ROCK 'N' ROLL NEWS

ROCK 'N' ROLL NEWS

Despite reports to the contrary (wishful reports?), the Knack have no intention of breaking up; as of April 1 they went into the studio with Jack Douglas who’d been working on the Rockets album up ’til then.

Waterhouse Records released Living In The Fast Lane, the late Michael Bloomfield’s last record, March 1 st. (The title was Bloomfield’s choice.)

No, that really wasn’t “Dr. Joyce Sisters” in March CREEM BGO caption “‘Taxi’ Sequel Thoroughly Explained”—it was Friday Morning Quarterback publisher Kal Rudman, who apparently has a sense of humor (a) to have his press agent send us such photos and (b) indeed, to sit with Harry Chapin at all. Now where’s Harry’s PR?

Former Door Ray Manzarek’s producing L.A. group Zippers, who’re still label shopping. When Ray’s finished with them, it’s back in the studio with X.

Graham Gouldman of lOccto produce the next Ramonas album? Huh?

Stiff recording artist Desmond Dekker is ensconced in Nassau with Robert Palmer and group for an undisclosed recording project..

Former Rumour member Bob Andrews is producing an LP for Tenpole Tudor...

In the spring, a young man’s fancy turns to love. Uh, even if you’re from New Jersey! Rumors are flying that Bruce Springsteen may tie the knot with g.f. Joyce Helser. Will Broooce’s hungry heart get fed? Watch this space, ace. / ,

But this is definitely in the Say It Ain’t So, Nick' category : We got a disturbingly close-to-the-source report that Rockplle broke up, due to a disagreement between Dave Edmunds and Nick Lowe as to . Jake Riviera’s direction of the band’s career. Dave, ’twassaid, thought Rockpile was on Jake’s back burner, mentally.. .and Nick defended the spunky manager. More news on this as it breaks...

Slave producer Jimmy Douglas is producing the Gang of Four...

Richard Hell enlisted the talents of Robert Quine, Fred Maher and somebody called Nauxforhis new LP (available from Jem by the time you read this)...

Pete Solley, whose production credits range from Steve Forbert to the Romantics to whatever will produce the next Rachel Sweet LP.

Dig it, maaan! Another one bites the big one! Roger Taylor, of Flash a Gordon fame, will release a “solo” / “album” titled Fun In Space. Some people should just get “tost” in space...

Watch for new product from American Rough Trade that will include an EP horn A Certain Ratio, LPs from the Fall, Pere 4 Ubu, Cabaret Voltaire, Joy Division and the now-defunct Young Marble Giants...

Head Motor Nick Garvey is set to produce Arista acts Bram Tchaikovsky and the A's...

World’s Most Beautiful Woman contender Grace Jones had a tune penned for her by Policebo Sting, titled “Demolition Man.” Grace, last seen in England, has also recorded some songs with A Certain Ratio. No truth to the rumor, however, that she’ll team up with Rob“Ufer”Halfordfora remake of the Stones’ “When The Whip Comes Down. ”

The Fabulous Thunderbirds are possibly going to be produced by E Street Band members Clarence “I hope the Boss’ new squeeze ain’t a photographer” Clemmons and GaryTallent...

Lou Reed departs Arista for RCA, also Iggy Pop’s album Here’s Iggy was turned down by Arista so the lg is label-shopping. Arista signed David Gates!?!

In The Studio

Los Angeles, CA—Soundcastle Studio: The Cretones; Concorde Studios: David Essex (AlKooper producing); Record Plant: Rod Stewart, the Village People (Jacques Morali producing); Record One: Joe Walsh; San Francisco, CA —Mobius: Nonfiction; Atlanta, GA —Axis Sound; Dixie Dregs (Steve Norse producing); Detroit, MI— Superdisc: Brides of Funkenstein (George Clinton producing, Gary Fabulous and the Black Slack; Sound Suite: Was (Not Was) (Don Was producing); Sureshot/Westwind: Art In * America, the Panthers, Pack 9; Discord Studios: Pop Tarts; Cloudborn Studio: U.S.A.

