One of my favorite guitarists is releasing a new album soon
This guy is hands-down one of the most under-appreciated guitarists of my lifetime. Hair metal gets a bad rap, and thanks to Beavis & Butt-Head‘s friend Stuart, Winger is the butt of many jokes. The band is really superb, though, and guitarist Reb Beach is a magician on the frets. His new album, A View from the Inside, is set for an early November release. The audio for “Aurora Borealis” just dropped this morning on YouTube, and it blows my mind.
Fun Cards: 1982 Fleer Bob Gibson
Bob Gibson served at the Mets pitching coach in 1981, and the Braves pitching coach in 1982. It’s always jarring to see him wearing anything other than a St. Louis Cardinals uniform.
Fun Cards: 1991 Donruss Bob Gibson
Sometimes I make a card simply because I have a template. There is no other reason to put the late Bob Gibson on a 1991 Donruss card.
Goodbye, Eddie Van Halen
I can’t believe I just typed those words. This one is going to take some time to digest.
January 26, 1955 – October 6, 2020
Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, the greatest rock guitarist of my lifetime, passed away today from throat cancer. He was an innovator, a magician on six strings. He was the guy everybody wanted to play like. And no one could. Not even close.
Eddie recorded music with his brother Alex (drums on all Van Halen releases), his father Jan (who played clarinet on “Big Bad Bill” from Diver Down), and his son Wolfgang (bass on A Different Kind of Truth and Tokyo Dome Live in Concert. He recorded with Michael Jackson (playing the guitar solo on Thriller‘s “Beat It”), Brian May of Queen (1983’s Strar Fleet Project), and LL Cool J (“We’re The Greatest” from Authentic). He
He was not just a master of his craft. He was the master of his craft.
— Wolf Van Halen (@WolfVanHalen) October 6, 2020
— Valerie Bertinelli (@Wolfiesmom) October 6, 2020
What a Long Great Trip It’s Been.. pic.twitter.com/M5pmkVi7hW
— David Lee Roth (@DavidLeeRoth) October 7, 2020
Heartbroken and speechless. My love to the family. pic.twitter.com/MQMueMF2XO
— Sammy Hagar (@sammyhagar) October 6, 2020
We are enormously saddened to hear about the untimely passing of Eddie Van Halen. We considered him an inspiration, an idol, and after spending a summer together on the road in '88, a friend. Sending love to Alex, @wolfvanhalen & everyone in the greater VH family.
📸 @RossHalfin pic.twitter.com/wZ9ZKNmK0q
— Metallica (@Metallica) October 6, 2020
Rest In Peace @eddievanhalen You will be missed! #Legend pic.twitter.com/A2dpG41dbS
— Aerosmith (@Aerosmith) October 6, 2020
HE CHANGED THE COURSE OF GUITAR WHAMMY BAR ROCK & RHYME… A GAME CHANGER… AND HIS MELODIC CRAZY WAS OVER THE TOP… WE’LL MISS YOU EDDIE…
LOVE FROM ABOVE
ST pic.twitter.com/ByiJBk2KfR— Steven Tyler (@IamStevenT) October 7, 2020
This goes beyond the passing of a great guitarist, but rather is a tremendous loss of a great man who truly helped to change my life and path with his guitar and sound. He helped forge the way for myself and many and will be deeply missed. Rest in peace, Eddie. @eddievanhalen pic.twitter.com/5RXCtC0N91
— Bret Michaels (@bretmichaels) October 6, 2020
I’m just devastated to hear the news of the passing of my dear friend Eddie Van Halen. He fought a long and hard battle with his cancer right to the very end. Eddie was one of a very special kind of person, a really great friend. Rest In Peace my dear friend till we meet again. pic.twitter.com/Qs8tsLPANJ
— Tony Iommi (@tonyiommi) October 6, 2020
Just when I thought 2020 couldn't get any worse, I hear Eddie Van Halen has passed. So shocking- One of the nicest, down to Earth men I have ever met and toured with. A true gent and true genius. RIP. So sad.Thoughts go out to his brother Alex, and his family. pic.twitter.com/fwIw040YMX
— Geezer Butler (@geezerbutler) October 6, 2020
Very sad to hear about the passing of the legendary @eddievanhalen. You will be missed. #RIPEddieVanHalen
📸: @markweissguy #EddieVanHalen @VanHalen pic.twitter.com/x4J6nfxOqY
— Def Leppard (@DefLeppard) October 6, 2020
Just found out @eddievanhalen has died. I remember driving home from a @TwistedSisterNY club gig with @AnimalTactics late one night and hearing "Eruption" on the radio for the first time. Our minds were blown…and guitar playing was never the same. RIP Eddie. You left your mark.
