ROCK 'N Roll Fantasy Camp

 

 

Dear Rock 'n Roller,

If you’re half as excited as I am about the prospect of rocking out with the likes of Meat Loaf, Ace Frehley, Jon Anderson and over 20 more Rockstars, then you’re probably having a pretty hard time sitting still right now. And if you’re a little nervous too, don’t worry. It’s natural -- I mean, heck, performing in and of itself can be intimidating, and when you add a superstar rock musician to the mix, well, let’s just say, I sympathize. But it is because of those nerves that you need a trip to Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp. I have yet to encounter a camper who left without feeling a whole new sense of self-confidence and a newfound empowerment to conquer the challenges in his or her day-to-day life.    It doesn’t matter if you’ve never before picked up an instrument or if you’ve been playing for 30 years, there’s something to be gained from this camp. Got some words you’d like to put to musi c? We can help you do it -- and we’ve got plenty of professionals on hand who can make it happen.  Been meaning to revisit those guitar lessons you took as a teenager? No worries: it only takes a few chords to make a great rock song.
 
The point is this: Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp isn’t just about rubbing elbows with famous people or showing off your guitar licks -- though of course those things do happen -- it’s about making you a better, stronger, more successful person on and off the stage. I have plenty of camper stories to prove it. Diane Birch, who attended the 2006 Hollywood camp, just released a solo album that is doing very well.  One camper’s wife told me her husband’s road rage was cured by his camp experience, another camper gained the courage to take on a job managing a country band and more than one executive has told me that playing with a band helped him be a more effective manager. And one of our youngest campers, 16-year-old Yayo, is living his dream: he’s become a bona fide touring musician. His recent gig at the Whisky A Go Go brought out Robby Krieger of The Door. He was very impressed!
 
If you’re still nervous or tentative about whether you should sign up for camp -- or sign up one of your loved ones -- feel free to call or email myself or Courtney at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp HQ. The camp experience is open to people with all levels of music experience: none, some and a lot. We’ll make sure you feel at home, no matter what…and if you sign up by Friday we’ll give you a free Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp T-shirt at camp!

Looking forward to seeing you,
David Fishof

 


 
     
 
November 2009
 

 
February 2010
 
 
2010
 
   
   
Featured Band: Kaiser, NY 2007  
Counselor: 
Glenn Hughes
 
 
 

Members: Richard, Dik, George, Chris, Stephanie

These Weeks in Rock ‘N’ Roll History  
 
On August 28, 1960, Barry White left prison after serving three months for stealing 300 car tires.  

On August 25th, 1962, Paul McCartney was fined 31 pounds and his license was suspended for one year after he was caught speeding.
 
On August 27th, 1965,  Elvis Presley played host to The Beatles at his rented home in Perugia Way, Bel Air. The get-together, which included an un-recorded jam session, lasted four hours.
 
On August 28th, 1965, Sonny & Cher's "I Got You, Babe" knocked the Beatles' "Help" out of the top spot on the charts.
 

 
On August 26th, 1967, Jimi Hendrix released “Purple Haze.” It only reached #65 on the Billboard chart.
 
 
On August 27th, 1967, Beatles manager Brian Epstein was found dead of an apparent drug overdose.
 
On August 26th, 1970, Jimi Hendrix gave what would be his final public performance. He died of an overdose of sleeping pills three weeks later.
 
 
On August 25th, 1976, Boston released Boston, their first album, which became the best-selling debut record of all time.

On August 29th, 1977, three people were arrested for trying to steal Elvis’ body. His remains were moved to Graceland shortly thereafter.
 
 

 
Testimonial  
"You have created a most wonderful, safe environment for us to express ourselves. I say this because the safe issue is very big -- I felt like I could get up on stage and sing for the first time in public, ever! 

-Jan O'Brien, Tuscon, AZ (2007)
 
  Featured Counselor

 

Rami Jaffee
 Rami Jaffee will be joining us again in November as a counselor! You probably know Rami because he founded the Wallflowers with Jakob Dylan 20 years ago or playing with Foo Fighters today. His extensive recording career has seen him working with the likes of Pearl Jam, Lenny Kravitz and hundreds of others, many whom have sold millions of records. He has a Grammy of his own and has leant his talents to a dozen Grammy-winning records, and Rami continues his rock career with work composing and producing as well as his session and live performances
 

  Memorabilia


 
Signed Drumhead

Micky Hart of the Grateful Dead
 

A Remo drumhead autographed by Grateful Dead star drummer, Mickey Hart, specially priced at $150. If you're interested in buying this or any other items, call the camp office at 888.762.2263.
 
  Birthdays
 
On August 25th...
Gene Simmons is 60
Rob Halford is 58
Elvis Costello is 55
On August 30th...
John Phillips (of The Mamas and The Papas) would have been 74
 
On August 31st...
Van Morrison is 64
On September 5th...
Dweezil Zappa is 40
On September 6th...
Roger Waters is 65
 
 
TRIVIA QUESTION
Someone mentioned in this newsletter started playing rock music by tuning an ukelele to sound like the bottom four strings of a guitar. Who was it?
   
 
Copyright © 2009 RRFC Enterprises, LLC

 

 

 

         
Dear Rockstars,
 
I'm very excited to premier our new newsletter and to announce our talent lineup for the November 2009 camps, and I know you’ll be excited to hear the news: Meat Loaf, Jon Anderson, and Ace Frehley have signed on to be our headliners!  And, we’ve got more options for you this time around. For the first time in Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp history, our November Los Angeles camps will come in two sizes: a 3-½ day camp (happening November 12-15) as well as the traditional 5½-day camp (happening November 17-22).
 
Our 3½-day camp will feature the one-and-only original KISS guitarist, Ace Frehley. Not only is his trademark black-white-and-silver facepaint one of the most recognizable images in rock history, he is the only axeman who has played on every major KISS album.  In addition to his history-making work with KISS, Ace has a successful solo career and is currently putting the final touches on his next album, Anomoly, set to be released in September.  Those of you who choose the 3½-day camp will meet the legendary guitarist (along with many other rockstars), record at Capitol Studios, and perform on the Sunset Strip at the legend Whisky A Go Go.

Our 5½-day camp will also feature one of the greatest rock and roll characters of all time, Meat Loaf!  The artist behind "Paradise by The Dashboard Light," Bat Out of Hell I, II, and III, and has appeared in movies such as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and Fight Club will be making his first appearance at Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp.  The 5½-day campers will also meet Ace Frehley and the legendary voice of Yes, Jon Anderson.  Also, a surprise guest who helped to make the Whisky A Go Go famous will jam and perform with campers at the final show.

Both camps will feature an amazing lineup of Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp counselor favorites including guitarist icons Elliot Easton (The Cars), Bruce Kulick (KiSS), Share Ross (Vixen), and Rudy Sarzo (Quiet Riot).  Luminary drummers Kenny Aronoff, Sandy Gennaro (Bo Diddley) and Danny Seraphine (Chicago); superstar keyboardist Teddy Andreadis (Guns N’ Roses) and Rami Jaffee (Foo Fighters/The Wallflowers) are all returning to lead our camper bands. The counselor lineup will also include Ron Nevison (prod/eng – The Who/Rolling Stones) and our very own Mark Hudson (prod/songwriter – Aerosmith). Campers will get to jam with all of our counselors!

Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp will also celebrate the 40th anniversary of Led Zeppelin during camp. At Capitol Studios, campers will record with Eddie Kramer, the producer and engineer behind five of Led Zeppelin’s greatest albums.
 
All of us here at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp would like to wish Steven Tyler a speedy recovery!  We also send our condolences to Les Paul's family, after his recent passing. 
 

As you can see, November is shaping up to be a historical month in Rock ‘n Roll Fantasy Camp history. There are a limited number of spots open for the upcoming sessions.  To register, please visit www.rockcamp.com or call 888.762.2263. Financing and payment plans are available.  Live the dream!

Warmest Regards,
David Fishof
 
 
     
 
November 2009
 

 
February 2010
 
 
2010
 
   
     
Featured Band: Underdog  
London 2008


 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chris Slade (counselor), Chuck, Rodrigo, Diego, Stuart, Paul, and Tina jamming out! 
This Week in Rock ‘N’ Roll History  
bulletIn 1962, Robert Zimmerman legally changed his name to Bob Dylan.
bulletIn 1965, Sonny & Cher had the #1 song in U.S with "I Got You Babe." 
bulletIn 1969, the Woodstock Festival took place over three days in Bethel, NY. Over 500,000 people attended; three died, two gave birth and four miscarried.
bulletIn 1970, after he was found crawling along a corridor in an incoherent state, Stephen Stills of Crosby, Stills & Nash was arrested for cocaine possession in La Jolla, California.
bullet In 1971, John Lennon left London and headed to New York City. He would never set foot on English soil again.
bullet In 1972, Elvis and Priscilla Presley filed for divorce. Paul and Linda McCartney were arrested for drug possession in Sweden.
bulletIn 1985, Michael Jackson bought the rights to most of the Beatles' songbook. Jackson's purchase price of $47.5 million beat that of his "Ebony & Ivory" duet partner, Paul McCartney.


 

Testimonial  
“I haven't shut up about this incredible experience -- as a matter of fact, I haven't stopped talking to my colleagues as well as with a few of our corporate clients -- and I'll continue talking about this for a long time to come. This really was an amazing experience for me, both personally as well as professionally...I was able to totally see the teambuilding, the motivation, the bonding, the creativity, all firsthand -- all the things that I think companies are looking for today...You've got something really special here and I know I'll be singing the praises of Rock 'n roll Fantasy Camp for a very long time. ”
 
- Mark Felix, Director of Entertainment Services, Drury Design
 
  Meat Loaf


 
The artist also known as Michael Aday (born Marvin Aday) is an entity that transcends classification: he's a movie star, a larger-than-life personality, and a brilliant musician. Meat Loaf has sold over 70 million albums worldwide in a career spanning four decades, and is about to add to that tally with a forthcoming record that has him collaborating with Green Day and Dave Matthews Band producer, Rob Cavallo.


 

  Memorabilia


When it comes to bass players, few can be placed in the same class as Jack Bruce and when it comes to classic British Rock, few bands can be named in the same sentence as Cream. This incredibly cool Jim Deacon blue bass guitar, is not only signed by Bruce, but also the legendary bass player Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones! As our featured piece of memorabilia, this bass – signed by both artists at our London 2007 camp - is specially priced at $999.  Please call the RRFC office at 888.762.2263 if you are interested in purchasing a piece of signed memorabilia. 
 
  Birthdays
David Crosby: 68 
                                 August 14


 

Ginger Baker: 70
August 19


 

Robert Plant: 61
August 20
 
 
 
ROCK 'N ROLL TRIVIA QUESTION: Which Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp headliner does modern- rock band Weezer sing about in one of their early album tracks?
 
 
 
Copyright © 2009 RRFC Enterprises, LLC

 

 

 

 



May 5, 2009

Dear Rockstars,

Thank you to everybody who attended and contributed to the Hollywood camp! From the start, the Hollywood camp was spectacular. The first day of camp kicked off with a party at the Gibson Showroom with special guest Mark Farner! Mark performed with our counselors at the opening night party and put on one hell of a show! The camp only got better as the week progressed with special guests including Aerosmith's Steven Tyler, Todd Rundgren and Guns ‘n' Roses' Duff McKagan. Thank you to all of our guest stars for jamming with every single camper band!

The week culminated in a grand finale live performance at The Whisky A Go Go on the Sunset Strip. Steven Tyler was so impressed with our camper bands that he stopped by the Whisky to lend his support to campers!

I would like to thank all of our camp participants, counselors, special guests and staff for a memorable and inspiring five days.

WOW! That's all I can say. I hope to see you all at the next camp which we will be announcing shortly. We have some very exciting plans in the works! Till then....ROCK ON!

- David Fishof

PS: Check out this piece that TV Guide Network did on the Hollywood camp:
http://video.aol.com/video-detail/tv-guide-specials-tv-guide-specials-steven-tyler-rock-fantasy-camp/272855052

Hollywood Camp Testimonials!

Don't just take our word for it, take theirs....