William John Clifton Haley, better known as Bill Haley, died at 55 on February 9th, of natural causes. A native of Highland Park, Michigan, Haley’s first national hit was “Crazy Man Crazy” in 1953, and the next year he released “Rock Around The Clock” which set the rock world afire. His contribution to rock ’n’ roll will be forever remembered...

Maggie Bell, formerly of Stone The Crowe from long ago and two solo LPs on Swan Song, is bade—this time as lead vocalist in Midnight Flyer. New LP out now on Swan Song...

Original cast LP of The Pirates Of Penzance, Gilbert & Sullivan’s laff-riot starring Linda Ronstadt and Hex Smith, due out as a three-record set on Elektra this month. Sounds yummy...

And if possible, a chest like Judie Tzuke dept.: Jimsiy Destriof Blondie in Cashbox on what he looks for in a producer: “I’m looking for somebody who can mix drums like Mihe Chapman, do horn arrangements like Quincy Jones and drink like Nick Lowe. ”

Interesting news for those feeling pinched in the penny: Island Records has begun issuing tow cost “One Plus One" cassettes, pre-recorded cassettes containing an entire LP on one side and a blank side on the other. Since tape is high-grade chromium-dioxide, consumers can record any other LP of their choice on the blank side and thereby get two LPs for the price of one. So far these tapes—which include Steve WinwoodTs latest and other biggies—have been available only in theU.K., but.... plans are afoot to launch a similar U.S. operation soon. Big opposition from other record companies, especially due to Island’s undercutting price structure: U. S. tapes are expected to retail for a mere $5.98—but so far systems are go...

Grace Slick is apparently back with the Jefferson Starship—at least temporarily. After helping out on the newest Starship album, Grade’s back onstage with the band, singing as per usual. Works both ways, though: the Starship will therefore be backing up Grade simultaneously while she sings a few from Welcome To The Wrecking Ball, her latest. Jack Casady, former Airplane and Hot Tuna bassist now with SVT, still has big lips in case you were wondering...

Carmine Appice has signed with Riva Records. You’re welcome.

Talking Head Tina Weymouth will record a solo album with Lee “Scratch” Perry produdng.. .

Keep your eyes peeled for the new Paul Collins' Beat album produced by Bruce Botnick...

If you see an LP called Green Bullfrog on the racks, be aware it contains Ritchie Blackmore, Ian Paice* Jon Lord and Roger Glover of Deep Purple, and ace guitarists Albert Lee and Big Jim Sullivan and was recorded in the early 70’s. Actually a very hot guitar album, the LP was initially issued on Decca way back when, but due to contractual reasons the artists’ real names couldn’t be used. ECY Street Records, the new group responsible for its reissue, apparently plans to issue several more overlooked “classics” like this. Sounds better than the new Rainbow album any day...

Roy Wood, formerly of the Move and the Electric Light Orchestra, has formed Helicopter..^

DETROIT NOTES: The Cadillac Kidz did not break up as was reported last month, but guitarist Cameron Wesley quit and formed the Panthers. The Kidz will continue as a four-piece. On other Detroit fronts (backs?) the 27 have regrouped as Pads 9, due to the similarity of the monicker of Tom Robinson’s Sector 27. Pack 9 members include guitarist Craig Peters, drummer Jim Taylor, keyboardist Boh Jansen and bassist/former human being Steve McGuire.. .Prog-rockers Art In Americas til/ aren’t signed, likewise the Mutants, R.U.R., Retro as well as many other deserving Motown groups. Why? Dunno, but try and call the A&R departments of any major label and ask them,..

On Tour

Dirty Looks, Utopia, Nazareth, .38 Special, the Bus Boys, Prince, Steel Pulse, James Brown, Parliament, Joan Jett and the Black Hearts, Joe “King” Carrasco and the Crowns, the Plasmatics, Wilson Pickett, Jonathan Richman and the Modem Lovers, Robin Lane and the Chartbusters, Human Sexual Response, Arthur Blythe, Ry Cooder.