Keep Your Electric Eye On Me
Mick Rock, David Bowie, Pink Pantheress and 'What's Going On' this Week in L.A.
Copyright (C) Mick Rock— Rocky Horror: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Cult Classic (Harper Collins)
It’s hard to focus on anything but the injustices happening in our country right now, but I hope this newsletter can offer a brief respite from the horrific doom scroll of the moment and bring us together in appreciation of the things that inspire joy.
A reference to David Bowie’s melodic gem, “Moonage Daydream,” my headline also reflects my aim to share what I’m working on with you. I also think it’s evocative of the moment, a time when keeping an eye on those in power and those who have none, is so important. It could be said the modern ‘lectric eye” (smart phone) has taken over society. But for all its negatives, it’s also given us the power to mobilize and amplify truth for all to see. Thank you to the brave souls out in the streets documenting what’s going on.
As highlighted in Cameron Crowe’s memoir, The Uncool (which I just finished reading and highly recommend), David Bowie was prophetic when it came to the future of culture and music, predicting future shifts and the importance of the digital tools decades ago—even when he was doing too many drugs. Living in LA in the 70s, he was high most of the time, but he also created some incredible music.
Celebrating Bowie’s birthday and the anniversary of his death earlier this month brought some much needed cathartic moments for his fans, and I was lucky to be in the room for one of the most inspiring. Pianist Mike Garson has been paying tribute to his friend since he passed away, and the recent tribute at The Sun Rose on the Sunset Strip might have been his most epic lineup yet. Billy Corgan, Andra Day, Luke Spiller, Chad Smith and more joined the intimate jam for some gorgeous renditions of Bowie’s biggest hits.
Read my full report, which marks my return to writing for Rolling Stone, here:
🔗 David Bowie’s Spirit Returns in a Powerful, All-Star L.A. Tribute Marking 10 Years Since His Death
I also covered an emotional vigil for the Starman at a fitting locale: his star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood. Read my story about that, and the Mick Rock-inspired Rocky Horror Picture Show exhibit that just closed at FAB LA gallery, for Music Connection, here:
🔗 Let’s Spend the Night Together
All of the above is related of course. Rock’s documentation of Ziggy Stardust is unmatched in style, access and scope. After the gallery opening, I had the pleasure of video chatting with his widow Pati Rock, discussing his new book— a behind the scenes tour de force chronicling Rocky Horror during its filming. Mrs. Rock shares some great info here about what’s next for her departed husband’s treasure trove of photographic archives.
My cover story on PinkPantheress for Music Connection’s February issue is out in print this week too! The UK singer and producer is refreshingly humble about her journey to superstardom, and as she told me during our chat, she’s only getting started in terms of honing her live show and creative output. Nominated for two Grammies, PP will also be at Coachella this year, which promises to expand her fanbase in a big way.
This beautiful issue will be part of the swag bags at the Grammys this year and marks an editorial reunion for my old team from LA Weekly. Former LAW music editor Brett Callwood helms MC now and Darrick Rainey, who led us at the Weekly, designed the layout for the issue. Former arts editor Shana Nys Dambrot has a great column in the mag too. Check out her Substack here.
Speaking of LA Weekly, fans of my old nightlife column, Nightranger, will be happy to learn that I’m coming back to the after dark beat with a new column. More soon…
What’s Going On
The NAMM convention brought some big events to SoCal this past week, but if you love music, your social calendar is probably even busier coming up. It’s Grammy Week and I’ll be gram-jammin’ like the good days, covering the biggest bashes for the new column.
Here are a few rockin’ fetes open to the public.
Read about more FAB LA gallery and the historic building it’s housed in via a big feature for LA Times coming this Thursday — in print and online! The gallery’s previous show, inspired by Mick Rock, is discussed in the video above.
Celebrate reggae music and culture in all its forms at Delicious Vinyl, the record label turned pizza joint and events space. Grammy nominees past and present get the spotlight as execs, fans and media “talk growth, visibility, and the future of reggae & dancehall.”
Melrose memories and more are in store as the infamous punk shop Retail Slut returns and Motorcycle Boy, whose singer Francis Haroldson was famously an employee there, performs. There will be a screening of art film “I’d Rather be Turned into Catfood” and exclusive Slut merch featuring the brand’s beloved “smiley vamp” logo. Drag artist Gender performs and fun vendors will be also on hand.
Read my piece about owner Helen O’Neil’s collab with Lethal Amounts from 2021, here:
🔗 RETAIL SLUT REVISITED: MELROSE’S UNDERGROUND FASHION HAVEN RETURNS
Stay safe out there 💜