The Quad show was FREE! I told someone to lower the seat, and when I sat down, it went all the way to the bottom, he said, chuckling. WMSP (740 AM, "Sports Radio 740") is a radio station licensed to serve Montgomery, Alabama, USA.The station is owned by Cumulus Media and the broadcast license is held by Cumulus Licensing LLC. I was very happy with doing the work I did. The detailed map shows the US state of Alabama with boundaries, the location of the state capital Montgomery, major cities and populated places, rivers and lakes, interstate highways, principal highways, railroads and major airports. fireworks at the end while playing freebird.??? ", From Steve Wayne: "Guns N' Roses at the Birmingham Race Course. Garrett Coliseum Montgomery Concert Setlists City Montgomery, AL, United States Add Montgomery venue Address 1555 Federal Drive Montgomery, AL 36107 USA Opened 1963 Web Official Website Garrett Coliseum on Wikipedia Info Located at he Alabama Agricultural Center. Several readers made fond mention of multi-act shows presented by WBAM-AM, a sister station to Birmingham's WVOK-AM, during the 1960s and early '70s. But theres not a whole lot of money because theres no place for them to play. No one came down to buy scalped tickets at the price everyone thought they were going to have to pay.. hehehehe .", From Mark Keppler: "Eagles 1977 Hotel California Tour Civic Center. The most popular group, both Brennan brothers agree, was Hermans Hermits (see sidebar below). ", From Will-I: "Bruce Springsteen in Auburn in 1975. The Beach Boys were fresh-faced headliners that night, riding high on the success of hits such as "I Get Around," "Surfer Girl," "Surfin' U.S.A,""Help Me, Rhonda" and "California Girls." ", From cj75: "Grateful Dead, 5/17/77 in Tuscaloosa. In the 1950s and '60s, Montgomery, Alabama, was ground zero for many of the major events central to the civil rights movement in this country. The Who. Reactions to these picks -- made by entertainment reporters Matt Wake, Lawrence Specker and Mary Colurso -- ranged from praise to anger, support to dismay. Tickets were priced at$1.50-$5.50 per show, Brennan says, and artists' fees usually ran about $300-$7,500 per act. Classics such as Midnight Hour, (Wilson Pickett), Knock on Wood (Eddie Floyd), and Mr. George Harrison is behind Dan on the left, John Lennon on the right. A license for the station was issued in 1952. Lead in groups were the James Gang with Joe Walsh, and a group that got booed called Frampton's Camel before Peter Frampton hit it big. Herman's Hermits. The WMAQ slogan came from a contest where winners would have to answer the phone "WMAQ's gonna make me rich," so you had people using the phrase anytime. the tall man aboriginal spirit; metadata api request failed: component conversion failed: file_ended; caleb foote sandlot Dan Brennan at the mic introducing the Beatles at their Gator Bowl appearance in Jacksonville, Florida. I play music half the time, the other half Im a toilet salesman, Jones said, which means hes in wholesale plumbing with Thompson Supply Co. Western European Countries, Italian Restaurants In Sandy Springs, Contemporary Music For All Coma, Ford Bronco Reservation Login, Panoplie Dragoeuf Dofus Touch, River Radio Station, Nice In Korean, How Did Tamerlan Tsarnaev Die, Den Of Behemoths Boss, That one was epic alright, unlike any other! Believing they could be the next stateside version of the Beatles, they went by a variety of catchy names: The Rockin Gibraltars, the Sweet Young Uns, The Drones, The Fabulous Shades, the Gate Band. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. "One of my favorites was RUSH 1981 Mobile Municipal Auditorium," said tgfmiss. Mountain 1971," said Billy Bromberg. Gobs of people have asked us when were going to do another reunion. People came from several states to see these shows. Keyboardist Mark Marvin will fill in for Eddie Wohlford who is unable to attend. "One of the the things we had to do, in order to provide bathroom facilities for all of the artists, we had a bunch of RVs, recreation vehicles, and they were all over the field out there," Brennan says. "We started in 1947, and if you think about it, you didn't have very much television in those days," Brennan says in a recent interview. He and his wife live north of Prattville in a 1930s shack, have three grown children and are expecting