Alicia McLeod - Vocals. "We'd camp out at the door, on the steps and wait. Viva La Bam is an American reality television series that stars Bam Margera and his friends and family. The rock band played several times at the Shower of Stars and appeared at one of the last few shows in the concert series, in July 1972. It was electric. Fans also rushed to nominate their favorites when asked for feedback. This might have swelled a lesser man's head, but for Brennan, it was all about connecting with the listeners. The Rockin' Rebellions won top honors - beating out 67 other bands from throughout Alabama. They agreed to do it, but they were on one end of it, and the Beach Boys were on the other end of it. Bell. The Brennan familysold itsstake in AM radio a few years later,and hemoved on to WRKK-FM, an album-rock station known as K-99. We were very obnoxious to the security guard, who was the nicest guy, and of course, we would go in and outside all the time. They responded, swiftly and passionately, to a recent post listing 31 of the greatest shows at venues throughout the state. The Fabulous Shades, 1965. Saturday, April 8, 1967 Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery, AL Blues Magoos Brian Hyland Lou Christie The Buckinghams The Casinos The Electric Prunes The Royal Guardsmen The Turtles The Big BAM Shows. The Rogues recorded the 45 in February of 1966, for MBM Records, a Birmingham, Alabama label that goes back to the early '60s. It was just before his popularity exploded. Big Bam All-Star Spring Show Setlists Apr 8 1967 Date Saturday, April 8, 1967 Venue Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery, AL, USA So far there are setlists of 9 gigs Saturday, April 8, 1967 Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery, AL Blues Magoos Brian Hyland Lou Christie The Buckinghams The Casinos The Electric Prunes The Royal Guardsmen The Turtles Capital Cool. "We all felt very privileged," Bartoletti says. ", "I don't know if it has been mentioned yet, but for the Alabama Theater I would definitely include Warren Zevon's show in, what?.1986 or '87?, said earman1. nellson nutraceutical revenue; arlington catholic basketball roster; jack cawood and suzy hunt; lawn vacuum for acorns rental. No one came down to buy scalped tickets at the price everyone thought they were going to have to pay.. hehehehe .", From Mark Keppler: "Eagles 1977 Hotel California Tour Civic Center. If possible, the Brennans liked to present the same lineup of artists in all three cities over a single weekend, offering three shows in Birmingham for the Shower of Stars, one in Montgomery. We played a lot of soul music, the Beatles, the Stones, he said. I don't even think it was a sell out. Top (l-r), Keith Brewer, Ed Sanford and Sonny Grier. Members: Original members Larry Hoyle, Johnny Hassett and Ron Howard, plus Chris Seymour, Johnny Long, Jr. and Craig Young. Can you believe it? In spirited retaliation, Paul Revere and the Raiders march in lock step across the stage behind performers Jan and Dean. WBAM Big Bam Shows 7,142 views Nov 21, 2010 One of the big hit singers of the 60's and 70's working on a bit with me for a TV show..a little behind the scenes..Bobby is involved with art. From au92536: "June Jam in Fort Payne - I know it's country BUT. WBAM Big Bam Shows; Dan's Dusty Discs WBAM; WBAM Pictures; Read more about this topic: WBAM-FM, History. The Big Bam shows in Montgomery were on my list," said Jack Boles. They didn't come to hear me; they came to hear the Rolling Stones.'". There was always so much excitement surrounding the shows, Knapp said. One of its earliest Big BAM Shows featured Elvis Presley as he ascended to fame, on the same bill with Roy Acuff. "They would be paying the acts, literally, in cash. Deep South Broadcasting was the licensee of WBAM-AM, 740 kc with 50,000 watts daytime in Montgomery. Brennan also remembers that Starr requested reinforcements to the stage area near his drum kit, because strong gusts lingered after the hurricane. The WMAQ slogan came from a contest where winners would have to answer the phone "WMAQ's gonna make me rich," so you had people using the phrase anytime. I kept going to at least one show a year through about 1968, he said. So we had another beer. The Rockin' Rebellions entered the big VOX (sound equipment) sponsored "WVOK Battle of the Bands" contest held at the Boutwell Auditorium in downtown Birmingham on May 20, 1967. . 1973(?). Garrett Coliseum Montgomery Concert Setlists City Montgomery, AL, United States Add Montgomery venue Address 1555 Federal Drive Montgomery, AL 36107 USA Opened 1963 Web Official Website Garrett Coliseum on Wikipedia Info Located at he Alabama Agricultural Center. I just went to the Coliseum for the music. Thousands of Beatles fans were ready to twist and shout in the Southeast, and the Brennan clan had made it happen. "Me and my girlfriends would get up at -- holy moly, 6 a.m. -- and get there long before the show ever started," said Connie Peek, a former Shower of Stars regular, during a 2003 interview with The Birmingham News. Louise Brennan, Cyril's wife, at the Beatles' press conference in Jacksonville. Packed house for a 1960s Big BAM Show at Garrett Coliseum. