ROCK 'N' ROLL NEWS

ROCK 'N' ROLL NEWS

Bob Dylan’s next album is being produced by Dire Straits maestro Mark Knopffler (he contributed guitar to Dylan’s Slow Train Coming), who reports that there is no “sacred” material on the LP, which is reportedly a “rock ’n’ roll” affair. Zany Zimmy was recently asked by someone at CBS Records whether he was still a Christian or not. His reply? “What are you talking about? What makes you think that? Whoever said I was Christian?

Did you see the movie Gandhi? Well, like Gandhi, I’m Christian, I’m Jewish, I’m a Moslem, I’m a Hindu. I am a humanist!” Oh, that Bob!!

The Police’s next LP, Synchronicity (whatever that means!), originally scheduled for release this May, has been

postponed until late June due to Sting’s starring role in the forthcoming Dune film. Just look at those blond reggae rockers, who’ll follow the album with a world tour, including about 50 stops in the U.S.A.H

A witness identified only as “Butch” recently told Senate Judiciary Committee that the Hell’s Angels have an “open contract” on Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones, and have tried to murder members of the band at least twice since the 1969 slaying of a spectator by the Angels at Altamont Speedway. “Butch,” a 43-year-old former leader of the Angels chapter in Cleveland, who’s serving time on a murder rap, told the committee that the Angels are still angry because they feel that the Stones “did not back them” in the subsequent prosecution following the killing. Butch said that killing the Stones is an obsession with the motorcycle gang, and that one result of Altamont is that “no Hell’s Angel listens to Mick Jagger’s music” (which undoubtedly has Mick crying all the way to the bank). Several weeks later, Angels president Sonny Barger held a press conference to announce that the claims were totally “untrue.” Added Barger: “If you don’t believe me, you’ll have to ask Mick Jagger.” The Stones issued no comment on the matter.

Richie Bean has replaced Marky Ramone as the seminal punk band’s drummer. Although Beau’s already played several gigs with the group, he will keep his own surname.

Miami Steve Van Zand* of E Street Band/Disciples Off Soul fame was recently thrown out of Disneyland for his “undesirable” appearance. (Geez, they should’ve seen his bass player!)

Those fortunate enough to see the recent tour by Boston’s outstanding Mission Off Burma Vvill probably be sad to hear that the tour may be the band's last. Guitarist Roger Miller has developed tinnitus, which is the medical terminology for constant ear ringing caused by exposure to loud noise. The band did tape several shows for a live LP, so fans may find some consolation in that.

Billy Squier was recently joined onstage in Long Beach, California by heavy metal goddesses Olivia Newton-John and Sheena Easton...

Rock ’n’ roll record bonfires have been a fad among Christians ever since John Lennon issued his infamous “We are more popular than Jesus” statement. But a Lawrence Welk bonfire?!? Records by the Champagne Music Maker joined vinyl by Black Sabbath and others at a recent record burning sponsored by the Church of the Open Door in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. Tom Gemert, 18, president of the church youth group, said Welk was blacklisted because he plays dance music. “We believe in the saying, ‘A dancing foot and a praying knee don't belong on the same leg.’ ”

Perhaps in answer to The Compleat Beaties, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr have just completed work on The Long And Winding Road, a film chronicle of their early years, which includes the Beatles’ last concert at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. No release date had yet been set at presstime.

The dB’#, one of New York’s best pop bands, have been signed to Bearsville Records.

Jefferson Starship pilot Paul Kantner has just completed his three millionth solo LP with help from Grace SUck, Ronnie Montrose and producers Flo & Eddie.

Britain’s Sisters Off Mercy recently recorded a cover of the Stooges’ “1969,” reportedly a highlight of their live show. The only problem is that the tape is in the possession of one Mr. Iggy Pop, who refuses to give it back. The tape was presented to the Ig by John Ashton, who is producing the Sisters aside from his guitar duties with the Psychedelic Furs.

The back of Berlin’s debut EP, Pleasure Victim, credits sexy lead vocalist Terri Nunn with “BJ’s.” The group recently explained that the abbreviation stands for “bad jokes,” which Terri is full of. And you though it stood for something else, didn’t ya? Get your mind out of the gutter, you perverts!!