their first grandchild. Canned Heat. "Times have changed so," said a wistful Peek, the Shower of Stars devotee. "I'm also a little partial to Willie Nelson, Merle Haggard, Jerry Reed, Johnny Paycheck, when they played at Old York Farms in the late '90s," said Jeremy Don McCollough. Members: Original members John Key, David Headley and Bob Corley plus David Langford, Mike Mobley, Larry Hughes, Bobby Johnson and Rick Roper. He was replaced by Johnny Townsend from Tuscaloosa, who was living with Duane and Gregg Allman in LA. The Huntsville Times file photo/Michael Proffitt. "Bill" Brennan, one of the owners of The Big Bam, Montgomery's renowned 50,000-watt radio station. "Play It All Night Long." Go to the Archives Procedimientos. Beavers and Jones will be joined by former members Kelvin Holly, who works in the recording industry in Muscle Shoals and tours with Neil Young, and Bill Hinds, who tours with the Paul Thorn Band. But with two hotshot rock bandson the bill at Legion Field, the twangier acts faced a tougher crowd and some of the musicians felt like underdogs. The station is owned by Cumulus Media and the broadcast license is held by Cumulus Licensing LLC. "Billsaid, 'Well, if anybody makes any money out of it, it's going to be me.' It gave them a voice. If it's all right with him, it's all right with me. During a recent show some ladies, obviously a few years older than him, recognized Grier from the early Gibraltar days. By the time they came to get us we were pretty shozzeled.. Its better than not being remembered at all.. Brother Cyril Brennan, 84, was alternately chief engineer, manager, program director and music director at WBAM and also involved in lining up talent. Thats not to say Montgomery area favorite bands cant be seen any more. The other was Municipal Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, where a show had been set for September 15 th. You can either do that, or you will not have a place to change. All rights reserved (About Us). We enjoyed all the years we spent in radio, said Dan Brennan, who now owns a video production company in Birmingham. Formed: 1963, Troy. So it was a deliberate attempt to identify with people, and to recognize that they were requesting these songs. Hello? It was a hold out because they had missed a previous show in May of 1974. Sweet Young Uns At the time, Sonny was interested Cher's friend, not her. Submit a request Contact us through a specially prepared form. Later acts included the Beach Boys, the Animals, the Dave Clark Five, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Tommy James and the Shondells and the perennial Montgomery favorite, Lou Christie. Bob was producing a medical documentary in Alabama, and also was a promoter for Evil Kneival and Chill Wills. While Gator Bowl officials relented to a desegregated audience for the concert, two other venues Epstein had chosen were problematic. Chuck Berry was awesome and the Stones in their early days were unbelievable.". Although he admits to anoccasional pang of longing, looking back on his previouscareer, Brennan is far from retired. The Rogues of Montgomery, AL cut one great rock single, "Put You Down" b/w a version of "Stormy Monday Blues". "We'd camp out at the door, on the steps and wait. Several members still play in other bands for private parties, or solo at local restaurants, and on June 9, several members of Harmony plan a reunion show at the Blue Iguana in Prattville. pigella miraculous ladybug power. In one fell swoop, he was in hot demand. We put on a heck of a show, said Grier. Peter (Asher) and Gordon (Waller), Big BAM Show. Bob Brennen gave me these. Hendrix only played a limited number of concerts before he died and the one in Tuscaloosa blew the top off Memorial Coliseum. (The Beatles' popularity in the U.S. exploded in 1964, and that year's tour was a watershed moment for the band.). Cyril Brennan, who received a Top Program Director award from Billboard Magazine, is retired and lives in Pike Road. They were a staple at dances for years, packing National Guard armories, gymnasiums, and teen clubs from Montgomery to Opp and Troy, and college campuses at Tuscaloosa, Auburn and Ole Miss. The author recalls with fondness the casual neighborliness that existed within his community, the freedom that children enjoyed to roam and play, and the slower pace of life that prevailed. Iron