"I participated in last week's camp. Thank you so much for putting on such a spectacular event! Slim Jim was the best counselor I could have asked for, and I truly had the time of my life. I'll definitely be back!" - Tom R., Drummer

"Where do I start? All the nervousness was waiting to get there and then it all went away as I worked with Bruce Kulick on our songs. To drum and sing for Steven Tyler and gain his approval was unbelievable!! But the "Heaven" moment that has been dreamt since 1971 was drumming and singing with Mark Farner!! He turned the microphone over to me to sing Closer To Home! All the Rock Star counselors were great to work with and very supportive. As I told you face to face, you have a recipe that promotes the best in part time musicians and I hope you keep this going for years to come. A return trip will not be that far away I predict! WOW!" - Greg D., Drummer

"Please know how grateful I am for the time with my band, and being on stage was indescribable. I will never be able to find the words to properly thank you." - Scott H.

"All of the counselors were fantastic and certainly were not "caught up" in their own celebrity. Your staff was exceptional, warm and very accommodating. I hadn't picked up my electric guitar in over 10 years and had only fiddled around with my acoustic once every few months. But after this week, I feel like music is flowing through my veins again like a Keith Richards transfusion. Thank you for creating an experience that I will never forget." - Glenn M, guitarist

"To see the transformation of our diverse group of folks into a "band" was amazing. I think back to your initial comments about how the real intention of the camp was to have fun and to create new bonds between people. How true that became." - Dave K., guitarist

"Just a quick note to tell you again what an incredible event you made my 60th birthday on Sunday. The camp was all I expected and so much more." - David S., drummer






Steven Tyler sings with a camper



Duff McKagan with Sandy Gennaro's band



Steven Tyler signs a camper's guitar



Bruce Kulick leads a Q&A with Todd Rundgren



Celebrity Chef Guy Fieri slices into a beautiful guitar shaped cake at the closing day party. A big thank you to Hansen's Cakes for providing such an amazing cake!
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AEROSMITH DRUMMER JOEY KRAMER
 

IS COMING TO ROCK 'N' ROLL FANTASY CAMP!
MORE SPECAIL GUESTS ANNOUNCED
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Aerosmith wings1 Legendary Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer is coming to the Boston Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp on July 31st!  Campers will be treated to an extraordinary day of rock 'n' roll compliments of this world class rock star, whose band has sold over 100 Million records worldwide.
 
For over 3 decades, Joey Kramer's signature emotional styling, mixed with technical virtuosity has brilliantly conveyed the musical ideas of his band mates in Aerosmith.  Kramer has evolved into one rock music's greatest drummers. His meticulous timing and solid grooves have contributed as much to the sound of Aerosmith albums such as "Toys In The Attic," "Rocks," "Permanent Vacation," "Pump," and "Just Push Play" as Steven Tyler's voice and Joe Perry's guitar.
 
Availability is extremely limited for our upcoming Boston Camp.  Call immediately to reserve your space.  Immerse yourself in rock 'n' roll history, along with meeting one of the best drummers in the world!

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP NOW
 
JAM WITH THE STARS
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Allison Becker VH1Matt PinfieldAngus JonesM.Zimathom Berry small In addition to the amazing rock stars who are on board with Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp this summer, we also have some very notable television & film stars who have signed up to rock out with us at camp. VH1 VJ Allison Becker is on board, as is radio personality, x-MTV VJ, and all around good guy Matt Pinfield. Thom Barry of the hit television show Cold Case, as well as Madeline Zima from Californication, Bradford Anderson and  Brandon Barash from the daytime soap General Hospital, and Angus Jones from Two and a Half Men have all registered for Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp!
 
Thom Barry was recently quoted in the Hollywood Exchange as saying "I don't even know everybody who'll be there, but just to be able to participate on stage at the House of Blues - - it really doesn't matter. I'll be on stage with Kip Winger!"
 

KENNY ARONOFF SCHEDULED FOR LA CAMP
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

KENNY ARONOFF Kenny Aronoff, long time John Mellencamp drummer and session musician extraordinaire, is scheduled for the Los Angeles Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp. Kenny has played drums with everyone from Willie Nelson to Avril Lavigne and is one of the most influential and in-demand drummers alive today. His credits include work with Elton John, Bob Dylan, Bon Jovi, John Fogerty, Kelly Clarkson, the Rolling Stones and dozens more. Click here for a complete discography.  Kenny was named the #1 Pop/Rock Drummer and the #1 Studio Drummer for five consecutive years by Modern Drummer Magazine, and has played on over 30 Grammy-nominated recordings.

 
UPCOMING SUMMER CAMPS:
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Tour web 2
7/31 Boston - Bank of America Pavilion
8/02 Baltimore - Ram's Head Live
8/04 New York City - Irving Plaza
8/06 Cleveland - House of Blues
8/09 Chicago - House of Blues
8/11 Nashville - Wildhorse Saloon
8/13 Atlanta - Center Stage
8/15 Orlando - House of Blues
8/18 New Orleans - House of Blues
8/20 Dallas - House of Blues
8/22 Phoenix - Marquee Theater
8/23 Las Vegas - Hard Rock
8/25 San Francisco - The Fillmore
8/26 Los Angeles - House of Blues
Space is limited. Sign up now!

 

 
CONTACT INFORMATION:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

phone: 888.762.2263
email: info@rockcamp.com
web: www.rockcamp.com
 

 


 


 

 

ROCK 'N' ROLL FANTASY CAMP LONDON
 

at ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS & THE CAVERN, Liverpool
NOVEMBER 4th-9th 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

London Wyman-Mason image 2008 Featuring BILL WYMAN of the ROLLING STONES, NICK MASON of PINK FLOYD and many more LEGENDARY ROCK STARS to be announced soon!

This is your opportunity to rehearse and record at the famed ABBEY ROAD STUDIOS -- the same studio where The Beatles recorded almost every one of their albums, including Sergeant Pepper's and Abbey Road, and where Pink Floyd recorded Dark Side Of The Moon and Wish You Were Here -- with iconic rock stars by your side! You will then get to perform live on stage at one of the world's most famous rock clubs, THE CAVERN in Liverpool where the Beatles first made their name. 

Packages include 10+ hours of daily jamming with our rock star counselors including ALAN WHITE of YES and JEFFREY FOSKETT of the BEACH BOYS & BRIAN WILSON BAND, meals with celebrity musicians, a CD of your music recorded at Abbey Road Studios, a DVD of your live performance at The Cavern, transportation to and from all camp events, welcome bag, and an experience you will NEVER forget! Space is limited. Register now before we're SOLD OUT!

FEATURES:
- Jam with rock legends!
- Play in a band with celebrity musicians!
- Record at Abbey Road Studios!
- Perform live at The Cavern in Liverpool!
- Learn tips and tricks from the pros!
- Walk across the famous Abbey Road zebra crossing!
- Have an experience of a lifetime!
- All experience levels welcome!


 
UPCOMING SUMMER CAMPS:
THIS SUMMER, DON'T JUST GO TO A SHOW, BE THE SHOW!

 
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On Tour with Extreme7/09 Pryor, OK - Rocklahoma Festival w/ Ratt, Bret Michaels, Warrant and dozens more. Includes full five day festival pass. LAST CHANCE. SIGN UP NOW!

7/31 Boston - Bank of America Pavilion
8/02 Baltimore - Ram's Head
8/04 New York City - Irving Plaza
8/06 Cleveland - House of Blues
8/09 Chicago - House of Blues
8/11 Nashville - Wildhorse Saloon
8/13 Atlanta - Center Stage
8/15 Orlando - House of Blues
8/18 New Orleans - House of Blues
8/20 Dallas - House of Blues
8/22 Phoenix - Marquee Theater
8/23 Las Vegas - Hard Rock
8/25 San Francisco - The Fillmore
8/26 Los Angeles - House of Blues

Limited five day Platinum Tour Packages are still available. Call for details.

FEATURING...
Gilby Clarke (Guns N' Roses), Elliot Easton (The Cars), Earl Slick (David Bowie/John Lennon), Dave Ellefson (former Megadeth bassist), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Chris Slade (AC/DC, The Firm), Mark Slaughter (Slaughter), Mark Hudson (Aerosmith/Grammy Award Winning Songwriter), Kip Winger (Winger)...
and YOU!

NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY
Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp is open to musicians and enthusiasts alike. If you're an expert player or have never lifted an instrument, we guarantee you will be playing live on stage with your band that night!! If you are a Guitar Hero or Rock Band enthusiast, this is your chance to experience the real thing.

"It doesn't matter if you've been playing for a day or a decade, you can live your dream at rock 'n' roll Fantasy Camp" - SLASH


 

ROCK 'N' ROLL FANTASY CORPORATE CAMPS
THE ULTIMATE TEAMBUILDING EXPERIENCE
 
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corp bro One of the most exciting human capital development programs in the country is now available for your private corporate event! The Corporate Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp is ideal for any company's next corporate retreat, training seminar, core training program, convention, sales meeting, or customer workshop! Put your people in the spotlight and watch them shine!
 
Our vision is for the Corporate Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp to be the global leader in corporate entertainment, motivation, team building and training. To offer life changing experiences to our clients and build better employees through the power of Rock 'n' Roll.

If your company or organization is interested in booking an exclusive corporate event, please call me and we will draw up a proposal based on your budget and needs. Forget golfing - there is no better teambuilding experience than Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp!

"It was monumentally life-altering stuff! I couldn't stop smiling. Got to play guitar with Elliot Easton and be the band for Mickey Dolenz and Roger Daltrey. It really doesn't get much better than that. This is the stuff of dreams, for sure" - Lisa A., People Magazine

 

 
QUICK LINKS:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
CONTACT INFORMATION:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 

phone: 888.762.2263
email: info@rockcamp.com
web: www.rockcamp.com
 

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Tour Banner

 

 

 

 
10% OFF FATHER'S DAY OFFER
Bring Dad to Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp and we'll give you both a 10% discount



SAVE 10%
 
Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp™ is the ultimate music experience, that allows musicians and enthusiasts alike the once in a lifetime opportunity to jam with legendary rock stars, play live on stage at major concert venues, and live their rock 'n' roll dreams.  Simply stated, our mission is to bring people's musical fantasies to life!

This week only, when you sign up to attend Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp with your dad, you will both receive 10% off the total price. Offer good through June 15th, 2008. Space is limited. Special terms apply. 
 
CALL: 888.762.2263 TO REGISTER NOW! 
PROMOTION CODE: FD150608

 
NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY: If you're an expert player or have never lifted an instrument, we guarantee you will be playing live on stage with your band that night!! If you are a Guitar Hero or Rock Band enthusiast, this is your chance to experience the real thing.

 

 ROCK 'N' ROLL FANTASY CAMP

 
 61 W. 62ND ST. |  NEW YORK, NY 10023
WWW.ROCKCAMP.COM
 

 

 

ROCK 'N' ROLL FANTASY CAMP
Jam with Legendary Rock Stars!
Play Live at Major Concert Venues!
A Perfect Birthday / Graduation Gift
www.rockcamp.com

 

http://www.rockandrollfantasycamp.com

Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp Newsletter

 

J. Geils to Headline Boston Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp Tour Kick-Off Party this Monday Night!  Additional parties in Baltimore, Atlanta & Orlando

 
June 2008
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 
Dear Rockstars,
   
I'm proud to announce that Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp has teamed up with Guitar Center to host an exciting series of tour kick-off parties, beginning in Boston this Monday night; with events in Maryland, Atlanta and Florida to follow.  These exclusive, invite-only parties are the perfect opportunity to learn more about our upcoming tour, network with program alumni and meet and jam with a rock star! 
 
J. Geils fans won't want to miss our Boston Party as the legendary rocker will be there to perform a mind-blowing acoustic set.  Other party headliners will include Simon Kirke of Bad Company, who will be in Maryland for the festivities and multi-platinum recording artist Kip Winger, who will be in attendance at both our Atlanta and Florida events.
 
Whether you are a past camper or newly enrolled to the program, I highly encourage you to come out and join us for these informative, fun parties, conveniently hosted at your local Guitar Center.  At each party a rock 'n' roll legend will be in attendance to tell stories, sign autographs and play acoustically.  Our recent parties in New York and Chicago were a blast and guests were treated to an awesome night of music, refreshments and performances by Earl Slick and Simon Kirke.
 
I'm looking forward to meeting and greeting lots of new and familiar faces and can't wait to shed more light on our summer tour and upcoming London camp.  Also, if you're interested in learning more about our corporate camps, please feel free to stop by the party to discuss further. 
 