As busy as ever, Todd just finished

producing a single for the Lords Of The New Chnrch—a cover of the Grass Roots’ “Let’s Live For Today”—and is currently in the studio producing a single for Laura Nyro, her first recording in over 5 years, Todd also flew to Chicago in early February to meet with Cheap Trick...

During a San Diego show that turned into a near-riot, Lords Of The New Chnrch singer Stiv Bator was shot in the chest with a high velocity pellet from a C02-powered gun. Stiv was rushed to the hospital, spitting up blood {he fractured a rib), but he should be totally“healed” by the time you read this.

Terry Chimes will no longer be playing drums for the Clash. Chimes, who was a temporary replacement for Topper Headon anyway, cited a dislike of touring as his reason for leaving. Rumors persist that Headon has “cleaned up” and will be returning to the band in the near future.

Great news for modem lovers everywhere! The lovable Jonathan Richman has signed with Sire Records, and is currently in L.A. recording an LP, his first since 1979’$ Back In Your Life.

Warner Brothers and Slash Records have announced an exclusive distribution pact between the two companies. Under the agreement, Warner Brothers will distribute future product from Slash, including the company’s sister label, Ruby Records. Up to this point, Warners has only distributed records by the Blasters. Warners will now be distributing the debut LPs by the Dreaai Syndicate (The Days Of Wine And Roses) and Rank & File (Sundown), as well as brand new LPs by the Blasters (Non-Fiction) and the Violent Femmee, a new three-piece band whose music has been described as a cross between Dylan and Lon Reed.

Members of Kiss had their hotel rooms recently burglarized in Florida, and the thieves got away with $3,000 worth of jewelry and cash, not to mention Gene Simmons’ infamous photo collection of Kiss groupies in interesting positions. A shame...

Nell Young’s next LP will be a country & western venture, which he’s currently recording in Nashville “only on full moons.”

Steve Wozniak of Apple Computers/UNUSON Corp. will stage another US Festival this May in Devore, California. US Festival II will be held over two consecutive weekends—May 28,

29, 30 and June 4—and will feature one weekend of rock with June 4th spotlighting country »

music. David Bowie, the Clash, the Stray Cat*, the ^ English Beat, Little Steven, I Van Halen, Judas Priest,

Ozzy Osbourne, the Pretenders, 112, John Cougar and Willie Nelson are just a few of the acts signed to appear.

Andrew Loog Oldham, who produced all of the Rolling Stones’ early hits, is currently manning the controls for Robert Gordon’s next LP.

After a three year absence, What Goes On, the Velvet Underground fanzine, has published a new 52-page issue, including interviews with Andy Warhol, Nico, John Cale and a previously unpublished Lester Bangs piece on Nico. Velvet fans can send $3 plus postage to Mike Kostek, 5721 SE Laguna Ave., Stuart, FL 33494.

According to FBI files just released under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act, the FBI had John Lennon under constant surveillance in the early ’70s, hoping to arrest the ex-Beatle on drug charges so he could be immediately deported. The government plot was a result of Lennon’s anti-war/anti-Nixon tirades.

David Bowie has reportedly signed to play Abe Lincoln in a mammoth 12-hour opera called The Civil Wars: A Tree Is Best Measured When It Is Down, written by Robert Wilson, who collaborated with avant-garde composer Philip Glass on Einstein On The Beach. Talking Head David Byrne has contributed music to the production...In other theater news, Debbie Harry will play the lead in a Broadway production of Trafford Tanzi. Ironically, Toyah Wilcox originated the role in Britain.

In case you haven’t heard yet, exJam leader Pan! Weller’s new group is called the Style Connell, and their first single is called “Speak Like A Child.” Actually, the band is just a duo at the moment with Weller and former Doxy’s keyboardist Mick Talbot (Zeke of Orange Juice made a guest appearance on drums.) Says Weller: “Like Robin Hood, I will be collecting members for the Style Council as I go on my merry way, but for now it’s just me and Mick.”