🎸CLASSIC ROCK: Elton Slams Weed | Harrison Meets the President | Blood on Tracks Concert...

What's Happenin' Classic Rock Fans?,

Sorry today’s newsletter is late, I slept in late. Boy did it feel good!

Elton John has strong words about marijuana legalization—you might be surprised by his stance. Bob Dylan’s masterpiece in Concert, Bruce Springsteen gets the Hollywood treatment, and Steely Dan proves divisive even on late-night TV.

🤔 Rock Trivia Question: 

Which Steely Dan song was named after a character from William S. Burroughs’ novel "Naked Lunch"? Think hard, and scroll down for the answer!

📰 Classic Rock News

💿 Elton John Criticizes Marijuana Legalization Elton John sparked heated conversations by calling the legalization of marijuana in the U.S. and Canada “one of the greatest mistakes of all time.” Reflecting on his own experiences with addiction, Elton didn’t mince words, emphasizing how it impairs judgment and can lead to harder substances.
Read Elton’s strong take on marijuana.

💿 Bruce Springsteen Biopic Rocks Asbury Park Jeremy Allen White took on the role of a lifetime as Bruce Springsteen, performing at the iconic Stone Pony for the upcoming biopic, “Deliver Me from Nowhere.” The crowd chanted “Bruuuce” while he belted out “Lucille” during filming, capturing the energy of The Boss’s early days.
Catch behind-the-scenes buzz from the Springsteen biopic shoot.

💿 50 Years of Dylan’s “Blood on the Tracks” Next month, Bob Dylan’s iconic “Blood on the Tracks” gets an all-star tribute concert featuring Elvis Costello, Sharon Van Etten, and more. Often hailed as the ultimate breakup album, it continues to resonate with listeners decades later.
Read about the Dylan Tribute Concert

💿 Steely Dan Humor Stumps Fallon Crowd Comedian John Mulaney tried sharing his love for Steely Dan on Fallon, but the audience didn’t quite get it. Undeterred, Mulaney humorously detailed his attempts to introduce their music to his young son. The silence? Classic Steely Dan—always polarizing! Watch Mulaney’s hilarious Steely Dan moment.

📅 On This Day in Rock History

1961: The Beatles signed with manager Brian Epstein, setting their path to global fame. Discover how Epstein shaped The Beatles’ career.

1966: Jimi Hendrix recorded “Foxy Lady,” a defining track of his legendary career. Watch Hendrix electrify with “Foxy Lady.”

1967: Pink Floyd dazzled audiences on "Top of the Pops" with their psychedelic sound. Relive Pink Floyd’s iconic performance.

1974: George Harrison dined with President Gerald Ford, blending rock and politics. Explore Harrison’s unique White House visit.

1975: Foghat released “Slow Ride,” becoming a blues-rock anthem. Groove to Foghat’s “Slow Ride.”

1985: Phil Collins made his U.S. acting debut on "Miami Vice." See Phil Collins’ surprising TV role.

2008: Joe Walsh, guitarist for the Eagles, married Marjorie Bach, making him a brother-in-law to Ringo Starr. See Joe Walsh’s live performance of “Life’s Been Good.”

🎂 Rock Star Birthdays

Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (75): A guitar legend with Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers, who also became a defense consultant. Hear Baxter’s iconic guitar work.

Dana Strum (65): Bassist for Slaughter and the man who introduced Randy Rhoads to Ozzy Osbourne. Relive Slaughter’s electrifying “Up All Night.”

Amy Lee (42): The powerful vocalist behind Evanescence, whose classical training shines in every note. Watch Amy Lee’s stunning performance.

Ted Nugent (75): Known for “Cat Scratch Fever”, Ted also remains a controversial advocate for gun rights. Watch Ted Nugent in a candid interview.

🕊️ Remembering a Legend:

Zal Yanovsky passed away on December 13, 2002, at age 57. As the lead guitarist for The Lovin’ Spoonful, he played on hits like “Summer in the City.” He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the band. Watch a documentary on The Lovin’ Spoonful.

🤔 Trivia Answer: 

The Steely Dan song “Naked Lunch” character reference is… “Dr. Wu”! A cerebral nod to Burroughs’ surrealist work.

Have a Rockin' Day!
Hippy Pete