Below is a list of all details for this week's scheduled parties.  You are welcome to bring your friends, family and colleagues, simply RSVP the total number of guests you intend to bring by emailing us at partyrsvp@rockcamp.com
 
June 2nd, 7pm-9pm
Guitar Center Boston with special guest John Geils
750 Commonwealth Ave.
Boston, Massachusetts 02215
 
June 3rd, 7pm-9pm
Guitar Center Towson with special guest Simon Kirke
1524 E. Joppa Rd.
Towson, Maryland 21286
 
June 4th, 7pm-9pm
Guitar Center Atlanta with special guest Kip Winger
1485 Northeast Expressway
Atlanta, Georgia 30329
 
June 5th, 7pm-9pm
Guitar Center Orlando with special guest Kip Winger
12402 Orange Blossom Trail, Ste. 1
Orlando, Florida 32837
 
I hope to see you out next week!  Enclosed please find a link to a Business Week article that I thought you might find interesting.   Click here: What Rock Stars Can Teach Leaders
 
And a big thanks to Mancow for his great article that recently appeared in Hustler.  I wanted to share it with my wife, but decided it was safer to just read it at the stands... Be sure to pick up a copy and check it out!
 
 
Warmest Regards,
 
David Fishof

 
 
 
Quick Links...
 

 

 

 

 


SLASH, JOE WALSH,
ROGER DALTREY and JACK BRUCE

to attend Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp�s
10th Anniversary in Las Vegas,
November 7 -11!

 

RRFC - NEW YORK
What a week in New York City we just had!
� I want to extend my sincerest appreciation to all the Rock Star Counselors, but especially to Paul Stanley of KISS, for giving Rock and Roll Fantasy camp attendees a most memorable experience, especially at the final night�s show at BB Kings. The Camp, with so many guest stars including Paul Shaffer, Max Weinberg, Leslie West, Glenn Hughes, and Mark Farner, once again proved to be another life changing experience for our Camper Rockers. A full report is available on the website with more to come in the newsletters in weeks ahead.

See Video of Paul Stanley on stage at B.B.Kings
 

BB Kings
Concert Review
9/3/07

Think of Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp like a school of rock, only the camp counselors or teachers are famous rock stars and the students are adult musicians with the means to make their rock dreams come true. And come true they did. The excitement and fun onstage was contagious as the audience was swept away by the pure bombastic joy both the stars and their students shared onstage. The students were divided into ten bands, each one coached by their rock star teacher. Every student on stage was totally psyched to be up there performing with their legendary leaders. Each band did two covers and an original song that they wrote for the event. It was fascinating and interesting to see how each of the rock star counselors arranged and conducted their bands according to their vision of what rock should be. It gave you real insight into the inner workings of a successful act. And some of the performances were off the hook. For starters Paul Stanley was simply awesome. He was there to accompany each band on a song or two.  No rock star posturing at all. There he suddenly appeared onstage, waved to the audience and launched into the first verse of �Honky Tonk Woman� followed by a long night of killer vocalizing. You could tell Paul was really giving it his all, singing leads, doing double leads and keeping his harmonies right on target. His voice was really in great shape for the whole affair. He came off humble and really acted like the perfect team player. But he didn�t have to grandstand or posture to dominate the stage because his presence and voice commanded attention as his star power is undeniable. Rocking arenas around the world for thirty years will do that to a guy. He wasn�t doing his Kiss moves except for a few trademark hand movements. He reminded me of those great vocal stylists like Sinatra who just got better and better with age. Knowing just how to work his voice and his killer rock phrasing he sounded better than ever and was in total control of his technique. He did some Kiss songs which shows how great and timeless those rock anthems really are. But what really blew me away was his cover of the Ides Of March song �vehicle�. It showed some of the roots of the bluesy soul aspects in his style. Pumped up by the amazing David Letterman horn section the song took off into the stratosphere. The horns were mesmerizing and lifted up every song they played on. Their talent and precision was unstoppable. Simon Kirk, drummer from Bad Company probably led the tightest band. He made sure his drummers were rock solid so he also showcased his fabulous bass playing, great sense of humor and fab vocals. For me another highlight of the show was Deep Purples Glenn Hughes. His enthusiasm was infectious and his voice powerful stuff hitting inhumanly high notes and then ending with a scream.What vocal range as his nuclear blast of an earth shattering sound was a hard rockers dream scream.And boy he did that a lot along with some great bass playing. .Marc Hudson who appeared from time to time with his multicolored beard and bizarre outfit appeared to be the eccentric popmeister that he is. He seemed to be channeling John Lennon and he did a pretty good job. Leslie West came out for a brief two songs doing a solo version of Blowin in the Wind with a vocal that could melt the paint off the walls. Then went into a version of �Mississippi  Queen� that gave a new meaning to the word LOUD.Bruce Kulik was also fantastic, hot licks galore, versatile and could effortlessly fit in with any band. Spike Edny, Queens keyboardist had the demeanor of a sarcastic professor as he cued the band from behind the keyboard. Jane Wiedlin of the Go Go�s still has the cute rocker market cornered. There was also a fourteen year old who thought he was a little Joe Perry stepping onstage every now and then playing the same blistering Slash, Page, and Joe Perry licks every time. Hey he�s only fourteen, he will be a lot more versatile by the time he is sixteen.

Then came the super jam starting with Mark Farner and Stanley brilliantly harmonizing on the Grand Funk classic �My Captain�. Farner was also in top form, electrifying as it was great to see him marching across the stage playing his classic hit. Glenn Hughes came back to play one of the heaviest smoke on the waters  that have ever been done. Kulick played a blistering solo on that one. Corky Lang from Mountain also played some amazing drums and seemed to be having a ball dancing around the stage, and playing cowbell while boogieing between two sexy rock chicks.Gary Burr also did some great Beatle vocals and guitar work. Hudson once again in his notable Lennon style led the finale which was a rousing version of Instant Karma. and that�s how I felt as I left the show. Although the Karma lasted long into the night.

Marc Silvert

 

 

 


Dear Rock Stars,

The upcoming Rock �n Roll Fantasy Camp�s 10th Anniversary celebration will be in Las Vegas!� Taking place at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and House of Blues, Rock �n Roll Fantasy Camp invades Sin City from November 7-11th, 2007 and it promises to be the best one yet.� The camp will run from Wednesday at 5pm to Sunday at midnight over Veterans's Day weekend. Enrollment has already started off with a bang with campers from all over the world, including the US, Ireland, UK, and South America, having already signed up.�

The Vegas lineup of Slash, Roger Daltrey, Joe Walsh, Jack Bruce, Vince Neal, Nico McBrain, Simon Kirke, and over 20 rock legends promises to be an incredible experience for all. �For first time campers you�ll be witnessing what has made RRFC the most incredible rock and roll experience for the last 10 years.� For returning campers, you will once again live the dream.

 

Having the opportunity to not only meet these amazing rock stars but to interact, jam and learn techniques of your instrument from the best musicians in the world is unprecedented. �At the last camp I was amazed watching Paul Schaffer put the Rock Stars through a rehearsal in front of the entire camp that changed many perspectives about the rehearsal process and the quest for perfection of music.�

You will have the once in a life time experience in talking to Slash one-on-one about the guitar and jamming on White Room and Sunshine of Your Love with Jack Bruce of CREAM.� Legendary guitarist Joe Walsh, who�s band, THE EAGLES, is releasing a cd for the first time in 20 years, will also be on hand to give tips and jam with campers. �To be in a room with this genius who has written and recorded some of the biggest anthems in Rock & Roll like Funk 49 (James Gang) and Life in the Fast Lane (EAGLES) will be among the highlights or our 10th Anniversary Camp.� I�ve had the privilege to have spent lots of time with Joe over the years and his insight into the music has taught me more about rock and roll than anyone I�ve ever worked with. �

Of course, our Las Vegas celebration would not be complete without Roger Daltrey, the legendary front man for THE WHO!� Roger has helped me create Rock Camp to what it has become today. �This will be Roger�s 4th Camp since 2002 and his tireless efforts and performances with the campers has given so many of our past attendees the extra push needed to bring music to the forefront of their lives.� His passion about music has allowed many of the campers he�s touched to find the happiness and passion they possessed inside of themselves to come out .

However, while we�re bringing this incredible array of talent to Las Vegas in November, the true superstars at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp are YOU, the Rockers who come to camp to work hard on your music regardless of whether you�ve played for one month or 35 years.� Previous attendees come from all walks of life including students, housewives, hobbyists and captains of industry.� The friends that you�ll meet at the Camp and in your band will become lifelong friends because you all have one thing in common: THE MUSIC .

The work that our campers put into preparing themselves for this experience begins the moment you sign up when you begin to be treated like the Rock Star you�ve always wanted to be.� We�ve eliminated the audition process so that immediately as you come to camp you enter a studio with your rock star counselors and you begin jamming to the 2 songs you were sent in advance from your counselor. �After several days of rehearsing, jamming and preparing, you�ll be ready to rock the stage at the House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay Hotel for the end of camp concert.� The final concert in New York, now called CAMPALOOZA, proved to be the best ever.� Take a look at what the Campers had to say minutes after leaving the stage at BB Kings. (see link below)

I�m looking forward to welcoming all our campers, old and new, who truly want to live this once in a life time experience. �To the spouses who give this as a gift, your creativity is amazing. �At the last camp a wife gave her husband a plane ticket to New York City on the first day of camp and told him that WE�RE going to rock and roll fantasy camp�.� Another one of my favorite camper comments was from a couple who have attended a few camps and told me that this camp offers the best marital therapy:� �Where can my husband and I go away for 5 days together a relive our college sweetheart days and rock out all day?�

Don�t be left out!� We had to turn away potential campers from the New York City Camp as the Camp sold out very quickly.� Space in our incredible 10th Anniversary celebration is limited, so please call us now at 888-ROC-BAND or download the registration form here.� As an added incentive, for those that sign up prior to October 1st, we are offering exclusive discounts of $750 for previous campers and $500 for new campers.�

Please join me in celebrating my 10th anniversary. I promise to make it the greatest experience ever. �Please feel free to call the office and sign up and speak to me personally.

Love and light

David Fishof
david@rockcamp.com

PS:� Allow me to share a good book to all of you THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON MUSIC, by Daniel J. Levitin.� A New York Times best seller.� I just picked it up and find it fascinating on why human beings make and enjoy music.

 

VIDEO of Camp

 

 

 
 
 


SLASH, JOE WALSH,
ROGER DALTREY and JACK BRUCE

to attend Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp�s
10th Anniversary in Las Vegas,
November 7 -11!

 
 


Dear Rock Stars,

The upcoming Rock �n Roll Fantasy Camp�s 10th Anniversary celebration will be in Las Vegas!� Taking place at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and House of Blues, Rock �n Roll Fantasy Camp invades Sin City from November 7-11th, 2007 and it promises to be the best one yet.� The camp will run from Wednesday at 5pm to Sunday at midnight over Veterans's Day weekend. Enrollment has already started off with a bang with campers from all over the world, including the US, Ireland, UK, and South America, having already signed up.�

The Vegas lineup of Slash, Roger Daltrey, Joe Walsh, Jack Bruce, Vince Neal, Nico McBrain, Simon Kirke, and over 20 rock legends promises to be an incredible experience for all. �For first time campers you�ll be witnessing what has made RRFC the most incredible rock and roll experience for the last 10 years.� For returning campers, you will once again live the dream.

 

Having the opportunity to not only meet these amazing rock stars but to interact, jam and learn techniques of your instrument from the best musicians in the world is unprecedented. �At the last camp I was amazed watching Paul Schaffer put the Rock Stars through a rehearsal in front of the entire camp that changed many perspectives about the rehearsal process and the quest for perfection of music.�

You will have the once in a life time experience in talking to Slash one-on-one about the guitar and jamming on White Room and Sunshine of Your Love with Jack Bruce of CREAM.� Legendary guitarist Joe Walsh, who�s band, THE EAGLES, is releasing a cd for the first time in 20 years, will also be on hand to give tips and jam with campers. �To be in a room with this genius who has written and recorded some of the biggest anthems in Rock & Roll like Funk 49 (James Gang) and Life in the Fast Lane (EAGLES) will be among the highlights or our 10th Anniversary Camp.� I�ve had the privilege to have spent lots of time with Joe over the years and his insight into the music has taught me more about rock and roll than anyone I�ve ever worked with. �

Of course, our Las Vegas celebration would not be complete without Roger Daltrey, the legendary front man for THE WHO!� Roger has helped me create Rock Camp to what it has become today. �This will be Roger�s 4th Camp since 2002 and his tireless efforts and performances with the campers has given so many of our past attendees the extra push needed to bring music to the forefront of their lives.� His passion about music has allowed many of the campers he�s touched to find the happiness and passion they possessed inside of themselves to come out .

