After a nice week-long vacation recently, I'm back with more. Got together with Pete Best (original Beatles drummer, pre-Ringo) and Klaus Voormann (musician/artist friend of the Beatles since 1960, played with them as solo artists, drew the iconic "Revolver" cover for them in 1966, and whose friend Astrid gave the guys the now famous "Beatle" hairdo) during my vacation. Being a big Beatles fan, I always enjoy spending some time with them and hearing their stories and rememberances. Ironic that Pete ended up working at Liverpool's unemployment office for nearly 20 years after being booted from the band. He finally saw some real money from his involvement in the early Beatles when the Anthology series of CD's and DVD's were released a few years ago. Klaus also made out well, since the band asked him to reprise his cover role and provide the art work for the releases.

Attended Lollapalooza 2006 this past weekend. What an event! 3 days, 130 bands, 8 stages, 200,000 people and nary a problem... and great weather to boot! I saw people of all ages, from toddlers with mom and dad, to 50 something's and everyone in between with big smiles on their faces. The Red Hot Chili Peppers were one of the many highlights. They were in fine form to close the fest on Sunday night. They played most of their hits (except "Under The Bridge"), and even did a cool snippet of "London Calling" by The Clash. It's always amazed me how animated and extroverted Anthony Kiedis can be when he hits the stage. Offstage, I've found him to be a very shy, soft spoken, (but very nice) introverted individual who readily blends into the woodwork. The idea to make this a "destination festival" like the yearly Donnington Festival in England is taking shape. Great for the city of Chicago in terms of tourism dollars and exposure and just another reason why Chicago is the greatest city in the world. The view of the skyline from Grant Park (especially at dusk) was simply breathtaking. I noticed many around me in the crowd of 75,000 that night gawking too... and grinning. Bravo!

Welcome to the maiden voyage of "Byrd's Blog"... a place for quick tidbits, musings and behind the scenes doings.

Attended a couple of Loop concerts (in addition to jumping on-stage to greet the crowd) last weekend. Cinderella at the Star Plaza Saturday night and George Thorogood at the House of Blues Sunday. Cinderella rocked as always (they are a TERRIFIC live blues-based rock band akin to AC/DC, Zeppelin, The Stones, and Aerosmith being mixed together in a blender. I urge you to check them out sometime... you will be VERY impressed!), even though Tom Keifer was having some trouble with his voice due to allergies that kicked up when they hit the Midwest. George Thorogood also rocked the house with his patented take on Chicago electric blues. It's a simple concept, but boy, does it work. George was in a playful mood before the show with me backstage, and that carried over to the performance as well. The capacity crowd ate it up. After getting to know George over the years and having him tell me often of his fondness for the Rolling Stones, I realized that night how much he has been influenced by Mick Jagger. To say that George is the embodiment of what Mick would be like on stage if Mick sang AND played guitar would capture the stage mannerisms of George Thorogood nicely. No wonder Mick asked George to open for the Stones back in the early '80's.