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. People would come night after night, said Lander, who owns Bama Lanes in Montgomery and Prattville. We only heard them. Jones, now 59, also played school dances and armories in a group called The Drones. It will be the first time theyve have been together since a reunion benefit at a local club in 2007. Prattville, Alabama 36066 (334) 358-9460 View Weekly Ad Hours Store Services Full Furniture with Mattresses Furniture Leasing Furniture Delivery Milk, Eggs & Grocery Featured Be a Backyard Bigionaire! That radio station had its concerts, too, dubbedJet-Fli Spectaculars, at the Soldiers &Sailors Memorial Auditorium. "People were going crazy, and you couldn't hear anything because the girls were screaming so loud," Bartoletti says. The most popular group, both Brennan brothers agree, was Hermans Hermits (see sidebar below). But Brennandoes have many stories to share -- about preventing a fistfight between two starswho wanted theclosing spot in Birmingham, or example, or puzzling over two entertainerswho showed up in Montgomery, both claiming to be country singer Bobby Edwards. With no sound checks between acts, group would run on stage and begin playing almost immediately. It was a real happening thing.. But in the minds of Alabama listeners, WVOK and WBAM ruled supreme, and the stations were closely linked by their concert series. The Who played there. Make Favorite Store Contact 1957 Cobbs Ford Rd. "In those days, you could go to a concert and there was only one back door. Here, then, is a readers' choice list of 31 awesome concerts in Alabama, culled from email, Facebook and comments on the original post. "It was cold outside, show was to begin at 6 but began at 9; coeds from T-town waited for 2nd show which was to begin at 9 but began at about 2 next morning, had to get permission to stay in those days and freeze outside at Auburn University Coliseum. Thanks to Donnie Brennan for the Elvis photos. At least 25 people tried to jump the stage during the concert and were knocked backward into the crowd by gigantic stage bouncers! That was a lot of money. The Louvin Brothers. . Bobby Dupree (L) and Sonny Grier of the Rockin' Gibraltars. He never collectedconcertposters, handbills orother pieces of memorabilia. The other name band on the show was the Allman Brothers, they had just released their first album. I think we had at least 15,000-16,000 people there. Big Bam All-Star Spring Show Setlists Apr 8 1967 Date Saturday, April 8, 1967 Venue Garrett Coliseum, Montgomery, AL, USA Report festival So far there are setlists of 9 gigs. They had easy backstage access, as well, and would confidently sashay throughout the venue. The Fabulous Shades You can either do that, or you will not have a place to change. "One of the the things we had to do, in order to provide bathroom facilities for all of the artists, we had a bunch of RVs, recreation vehicles, and they were all over the field out there," Brennan says. I only have these pictures of all the concerts we attended from the early 1960's to late 1960's. This one in 1969, was probably the last one I attended. The station is locally owned and operated by Bluewater Broadcasting Company, LLC. Big BAM Shows of the late 1960s and early 1970s featured all the biggest artists of the day, including Paul Revere and the Raiders, Lou Christie, Iron Butterfly, The Carpenters, The Monkees (as a group and individually), Tommy Joyce and Bobby Heart, The Grass Roots, and many more. The Buckinghams. It was elbow to elbow in there, remembered drummer Tommy Beavers. Flintstone House. Were a dance band.. Fees for the other acts were in the $300-$400 range, he says. The entire show was magic, beginning with The Stranger and of course included many of the unknown Joel early songs. By today's standards, his solution to the latter problemseems charmingly old-school. "He said, 'Dan, I like to play for you here in town, but I don't want you to ever book me on a show like this again. Inicio Quines somos? Western European Countries, Italian Restaurants In Sandy Springs, Contemporary Music For All Coma, Ford Bronco Reservation Login, Panoplie Dragoeuf Dofus Touch, River Radio Station, Nice In Korean, How Did Tamerlan Tsarnaev Die, Den Of Behemoths Boss, During a recent show some ladies, obviously a few years older than him, recognized Grier from the early Gibraltar days. Local garage bands (they practiced in their parents garages or living rooms) were found in almost every