Pretty much everybody knows and/or remembers KC concert king Chris Fritz…
Far less so, Contemporary head dude Irv Zuckerman. And yet without the mostly behind-the-scenes, St. Louis concert promoter’s contribution the area entertainment scene in the 80s, 90s and beyond at Kemper Arena, Starlight, Sandstone, Memorial Hall and the Uptown were beyond huge.
Zuckerman weighed in recently to Bob Lefsetz on the weather of Eagles singer, songwriter, guitarist and founding member Glenn Frey.
“Bob,
Thanks for your incredible thoughts on one of America’s great songwriters and influencers to the music world. I’m sure I speak for many of the concert promoters like myself who experienced the greatness and sheer enjoyment of presenting the Eagles for many years. How much better does it get to be a huge fan and promote a band that audiences LOVE?
I want to pay tribute to Glenn who was not only the most professional person in the room, but also the most congenial and warm individual as well. From small theatre shows to stadiums, Glenn would always be thoughtful and appreciative to all around him. I loved the fact that although he became a huge celebrity, he was very humble and approachable to everyone backstage. He created an environment that translated with ease on stage and made audiences feel welcomed, whether as an Eagle or with Joe Walsh on their gigs.
One quick story on one of those shows. We were opening Sandstone Amphitheatre in Kansas City.
“Glenn and Joe were the first show. A huge rain and wind storm came through and soaked their equipment right after sound check about two hours before showtime. It looked as though we would have to cancel the opening show of the venue. I went back to speak with Glenn’s road manager to determine our options. Glenn chimes in and says, “get some hairdryers and let’s dry our the equipment, so we can do this show.” We literally bought 15 or 20 of them and blow dried our way to a show that started right on time. He was laughing about it the whole night.
What can you say when you lose a legend who related so well to others through his music with his easy to like demeanor? As a fan, I’m just glad to have been around to see the happiness that resulted each time he took the stage at one of those shows. Rest in peace.
Irv Zuckerman”
Our Baby Boomer Stars are all going. What a great period in entertainment we had. Good story Hearne.
we saw the birth of rock & roll. and a good many of us will live to see those who created it and made it someting even greater, pass away. or die with them. father time takes no prisoners.
except maybe keith richards. he’ll probably outlive us all.
60’s thru 80’s were fantastic. It was pathetic to see MTV and Rolling Stone magazine push heavy metal out and promote the cruddy grunge scene to death. I turned my back on Rolling Stone in 1992/1993 timeframe when I realized THEY were the worst sellouts of them all.
I was also very disappointed with the premeire heavy metal/rock bands of the day as well:
Metallica: Sold out and waited too long. Came out with POS album in 1996
Queensryche: WTF with that 94′ album?
Def Leppard: Decent Adrenalize album in 1992. Kudos that they came back strong with their nice B-side album in 1993 but after that they never rebounded even an inch.
Van Halen: I give them credit for making two very satisfactory albums in 1991 and 1995. Unfortunately Eddie and Alex pushed Sammy too far with their workaholic ways and made him quit. Really the band died when manager Ed Leffler croaked.
Skid Row: Most promising metal band of the 90’s their Slave to the Grind album was unequaled imo. After that WTF.COM????!!!
Gun N’ Roses: They ruled from 87-92. They were bound to implode and with an extremely dysfunctional Axl at the helm they were sure to never return to glory. They could have been the best band ever.
Ozzy: Ozzy is the lone survivor. I have to credit his wife Sharon, she’s greedy and controlling enough to make sure Ozzy is never out of the limelight. 1991 and 1995 albums were awesome. Ozzfest was a huge success. The reality show is now unwatchable but it was great for a year. His only bad solo album EVER was that horrible 2001 album but ever since then the Black Rain and Scream albums are top notch. He must have a few great writers that Sharon pays well to keep his music so great. Every song by Ozzy is fantastic except for the Down to Earth album. Even his I Am Ozzy book is a great read.
Sammy Hagar: I mention Sammy because he’s one of those guys that never quits working, whether it’s music or business deals. He sold an awesome mountain bike but got run out of bidness by Trek. He probably saved a lot of lives and money with his sprinkler business. Cabo turned out to be a cash cow and he practically became a billionaire with his tequila brand. Unfortunately he could never write anymore good songs after he got forced out of Van Halen. And to be honest, he was always a hit and miss solo artist anyway.
Thanks again Rolling Stone magazine and MTV. You RUINED EVERYTHING.
Man that was A LOT of coke.
Just watched the fantastic 4 hour special about the Eagles on CNN. It was wonderful from start to the In Memoriam for Glenn.