
The same day (10/13) the Blu-ray Stop Making sense came out, so did did the Kansas in-concert extravaganza There's No Place Like Home, realeased on DVD and Blu-ray. Unlike the Talking Heads film, this is its first release. You get Kansas on home turf (hence, the title) celebrating their 35 year history, complete with guest shots from former members Kerry Livgren, who was once their songwriter, and guitarist Steve Morse, as well as the Washburn University Orchestra.

Wednesday, November 25: Neil Young
On this Live at 5 we offer Neil Young solo and with Crazy Horse. Just askin': is/was Neil Young a good fit with Crosby, Stills & Nash? Beer and chocolate cake: dynamite separately, but together?

Thursday, November 26: Led Zeppelin
On this day we give thanks for the recorded legacy of Led Zeppelin.

Friday, November 27: Sting
His Stingness performs 2 Police tunes without Stewart or Andy - one solo and one with his first post-Police touring band. Hey, he wrote'm.

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Many thanks,

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive

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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of November 16-20, 2009
Posted:Saturday, 11/14/2009 at 10:11am by Bobby Skafish
Monday, November 16: Styx
Styx 'n' Stones will rock yer bones on the Drives Live at 5: this date finds the post-Dennis DeYoung Styx in St. Louis and with Dennis in Rosemont...

Tuesday, November 17: The Rolling Stones
...while this Live at 5 rolls the Stones. Available now, The Rolling Stones Get Yer Ya Ya's Out 40th Aniversary Deluxe Box Set, comprised of 3 CDs and a DVD. First CD is the original album while the second disc is a 5 song set from the same November, 1969 Madison Square Garden concerts. Disc 3 contains music from The Stones opening acts, B.B. King and Ike & Tina Turner. The DVD contains stage performances, backstage footage as well as video from the album cover's photo shoot. Oh yeah, there's also a 56 page booklet.

Wednesday, November 17: Paul McCartney
Released 11/17: Good Evening New York City, the 2 CD/1 DVD set (2 DVDs at Best Buy) from Paul's 3 sold-out nights at NYC's Citi Field in July of this year. 2 hours, 40 minutes of 33 songs from his entire career. The Deluxe Edition DVD includes McCartney's entire performance atop the marquee at New York's Ed Sullivan Theater for The Late Show with David Letterman, where allegedly Dave copped an illicit feel while everyone had their eyes on Paul.

Thursday, November 19: Yes
Yes is touring Europe in November, again with a substitute for original vocalist Jon Anderson, who bowed out of previous recent roadwork with Yes due to respitory ailments. Yet this November finds Jon doing solo dates in North America. Whatev.

Friday, November 20: Joe Walsh
Happy birthday, Joe! It's 15 years of sobriety now for this guy who once seemed the unlikeliest candidate for straight livin'. He credits a 1989 experience in Otatara Pa, New Zealand as sowing the seeds of his recovery: "I had a moment of clarity. I don't understand it but I reconnected with my soul, and I remembered who I used to be. I admitted that I had problems and I had to do something about it. When I got back to America it gave me the courage to seek help."

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Rockin' - it good!

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive, but of course.

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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of November 9-13, 2009
Posted:Saturday, 11/07/2009 at 03:11pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, November 9: The Drive A-Z

Tuesday, November 10: Emerson Lake & Palmer
In June of 1997, ELP played Poland for the first time. A live CD was originally released in '98 when ELP gave special permission to the Polish promoter so he could recoup some of the money he lost on the show. Originally intended as a local release, it soon became available worldwide, to the vexation of ELP. Hence, released with full band approval: Emerson Lake & Palmer Live in Poland, released in 2004 and sampled today, on The Drive's Live at 5. Oh, and happy birthday, Greg Lake!

Wednesday, November 11: Peter Gabriel
How's about 2 from Secret World Live, Peter Gabriel's second live album, which was released in 1994? A concert film was released at the same time, with the same track listing, except Red Rain being dropped in favor of San Jacinto.

Thursday, November 12: Bob Seger
I'm guessing you know what the album cover to Seger's Night Moves looks like - frontal shot of Bob with a full moon. This was actually the hastily assembled second album cover; thw first featured a rear view shot of a woman in a short skirt, approved by Seger but deemed sexist (how about plain ol' cheesy?) by the record company. I'm glad common sense prevailed-classy music deserves classy packaging.