town in the United States in the mid-to late 60s, and the Montgomery area was no exception. Both stations played Top 40 hits of the day, and the concerts were the Brennans' gifts to a loyal radio audience. We'd get hamburgers and bring them back, with someone always holding our place. And the Shower of Stars concerts still linger in localmemory. Shop Now Grier continued to sing with trios and orchestras, performing at wedding receptions and private parties. Brennan bid farewell to concert promotion in 1973 --a necessary business decision, he says -- and for Birmingham music lovers, it was the end of an era. Rich Thomas Weather. I think he could call his own shots.". That one was epic alright, unlike any other! In Brennan's view, that's a satisfying legacy. The Alabama band was the organizer and centerpiece, raising money for charity. Members: Original members John Key, David Headley and Bob Corley plus David Langford, Mike Mobley, Larry Hughes, Bobby Johnson and Rick Roper. by Lenore Reese Vickrey: photos by the Brennan Family, Lenore Vickrey, As the arena began to fill up, you could hear the noise of the crowd from backstage. [2] Originally licensed in 1953 as WBAM, the station broadcast contemporary and country music before turning to sports talk under the WMSP callsign in 1995. The station is locally owned and operated by Bluewater Broadcasting Company, LLC. Birmingham on May 20, 1967. I said, 'Well, you've got a choice here. . Respi Mee Sup Sabahiiat. His wild antics while playing the piano, including jumping on the keyboard, whipped the audience into a frenzy, making his act the most exciting at the time, Cyril Brennan added. Yet there was also a gentler side of the city that is rarely revealed within the pages of history texts. Big BAM shows, Montgomery Several readers made fond mention of multi-act shows presented by WBAM-AM, a sister station to Birmingham's WVOK-AM, during the 1960s and early '70s. "I don't have any regrets," hesays. "Two guitars and a stool. Roy Acuff and his Smoky Mountain Boys were the headliners that evening, and the billincluded Kitty Wells, Johnnie and Jack, Fred Wamble, Jack Turner and Buddy Hawk. ", From bhamboost: "Parliament Funkadelic Mothership Connection 1976. Jerry Lee Lewis hristie Lou C. Paul Revere & the Raiders . ", From Art Meripol: "U2's Zoo Tour at Legion was pretty fun from the floor.". At this point, Mick Jagger and his pals were poised to release"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," their first international smash. White guys playing soul music!, Most of the stuff we played was music you could easily dance to, said Dupree. Anybody else remember seeing Joplin in Tuscaloosa? "It was rewarding, because people seemed to respond to some of the things I was doing. "I remember the Rolling Stones came up to me, and they said, 'You don't really expect us to get into the same RV that the Beach Boys are in, do you?' Go to the Archives WBAM-FM /98.9 (" Bama Country 98.9 ") is a country music formatted radio station that serves the Montgomery Metropolitan Area, broadcasting on the FM band at a frequency of 98.9 MHz and licensed to Montgomery, Alabama. We were all so nervous we wore dark sunglasses so nobody could see how scared we were, said Dupree. From Denniswingo: "April 1977 was Led Zeppelin.famous because it was so totally over promoted with the K-99 disc jockeys claiming $100 scalped tickets (it was $7.50 ticket price). 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. Though theyve had other jobs over the years, neither Jones nor Beavers have stopped playing music. The football stadiumposed a few extra challenges, Brennan says, from seating assignments to sound quality to weather preparation. ", "Rolling Stones in Auburn '69," said James Robert Chambless. ", From cj75: "Grateful Dead, 5/17/77 in Tuscaloosa. So I went out and introduced Bobby Edwards, and he sang songs, and I came back about half an hour later, and I said, 'Now, here's Bobby Edwards!' The venue? We rode up the . The father of six and grandfather of two currently lives in Montgomery and plays with the Bama Breeze Band. If you were a teenager anywhere near Montgomery in the mid-60s and early 70s, the concert scene didnt get any better than the fanfests known as the Big BAM shows. From Mike Travis: "KISS, Van Halen, Rush, The Who, The Rolling Stones , Pink Floyd the racetrack mudfield to see GNR, Billy Joel and Elton John as well as the Eagles and Metallica in '81. It gave them a voice. Later acts included the Beach Boys, the Animals, the Dave Clark Five, Paul Revere and the Raiders, Tommy James and the Shondells and the perennial Montgomery favorite, Lou Christie. WBAM signed on in 1953 as AM 740. In the 1960's WVOK, in Birmingham Alabama, would have the top bands play at one huge concert. "And that made a big difference, because people didn't have the opportunity