By KEN RITTER, Associated Press Writer

John Entwistle LAS VEGAS (AP) – John Entwistle, the bassist for the rock band The Who, was found dead Thursday in his hotel room of an apparent heart attack. He was 57.

Entwistle, a founding member of the band, stood out because he played without emotion, a stark contrast to the antics of lead guitarist Pete Townshend and lead singer Roger Daltrey. (more…)

As lead guitarist for 18 years with The Cars. Elliot has sold over 30 million records worldwide. Well respected in the guitar community, Elliot’s reputation is that of a tasteful musician with a knack for coming up with memorable solos, great tones and an uncanny ear for creating “hooks” on pop records.

He is also an enthusiastic fan of the guitar itself, and for many years has been a presence in vintage guitar circles, Texas vintage shows, NAMM etc.

In recent years Elliot has recorded and performed with many respected artists and is currently working with Stu Cook and Doug Clifford of Creedence Clearwater Revisted.

Gretsch Headline News caught up with Elliot on his recent CCR tour for this exclusive interview. (more…)

Story by UEC

Gretsch Drum great Gregg Stocki is hitting the road with the Billy Bob Thornton Band in support of the recent release “Private Radio”. The tour starts in Dublin and goes to London, Liverpool, Hamburg, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Brussels, Milan and Athens. The first week will be rehearsals in London, week 2 is promotional appearances for radio and T.V. and then the shows kick off around April 1st ending in Athens on April 17th. Then on May 16th, the band will appear on the Tonight Show, followed by concerts in Los Angeles on the 18th, San Francisco the 19th, Austin the 22nd, New Orleans ??? In June BBT will tour with Elvis Costello for shows in Denver the 11th, Detroit, Minneapolis, Chicago, Cleveland, and Columbus. Check local venues for final dates and times.

Gregg has been a Gretsch artist for many years and also plays as one of the Rock & Roll Cowboys with the Marty Stuart Band. (more…)

Story by UEC

Bono Bono, with his Gretsch “Irish Falcon” in hand, hit the stage with U2 for an exciting night at the 44th Annual GRAMMY Awards! U2 picked up Record of the Year for “Walk On”, Best Rock Album for “All That You Can’t Leave Behind”, Best Song by a Pop Duo or Group for “Stuck in a Moment That You Can’t Get Out Of” and Best Rock Performance By A Duo Or Group With Vocal for “Elevation”.

Alicia Keys pipped U2 for total number of awards taking five including Best Song for “Fallin”, as well as Best New Artist and three R&B awards. One of the biggest surprises of the night was the Best Album award going to the film soundtrack for O Brother Where Art Thou ? (more…)

Story by UEC

LOS ANGELES (AP) – George Harrison, the Beatles’ quiet lead guitarist and spiritual explorer who added both rock ‘n’ roll flash and a touch of the mystic to the band’s timeless magic, has died. He was 58.

Harrison died at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at a friend’s Los Angeles home following a battle with cancer, longtime friend Gavin De Becker told The Associated Press late Thursday. Harrison’s wife, Olivia Harrison, and son Dhani, 24, were with him. (more…)

Story by UEC

Stan Frazier say’s he likes to go out on tour and play “really loud rock”. Who wouldn’t? Stan’s gettin’ plenty of time to do just that as part of the Southern California pop-rockster’s known as Sugar Ray. The band has been out on tour in support of their fourth self-titled effort, “Sugar Ray”. “We still like to go out and bash our heads” Stan explained however, he enjoys other things too such as golf and cooking.

The “heads” Stan is referring to are those of he and his band-mates thrashing with the fans as they rock across the states, in full tour mode. “Rock & Roll is the only job where you show up for work, and there’s four cases of beer….at your desk!” (more…)

Story by UEC

Chet Atkins died on Saturday morning, June 30th, 2001, at his home in Nashville, TN, after battling cancer for several years. His Funeral was held at the historic Ryman Auditorium, July 3rd and his eulogy was delivered by good friend and “Prairie Home Companion” radio host Garrison Keillor.

Thanks for all the great years Chet … from the Gretsch family.

Chet Atkins Chet Atkins was one of the most popular and best respected musicians of the last half century. He won 14 Grammy Awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame at age 49, making him the youngest inductee ever. (more…)