However, while we�re bringing this incredible array of talent to Las Vegas in November, the true superstars at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp are YOU, the Rockers who come to camp to work hard on your music regardless of whether you�ve played for one month or 35 years.� Previous attendees come from all walks of life including students, housewives, hobbyists and captains of industry.� The friends that you�ll meet at the Camp and in your band will become lifelong friends because you all have one thing in common: THE MUSIC .

The work that our campers put into preparing themselves for this experience begins the moment you sign up when you begin to be treated like the Rock Star you�ve always wanted to be.� We�ve eliminated the audition process so that immediately as you come to camp you enter a studio with your rock star counselors and you begin jamming to the 2 songs you were sent in advance from your counselor. �After several days of rehearsing, jamming and preparing, you�ll be ready to rock the stage at the House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay Hotel for the end of camp concert.� The final concert in New York, now called CAMPALOOZA, proved to be the best ever.� Take a look at what the Campers had to say minutes after leaving the stage at BB Kings. (see link below)

I�m looking forward to welcoming all our campers, old and new, who truly want to live this once in a life time experience. �To the spouses who give this as a gift, your creativity is amazing. �At the last camp a wife gave her husband a plane ticket to New York City on the first day of camp and told him that WE�RE going to rock and roll fantasy camp�.� Another one of my favorite camper comments was from a couple who have attended a few camps and told me that this camp offers the best marital therapy:� �Where can my husband and I go away for 5 days together a relive our college sweetheart days and rock out all day?�

Don�t be left out!� We had to turn away potential campers from the New York City Camp as the Camp sold out very quickly.� Space in our incredible 10th Anniversary celebration is limited, so please call us now at 888-ROC-BAND or download the registration form here.� As an added incentive, for those that sign up prior to October 1st, we are offering exclusive discounts of $750 for previous campers and $500 for new campers.�

Please join me in celebrating my 10th anniversary. I promise to make it the greatest experience ever. �Please feel free to call the office and sign up and speak to me personally.

Love and light

David Fishof
david@rockcamp.com

PS:� Allow me to share a good book to all of you THIS IS YOUR BRAIN ON MUSIC, by Daniel J. Levitin.� A New York Times best seller.� I just picked it up and find it fascinating on why human beings make and enjoy music.

 

VIDEO of Campers Reactions after Performing Live at BB Kings

joe
 

SLASH slated for
Las Vegas

Saul Hudson, mainly known as Slash, was born on July 23, 1965, and was raised in Stoke-on-Trent. Both his parents worked in the entertainment business, his mother being a clothing designer (she did some of David Bowie's costumes) and his father being an art director for a record company. When Slash was 11 he moved with his mother to Los Angeles, leaving his father behind in England, although he eventually joined them in L.A. years later. Slash became sort of an outsider at school since he didn't really fit in with other kids. In the mid 70s his parents separated and Slash moved in with his grandmother. During this time Slash got interested in BMX riding, and went on to win several awards and money in competitions.

When he was 15 he got his first guitar, and his schoolwork started to go downhill as he skipped class to sit playing guitar all day. Slash eventually got so tired of school that he dropped out in 11th grade. As he lived in Los Angeles, a city flourishing with new, young rock bands, he quickly got in touch with people to jam with. After meeting Steven Adler the two of them formed a band called Road Crew. Then he met Izzy Stradlin who played in a band with Axl Rose, and after hearing Axl sing live, he was set on getting him in his band. Soon a bass player answered one of Slash's ads in the paper, and Slash (guitar), Steven (drums), Izzy (guitar), Axl (vocals) and Duff McKagan (bass) formed Guns N' Roses in 1986. Soon enough, GNR were known across the globe as the new rock n' roll sensation. Album sales went sky high and the band was having a blast on their world tours, and during this time Slash worked with artists like Michael Jackson on the Dangerous album and Lenny Kravitz, just to name two. But after the Use Your Illusion tour, GNR decided to take a break. Slash however, needed to play music and so he formed his own band Slash's Snakepit. With the success of this bands album It's Five O'Clock Somewhere (1995), Slash told the public that Slash's Snakepit would be back again.

During this time Slash and Axl were having some heated arguments about Guns N' Roses and what would happen next. Guns N' Roses as we knew them then, was terminated by the result as Slash decided to leave the band, handing all rights of the band name over to Axl. After this Slash did a few gigs here and there, formed a band called Blues Ball who played blues covers, and even brought back Slash's Snakepit as he said he would, although they didn't last very long this time either. In 2000, Slash met Perla Ferrar and on October 15, 2001, married her. It's not surprising that he wore black leather pants, a white shirt and his faithful black leather jacket to the wedding! His new status as a married man didn't slow him down, though. In 2003, Velvet Revolver was formed by the former members of Guns N' Roses; Slash, Duff and Matt (who replaced Steven in 1990), Scott Weiland (vocals) from Stone Temple Pilots and Dave Kushner (guitar) from Wasted Youth. Velvet Revolver's debut album Contraband (2004) was long-awaited and sold incredibly well.

They are now going to show up on the second Live Aid concert along with many other huge artists, which will be held in London. Velvet Revolver's plans to become a rock band of great magnitude are definitely in the works, and Slash himself has earned his title as one of the greatest rock n' roll guitar players in history.

IMDB

 

 
 
 
 

 

 
     

Special Guest
Camper

 

I have the honor of inviting a special guest to experience living the dream and this camp is no different.� I�d like to welcome Sgt. Jason Uselton who served our country in Iraq and who is an avid drummer.� He will be attending with his wife to experience the life-changing experience that is Rock �n Roll Fantasy Camp!

Special Thanks!

Special thanks to over 60,000 listeners of Q104 who voted on the station�s website to send a lucky winner to camp.� Thanks to Bob Buckman and Eric Lemieux for their fantastic promotion and all the DJs who keep us in our classic rock.

VH1 Classic had 16,000 people sign up for a chance to win a spot at camp and American Express My Wish had 2 million hits on their site for their Rock �n Roll Fantasy Camp promotion!

Congratulations to all of our winners!� We are pleased to have you at camp!

Read about RRFC in
Classic Rock Magazine

 

Dear Rock Stars,

I'd like to welcome our new subscribers. Please check out the links below on our latest articles in Classic Rock Magazine and other publications.�

There�s only a week to go for the upcoming New York Rock �n Roll Fantasy Camp and this one is packed with excitement from the minute you walk into the studio on Thursday until you walk offstage on Monday night at BB King�s.�

We�ve made a few of modifications to maximize your experience at camp, like eliminating the individual audition process and substituted it with a band audition.� Now you get to start the camp having practiced the songs so you can jump right into the studio.� Each band with be assigned to a rock star counselor and asked to practice previously selected songs.�

On opening night Paul Shaffer will conduct a master class followed by a jam and Q&A session with special guest, this year�s Rock �n Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Ronnie Spector.� Then each band will perform on stage with a special guest and their counselor, followed by an all star counselor jam.� And that�s just the first night!

The closing night at BB King�s will feature the legendary Paul Stanley of KISS performing with each band and the Late Show horn section.�Mark Farner will lead the counselor jam with all his Grand Funk Railroad hits along with the hits of the other counselors.� Leslie West will also be dropping by, along with celebrities from TV and movie stars.� Our memorabilia auction, where the proceeds go to charity, is an attraction in and of itself.� Tickets for BB King�s are available through the home office or Ticketmaster.�

We still have room for a keyboardist and a vocalist and welcome you to register anytime before camp.

Corporate Band Challenge

On November 12th, we�re hosting our first Corporate Band Challenge at the Joint, at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas.� If your company has a band and you�d like to enter them in this competition, contact Ed Johnson, former president of Heinz, (ed@rockcamp.com) for more information.

Thanks for all of your support!

Best Regards,

David Fishof
david@rockcamp.com


Roger Daltery on stage with campers


 

 
 

Joe Walsh slated for
Las Vegas

The Las Vegas camp is filling up fast so register now to reserve a spot.� It�s taking place at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino and the House of Blues on November 7th-11th, 2007 and is in celebration of our 10th anniversary.�

Joe Walsh will be joining us for the Las Vegas camp before he goes on tour with the Eagles later this year.  He started out in James Gang in the late 60's with hits such as "Funk #49" and "Walk Away".  He is best known for his work with The Eagles of "Hotel California" fame and has had a successful solo career with such hits as "Life is Good".   Joe, an avid attendee of Major League Baseball Fantasy Camp, taught me rock 'n roll 101 years ago and you can look forward to rubbing elbows with him at camp.

Iron Maiden�s Nicko McBrain will also be in attendance.� Nicko told me the band will be embarking on a worldwide tour in 2008.�

Trust me, this is only a partial list of the rock �n roll legends that will be appearing at the Las Vegas camp to help us celebrate our landmark 10th anniversary.� Before we open registration to the general public, we are offering this in advance to past campers and newsletter subscribers so sign up soon before we release the news of this event to the masses!�

Things to do before I die
- Chip Gallent

Read the list here.

 

 
 
 
 

 

 

 

banner_silver
 


Dear Campers and Rock Music Fans,

There are still tickets available for the Rock 'n Roll Fantasy "Campalooza" on

Monday, September 3rd in New York city at B.B. Kings Blues Club.
Don't miss this chance to see:
Paul Stanley of Kiss, Mark Farner formerly of Grand Funk, Leslie West of Mountain,
and the Horn Section from the Letterman Late Show band.

Also performing will be Spike Edney (Queen), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Alan White (Yes),
Simon Kirke (Bad Company), Jane Wiedlin (The Go-Go's), Corky Laing (Mountain), and
Gary Burr (Carole King).

There will also be a special Memorabilia Auction that night.

Call us at 1.888.762.2263 or get tickets online at BB Kings Tickets.

Tickets also available from Ticketmaster.

Thank you very much and see you there.

David Fishof
david@rockcamp.com
www.rockcamp.com
 

 

 

Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp
 
CBS Late Night Bandleader Paul Shaffer to attend Fantasy Camp!
 
August 8, 2007
 

Dear Rock Stars,

I'm proud to announce that musical genius, Paul Shaffer, is coming to the New York City Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp this Labor Day Weekend to share his musical knowledge, teach a master class and jam with the campers and counselors!  Paul, a thirty year veteran in the music business, has played and worked with the best musicians in the world, including Eric Clapton, BB King and Robert Plant.  You can see him nightly on the Late Show with David Letterman Click here to check out his bio and sign up now for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
 

Our pal Paul Stanley is doing great. Paul said, " I'm absolutely fine and will be at Fantasy Camp primed, pumped and ready to give everyone everything they're expecting".  Paul is such a great addition to this upcoming rock camp as he'll be giving so much of his music knowledge to campers.  It's truly a privilege to be able to perform and jam with him.  You don't have to be a KISS fan alone to live the dream. Paul is going to sing not only KISS songs but hits from Led Zeppelin, Queen and Cream. 

As far as availability for this camp goes,we're filling up fastWe've already sold out of drum spots but are still welcoming vocalists, bass players, keyboardists, horn players, tambourine players and even triangle players!

I am happy to welcome back our great drum counselor Sandy Gennaro. Sandy, who has an
amazing career having played with everyone from Joan Jett to the Monkees, is such an amazing drum teacher that a recent camper flew him down to Panama for a weekend of lessons. 

 
We're anticipating the big night at B.B. KING'S which is going to be a star studded event with lots of special guests, including the horn section from the Letterman show who will be joining us after their taping of the show.  Tickets are still available to the general public. 
Click here to purchase tickets through Ticketmaster- come share the thrill and excitement of the final nights performance!


We'd like to welcome Ticketmasterto our family.  Please tell your friends that they can also sign up to go to camp through Ticketmaster.
 


We've implemented a new format for the New York camp that is going to make the experience even better.  Instead of the audition process, campers will be grouped into bands prior to camp so you'll have more time to jam and mingle on the first night.


We'd like to welcome our new public relations firm Freud Communications of London, NY and LA.  If you're a member of the press and would like to be in touch with us, please email Courtney  at courtney.mccraw@freud.com

 
We're also introducing our Corporate Band Challenge where we'll invite 10 corporations to send their bands to Las Vegas to battle it out on November 12th at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino. The corporate bands will get a one-day camp experience and compete for prizes and future trips to Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp. For further information or to enter your company band, please email ED@rockcamp.com. This exciting program will have a trickle down effect on your company as it brings your employees together and incites the creative thought process.

 We've been focusing on keeping OUR WEBSITE up to date on all of the new guest stars, counselors and dates of upcoming camps.  The Hollywood and Londoncamps are up for sale and it's time to reserve spaces. We've been able to lower the price for the London / Abbey Road camp so don't miss out this year!
 