— Dee Snider🇺🇸 (@deesnider) October 6, 2020
No words.. @eddievanhalen @VanHalen #EVH #RIP #legend #guitar #hero pic.twitter.com/QctZuew0vQ
— Robert Downey Jr (@RobertDowneyJr) October 6, 2020
Apart from his technical brilliance, Eddie Van Halen was the antidote to a lot of hyper-serious, grimacing guitarists who made playing look painful. Eddie shared the joy with us instead.
— Michael McKean (@MJMcKean) October 7, 2020
Articles keep referring to Eddie Van Halen as ‘guitarist’ and that word just doesn’t feel like it’s enough to me. Whether you liked his band or not he was at the very least a legend.
— Sean Ono Lennon (@seanonolennon) October 7, 2020
He was an artist who was so amazing at his craft that his three names became shorthand for the standard of excellence in his field. Rest In Peace, Eddie Van Halen. It was a joy to watch you shred. I hope they had a Frankenstrat waiting for you at the gates of Rock ‘n Roll Heaven. pic.twitter.com/PIkzipSB2g
— KevinSmith (@ThatKevinSmith) October 7, 2020
Fun Cards: 1986 Topps Bob Gibson (Gold Glove edition)
I created a handful of “fun cards” for Bob Gibson a couple of days ago, and thought I would share them with you over the next few days. This one features Gibby receiving one of his nine Gold Glove Awards.
Goodbye, Bob Gibson
(November 9, 1935 – October 2, 2020)
Bob Gibson was one of the most intimidating pitchers to ever take the mound in Major League Baseball. His 1968 season stands as one of the greatest of all time, with 268 strikeouts and a minuscule 1.77 ERA earning him both Cy Young Award and Most Valuable Player honors. After his Hall of Fame playing career, “Hoot” served as the pitching coach for the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves under manager Joe Torre.
Bob Gibson quite literally changed the game of baseball.
He was a fierce competitor and beloved by Cardinal Nation.
We will miss him dearly.
Rest in peace, Gibby ❤️ pic.twitter.com/TQDT21c6wU
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) October 3, 2020
Bob Gibson was one of the best we’ve ever seen. pic.twitter.com/9usybsp14F
— MLB (@MLB) October 3, 2020
Bob Gibson. Complex, Courageous and yes Competitive. Behind that tough exterior was a caring Father, Husband and proud big hearted person with a great sense of humor. Cardinal nation has lost a Giant. My biggest disappointment was that I didn’t get the chance to play behind the
— Ozzie Smith (@STLWizard) October 3, 2020
From the very first time I met Bob Gibson (decades after he threw his last pitch), he had this competitive spirit that expected to win every game! pic.twitter.com/6SxEYfxmhT
— Albert Pujols (@PujolsFive) October 3, 2020
#BobGibson @MLB @baseballhall my dad always thought he could hit ML pitching. They came to St. Louis to see me my first game there. I faced Gibby. He struck me out the 1st 3 AB. I was smiling as I got back to the dugout. Mgr was P.O. I told him “I don’t think Dad could hit Bob
— Johnny Bench (@JohnnyBench_5) October 3, 2020
I just got the horrible news of the passing of my dear friend Bob Gibson. My thoughts and prayers are with Wendy and the Gibson Family. A huge loss for the entire @MLB and @Cardinals family. Will miss you Bob. pic.twitter.com/NI1r0IpfvD
— Fergie Jenkins (@fergieajenkins) October 3, 2020
As much as I wanted be, tried to be like Bob Gibson, there was only one Bob Gibson! My deepest sympathy to the Gibson family. RIP to the #1 starter of the Black Aces. 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
— Dave “Smoke” Stewart (@Dsmoke34) October 3, 2020
Rip Mr Bob Gibson! We will miss you dearly. A standard setter on the mound your entire career and one of the most feared competitors to ever play the game of baseball! I totally enjoyed my conversations with you in Cooperstown. #Thanksforeverything#TrueLegend#Godbless
— Frank Thomas (@TheBigHurt_35) October 3, 2020
MLB Network mourns the passing of St. Louis Cardinals legend and Hall of Famer Bob Gibson. pic.twitter.com/mAbU5voIcH
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) October 3, 2020
Like Tom Seaver, the same year, in the same shared spring training camp, the late Bob Gibson managed to accomplish the players’ eternal joke: fooling the photographer by posing lefty. The 1968 card got as far as the printed “proof” stage but was never issued. pic.twitter.com/64FCIohZYa
— Keith Olbermann (@KeithOlbermann) October 3, 2020
Goodbye, Lou Brock
Speedy Hall of Famer Lou Brock, the holder of the all-time stolen base record until Rickey Henderson came on the scene, passed away today. He was 81 years old. The six-time All-Star was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985 on the strength of his prowess on the basepaths and more than 3,000 hits.