Friday, November 13: INXS
Remember the TV show Rock Star: INXS? A replacement for INXS frontman, the late Michael Hutchence, was chosen on this reality TV show. Earlier this year, winner J.D. Fortune claimed INXS casually dropped him from the band in a Hong Kong airport, after 23 months of touring, with hasty handshakes and thank-yous, but without a ticket home to Canada! Fortune admits to heavy cocaine use during the tour but says he subsequently cleaned up. For their part, INXS disputed his account of events.

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'Til next time,

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive


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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of October 12-16, 2009
Posted:Friday, 10/09/2009 at 06:10pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, October 12: The Kinks
November 10 will bring The Kinks Choral Collection, a Ray Davies collaboration with the 65 voice-strong Crouch End Festival Chorus on retooled versions of Kinks klassics. There will be a U.S tour as well, beginning in November, which at this point does not include Chicago.

Tuesday, October 13: Chicago
Some live Chicago to celebrate the birthday of charter member/singer/songwriter/keyboard master Robert Lamm.
Interesting article by Jae-Ha Kim about Robert in the Trib's travel section a few months back. His fave vacation spot is Munster, Germany and he says his "elegant" wife is a packing genius that taught him how to get a great deal into a carry-on bag. This intrigues me.

Wednesday, October 14: Heart
Kiddies, take Heart: Ann Wilson's children's book, Dog & Butterfly, and sister Nancy's lullabies album, Baby Guitars, were released October 6 exclusively on Amazon.com. Our Live at 5 Heart is an adult dose and will NOT put you to sleep.

Thursday, October 15: Electric Light Orchestra
Fun facts about ELO: They were managed by Don Arden, Sharon Osbourne's dad..in 1979 they were England's top-selling act...Jeff Lynne, who wrote and arranged all their originals after their debut album, and produced them all, was also a Travelling Wilbury...and ELO holds the record in the U.S. for having the most top 40 hits (20) without having a #1 hit single.

Friday, October 16: Santana
In August, Carlos and the band hit the recording studio to begin a new album, to be released in late spring or early summer of 2010. With the Santana debut put out shortly after their 1969 Woodstock appearance, this new one will put Santana in the 6 Decade Club!

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Keep on chooglin',

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive






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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of October 5-9, 2009
Posted:Saturday, 10/03/2009 at 06:10pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, October 5: Steve Miller
Happy birthday, Space Cowboy, or is it Gangster of Love! Love the in-concert DVD that comes with the 30th Anniversary Edition Surround Sound Fly Like An Eagle. Have seen parts of Steve Miller Band Live from Chicago (Highland Park, actually!)on WTTW. Now Steve Miller will be at the WTTW studio on Chicago's northwest side for a Soundstage taping November 4, to be aired in the new year.

Tuesday, October 6: REO Speedwagon
REO singer Kevin Cronin is also blowing out candles today. "Not So Silent Night - Christmas With REO Speedwagon" will be released October 27. The band will be doing 13 Christmas songs, including Silent Night, Little Drummer Boy and The First Noel. The CD also includes John Lennon's Happy Xmas (War Is Over), the royalties to which will be donated to the John Lennon Foundation. Retooling Time For Me To Fly for Santa's reindeer, dudes?

Wednesday, October 7: Jehtro Tull
This is the date for Ian Anderson playing accoustic Tull at Chicago's Vic Theatre. Rollingstone.com/rockdaily has an interesting item: they asked their readers to name acts that have been overlooked by The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame; Jethro Tull finished in 10th place. 9th was Lou Reed, Deep Purple was #8, personal fave Alice Cooper was #5, The Moody Blues were 3rd, Rush 2nd, and #1 should-be-in-the-hall was..."Weird Al" Yankovic (?!).

Thursday, October 8: The Drive's Album Sides Thursday
Enjoy - it's the vinyl solution!

Friday, October 9: The Who
Who warbler Roger Daltrey finished #61 when Rolling Stone published their "100 Greatest Singers of All Time" list and Roger refers to his marvellous instrument by naming his solo trek the "Use It Or Lose It" tour. He's playing our House Of Blues November 2 and he'll have Townshend on guitar - Simon Townshend, that is, Pete's bro. Daltrey promises solo tunes, covers (including Johnny Cash) and Who classics.

So, have a name to add to the should-be-in-the-Hall-are-those-guys-nuts list above? Then use the Add Comments link below.

Must run!