 
Our fun loving Cy Langston from the Who's road crew is coming back to New York with our pals from JBL.  Also coming to New York is Jack Bruce's daughter Natasha who is an amazing vocalist and assisted us at the London camp as a tour manager.  Check out Natasha on MySpace; she's in our top friends. 
 

Glen Hughes' new CD, This Time Around: An Anthology 1970-2007 is almost ready for release.  He posted the following message on his website on July 22, 2007: In August 2007 Sanctuary Records/Castle Music will release a compilation album called This Time Around: An Anthology 1970 - 2007. The 2CD set will take you pretty much thru Glenn's amazing career, covering his early Trapeze days, his Deep Purple period, Gary Moore, Black Sabbath, up to his most recent work as a solo artist. Now that's what we call an anthology indeed here at Hughes' Towers!

 

You've got to love camp veteran Brett Michaels who's living everyone's rock 'n roll fantasy Sundays at 9PM on VH1's Rock of LoveThe show is a hit and we hope he finds his true love after all! 

 

The release of The Simpsons movie is burning up the Internet as Homer's attending Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp is ranked one of the top episodes ever.  We thank the producers, writers and Mick and Keith for all that great promo.

 
Next year were bringing Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp to Orlando, June 5th-8th, 2008. We're teaming up with the Hard Rock Hotel and Universal Studios.  Make sure to keep visiting our website and reading the newsletters to make sure you're up to date with all of our new additions in the coming months.
 

I'm proud to announce the return of Roger Daltrey of The Who for our 10th Anniversary celebration in Las Vegas, November 7th-11th More stars will be announced soon.
 

I had a great time taking one of our veteran campers, Ed Johnson, to see Joe Walsh of the Eagles at the Beacon Theatre on Monday night.  Joe is a fantastic musician and a true comic who will be attending a future Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp.  Stay tuned...
 

 
Warmest Regards,

 

David Fishof


 



CLICK HERE to see a reel of interviews from recent rock stars visiting Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp.

CLICK HERE to visit our website

CLICK HEREto visit our MySpace page

CLICK HERE to see our new sales video
 

 


>

Featured Counselor: Jane Wiedlin
 
from janewiedlin.com
As a kid who grew up loving music, Jane Wiedlin had no idea she would one day become an entertainer herself, let alone forever change music history and redefine Woman's role in the world of Rock & Roll.

While in design college in the late 70's, Wiedlin stumbled upon the burgeoning LA punk rock scene. She and Belinda Carlisle were inspired to form the Go-Go's. The band quickly became local favorites and were signed by the indie label IRS Records. With most of their songs written or co-written by Jane (including the classic "Our Lips Are Sealed") The Go-Go's went on to enormous success, selling out Madison Square Garden, the Hollywood Bowl and appearing twice on the cover of Rolling Stone. The band became the first ever all-girl group to write their own songs, play their own instruments, and become immensely popular doing it.

After seven years, the Go-Go's split up and went their separate ways. Jane moved on to a solo career, releasing six albums of her own which included the hits "Rush Hour", "Blue Kiss" and "Tangled" (a song featured in the movie "Pretty Woman"). Rolling Stone magazine called her last solo album "Kissproof World", a "solo tour de force by an entrepreneur, an actress and rock goddess".

Five years after breaking up, The Go-Go's reformed and have remained a band ever since. The band continue to make their mark on popular culture, touring each year, and releasing the critically acclaimed "God Bless The Go-Go's" in 2001.

*As an actor, Jane has appeared in many movies including "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" and "Clue". As a voice actor, Jane has lent her unique sound to such projects as "King of the Hill", "Pinky and the Brain" and two of the "Scooby Doo" movies, amongst other shows.

*As a TV star, Jane was recently watched by millions as one of the cast of VH1's hit TV series "The Surreal Life". Jane's unique blend of warmth and comedy captured the hearts of a whole new generation of fans.

*As a writer, Jane recently scored her first country hit, "But For The Grace of God" by Keith Urban. The song went to Number One and launched Keith as a country superstar.

*As an adventurer, Jane spent three years in the jungles of Central America. She has written a book ("This Godforsaken Paradise") about her equatorial adventures.

*As a producer, Jane helped with the first Paris Hilton record, which is being released very soon.

*As a singer, Jane has a brand new jazz project called JANE WIEDLIN AND THE DOWNTOWN SENSATION. The band is a loving tribute to the great ladies of American Song, and Jane is singing the works of Ella Fitzgerald, Judy Garland, Peggy Lee and more.

*As a musician, besides her ongoing work with The Go-Go's, Jane is also producing and recording a new solo (rock) album and is always busy writing songs.
Newsletter Signup
 
 
 
 

 

 

 

Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp
 
PAUL STANLEY'S MESSAGE TO FANTASY CAMP:
 
July 30, 2007
 
"I wanted to let all of you know that I AM ABSOLUTELY
FINE!
I'm going to the gym as usual, painting as usual and
will be going into the recording studio this week.
Like many, I have had a rapid heart beat condition
most of my life and I never have had any type of
restrictions. When I've had an episode, although
momentarily disrupting and taxing, it has no residual
effect. This is nothing new and my doctors have known
about it.
In short, It doesn't change, hasn't changed and won't
change my life.

To make it clear...
I WILL BE AT ROCK & ROLL FANTASY

 

 

Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp
 
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Click HERE to check out our fantastic article in UNCUT Magazine!

 

 

Glenn Hughes and Alan White Join Paul Stanley in NY
 
July 12th, 2007
 
 

Dear Rock Stars,

I'd like to welcome our many new subscribers and thank our many friends who have been forwarding

 

 

 

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London Recap: Day 3, Max Weinberg to appear at NYC camp!  

 

in this issue
Counselor Blog: Bruce Kulick A Note From David In the News: BBC Camper Testimonial This Day in Rock: June 6th


 

A Note From David

Dear Rock Star,

Day three was simply amazing. Gary Brooker from Procol Harum was one of our specials guests, and later Randy Bachman of The Guess ,Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive instructed a suprise master class on song writing. He gave insights on his songs including "Taking Care of Business" and "You ain't seen nothing yet." Check out the Bruce Kulick's blog, the camper testimonials, and the BBC video in today's newsletter to find out what happened.

Don't forget, Father's Day is right around the corner! Surprise Dad with the opportunity of a lifetime this year by signing him up for NYC's Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp. If you sign up before July 1st, you'll save $500!

Best,

David Fishof, CEO

 


 

In the News: BBC

video and audio: "Rock school arrives in UK"

June 1, 2007: A new school that gives 'wannabe' rock stars the chance to learn from established musicians has opened in Britain.


 

Camper Testimonial

To the Cinco de Yayo band...I personally wish to say thanks for the friendship, teamwork, and most importantly...the great music we shared for a few days in London, especially at Abbey Road...

Wow...I will never forget the recording sessions, the camaraderie and creativity, and the fine leadership we received from our skipper Bruce, with Yayo's help of course.

I have felt sappy a few times, and it hit me hard on the plane ride home...thinking about our jam with Jack Bruce, and having the unbelievable experience to perform "White Room" with the actual MAN that helped create that iconic moment in music history.

I couldn't share that feeling with any of you in London, because it hurt so much....but, in 1969 and 1970...at the age of 15, I was in a Blues Band playing small clubs in Old Town Chicago...and two of the Cream songs we loved to play were Sitting' on Top of the World and White Room.

Well, to make a long story short, our lead singer and second lead guitarist, was hooked on drugs and later overdosed at the young age of 19. He was my best friend and my musical inspiration...he was a lot like Yayo, and the whole time we were there the first few days together in London, I felt his presence again...and it was most apparent during our jam with Jack Bruce.

Awe, I can't tell how much that made me appreciate the experience even more...because I had actually forgotten how it felt to play that song...from so long ago. I thank you all for the experience , the friendship, and the help in recapturing the memories of my best fiend in life, and most treasured musical moments as a young and fearless teenager in Chicago.

-NYC camper

 


 

This Day in Rock: June 6th

1962: The first Beatles recording session took place at Abbey Road Studios, recording four tracks, one of which was 'Love Me Do.' The four musicians received payments for the session of $12.07 each.

1979: Def Leppard played at Crookes Workingman's Club in Sheffield. The gig was reviewed in the UK music paper Sounds, which led to a recording contract with Phonogram Records.

1986: A&R man Dick Rowe died of diabetes. Rowe became famous for not signing The Beatles to Decca records and made the classic quote "Nobody cares about guitar groups anymore." He did, however, sign The Rolling Stones to Decca.

1993: a re-formed Velvet Underground played at Wembley Arena, London.

Source: This Day in Music by Neil Cossar

 


 

Counselor Blog: Bruce Kulick
Day 3: May 26, 2007

Another exciting day at the UK Fantasy Camp. I woke up and finally landed on my feet after working 6 hours at Abbey Road studios famed Studio 2. It was time to get back to rehearsing the band on our three songs. "Day Tripper" was getting tighter and tighter, and of course we had "Bitch" by the Stones pretty dialed in as we just had Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones play that song with us the night before.

Special guest Gary Brooker from Procol Harum, famed for the great song "Whiter Shade Of Pale", stopped by for a visit. I had my Procol Harum greatest hits CD ready for him to sign, and we played a new song that my star lead singer guitarist Yayo wrote. We were jamming all morning. That was our original tune for the competition and it was great to run it by Gary, as he is a famed keyboard player. We figured we could ask if the organ part I came up with was good. Gary jammed it with us, showing Joan our keyboard player, (great Mom of three kids, and a Doctor as well) some parts to use if she cared to.

There was also a visit by Randy Bachman of The Guess Who and Bachman Turner Overdrive, and his clinic was really exciting. He shared all his knowledge of hit song-writing before jamming with the counselor band. His hits, "Takin Care Of Business", "American Woman" and "You Ain't Seen Nothin Yet" are really great examples of rock hits! He then went around to all the camper bands, and of course we did the same thing as he is songwriter.

We played him our new original and asked him about the chorus. We just had some lyric ideas, so he made a comment which made us get clearer as the best direction for the song. Great writer and great Canadian. He was never scheduled for the camp, but was house shopping in the UK, and knows David Fishof from the RINGO tours. We stayed the whole day at the John Henry studios, so it made for a good rehearsal day, and that was important. My campers know what a perfectionist I am. I should tell you about them.

Joan is on keys, and is the doctor Mom. Yayo, you heard about, is a powerhouse of talent in a 14 year old from Austin, Texas. His instinct for music is right on and he is our front-man. He's also the inspiration for our band name, CINCO DE YAYO. His favorite bands... Guns n Roses and KISS! Happy to have him in the band. John is my other lead guitarist, along with Yayo, and he is a pilot. His picture of his past when he flew fighter jets, made me smile big time. Ed, on drums, is a very successful businessman who LOVES playing the skins. The other guitarist is Charlie, also very successful in the corporate world, and is smiling like a kid when he plays his Les Paul.

Last, but not least, is my journalist Scott from "Classic Rock" magazine, which is a UK based magazine that I am very well aware of. The camp likes to include people like this to write about what a unique experience it is, and being in the camp is the best way to understand what it is about. He was a bit nervous at first and I was hard on him, as he was my bass player and you have be tight to make the band good. He is working really hard, and I am proud of his progress. The final night's competition will see how well the practice and direction I am giving them will pay off.

MORE tomorrow! Tired but happy in LONDON.

Bruce Kulick

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Give Your Dad the Perfect Fathers' Day Gift This Year: A Chance to Live the Dream and Be a Rock Star at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp!

Only Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp offers the average dad the life changing opportunity to jam with Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones and Jack Bruce of Cream, perform with Roger Daltrey of The Who at the House of Blues and record at Abbey Road Studios in London.

As part of their Fathers' Day promotion, Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp is offering a discount to all campers who register for the 2007 Labor Day camp in New York City before June 30th. Imagine your dad jamming and playing live with Paul Stanley, Ted Nugent, Max Weinberg and many more!

The next camp is scheduled August 30th-September 3rd (Labor Day weekend) in New York City at Gibson's Hit Factory and a final "battle of the bands" performance at BB King's. Each camp band will perform with Paul Stanley of KISS and the David Letterman horn section.

The camp will also feature Leslie West and Corky Laing (Mountain), Mark Farner (formerly of Grand Funk Railroad), Jane Wiedlin (The Go-Go's), Glenn Hughes (Deep Purple), Alan White (YES), Simon Kirke (Bad Company), Eddie Ojeda (Twisted Sister), Scott Ian (Anthrax), Spike Edney (Queen), Skunk Baxter (Steely Dan, The Doobie Brothers) and Kip Winger (Winger).

Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp was dubbed the "most amazing rock 'n' roll lifestyle experience" by The London Times and "brilliant" by ABC Good Morning America. The camp has been featured on television shows such as Ellen, where Ellen Degeneres jammed with Bonnie Raitt and David Crosby, and on the episode of The Simpsons where Homer goes to Fantasy Camp and jams with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.

Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp was created by rock and roll producer David Fishof, a twenty-five year veteran of the music business.

Go to www.rockcamp.com or call 1.888.762.2263 for more information on the Fathers' Day promotion and to sign your dad up for an experience of a lifetime!

And if Dad gets hooked on the rocker lifestyle, register him for the Columbus Day weekend camp October 5th through 8th, 2007 at the Mandalay Bay Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, culminating in a final night jam at the House of Blues.

Web site: http://www.rockcamp.com/

 

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London Recap: Day 1, Abbey Road Studios  

 

in this issue
Counselor Blog: Bruce Kulick A Note From David In the News: The Daily Mail Camper Testimonial This Day in Rock: June 4th


 

A Note From David

Dear Rock Star,

The London Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp has been a dream come true. I can't tell you how many times I have been to Abbey Road attending a jam session in Studio 2, and thought 'if I could only share this with my friends.' And this past week, my dream came true when 50 rock stars recorded and played live at the historic recording studio. Watching the guest artists, in addition to our rock and roll counselors, playing at Abbey Road was fascinating.

In the next four days, I'm going to fill you in on exactly what happened in London with camper reactions, Bruce Kulick's blog, the latest press stories, photos and more. I can't tell you how many times a camper has come up to me after the first day and said "Already, this camp was completely worth it." Campers went off to Abbey Road to perform "White Room" and "Sunshine of Your Love" with Jack Bruce. The next day, Bill Wyman walked into the studio for a critique on a band's original song, including "Painted Black" and "Satisfaction." He then proceeded to Abbey Road, along with Jack Bruce, and played a performance of a lifetime. Just imagine Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones at your performance at Abbey Road. You'll be able to listen to the tracks for the rest of your life!!!

I'm proud to say at every Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp we've been able to create rock and roll history; each camp always tops the one before. The counselors, led by Spike Edney, were amazing. This Father's Day, don't forget to give Rock & Roll Fantasy camp to your loved ones. You'll save $500 if you sign up now.

New York is up next. Last year's camp was incredible. Don't be left out this time around. Sign up today and feel free to contact Rebecca in our office to register.

Regards,

David Fishof, CEO

 


 

In the News: The Daily Mail

Strike a chord - and a rock star pose - at Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp

By ROBERT HARDMAN, 26th May 2007

It's not often you get the chance to jam with a rock legend - but Bill Wyman's luck is in! The Mail's Robert Hardman spends a day at Rock Fantasy Camp...

Their combined record sales run into billions, as do the audiences who have watched them. Those who don't have a playing-with-Hendrix anecdote have a tale about a Los Angeles night on the town with "John" (Lennon, of course) or a backstage yarn from Live Aid.

It's quite a musical line-up. Jack Bruce (Cream), Bill Wyman (Rolling Stones), Bruce Kulick (Kiss), Spike Edney (Queen) and many others.

And then there is a retired City pensions expert, a former president of Heinz, a retired officer from the Parachute Regiment and, er, a bloke from the Daily Mail.

Short of a puncture in downtown Baghdad, there are few things more daunting than climbing on to a stage to play some of the greatest hits of modern times with a bunch of revered rock icons who don't have enough wall space for all their platinum discs

But this is the entire point of a remarkable American phenomenon which has arrived in Britain for the first time - Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp.

at £8,000-a-head, this is the ultimate in karaoke for anyone who has ever had that nagging feeling that somewhere deep inside lurks the soul of a raging rock god just waiting to get out.

For the price of a car, you spend five days playing great songs with great musicians in the inner sanctum of pop.

There is no shortage of takers here at London's Abbey Road Studios. Most are prosperous men of a certain age who have spent the greater part of their lives in a suit and are now wearing faded black T-shirts and sunglasses even though we are safely indoors.

Some even sport ponytails or mullets. There are also several women, plus a couple of teenage boys. But then, everyone is a bit of a teenager as they arrive for the first day of "camp".


 

Camper Testimonial

What an honor and privilege it was to be with you last week. Mere words can not fully express my gratitude, but I will give it a feeble try. I'm still trying to fully understand and comprehend all the magic that took place last week. After four previous great camps, each better than it's predecessor, #5 in London was just the pinnacle for me. MAGNIFICENT!!!

Your energy knew no bounds. Your creativity was endless. Your talent, amazing! Your patience has no doubt earned you a permanent place at the right hand of God.

I think the entire band of Spinal Cracker agrees that you were just UNBELIEVABLE!!! Thank you, Thank You, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Camper Fred Dawson (to Spike Edney)

 


 

This Day in Rock: June 4th

1967: appearing live at The Saville Theatre London were Procol Harum, the Jimi Hendrix Experience and Denny Laine

1975: The Rolling Stones became the first rock band to receive royalties for sales of their records in Russia

1993: Kurt Cobain was arrested after a dispute at his house in Seattle. The disagreement allegedly concerned Cobain's collection of firearms.

Source: This Day in Music by Neil Cossar

 


 

Counselor Blog: Bruce Kulick
Day 1: May 24, 2007

Hello everyone. I am thrilled to be in London, birth place of what moved me to play guitar. From the Beatles to Cream to the Rolling Stones to Led Zep and Queen, you all know what kind of music has come from the UK. And today I had one of my most memorable experiences in my life. I jammed in a trio with Jack Bruce and Simon Kirke (drums) from Free and Bad Company, along with Spike Edney (keys) from Queen, on two Cream classics, "Sunshine Of Your Love" and "White Room."

What can I say other that I am freaking out that I jammed with one of my biggest idols and influences! Jack was totally a gentleman at the camp, and he jammed a bit with ALL the bands. But for me to play "Clapton" to his brilliance, is just so a life dream. Yes, the counselors get those dreams made. And I will never forget today. We were jamming like Cream in 1968, and the fact that he enjoyed the jam made me feel like my college professor gave me a high mark in life.

The day started with us going to the famous UK rehearsal studio called "John Henry's" and we all ran upstairs to their pro shop where Gibson set up, and we got to choose guitars for the camp. I requested a Les Paul Custom, and that guitar now is my best friend. The black beauty jammed with Jack Bruce of course! My singer and guitarist and young 14 year old star of my band from Austin Texas, YaYo, picked out one of the new BFG Les Paul's. He didn't know about that model but it fit him great.

I saw Mick Ralphs grabbing a Les Paul Jr and Spencer Davis checking out an ES 175. My bass player Scott, who is a writer for a great magazine here in the UK, Classic Rock, chose a cool SG 3 Bass that I have used before. I knew it would be a good choice for his work ahead. We all auditioned with our pre-assigned bands at this camp, and my band's version of "Rock N Roll All Night" by KISS fit perfectly. We were up first! So it was really trial by fire, and we did a good job with YaYo singing and playing his heart out.

After lunch, my band got its rehearsal room, so we were off to learn "White Room" for Jack to hear. (I skipped lunch so I could actually run into a small room and practice for a while for the jam with Jack myself, setting an example that we all need to do our homework you know!) A quick run through of the Cream song for Jack to hear, and then he came to visit my band. What a trooper he was, and my band backed him well. I was proud, as they only have known each other a few hours.

ack went around to see the bands, and then my big moment to shine and jam with the awesome bassman was to come. He did a short Q and A, and then it was time to play with him and Simon and Spike joined us for "White Room". I was so nervous, and at times I had to stop thinking about how cool this was, and just PLAY. That is when I play the best. "Sunshine" was great and so was "White Room". The campers freaked and I was also so happy to make him happy with the performance.

I also met Jack's daughter Natascha who is was helping out at the camp. She played me some of her music and she is VERY talented. Visit her site on myspace and check out a real talent. Dad gave her some great music ability. Jack signed some things for me, and I thanked him again for being such a great sport with the campers. Off he went in his Bentley and my mouth was again hanging open in disbelief. I didn't see the Cream reunion in person, only on DVD, but I certainly had a much better experience today.

Rehearsed with my band after landing back on planet earth. Worked on our Beatles and Rolling Stones songs, and even though we have some more work ahead, we will conquer the tunes. More tomorrow after some much needed rest. Rolling Stones bassist Bill Wyman is up tomorrow, and I will finally see Abbey Road and rehearse in the room that The Beatles recorded in. Life is good in the UK!

All the best, Bruce Kulick

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New York Labor Day Weekend Camp: Father's Day Special!  

 

in this issue
In the news: PR Wire A note from David Artist's Bio: Alan White Relix Magazine: So you wanna be a rock 'n' roll star?


 

A note from David

Dear Rock Stars,

Now that the London camp has sold out, we're ready to start registering for the New York Labor Day Weekend Camp. The guest stars are Paul Stanley of KISS, Ted Nugent, Max Weinberg from the E Street Band, Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad, Bruce Kulick of KISS, Leslie West of Mountain, the David Letterman horn section and many more surprises to come! Joining us as counselors are Scott Ian of Anthrax, Simon Kirke of Bad Company, Alan White of Yes, Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple, Eddie Ojeda of Twisted Sister, Corky Laing of Mountain, Kip Winger, Jane Wiedlin of the Go-Gos, Sandy Gennaro of the Monkees, Gary Burr and Jeff "Skunk" Baxter of the Doobie Brothers and Steely Dan and others to be announced!

Registration is on a first come first serve basis and besides guitarists we welcome bass players, drummers, keyboardists, horn players, singers and novices! I encourage you to send in your form and deposit to secure a spot. We are offering a Father's Day Special of $500 off if you sign up before July 1st and an additional $100 off for each camp you've attended.

I'd like to introduce Rebecca Sullivan as our new Director of Sales. Katie Locke has decided to pursue her musical career. We're sad to see her go but she's doing what she loves and we support her all the way. Please forward your registration forms and inquiries to Rebecca@rockandrollfantasycamp.com

Please take some time to visit our updated website www.rockandrollfantasycamp.com to check out the new videos and find us on Myspace at www.myspace.com/rockandrollfantasycamp and add us as a friend.

Also, look for us in this issue of Relix magazine. http://www.relix.com/Features/Road_Trip/Rock_%26_Roll_Fantasy_Camp.html

I'd like to congratulate one of our campers, Laura Sperber, on her recent record breaking sale of a 1913 Liberty Head 5-cent coin for $5 million!

I look forward to seeing all of you in New York and stay tuned for our daily updates from London! Below is a recent press release.

Warmest Regards,

David Fishof, CEO

 


 

Artist's Bio: Alan White

Alan White of YES will be one of many featured rock stars at the NYC Camp. Here's more about him:

(from alanwhite.net)

Alan White is considered by many to be one of the greatest rock drummers of all-time. With forty-plus years of performance experience and appearances on over fifty albums, Alan's dossier reads like a who's-who of rock legends. With his consummate professionalism and easy-going nature, Alan continues to be an inspiration to fellow musicians as well as fans.

Born in Pelton, Co. Durham, in northern England on June 14th, 1949, Alan is the only child of May and Raymond White. At the age of six, Alan began taking piano lessons and in time it became apparent that his style was very percussive. Noticing this, he was given his first drum kit by his Uncle Ken, also a drummer.

Alan took to the drums immediately, and began performing publicly with a local band just three months later, at the ripe old age of 13. Throughout the mid to late 1960s, Alan continued to hone his craft in England and Europe with a variety of bands, including The Downbeats, The Gamblers, Billy Fury, Alan Price Big Band, Bell and Arc, Terry Reid, and Happy Magazine (later called Griffin) and Balls with Trevor Burton and Denny Laine.

In the summer of 1968, Alan was asked to join Ginger Baker's Airforce, a new group being put together by the former drummer of Cream and other noted musicians from England's music scene including Steve Winwood, formerly of Traffic.

In 1969, Alan received what he thought at the time to be a prank phone call, but was actually John Lennon calling to ask Alan to join his 'Plastic Ono Band'. The next day Alan found himself learning songs in the back of an airliner en-route to Toronto with John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Eric Clapton and Klaus Voorman. The ensuing album, 'Live Peace in Toronto', sold millions of copies, peaking at number 10 on the pop charts.

