BoomerGirl Diary

This week I thought I would follow through on some subjects I’ve mentioned before, giving you some updates and throwing in a little current news.

As reported a few months ago, Radiohead made some pretty spectacular news in the industry by self-releasing their long-awaited new album, "In Rainbows", over the internet and offering out a downloaded version to the public for whatever they wanted to pay for it. I mentioned then that I wondered if they would go out on tour. They did announce tour dates a month or so ago, but that they would only be playing in eight cities in the US as to not create much of a carbon imprint on the environment by jetting all over the country. I thought that was admirable, but it did cut down on the chances of seeing them play live.

Also to their credit, they scheduled to play in various amphitheatres, instead of huge arenas, and charge a very reasonable $30-$55 for tickets. Great price for a huge act like Radiohead. When I tried to purchase tickets, at the exact moment they went on sale, to the show in St. Louis in May, the only tickets available were way back on the lawn, so I decided to forego seeing them at this time. They’ll be back.

The much hoped-for Led Zeppelin Reunion Tour was a temporary fantasy for their fans when legendary guitarist, Jimmy Page, announced in January the band would most likely start a tour sometime later this year, when Robert Plant was through touring with Alison Kraus. But Plant dashed those dreams when he stated in early March that he was turning down $200 million dollars to do the Led Zeppelin tour. He said despite the enormous offer, the decision did not come down to money and he would rather leave last year’s concert as their legacy. They had proved they could still do it and that was enough.

As much as I would love seeing them again, I really respect him for his decision. Hurray, at last someone who’s not doing it for the money. In my opinion it’s better to leave us with our memories. Of course, he might eventually change his mind.

Sheryl Crow has a new CD out, called "Detours," and has just recently said she will join Fleetwood Mac, taking Christine McVie’s place. "We definitely have plans for collaborating in the future, and we'll see what happens," Crow tells Spinner Magazine. As to when fans might hear those collaborations, she says, "I think that's going to be next year." After splitting with Lance Armstrong and recovering from breast cancer, Sheryl adopted a baby boy named Wyatt, in May of ‘07. She’s a busy gal.

(Oops, I just read that Fleetwood Mac was very surprised at Sheryl's announcement. They say there never was an agreement about that. Looks like she may have jumped the gun.)

Finally, I just want to say I attended an excellent concert in February. Does anyone remember the Alan Parsons Project? They were a very obscure band in the 80’s that never went on tour, but had many great albums out, one right after another. “Eye in the Sky”, “I Wouldn’t Want to Be Like You”, “I Robot”, and “Damned If I Do” are just a few of the hits they had on the radio. My husband and I went to see them at a casino with some friends and the show was terrific. If you were ever a fan of theirs, don’t miss them if they come your way.

After the show with Alan Parsons.

Until next time, rock on and be excellent to each other… Penny