If you believe in forever, then life is just a one-night stand. If there’s a rock and roll heaven, well, you know they’ve got a hell of a band. These lyrics from the classic song “Rock And Roll Heaven” have always resonated with me. Driving home from The Arcada a couple of nights ago, the song came on, and it struck a chord, especially during these tough times. It reminded me of the many rock legends and icons who have graced our lives and left an indelible mark.
The song specifically mentions Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Bobby Darin, Otis Redding, Jim Morrison, and Jim Croce, but it represents all music icons who have passed on. The words carry a deep meaning, putting the brevity of life and the reunion of musical souls into perspective. Life is indeed short, and that eternal stage in the sky is busier than Carnegie Hall ever was.
In my four-plus decades in the entertainment business, I’ve been fortunate to work with many superstars and one-hit wonders, mostly from the ’50s, ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s. As we lose these stars of our childhoods every year, their memories resonate through their songs on the radio during my long drives from venue to venue.
“Rock And Roll Heaven” was popularized in 1974 by The Righteous Brothers, Bill Medley and Bobby Hatfield. I worked with them several times, and after Bobby passed away, the song took on a deeper meaning when Bill performed it solo at The Arcada. The song was first recorded by Climax, fronted by my old friend Sonny Geraci, who also gave us the hit “Precious And Few.” We lost Sonny in February 2017.
Hearing that song makes me think of the artists who have played The Arcada and have since passed on. Paul Revere of The Raiders performed his last public show at The Arcada before he passed away. Joan Rivers filmed her last stand-up comedy special for Showtime here. She was wonderful and loved the theatre. Don Rickles, like Joan, could be a bear on TV but was sweet, kind, and gentle in person. We shared a birthday, May 8, and created a great bond.
I worked with Frank Sinatra, Jr. on several occasions. He recorded a congratulatory video for me just days before his last performance at The Arcada. Shortly after, he was gone. Patti Page celebrated her 80th birthday with an amazing concert at The Arcada. Her hit “How Much Is That Doggie In The Window” remains one of the biggest pop hits of all time.
Scott Weiland of The Stone Temple Pilots performed with his solo band at The Arcada, and a week later, he was gone due to an overdose. David Cassidy, who struggled with alcoholism, performed here a couple of times. It was sad to see how it all ended for him. Monkee Davy Jones loved The Arcada and often came a few days early to spend time in St. Charles. He was like a brother to me.
Paul Kantner of The Jefferson Airplane and The Jefferson Starship was scheduled to play at The Arcada twice but had heart attacks both times. He didn’t make it, but the show went on with a single light shining on his guitar. One of my favorite experiences was with Hollywood icon Mickey Rooney for an 89th birthday retrospective of his career. He was sweet, spectacular, and a proud WWII Veteran.
I also worked with Jerry Lewis and Debbie Reynolds. Jerry allowed me to sit in his dressing room for two hours, talking about old Hollywood. Debbie and I lunched and talked about her daughter Carrie Fisher and her Hollywood memorabilia collection. She was a beautiful, classy, and sweet lady.
Producing thousands of shows at The Arcada, especially those of a classic nature, we are bound to lose some past performers. But the mark these legends leave on our historic stage is magical. It’s been said that The Arcada is haunted, and if it is, I believe it’s the souls of these superstars making their presence known. That band up there is really something, and those players helped make The Arcada, at least for us, Heaven on Earth.
George Thorogood, known for his iconic song “Bad To The Bone,” is one of those legends who can be unpredictable. I’ve had him several times over the years, but hearing his song on the radio recently made me think of our first meeting. His legendary persona is almost Schwarzenegger-esque, a Rock ‘N Roll “Terminator.” Despite his tough exterior, he turned out to be one of the coolest guys I’ve met in the business.
Our first exchange began as I thanked him for his generosity in greeting some of our guests and signing autographs. He seemed disappointed that other acts didn’t show the same appreciation to their fans. We swapped stories about the business, and he was genuine through and through.
George shared that his heroes were Jack Benny and Bob Hope, and he initially wanted to be a stand-up comedian. But his love for Rock and Roll and the Blues, especially Chuck Berry, set him on his musical path. The Beatles also played a significant role in his musical journey. He believes The Beatles should get ten percent of every record made after 1964 because they inspired so many.
George Thorogood and his band, The Destroyers, rocked The Arcada with a high-energy show. His hits like “Move It On Over,” “One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer,” and “Bad To The Bone” tore the roof off the place. Just days after the passing of Rock icon Chuck Berry, George paid tribute to him on stage, showing his deep respect for his musical heroes.
George Thorogood defines his Rock and Blues with a deep and vocal respect for the genres’ roots. He is one of the reasons why I am in the business. He represents the heart and soul of Rock ‘N Roll, and it is an honor to put that “Heart and Soul” on my stage at The Arcada Theatre.
Source: Ron Onesti