Alan's association with Lennon continued, recording singles like 'Instant Karma' and the subsequent landmark album, 'Imagine', with Alan providing drums for the title song, 'Jealous Guy', and 'How Do You Sleep at Night'. Alan's work with Lennon led to an introduction to George Harrison, who asked Alan to perform on the album 'All Things Must Pass', including the hit single, 'My Sweet Lord', released in 1970.


 

Relix Magazine: So you wanna be a rock 'n' roll star?
relix

By: Steve Bernstein

It's never too late to indulge your fantasies, as our intrepid publisher Steve Bernstein learns, when he packs up his mandolin and heads for rock 'n' roll camp! Did he make the cut-or did he go running home to mommy? Find out as he indulges his inner rock 'n' roller.

David Fishof, creator of the Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp, created and produced Ringo Starr and the All Star Band; as a result, he has great connections and gets participation from A-level artists. With the theme of the week being the songs of The Beach Boys and Kiss, legends Brian Wilson and Paul Stanley were both on hand. To kick off the week, Fishof bravely dressed up like Gene Simmons, complete with requisite makeup and tongue action (which more closely resembled an overgrown lizard searching for prey).

Calling All Campers

The adventure starts with an audition right after arrival at S.I.R. studios in Hollywood. Campers are given an advance list of songs from which to choose. This is merely a way to gauge level of expertise; no one gets sent home. Talent levels at the camp I attended (February 15-19, 2007) ranged from near professionals to those who had never played an instrument before. I use an electric mandolin and don't play it the traditional way; I was self-taught by a lousy teacher. I worked on a few tunes for my big audition but my flight was delayed so I missed my chance to debut my skills, which likely would have been about as meaningful as being the fastest sloth.

Being the only mandolin player made it easier to be assigned to a band, compared to the overabundance of guitar players. There were 87 campers split into 13 bands. Each band is assigned a counselor and ours was Spike Edney, the keyboard player and musical director for Queen since 1984. Spike is an amazing musician who has played with everyone from Clapton, Bono, Bon Jovi and Elton John to Pavarotti. It would be easier to list those he hasn't played with.

Other counselors included Jeff "Skunk" Baxter, founding member of Steely Dan and a member of The Doobie Brothers; Clem Burke, member of Blondie; Spencer Davis, the legendary rock star fromWales whose hits "Gimme Some Lovin'" and "I'm a Man" featured a young bandmate named Steve Winwood; Artimus Pyle of Lynyrd Skynrd; Bruce Kulick of Kiss; Simon Kirke of Free and Jane Wiedlinof The Go-Go's.


 

In the news: PR Wire
ROCK 'N' ROLL FANTASY CAMP: NOW SOLD OUT!

Thursday 24th - Monday 28th May

The US music phenomenon is heading to London this weekend and all places on the camp have now sold out. The Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp, which has seen rock icons Roger Daltrey, Brian Wilson and Kiss' Paul Stanley rock through its doors, will open on May 24th at Abbey Road Studios and the legendary John Henry's studios.

The Rock 'N Roll Fantasy Camp is a once in a lifetime chance for fans to jam with Rock legends including Bill Wyman (The Rolling Stones), Jack Bruce (Cream), Gary Brooker (Procol Harum), Paul Carrack (Squeeze, Mike and the Mechanics) Simon Kirke (Bad Company & Free), Mick Ralph (Bad Company & Free), Bruce Kulick (KISS), Spencer Davis (Spencer Davis Group), Neil Murray (Whitesnake & Black Sabbath), Spike Edney (Queen) and Jon Lord (Deep Purple), plus more surprise special guests to attend over the weekend!

'Campers' will be put through their paces as these rock luminaries, veteran music industry pros and famed studio players transform them from budding amateur musicians to rock stars. And where better to put rock legends than the most famous recording studio in the world, Abbey Road Studios in London!

From dawn to dusk campers will eat, drink and play with the stars as they enjoy one-on-one master classes and late night jam sessions. Campers will be put in bands with rock star "counselors", rehearsing the campers, collaborating and creating music as genuine rock stars performing on top-notch instruments. The rehearsals will conclude with a Battle of the Bands at Abbey Road. It's a journey that will change all of the campers' lives and an experience they will never forget.

The camp concludes on Monday 28th with a grand finale at Abbey Road. The campers will be put through their paces in a 'battle of the bands' competition in front of a celebrity panel of judges.

On 29th May, campers will also have the opportunity to perform at the world famous birthplace of The Beatles, The Cavern Club in Liverpool, which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year!

Previous camp counselor and rock legend, Roger Daltrey of The Who said:

"I feel quite passionate about anything that encourages people in music, It's great seeing people with such enthusiasm having fun even though they're all of different abilities! They all rise to the occasion, it's fantastic!"

Taking rock-star wannabes from the stands to the spotlight, RRFC guarantees an outrageously good time. Following the London camp, Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp will next open their doors in New York from August 30th to September 3rd, featuring the legendary Paul Stanley from Kiss.

About Rock 'N' Roll Fantasy Camp

Since it first started nine years ago, RRFC has become the go-to getaway for hundreds of people who crave a dose of rock 'n' roll in their lives. RRFC is the brainchild of David Fishof, a leading concert promoter and manager for more than 25 years.

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Spaces Still Available for London!  

 

in this issue
Artist's Bio: Gary Brooker of Procol Harum A note from David The Cavern Club: A History


 

A note from David
abbey

Dear Rock Stars,

I've just returned from London where I had the most magnificent time! Since David Smith's incredible article came out in the London Times, it's created a buzz all over the UK press, with rock stars, TV studios, and Virgin Radio.

Yesterday I enjoyed breakfast at Abbey Road and cannot divulge the identity of the famous star who sat beside me. While in London I also ate lunch with a member of The Rolling Stones and had dinner with a founding member of The Who. That was just day one of preparations for Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp in London!

If you're coming with us you have the right to get excited, and if not you can still sign up for the next Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp in New York City that is guaranteed to be amazing. I've come up with many great ideas for that camp already. In fact, Max Weinberg of the E Street Band and Conan O'Brien will be joining us!

At Abbey Road, each band will spend three days recording many songs in addition to laying down a Beatles track in the famed Studio 2. I've secured the best engineers to mix and record your band, one of whom is Robin Black. This accomplished engineer has a long history in London, with clients ranging from Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper and Pink Floyd to Paul Simon and Paul McCartney.

We're almost completely full for London, but if you haven't signed up yet we still have a few spaces available. I have changed the audition process to allow you more recording time at Abbey Road Studios. You will now have the opportunity to choose your rock star counselor in advance. Please contact Katie at: katie@rockandrollfantasycamp.com to register today. Buckle up and get your rest because you're going on tour to jam with Jack Bruce of Cream, Bill Wyman of The Rolling Stones, and many more while recording at the legendary Abbey Road Studios and getting the chance to perform live at the Cavern Club made famous by The Beatles. There is only one place where you can get this experience-of-a-lifetime: Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp!

Regards,

David Fishof

CEO

 


 

The Cavern Club: A History

At our upcoming London Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, you'll get the chance to perform live at the Cavern Club made famous by The Beatles. Here's more on "the most famous club in the world":

The Cavern Club opened its doors for the first time on January 16th 1957. Initially it was a jazz club which was gradually infiltrated by skiffle groups, followed by blues bands and eventually Beat groups, playing a brand of rock n' roll which became known as Merseybeat. Between 1961 and 1963 The Beatles made almost 300 appearances. From 1963 through till 1973, many of the great names of popular music appeared at the Club.

The opening act on that first night was the Merseysippi Jazz Band and over the next three years many of the great names of British jazz performed on the same stage. During that period the club became a focal point for jazz enthusiasts. However, although it attracted the big names the limited capacity of the club meant profits were not great.

The Club closed in March 1973 and didn't open its doors again until 1984. Rebuilt and remodelled, the club re-opened in April 1984. It was not until the 1990's that the Club once again became a live music venue. The Cavern celebrated its 40th birthday in 1997 although for many cynics it could not replace the original. This cynicism came to an abrupt end on 14th December 1999, when Paul McCartney performed his last gig of the century on the Cavern stage, giving the Club his personal endorsement and the world the recognition it truly deserves; living up to it's title 'The Most Famous Club In The World'.

(http://www.cavern-liverpool.co.uk/cavernclub/index.htm)

 


 

Artist's Bio: Gary Brooker of Procol Harum
Gary Booker of Procol Harum will be one of many rock stars at our upcoming London camp. Here's more about him:

Brooker grew up in the seaside resort of Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England, as did most of the other founding members of Procol Harum. He founded The Paramounts in 1962 with his guitarist friend Robin Trower. The band gained respect within the burgeoning 1960s British R 'n' B scene, which yielded The Beatles, The Animals, The Spencer Davis Group, The Rolling Stones, and many others. The Stones, in particular, were Paramounts fans, giving them guest billing on several memorable shows in the early 1960s.

In 1966, Brooker founded Procol Harum. "A Whiter Shade of Pale" is the worldwide hit that Procol Harum is best known for, but Brooker's melancholy vocals and emotive, eclectic piano playing were a key part of Procol's musical mix for the entire course of the band's career. In the early years Brooker, Hammond organist Matthew Fisher, and Trower were the guiding musical forces behind the band, but after disparities in style became too much and Fisher and Trower left, Brooker was the clear leader until the band broke up in 1977.

Brooker sang lead vocal on the Alan Parsons song "Limelight", on their 1985 album, Stereotomy. A new incarnation of the Procol Harum, led by Brooker, and including Fisher for most of the tours from 1991 through 2003, has continued touring the world. Brooker also toured with Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band in 1997 and 1999, and he was also a member of Bill Wyman's Rhythm Kings for several years, appearing on three of their albums and touring with the band.

In November 2002 he was among musicians and singers participating in the George Harrison tribute concert, Concert for George, at which he took vocals on their version of "Old Brown Shoe".

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Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp Hits UK Screens
May 2007

 

in this issue
Artist's Bio: Jon Lord In the News


 

In the News

Rock masterclass heads for UK screens

The Independent

By Danny Fortson, Published: 06 May 2007

American music promoter David Fishof has signed a deal with Shine, the London television production company founded by Elisabeth Murdoch, to create a UK television show based on his rock 'n' roll "fantasy camp".

The camp, at which well-to-do rock wannabes pay thousands of dollars to spend five days learning at the elbow of legends such as Roger Daltrey of The Who and Bill Wyman, the drummer with The Rolling Stones, has been running for several years in America.

Mr Fishof, a former agent who has represented Ringo Starr and the Monkees, among others, said he had had "several offers" to convert the concept into a television show in America. However, he believed that the UK was a more appropriate market for the TV launch. "The Americans just don't quite get it. They want to sex it up or make it poppy. It has to have an edge. It's rock 'n' roll," said Mr Fishof.

He spent several days last week in London meeting production studios. Shine, the production house behind Celebrity Master Chef and The Biggest Loser UK, was founded in 2001 by Ms Murdoch, whose father is Rupert Murdoch, chairman of News Corp, the owner of The Times and BSkyB.

Mr Fishof has retained Russells, the music law firm that handles the affairs of Simon Cowell. "The key is getting the first series commissioned and making that very successful, and then rolling it out globally," said Tony English, a lawyer at Russells.

Mr Fishof contends that a televised camp would eschew the cut-throat competition and humiliation of other reality shows. "This is not Pop Idol. It's extreme makeover - a life-changing experience."

The first UK camp will take place over five days starting on 24 May. Nearly 50 "campers" have paid £8,000 each to play at Abbey Road and John Henry Studios. The event will culminate in a battle of the bands, with some proceeds going to the Teenage Cancer Trust.

 


 

Artist's Bio: Jon Lord
Deep Purple's Jon Lord will be a special guest at the upcoming London Camp! Here's more about him:

A founding member of heavy metal institution Deep Purple, keyboardist/composer Jon Lord was born June 9, 1941, in Leicester, England. He began playing piano at age nine, later forgoing his classical studies to play rock, jazz, and blues. Around 1960, he relocated to London, following a stint with the Bill Ashton Combo by joining Red Bludd's Bluesicians. In 1964, Lord played on the Kinks' eponymous debut LP (retitled You Really Got Me for American consumption); around the same time, his group the Artwoods released their first single "Sweet Mary," issuing several more singles prior to the 1966 full-length Art Gallery. After the 1967 Jazz in Jeans appeared to little response, the band re-christened itself St Valentine's Day Massacre, adopting a gangster-influenced image for their lone single, "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?"