We mourn the passing of Lou Brock, a Hall of Famer and World Series champion. He was 81. pic.twitter.com/vUubODd8hQ
— MLB (@MLB) September 7, 2020
Our hearts are broken.
Lou Brock was an amazing player and outstanding person.
He loved the game and all of Cardinal Nation.
Rest in peace, Lou ❤️ pic.twitter.com/MSxnIJOHhK
— St. Louis Cardinals (@Cardinals) September 7, 2020
We join the @Cardinals organization and all @MLB in mourning the passing of Hall of Famer Lou Brock. pic.twitter.com/VNqalvEHwp
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 6, 2020
Lou Brock the Base Burglar was a class act on and off the field. Made @Cardinal baseball what it is. Had the ability to change the momentum of a game with his legs and his bat. May he Rest In Peace. One of the greatest Cardinals of all time.
— Ozzie Smith (@STLWizard) September 6, 2020
Lou Brock was one of the finest men I have ever known.
Coming into this league as a 21-year-old kid, Lou Brock was one of the first Hall-of-Fame players I had the privilege to meet. He told me I belonged here in the big-leagues. pic.twitter.com/JIbSKMYI13— Albert Pujols (@PujolsFive) September 7, 2020
Saddened to hear of the passing of Lou Brock. Many years of rivalries between us but always respected Lou as a person and player. My thoughts are with the Brock family and the Cardinals nation. pic.twitter.com/0TOO0IlVbf
— Fergie Jenkins (@fergieajenkins) September 6, 2020
Just heard about Lou Brock. He was a great one. So sad. Rest In Peace my brother! pic.twitter.com/nnKNDtyXd9
— Dick Allen (@DickAllen_15) September 7, 2020
RIP Lou Brock😞 pic.twitter.com/6CUcAxUYff
— Expos Fest❤️#EnRoutePour1Million #RoadTo1Million (@ExposFest) September 6, 2020
MLB Network is saddened by the passing of Lou Brock.
A look back at the life and career of the Hall of Famer and Cardinals legend. pic.twitter.com/3YwPPV380B
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) September 6, 2020
Goodbye, Tom Seaver
Tom Seaver, nicknamed “Tom Terrific” for his immense talent on the baseball diamond, passed away August 31, 2020, at the age of 75. He was ushered into the Hall of Fame in 1992 with only five out of 430 voters declining to check his name. He was a tremendous pitcher for the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox, and is a member of the Mets and Reds team Halls of Fame.
Rest in peace, Tom Terrific. pic.twitter.com/TQD96kTkc2
— Cincinnati Reds (@Reds) September 3, 2020
Hank Aaron was right. RIP Tom Seaver. pic.twitter.com/BJhbTOHQkS
— MLB (@MLB) September 3, 2020
I remember meeting Tom Seaver @ his first All-Star Game, and I knew he was a special person.He was a terrific pitcher and a wonderful friend. I was lucky to have dinner in his home in New York and in California which I remember fondly. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
— Hank Aaron (@HenryLouisAaron) September 3, 2020
@MLB @Mets I can’t imagine a picture without you! pic.twitter.com/fxxKJDXV6O
— Johnny Bench (@JohnnyBench_5) September 3, 2020
Tom Seaver impressed me so much.