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive

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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of September 28-October 2, 2009
Posted:Friday, 09/25/2009 at 05:09pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, September 28: Queen
Say you'd like some Queen in your collection but you're holding out for their "absolute greatest?" You're in luck, then, 'cuz Queen: Absolute Greatest will be released November 17. It's 20 of their, um, absolute greatest hits, coming out in 4 different configurations - 6, if you count the digital download options. One version walks your dog and flosses your teeth.

Tuesday, September 29: Van Morrison
It's Van at The Chicago Theatre performing early album Astral Weeks, while on Live @ 5 we play an 11 minute-plus medley of 2 songs that has gotten the best response/most inquiries of anything I've ever played on the feature. Don't just hear a snatch of it then have to play catch up!

Wednesday, September 30: Supertramp
Princes William & Harry revealed in an interview in 2007 that their mother, the late Princess Diana, used to dance around her palace to Supertramp music, which rendered the lads "rather embarrassed." Ex-Supertramper Roger Hodgson performed Give A Little Bit at the concert that honored her on the 10th anniversary of her death, held at London's Wembley stadium in summer of 2007.

Thursday, October 1: The Beatles
I guess it's unanimous: the same Beatles album that won The Drive's Album Madness competition in March over 63 others also took the Rolling Stone Magazine readers poll for Best Beatles Album and sold the most remastered copies in it's first week of release - Abbey Road. Enjoy The Drive's Thursday Artist Portrait of The Beatles all day long.

Friday, October 2: Billy Joel
One for you, one for the in-laws? Billy Joel has put his adjacent oceanfront properties in Sagaponack (The Hamptons) up for sale. The larger one (purchased from the late Roy Scheider, of Jaws fame) is going for $22.5 million. The smaller one's asking price is $12.5 million.

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Off to look at Billy's smaller property,
Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive

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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of September 21-25, 2009
Posted:Saturday, 09/19/2009 at 11:09am by Bobby Skafish
Monday, September 21: America
You don't need "The Hoff" to tell you America's got talent, which is on display Thursday, 9/24 at The Genesee Theatre in Waukegan. America originally consisted of 3 sons of American dads (military personnel stationed in London) and British moms. Charter member Dan Peek split in 1977 to record & perform Christian music. This music did not, as several America albums did, benefit from production by George Martin.

Tuesday, September 22: The Police
Ronnie Wood told a story about The Stones being backstage while on tour and, being The Stones, ingesting something naughty. Their road manager entered and announced "The police are here," which prompted The Stones to flush their naughty wares down the toilet upon which Sting, Stewart Copeland & Andy Summers entered the room.

Wednesday, September 23: Thin Lizzy
A couple tracks from Still Dangerous, recorded at Philly's Tower Theatre in 1977, unearthed decades later, and released in March of 2009 after being remixed and remastered by the esteemed Glyn Johns, noted for producing The Stones and The Who, among others. I have to laugh when I see the Lizzy hardcore deducting "stars" from their Amazon reviews because, while they acknowledge it's awesomeness, this disc doesn't contain the entire concert. My understanding is the first rule of show business is "always leave them wanting more."

Thursday, September 24: The Eagles
Warning: Smoking may be hazardous to your job! In his book "Heaven and Hell: My Life in the Eagles (1974-2001)" fired guitarist Don Felder tells a story about The Eagles being on tour on the other side of the world (China?) where Glenn Frey's fave cigarettes were not sold. Glenn had an employee back home overnight him some, then proceeded to fire the dude for sending soft packs instead of fliptop boxes.

Friday, September 25: Eric Clapton
A few items I remember from Eric's autobiography: E.C. once arrived in Tulsa from a flight, so drunk the arresting coppers couldn't believe it was him, so they handed him a guitar and told him to play as a means of confirming his identity...he collects super- expensive watches...he never works out...he didn't want to record Bob Marley's I Shot The Sheriff, brought to the 461 Ocean Boulervard sessions by guitarist George Terry, and didn't want it included on the album after he did, feeling it was that inferior to the original - naturally, it went to #1...he said George Harrison kinda lost interest when the 2 toured Japan in 1991.

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Respectfully,
Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive


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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of September 14-18, 2009
Posted:Saturday, 09/12/2009 at 06:09pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, September 14: Rod Stewart
I have always retained a fondness for Rod despite some dubious fashion choices (him, not me!), his American Songbook albums and Do Ya Think I'm Sexy. In this day's version of Maggie May you'll hear him compliment the audience's vocalizing-along with a get's-me-every-time "Now we're singing!" Listen for it.