Lord next surfaced in the short-lived Santa Barbara Machinehead, and in early 1968 joined Roundabout; after a brief tour of Scandinavia, the group -- also including vocalist Rod Evans, guitarist Ritchie Blackmore, bassist Nick Simper, and drummer Ian Paice -- changed its name to Deep Purple. Originally favoring a classically inspired rock sound dominated by Lord's keyboard flourishes, the group's debut LP Shades of Deep Purple generated the Top Five smash "Hush," while the 1969 follow-up The Book of Taliesyn featured a Top 40 cover of Neil Diamond's "Kentucky Woman." However, in mid-1969 Evans and Simper left Deep Purple, and the arrivals of singer Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover heralded a more aggressive, thunderously heavy approach over the course of albums including 1970's Deep Purple in Rock and 1971's Fireball. Although 1972's Machine Head cracked the U.S. Top Ten on the strength of the AOR staple "Smoke on the Water," personality conflicts between Gillan and Blackmore precipitated the singer's departure from the group in mid-1973. Despite the subsequent additions of singer David Coverdale and guitarist Tommy Bolin, Deep Purple never again regained its peak popularity.

In 1974, Lord cut the solo album Gemini Suite, based on a concerto he'd written for the BBC four years earlier; Sarabande followed in 1975, and in the wake of Deep Purple's demise he joined Coverdale's new band, Whitesnake. Lord's next solo album, Before I Forget, appeared in 1982; two years later, he reunited with Gillan, Blackmore, Glover, and Paice to re-form Deep Purple, issuing the album Perfect Strangers. The re-formed group toured to great success, and in 1987 released The House of Blue Light before frictions again forced Gillan from the group. Roster changes consistently plagued the group throughout the years to come, but as before Lord remained a constant of the lineup. The solo Pictured Within followed in the autumn of 1998.

-Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide

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New: Corporate Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp!  

 

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In the News: Bass Player magazine A Note from David More on Corporate Rock Camp Corporate Camper Testimonial


 

A Note from David

Dear Rock Stars,

We are proud to announce that Corporate Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp is up and running! We had 2 amazing camps this past month exhibiting how our unique and exceptional program is a proven success. (The picture above is of Ken Freirich, Senior Vice-President of Health Monitor Network). If you've attended the camp yourself, you know what an exciting and life-changing experience it is- why not bring it to your corporation?

We offer a completely custom experience- you pick the date, location, schedule and counselors and we bring the exciting Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp to your next corporate event!

Below please find an introduction as well as a testimonial letter from a satisfied client. Also see a great article that appeared in Bass Player Magazine. Also, as a reminder, London still has room for a drummer, bass player, and vocalist!

Warmest regards,

David Fishof, CEO

 


 

More on Corporate Rock Camp

Dear Rock Star,

Corporate Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp is unique in that we offer various ways to interact with rock stars, your employees, clients and guests. To achieve all of your goals, we tailor our corporate program to meet and exceed your expectations. Our camp will engage, motivate, breakthrough hierarchies, strengthen teamwork/ collaboration, develop better presenters, ignite the creative process and inspire everyone in the organization. You have seen the energy that the Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp creates, now imagine that energy pumping through your entire organization and the effect it would have on the bottom line.

Our options include an evening party, one-day fantasy camp and multiple-day team-building experience. We can bring our production for the event anywhere you want it to be, including the stage, sound, lights, top-of-the-line instruments and of course, rock stars!

There are unlimited opportunities to take pictures and get autographs, keeping in mind that your event will be recorded on DVD. You'll also receive backstage passes and other merchandise with your company logo. We can accommodate an unlimited number of people for as long as you'd like to entertain your guests.

In just one night, Rock 'n Roll Fantasy is capable of creating an once-in-a-lifetime experience for your employees and clients. Your guests check-in with us at a pre-event cocktail party where they receive a backstage pass and are introduced to our rock legends- you pick the counselors from our talent list. You'll sit down to dinner at themed tables with our rock stars, become acquainted with them, and be encouraged to join them on-stage to jam! You enjoy a set by our Rock 'n Roll Fantasy All-Star Band of your old-time favorite songs by The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and the hits of the counselors.

Imagine rocking out with the CEO of your company along side your favorite counselors from camp! Anything is possible when you choose Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp for an interactive entertainment experience that, in one night, will create such a buzz, you'll be calling in security to keep out the competition like we had to do at our last event.

Please feel free to call me at the office or email me at homeoffice@rockandrollfantasycamp.com. for a brochure and DVD. I would appreciate it if you could recommend the camp to anyone you feel would be interested in this revolutionary program!

Sincerely, David Fishof

CEO

 


 

Corporate Camper Testimonial

March 15, 2007

Dear Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp,

All I can say is WOW! The party/event you helped create and put on in February for my company was beyond my expectations. You helped us make a huge impression on a tough minded group of entrepreneurs who are skeptical of just about everything. By the end of the night, most of them were dancing and singing!

The party was perfect! The catering, the set up, the details, the people all were wonderful. You had everything set up in such an order that not only was functional but made time fly as to where everyone was sad the party was over so soon. It was also satisfying to me when the artists came up and told me what a great time they had as well.

My associates are still talking about the event. In fact several of them have approached me to find out when we will have another-or if they can create one too. The party helped us greatly with our contacts and to show our stature in our business. David, we can't thank you enough!

If you need a reference for any events people might be planning through the Rock and Roll Camp, do not hesitate to have them call me!

Sincerely,

Laura Sperber

Co-President

Legend Numismatics

 

 

 

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Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp hits the newstands!  

 

in this issue
Artist's bio: Jack Bruce (Cream) A note from David In the News: London Times


 

A note from David

Dear Rock Stars,

It's not too late to sign up for our London camp May 24-29. Our camp would be the ultimate gift for mother's and/or father's day. Participants will perform and record at world famous Abbey Road Studios (see picture above!). In addition, the camp will feature special guests including Bill Wyman (Rolling Stones), Jack Bruce (Cream), Paul Carrack (Squeeze), Jon Lord (Deep Purple), Gary Brooker (Procol Harum) and more!

Also, please check out the London Times feature below on Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp, which came out April 22. Writer David James Smith came to California to join the action.

Also, New Yorkers can tune in to Q104 radio station tomorrow morning at 7:40 am. I'll be discussing exciting opportunities with Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp!

Warmest regards,

David Fishof, CEO

 


 

In the News: London Times

From The Sunday Times

April 22, 2007

Rocking and enrolling Ever wanted to be a rock star? An American music school is offering a five-day course and the chance to jam with pop legends. All you need is love and thousands of dollars. David James Smith packed his tambourine.

We hit a low point around mid-afternoon on the second day. I had stepped out of the rehearsal room and was standing by the coffee dispenser in the studio canteen eating a bag of nachos when a man wearing a gleaming white shirt walked in. He smiled. I smiled. "I'm looking for Spencer Davis," he said.

Weren't we all. Spencer, our band counsellor, had gone Awol. Four hours earlier he said he was just popping to the doctor's to get something for his sinuses. How long could that take? He had deserted us, his band, and we had no idea what we were doing. Ro Sweat, the bassist, was looking fed up. Mike Silverman, the younger of our two drummers, was in the car park smoking. Mike was already wearing a nicotine patch. Well, that plainly wasn't working. He was stressed about being here - feared his drumming was inhibited by the starry company - and doubly anxious now, as he'd just heard a story about someone having a stroke after smoking while they were wearing a patch. Soon enough, I feared, Spencer would not be the only one in need of medical attention.

Spencer's not here, I said, but his band is in that studio, right there. I'll take you across in a minute, I said casually. My name's Jeff, said the man in the white shirt, Jeff Foskett. Oh, I said, brain engaging, you're the guy who works with Brian Wilson? That's right, said Jeff, smiling.

Brian Wilson, as perhaps not everyone knows, was the founder of the Beach Boys, a 1960s band in California who sang beautiful, timeless songs about girls and beaches and being young. Many people think their 1966 album, Pet Sounds, is the greatest pop music ever recorded. Wilson wrote most of it and is widely regarded as the one true, living genius of contemporary music. He was in his mid-twenties when he wrote those songs. He will be 65 in June. Sadly, he was already sick back then and has been sick more or less ever since. His psychological problems are variously attributed to drug abuse and childhood trauma. But in 2004 he went back on the road to perform a new version of his unfinished album from 40 years earlier, Smile. He played at the Festival Hall in London. Jeff Foskett had been on stage beside him as his musical director.

I told Jeff I missed the shows but had seen the documentary. You wouldn't have recognised me, said Jeff, I was bigger then. What do you mean? Well, I weighed 400lb, said Jeff. But I had gastric-bypass surgery straight after. My stomach shrank to the size of a pea and I've lost 130lb in the last 21/2 years. It was slightly disconcerting, being told this by someone you've just met, but of course we were in California, where normal rules of discourse do not apply. Still, little did I know that, thanks to Jeff, I was about to be reinvented.

Before you settle down to the story of how I became a rock'n'roll hero, there's something I ought to tell you, which is, until that weekend, I had never played an instrument or sung a note. Sure, I'd sing in the car, when the CD player was up loud and nobody else could hear. I'm not saying it sounded pretty, but it passed the time in traffic. I don't ever recall singing in a shower or doing a turn at karaoke. I was kind of shy that way. Or reserved. The old me.

When I was told I was going to Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp, my first thought was there would be easy pickings, standing in the corner, observing what was going on. I would fly to Hollywood, sleep in a decent hotel, eat a breakfast I hadn't cooked, leave my wet towels on the bathroom floor and have them picked up by someone I didn't know. Maybe I would visit the hotel gym; hopefully, I would do a bit of shopping at some point, when the job was in the bag, take advantage of the ludicrously favourable exchange rate. Was I thinking out loud? I was rumbled. The editor called. We think you should take part, he said. But I have no voice. I can't play a note. I have no talent! (I was desperate, I should say here, and don't honestly believe I am talentless.) Never mind, he said, take a harmonica or something.


 

Artist's bio: Jack Bruce (Cream)
(from jackbruce.com)

JACK BRUCE. The composer, the singer, the multi-instrumentalist, the Legend. Hailed as one of the most powerful vocalists and greatest bassists of his time, his improvisational skill and utterly unique, free-spirited approach to composition and performance would forever change electric music. His pioneering, full-toned, free-wheeling playing on the electric bass revolutionised the way the instrument is used and influenced the playing of countless bassists to today, including Sting and Jaco Pastorius. His work with bands such as Cream and the Tony Williams Lifetime, as well as his solo material, unlocked the doors to the pent-up energy of a new approach to the art of sound, breaking the barriers of tradition and creating a kind of music that had never been heard.

Jack was born to musical parents in the shipbuilding city of Glasgow, Scotland on 14 May 1943. His parents travelled extensively in Canada and the U.S.A. Jack attended 14 different schools, finishing his formal education at Bellahouston Academy and the Royal Scottish Academy of Music, to which he won a scholarship for cello and composition. He left the Academy and his homeland at the age of 17, because of poverty and discouraged by his professors' lack of interest in his ideas.

Jack travelled to Italy and then England, playing double-bass in dance bands and jazz groups, and joined his first important band in 1962 in London. This was Alexis Korner's Blues Inc. with whom Charlie Watts, later to join the Rolling Stones, was drummer. Jack left Alexis in 1963 to form a group with organist Graham Bond, guitarist John McLaughlin and drummer Ginger Baker. This group became the seminal Graham Bond Organisation after John left, and saxophonist Dick Heckstall-Smith joined. Jack was compelled to leave this band after three years by Ginger Baker, who said his playing was "too busy"!

Jack had to turn down Marvin Gaye's offer to join his U.S.-based band because of his impending first marriage. He then joined John Mayall's Blues Breakers, where he first met Eric Clapton, followed by Manfred Mann in an ill-advised attempt at commercialism. It was Ginger Baker who initially asked Jack to form a trio with Eric Clapton. Eric insisted that Jack be the singer.

Cream went on to sell 35,000,000 albums in just over two years and were awarded the first ever platinum disc for Wheels of Fire. Jack wrote and sang most of the songs, including "I Feel Free", "White Room", "Politician" and perhaps the world's most performed guitar riff, in "Sunshine Of Your Love". Cream split in November 1968 at the height of their popularity; Jack felt that he had strayed too far from his ideals and wanted to re-discover his musical and social roots.

He began recording solo albums; the first being his influential Songs For A Tailor and thereafter commenced his policy of playing simultaneously in rock, jazz and classical formats, attempting to realise his personal and unique style of performance and recording which is an amalgam of these three plus the influence of other important world and ethnic music.

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