Butterfly. The Temptations and The Supremes, The TCB Tour, Auburn University, 1972. More like this Cheerleading Pictures Cheerleading Uniforms Girls Knee Socks Saddle Shoes Long Socks Roller Derby Time Capsule Cheer Up Female Athletes Cheerleaders 1960-70s- Loving the knee socks, saddle shoes, and huge pom poms! Butspeaking in general terms, each also hada specialty: Bill the visionaryentrepreneur, Cyril the tech-mindedpioneer, Dan the key concert producer and a smooth, recognizable voice at WVOK. Whitwam remembers little of that show, but subsequent performances are crystal clear. And didn't ever explain to the people what had happened. "Me and my girlfriends would get up at -- holy moly, 6 a.m. -- and get there long before the show ever started," said Connie Peek, a former Shower of Stars regular, during a 2003 interview with The Birmingham News. ", From Denniswingo: "The Grateful Dead in 1978 at the Boutwell Auditorium. For an 18-year-old to take home a pillowsack full of dollars, that was quite a heady time.. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Office Phone: (334) 244-0961 Office Fax: (334) 279-9563 Rick Peters - President / General Manager Jennifer Pestrichelli - Director of Sales Jay Scott - Operations Manager Shelby Ingram - Promotions Director But it was one of many concerts organized by the Brennans, as they sought to cement listeners' loyalty to WVOK in Birmingham, WBAM-AM in Montgomery and WAPE in Jacksonville. We only heard them. The 7 p.m.show-- billedas a music battle between the England and the United States-- also includedtheRighteous Brothers, Marty Robbins, Sonny James, Skeeter Davis, Del Reeves, Archie "Rindercella" Campbell and Cannibal and the Headhunters. We were considered the number one soul band in the south. He also helped to choose and line up some of the concert talent. Bell. "Bill" Brennan, Billy Benns (Jr.) and Mrs. Luella B. Aldridge. So we had another beer. Here, then, is a readers' choice list of 31 awesome concerts in Alabama, culled from email, Facebook and comments on the original post. She came back a few minutes later and absolutely blasted a massive bongo solo. "What's that Frank Sinatra song? We occasionally wouldn't fill all three seatings in Birmingham, but I don't think we ever had one that was less than about 70 percent full, with all three together. Brennan had many encounters with celebritiesover his three decades as a concert promoter, but says he never felt famous -- not even when he was widely regardedas a household name in Birmingham radio. It would be tough going back to ballrooms and small clubs after this. The Brennans often picked up and drove band members to and from the airport and hotels, quite a thrill for Diane Brennan Knapp and Donnie Kay Brennan, daughters of Cyril Brennan and teenagers at the time. He was lead singer of the Rockin Gibraltars, formed in 1965 by a group of students at Lee High School. Tommy James & Ed Sullivan. Beavers has played drums for various bands, including Doc Severinson, Willie Nelson and Lyle Lovett, winning a Grammy Award for Best Performance by Duo or Group in 1994 while a member of Asleep at the Wheel. In the 1950s and '60s, Montgomery, Alabama, was ground zero f. The Other Side of Montgomery book. Both stations played Top 40 hits of the day, and the concerts were the Brennans gifts to a loyal radio audience. nellson nutraceutical revenue; arlington catholic basketball roster; jack cawood and suzy hunt; lawn vacuum for acorns rental. But the moment was indelible for one of his daughters, Debbie Brennan Bartoletti. In Montgomery, music was the Big Bam show put on at Garrett Coliseum by WBAM, and there I saw Neil Diamond, the Buckinghams, Tommy James and the Shondells. I've seen so many good shows in Birmingham over the years! The Rolling Stones. The early concert didn't begin until it was time for the second one, but it was worth the wait. Gary Puckett & the Union Gap. "I think the story about Buckingham Nicks is pretty interesting. "I don't have any regrets," hesays. Her harmonies with Eddie and Jimbo were legendary, and thus the group found its new name. "They would be paying the acts, literally, in cash. I can sing as good or better now than I did then, said Grier. We were very obnoxious to the security guard, who was the nicest guy, and of course, we would go in and outside all the time. Jones, now 59, also played school dances and armories in a group called The Drones. Most of the clubs have gone to a single performer, or a duo or karaoke. Their first gig was at the Wetumpka Recreation Center where admission was $1. For more, visit Rich's YouTube Channel . K Jamie Carter Childhood Toys Childhood Memories Camille Redouble Sheila E The rock band played several times at the Shower of Stars and appeared at one of the last few shows in the concert series, in July 1972. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). Elton John played three different years and drew over 40,000 total. Many of the artists told me these were the biggest shows theyd ever done.. "We never had a flop," Brennan says, "but we had some shows that were a little bit bigger than others. From Brian Willis: "Any of Alabama's June Jams. Carl Perkins. Jerry Lee Lewis hristie Lou C. Paul Revere & the Raiders . Brennan, now 86, introduced the Beatles at the Gator Bowlin Jacksonville, Fla., when the Fab Four played there on Sept. 11, 1964. Cosmic Slop was classic, turned that mother out. It feels good. Most recently they performed earlier this year for a benefit show for ailing former bandmate Keith Brewer, who died in April of cancer. But Lewis went over his allotted time. "You didn't have to know anything about guitar to realize that he was one of the best ever to take the stage. They enjoy reminiscing about the stars, the shows and the fans who made it possible. His current band, The Soul Crackas, does many of the same soul hits the Rockin Gibraltar performed. What made those shows big was that Dan and Cyril would always pick the artists who were hot at the time, remembered Bill J. Moody, a former WBAM announcer and later host of Hubcap Classics. If a group had a hit record, we would have them. By nature, talent and inclination, Brennanwasentirely suited to the family business; thousands of fans knew his voice and remembered his name. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. "Rolling Stones, October 5, 1989, Legion Field," said Emily A. Because it was so big, we ran on stage as soon as we were introduced, grabbed our instruments and started playing before the applause died down. The Lovin' Spoonful. Each episode had a specific theme, mission, or challenge which was accomplished by performing pranks, skateboarding, and enlisting the help of . They had the Stones in about 1963-64, with Brian Jones before he died. He pulls this at every one of our shows. Ticket prices were never more expensive than $4.00. Skyping with a Hermit All who attended the big September 19th show must present ticket stub at gate between 12 noon and 1PM. I always was impressed about how well the bands performed when they were live, even though the Coliseum acoustics werent so good.. How many people have been able to say this at a concert, facing a roaring crowd? A memorable night that I won't ever forget. At this point, Mick Jagger and his pals were poised to release"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," their first international smash. Formed: 1972, Tuscaloosa. "Little Feat at Boutwell mid 70s. ", From bamamaam: "What about the lynyrd skynyrd concert at rickwood field in the '70's.? The Rockin' Rebellions entered the big VOX (sound equipment) sponsored "WVOK Battle of the Bands" contest held at the Boutwell Auditorium in downtown Birmingham on May 20, 1967. . Patsy Cline. As a result, Captain and Tennille declined ABC's offer to do a second season. on. The WVOK Shower of Stars was a series of concerts sponsored by WVOK-AM at the Birmingham Armory and later at Birmingham's Municipal Auditorium.Program director Dan Brennan organized the shows, which gained national notice.. Concerts. Lindley. Their big prize was three VOX . The Brennan kids were popular during the concert years, as you might expect, and Bartoletti says she, her four siblings and her cousins were fixtures at the WVOK shows, seated in the front row. "And that made a big difference, because people didn't have the opportunity to turn on the TV set and see these artists, after they'd been buying their records. One of the best concerts ever for Blues in Birmingham. Hal Hodgens of WVOK is second from left. ", From GmanGent: "Alice Cooper Von Braun in 1974's Welcome to my Nightmare Tourone of the most successful tours financially up until that time. Think it was 1977," says Craigmo. go