Roxodus Festival adds two New Wave icons: Billy Idol and Blondie

January 23rd, 2019 | by Alan Cross

Roxodus, the first-year festival scheduled for Edenvale, Ontario (NW of Barrie, south of Wasaga Beach) on July 11-13 just announced

Random music news for Monday, May 21, 2018

May 21st, 2018 | by Alan Cross

Queen Victoria has been dead since 1901, but we’re eternally grateful for this May holiday. She was actually born on

I’ll admit to laughing at this goofy Billy Idol meme

February 27th, 2018 | by Alan Cross

And you did, too. Don’t lie. (Via Larry)

A Continuing, Very Serious Anthropological Study: Where Did the Special Lyrics in Billy Idol’s Version of “Mony Mony” Come From?

January 1st, 2018 | by Alan Cross

It was probably in the spring of 1987 when I first heard the special audience lyrics in the Billy Idol version of the Tommy James classic, "Mony Mony."  I was hosting one of the old CFNY Video Roadshows at a high school somewhere in Southern Ontario. When Martin Streek, the guy in charge of playing the videos, flipped to this clip, the dancers erupted.

At first, I couldn't make how what they were yelling.  "What are they shouting?" I asked Martin.  He helpfully translated with the appropriate arm gestures.

Billy:  Here she come now singing Mony Mony
Dancers:  HEY MOTHERF*CKER GET LAID GET F*CKED!
Billy:  Well, shoot 'em down, turn around, come on Mony
Dancers:  HEY MOTHERF*CKER GET LAID GET F*CKED!
Billy:  Hey she give me love and I feel alright now
Dancers:  HEY MOTHERF*CKER GET LAID GET F*CKED!

I looked at him weird.  "How do they know what to say?"

A puzzled look came across Martin's face for a moment; it was apparent that he'd never considered the question before. Then he just shrugged and turned to deal with a very angry principal who was appalled that such obscenities would be chanted by his students in his gym at his school.

The question of the origins of the special audience participation lyrics has been in the back of my mind ever since.  Perhaps it's time to address it once and for all--if that's even possible.

Are the 90s About to Make a Comeback? They Are at This Music Festival

April 11th, 2016 | by Alan Cross

Is the time ripe for a fond look back at the 90s? A grunge revival? Old-school gangsta? Well, if the

Random Music News for Tuesday, November 10, 2015

November 10th, 2015 | by Alan Cross

Windows 1.0 was introduced on this day in 1983. It wasn’t very good. And now, some music news. You can

Geeks and Beats Podcast, Episode 123: 50 Shades of Space Gray (Or Is That Grey?)

October 7th, 2015 | by Alan Cross

However you spell it, no one should ever, ever read the crap that is 50 Shades of Grey. This picture

Just In Case You Missed Billy Idol Performing at the NHL Winter Classic…

January 2nd, 2015 | by Alan Cross

…here he is. http://youtu.be/NcNzNCtQh

This Week’s Top 11 Playlist: 24 October 2014

October 24th, 2014 | by Alan Cross

Hmm. A lot of older acts in this list this week. Interesting. Thanks to Mediazoic for the hosting

Geeks&Beats Episode 77: Show Notes–and Billy Idol Speaks!

October 22nd, 2014 | by Alan Cross

We’ve really been able to up the level of our guests. Sting still hasn’t made an appearance–we’re snubbing him–but so

I Interview Billy Idol on His First New Album in Almost a Decade

October 21st, 2014 | by Alan Cross

It’s a Sunday evening and Billy Idol is on the phone from California. Not only does he have a new

Random Music News for September 20, 2014

September 20th, 2014 | by Alan Cross

Why are there so many damn wasps in my back yard this year? Podcasting is bigger than you may realize.

Random Music News for June 18, 2014

June 18th, 2014 | by Alan Cross

Today is International Sushi Day.  More unagi, please. Remember that domestic dispute involving Paul Simon and Edie Brickell?  Never mind.

Random Music News for May 30, 2014

May 30th, 2014 | by Alan Cross

The new puppy, Squirt, arrived home yesterday.  So far, she and her big step-sister Schmooze are getting along famously. Billy