RAVES & ROLLS OF WEST HOLLYWOOD’S EARLY OPENERS … AT THE ‘ROXY’ 1973

THE LATEST LOOK AT AMERICANA WITH THE AMAZING … ERIC LASTICK

The nineteen hundred & seventy three’s music scene where ”Glam Rock” engages with “Grunge Rock” at The Roxy Theater…as each costume and blue jean—–front line through the looking glass—-all along the stretches of West Hollywood lanes, in great anticipation of the show. Neil Young and Elton John share the front billing at the Roxy edges of dreams. Grunge and Plunge the hard rock drive. The zany and apportioned stand in long line. View the big clock on the concession wall. 8 o’clock bringers of a real  ”Happening!” The event and rave of 1973.

Elton, say what you will…honor of the glamorous furs, tall coats and feathering of that day and time. Pieced as early birds—-who sit  in the dressings…and weird… before the show. The hanger-on’s, loose as a goose…and tag-along chicks in the miniskirts…flashes of high heeled ornamental-likened lifts…and bust-line stuffs. Roadies and groupies, iron-lay hairdos of ”the-should-straight lengths” A whole entire banded welcoming committee for Marc Bolin as T Rex…and the subdued settin eyes of such a man as Neil. Hair cover over both of them—while catching a glimpse of a tye-stick sky…and the 4 way clears of the Penny Lanes. The open-ended avenue for glitters of Garry’s painted silver star. Elton warn and the wares of olde English lack luster’s. The drunk wished to drye.

 ROXY a demolition of Largent Mad-glasses, bigger gleams. Prizes! Cotton mouth and hungers at Colonel Sanders display of rotisserie fried…and all the feeds of those imports of mescaline Cosmonauts. Rock ‘n’ roll Space Cowboys—- clear the carpets & roller-blade the outskirts of the floor-plan seating arrangements The seemly senses of this Colonel’s very own acid trip, or so it seemed. Then all his speaks,his cures; of so finger lickin’ good!

(Father pained…father grunge, in Neil suspenders—bounces and balancing in an era where Glam tends to it’s rule— yet Crazy Horse has another dance at the center stage, willingly! And classically, a grunge bounced gaff rises to the price of admission. An eclectic challenge. Strange brew has the new look. Neil quite the adapter, 1973 style. The suited tie of Glitz and Glam—-fill too seat capacity. Neil strap on his capo…strums his trade mark minor key of strings and sings, ”TONIGHT, TONIGHT” A kindly soothsayer’s ode to guitarist and friend, Danny Whiten. Played and performed right here, 2 years before it’s actual record vinyl release. HEARST VEHICLE…Neil’s outside with the equipment management. Raggedy instruments glare back in a half closed coffin carrier!

(OLD ENGLISH COLOGNE …BOOZE FESTS AND RUMMY STINTED LEANS)

                ( NEIL TAKETH TO THE FRONT STAGE)

Neil Young’s eyes follow the stage lights and shadowy exit-way…as the beat and minor scale roll with the guides of eyes—-straight towards the open areas of his distraction…as so goes the loose fittings of a halter top & finds it’s very own groove stuck just barley in a Heat duct…as Neil circles in chorus to ”Cinnamon girl” And next,abruptly notices that this sexy yet off-put article of clothing is his very own Girl’s outer-ware! There is a silence as the audience turns towards her in spectacle…and next a sudden standing room applause! The absolute craziness and banter somehow relive the pain, in Neil’s own brand of silences and quiet cool.  Young’s song “HELPLESS, HELPLESS.” LOUDEST OF ADORATION!

(ELTON RUBS SHOULDERS WITH THE GRUNGES…AND HE, TAKETH TO THE STAGE)

Piano camel color magic in the air, as some–strange…and impaired from the grandstands calls for ”Funeral for a friend” Elton waves to Dorothy along the path of (”GOODBYE YELLOW BRICK ROAD”) Elton’s lyricist Bernie Taupin sweetly whistles with an English suds and wife beside him. His pen always greater than the music industry swords…The Crocodile rock…zones in the lens of a whole new Mona Lisa and Mad hatters, spending their last dime. Mona with a tear…Madmen seem of a plan, yet more a suicidal mission of their own. ”ALL THE YOUNG DUDES” Journey spent and pass the baton back to Ziggy—who sings to T Rex! Ian Hunter golden aged and yellow curly haired, sings to an old (RCA) Radio. Radio London’s on and off switch’s too the Golden Age Of Rock ‘n ‘ Roll…long may you run. Grunge on their heels. Stubs of toes to just catch up! Yet Neil still strong. But still, the pizazz of the crowd has grooved and made their call to the banging of the gong! David Essex may have moved to soon just after ”The Wolf-man” who pauses for a puff of smokes—-the midnight holidays of snort-sniffs and snuff a 4  way clearing house; as now Elton, takes to an encore with Duck-bill, setting show and charisma—too a whole Wild Child generation. Can Ol’ Neil compete with that—as Crazy Horse sit Indian style nearing the stroke of midnight! Watches and Wheels in anguish. Momma needs you home, as Elton sings, ”Ticken, Ticken” The dressing room Television’ of the cannot miss, Carol Bernette hour… Johnny Carson’s night’s barely to sleep. The late late show ends at the Roxy… in style of a new vibe. Godfather Grunge, Neil, packs a bag…& off to his Ranch home. Elton’s travels to (”The Rock Of The Westies”) Mr Marley so righted heart-ed with  light fills of compliments—right too the sea-thru islands. ”Love thos Island girl’s” So say guitar man Davey John-stone!  And to all the raves and rolls, the island girls wave from the balcony ends of their seats, never knowing the show is over…as all participants exit the stage… and leaving. Tomorrow’s just the early edges of a dream. Hullabaloo of the less groovin’ as ”the straights and stiff shirted” dissipate in slow simmer. The Roxy lights phase out onto the next of days. Although, a new show setting is born. Ya, she’s about a mover!