Tuesday, September 15: Pink Floyd
Though I don't own it, The 2 DVD set of Pink Floyd: Pulse, issued in 2006, seems pretty amazing: live Floyd in 5.1 surround sound, 4 & a half stars in hundreds of ratings on Amazon.com and a second disc chock full of extras. One extra is Billy Corgan's induction speech of Pink Floyd into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1996, followed by The Great Pumpkin joining David Gilmour and Richard Wright for a rendition of Wish You Were Here.

Wednesday, September 16: Stevie Nicks
Another reason to love Stevie besides the live selections from her filmed-at-WTTW Soundstage Sessions album? She has visited returning American GIs at Walter Reed Medical Center in Washington D.C., which she called a life-changing experience.

Thursday, September 17: Bruce Springsteen
It's Boss's Day on The Drive! If you go to www.brucespringsteen.net you can view an up to date list of Bruce & The E Street Band's set lists for each date on their tour - in Bruce's own scrawl! A more legible version is along side each one.

Friday, September 18: Genesis
Coming September 29, the Genesis "Live Box," reissues of the Genesis catalogue of live albums from 1973 through 2007. Contained are deluxe versions of each album on CD and DVD sets. Each DVD has 5.1 surround sound video content, making for over 6 hours of rare live concert footage. Also check out newly filmed interviews with band members. More Genesis than the bible, baby!

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Rock out on The Drive's Live at 5,

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive

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The Drive's Live at 5 for the week of September 7-11, 2009
Posted:Saturday, 09/05/2009 at 05:09pm by Bobby Skafish
Monday, September 7: The Rolling Stones
Happy Labor Day! As a member of The 5 Decade Rolling Stones
Live Club, I'm remembering The Stones live at Soldier Field in the summer of '78. Also on the bill were Journey, the late Peter Tosh & Southside Johnny & The Asbury Dukes.
Just read that British police will review the 1969 death of original Stones guitarist Brian Jones, based on receiving documents from an investigative journalist that relate to Jones' death.

Tuesday, September 8: Dire Straits
Dire Straits main man Mark Knopfler will have a new solo disc, titled Lucky One, out September 15. He's plotting a 2010 tour as well: "I do get a lot of pleasure from touring and playing live. It's kind of an affirmation. It's certainly something I don't have to do financially" the richer-than-me-and-you-put-together Knopfler sez. He also added that he will dip generously into the well of Dire Straits hits when he does. I saw him at The Rosemont Theatre in 2001 and the show exceeded my expectations - always a delight.

Wednesday, September 9: Bob Seger
Seger fans will soon be able to learn a little more about this Rock and Roll Hall of Famer via previously unreleased photos and insider recollections of tour manager Tom Weschler. The book Travelin' Man: On the Road and Behind the Scenes with Bob Seger is due October 15.

Thursday, September 10: U2
Heap big rock concerts for this crew at Soldier Field 9/12 & 13 - saw 'em there on their Popmart Tour and was lucky enough to have a seat near the mini stage they played a few songs from. In early '08, U2 was at the center of a real estate project called U2 Tower in Dublin. U2 Tower would have been Ireland's tallest building, complete with a recording studio for the band and luxury apartments. The project, which looked to be stunning in on-line pics, is now on hold, a victim of sagging Irish property values.
I hope it comes back around for all concerned.

Friday, September 11: Todd Rundgren
Todd's playing the same dates as U2...at Park West. Scoff not, though, as Todd and his killer band will play 1973's fantastic A Wizard/A True Star album in its entirety, as well as other tunes. On 9/9 Todd's performance of same in Stamford, Connecticut will be recorded and filmed for early 2010 release.

Love it live, and don't forget Add Comments link below,

Bobby Skafish
3-8 pm
The Drive




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Friday, Mar 12, 2010
3:00am
Overnight Album Side
James Taylor
10:00am
Ten @ 10
1978
1:45pm
One 45 @ 1:45
James Taylor
5:00pm
Live @ 5
Led Zeppelin
9:00pm
Long One @ 9
Led Zeppelin
10:00pm
Ten @ 10 Replay
1978
Saturday, Mar 13, 2010
11:00pmThe Deep End
Sunday, Mar 14, 2010
7:00amRock 'n Roll Roots
Root Salute to Time (in honor of time change)
9:00pmThe Classics
Salute to the R&R Hall of Fame Inductees (past and present)
Monday, Mar 15, 2010
3:00amOvernight Album Side
Them
10:00amTen @ 10
1986
1:45pmOne 45 @ 1:45
The Beach Boys
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