How can you be that good, that good looking, be the face of baseball and at the same time be so hungry to be better?
He wanted to improve every single day. #TomTerrific #MLBCentral
— Pedro Martinez (@45PedroMartinez) September 3, 2020
Tom Seaver was the best RH pitcher I ever saw. RIP Tom Terrific. https://t.co/TzVmEGlIqF
— Vin Scully (@TheVinScully) September 3, 2020
Tom Seaver.
My dad loved him.
My brother loved him.
I loved him.
A hero to so many.
Thoughts to his entire family. pic.twitter.com/57FDkq8zja— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) September 3, 2020
Legendary pitchers Satchel Paige and Tom Seaver chat before the New York #Mets Old Timers' Day at Shea Stadium (1971) I wish we could hear that conversation! #MLB #Baseball #History #RIP41 pic.twitter.com/5zORU8R4Nu
— Baseball by BSmile (@BSmile) September 4, 2020
Tom Seaver's windup through baseball cards
RIP Tom Terrific pic.twitter.com/dhtDk59AwM— Drewdavis71 (@drewdavis71) September 3, 2020
Fun Cards: 1986 Topps, 1993 Donruss, 1996 Topps Poison
Poison has been one of my favorite bands for a long time. Although I’ve been disappointed that they seem to only be interested in doing “greatest hits” tours for the past 20 years, they are still fun to see in concert. Bret Michaels is supposed to be playing a solo show in my hometown at the end of next month, if it doesn’t get Covid-canceled.
But my favorite part of the music is the guitar. C.C. DeVille is, in my opinion, a vastly underrated guitarist. I love his riffs.
The rhythm section is solid but a bit underwhelming. Rikki Rockett and Bobby Dall are consistent, but Bret and C.C. are where the show is really at.
After three studio albums and a live record, C.C. DeVille was ousted from the band and replaced by Richie Kotzen. He was an excellent guitarist, not as flashy but more technically competent than DeVille.
The 1993 Native Tongue release was the only album Kotzen appeared on, and he was fired near the end of the year, replaced by another young solo guitar whiz, Blues Saraceno.
Saraceno worked on an album called Crack A Smile. It was originally scheduled for a 1994 release, but was delayed due to an injury Michaels sustained. In 1996, Capitol Records decided to release Greatest Hits 1986-1996 rather than Crack A Smile. It was finally released in 2000, but since two of the tracks appeared on the 1996 compilation, Saraceno gets the 1996 virtual cardboard treatment.
I really love the band’s remake of “Cover of the Rolling Stone.” Check it out below…
Fun Cards: 1977, 1983, 1986, and 1988 Topps Quiet Riot
Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali passed away on Thursday last week after battling pancreatic cancer. Banali joined the group in 1982 and made his recording debut with DuBrow and the boys on 1983’s Metal Health. I love making “fun cards” of musicians using classic baseball card designs, and his passing reminded me that I had not created cards for Quiet Riot yet. So, without further ado, the classic 1983 Metal Health lineup of Quiet Riot: Kevin DuBrow, Frankie Banali, Carlos Cavazo, and Rudy Sarzo…
Metal Health was the first heavy metal album to reach #1 on the Billboard charts on the strength of their cover of the Slade song, “Cum On Feel the Noize.”
Unfortunately, the follow-up Critical Condition did not fare as well, and subsequent releases failed to recapture that spark from 1983. On 1986’s QR III, bassist Sarzo was replaced with Chuck Wright.
By 1988 DuBrow was out of the band in favor of Rough Cutt vocalist Paul Shortino (as was Wright, replaced by Sean McNabb). Shortino only appeared on one album and the group disbanded in 1989 (only to be resurrected a couple of years later by DuBrow and Cavazo, with Kenny Hillery on bass and Pat Ashby on drums).
Membership in the band was a revolving door, regardless of your role in the band. Eight singers, seven guitarists, eight bass players, and four drummers spent time with the group. Banali was the most consistent, appearing on every studio recording except for the first two (which were released in Japan only) and the underrated 1993 compilation that featured some of the best of those records and outtakes.
Speaking of the first two records…it was 1978’s Quiet Riot II that featured the first Quiet Riot “fun cards” on the back cover, styled after 1978 Topps football cards…