to da moon copy and paste. The Captain and Tennille Show became a network hit and featured guest stars such as John Travolta, Don Knotts, The Pointer Sisters, and Red Foxx. "I always had an idea about saving memories for people, and using the media that was becoming available, and that's what led me into this.". Yet there was also a gentler side of the city that is rarely revealed within the pages of history texts. The show is a spin-off from MTV 's Jackass, in which Margera and most of the main cast appeared. I only have these pictures of all the concerts we attended from the early 1960's to late 1960's. This one in 1969, was probably the last one I attended. The Show That Almost Happened Big BAM Shows of the late 1960s and early 1970s featured all the biggest artists of the day, including Paul Revere and the Raiders, Lou Christie, Iron Butterfly, The Carpenters, The Monkees (as a group and individually), Tommy Joyce and Bobby Heart, The Grass Roots, and many more. "It was a promotional thing for us. Readers of AL.com have plenty of ideas. They have reformed several times with different members, playing for Lee High School reunions. The station is locally owned and operated by Bluewater Broadcasting Company, LLC We stayed at the same hotel as them. Yes, the Beatles' performance was "a really big show," as Ed Sullivan wouldhave said. Dupree served with the Army in Vietnam, worked as an engineer in Muscle Shoals, and has been an electrical engineer for the Alabama Legislature for 27 years. Jimbo Jones (L) and Tommy Beavers look forward to the reunion of Harmony. A story by Ben Flanagan of AL.com, looking back at concerts at the coliseum, also mentions Joplin. After helping escort her safely away from an unruly crowd, she rewarded him with a big kiss. The stage was an immense rectangle glutted with scaffolding and hundreds of klieg lights and a sound system on a board that looked like the skyline of New York at night. "We had a room set up at our house that had little cubbyholes, like a post office has, and Clara would be back there, stuffing these envelopes, and getting the tickets," Brennan says. It wasnt concerts where you played and 500 people sat down and listened to you. I've got to change clothes and everything.' For this little kid from Wetumpka, that was a big, big deal, he said. Some of the items will go on exhibit starting Thursday at the Alabama. They played at YMCAs, American Legion halls, private parties, and dances all over south Alabama, Panama City, Savannah, and Greenville, Miss. Back then, thats what music was about, remembers Bobby Dupree, 63, drummer with The Rockin Gibraltars, a popular Montgomery-based group in the 60s. When was the last concert at Big Bam Fall Spectacular? Blue arcs of electricity knocked him unconscious and the show ended 15 minutes early. ", "Rolling Stones in Auburn '69," said James Robert Chambless. 0. blues show montgomery, al 2021. View the Full Page. He plays locally at Ruddles, Coaches Corner in Wetumpka, Young Barn Oyster Pub, and has recorded a CD. 1984 at the BJCC. I told Jimbo we should all come in with walkers, laughed Beavers. From:"Rodney Justo" To:"robert register" Subject:Re: HEY EL NIXO! My personal favorite concert of all times was Billy Joel at the BJCC Concert Hall. I dont feel like well have any problem (remembering their songs). Its a good bet theyll play some Steely Dan, Crosby, Stills & Nash, a favorite, Sweet Magnolia, and Bill Hinds rendition of Joe Walshs Rocky Mountain Way.. . Clapton! Its magic, said Beavers. Despite her young age -- she was 7 that year -- Bartoletti felt another emotion at the Gator Bowl: extreme pride. There was this woman who was playing the bongos who literally passed out playing. ", From REDSEA: "While I was going to UNA back in 81, I worked on the Stage Crew on these concerts at UNA: Atlanta Rhythm Section (pictured), Jimmy Buffett, Tom Petty, Hotel, Crystal Gale. ", From Shapeshiftinhmojo: "Jimi Hendrix played Alabama twice in both Tuscaloosa and Auburn in 1968 or 69. "I felt that I was lucky to be able to have the kind of job I had," Brennan says. By March 15, 2021 No Comments. By the time we got to the steps of the BJCC a guy had a shoebox full of tickets that he was trying to sell for a buck each. We came along at just the right time.. It was a real happening thing.. 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