to turn on the TV set and see these artists, after they'd been buying their records. (His moniker on the air: Dan the Music Man. Although he admits to anoccasional pang of longing, looking back on his previouscareer, Brennan is far from retired. Its better than not being remembered at all.. He recalls the popular hangouts for older teens and the legendary "Big Bam Shows" of the period. The WMSP studios are located on the 3rd floor of . Moody also got to do his share of transporting stars, taking them to the Diplomat Inn, owned by Bill Brennan, older brother of Cyril and Dan and a partner in WBAM and WAPE. Those two days in Alabama left a lasting impression on us because it was how we measured the rest of our gigs.. We were considered the number one soul band in the south. One show in particular stands out. Gate Band And the Brennans knew how to put on a show.. Some of the concerts took place in a single location -- most often, Jacksonville. Whitwam remembers little of that show, but subsequent performances are crystal clear. That's how we put together our shows. Performers would play to more than 10,000 at Garrett Coliseum in Montgomery Friday night (for Tommy James in 1967 it just seemed like 30,000), then pack-up and play three shows in Birmingham on Saturday. THE PROMOTIONAL POSTER OF THE WBAM, BIG BAM WINTER SPECTACULAR, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 25, 1967! The capsule was opened during a ceremony December 3, but a complete list of its contents were not released at the time. "Hendrix, Joplin, the Who, Elvis, Dylan all played in Tuscaloosa," said Jeremy Don McCollough. It wasnt concerts where you played and 500 people sat down and listened to you. Shower of Stars audiences were accustomed to seeing a mix of rock, pop and country acts on stage, and the lineup for every show had a pecking order. George Howell, who as George the D.J. co-hosted Hubcap Classics, was a big fan of the BAM shows beginning in the 9th grade. "This was a daytime concert that seemed like a war zone with fireworks flying everywhere. The Byrds. One of Brennan's favorite anecdotes concerns a young Elvis Presley, making waves and jostling for position before a concerton Dec. 3,1955, at Garrett Coliseum. Hank Williams was another frequent live on-air performer. to see more entries, Posted on November 1, 2011 by bob in Features. Whitwam, now in his 47th year playing music, is pleased with the makeup of their current audiences. I believe that city has a particular significance to you. Hes been a school principal and now sells wholesale art, although business has been suffering due to the economy. One big favorite, however, appears to be a '70s date at Legion Field. April 8, 1967: State Coliseum, Montgomery, AL with Electric Prunes, Buckinghams, Lou Christie, Brian Hyland and The Jokers, Tommy James and The Shondells, Royal Guardsmen, The Blues Magoos, The Casinos and others "WBAM presents Big Bam All-Star Spring Show" April 14, 1967: University of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA with Freudian Slip We didnt play where people sat around and drank. But with two hotshot rock bandson the bill at Legion Field, the twangier acts faced a tougher crowd and some of the musicians felt like underdogs. Originally licensed in 1953 as WBAM, the station broadcast contemporary and country music before turning ', "We went over there and asked Roy, and he said, 'No, we're not going to do that. FACIAL. The 7 p.m.show-- billedas a music battle between the England and the United States-- also includedtheRighteous Brothers, Marty Robbins, Sonny James, Skeeter Davis, Del Reeves, Archie "Rindercella" Campbell and Cannibal and the Headhunters. Bob was producing a medical documentary in Alabama, and also was a promoter for Evil Kneival and Chill Wills. He also helped to choose and line up some of the concert talent. The Big BAM was WBAM, the 50,000-watt AM radio station owned by the Brennan family, whose other Alabama station was Birmingham's WVOK. But it never happened. go to da moon copy and paste. They had the Stones in about 1963-64, with Brian Jones before he died. I told Jimbo we should all come in with walkers, laughed Beavers. Some of the items will go on exhibit starting Thursday at the Alabama. She came back a few minutes later and absolutely blasted a massive bongo solo. "Big Church Night Out" / Newsboys / Sidewalk Prophets / 7eventh Time Down / Blanca / Derek Minor / Brock Gill / Jeremy Willet . "Billsaid, 'Well, if anybody makes any money out of it, it's going to be me.' Brennan had many encounters with celebritiesover his three decades as a concert promoter, but says he never felt famous -- not even when he was widely regardedas a household name in Birmingham radio. Herman's Hermits. "His 'side' men was the entire Little Feat rhythm section. If you have one, it's going to be way down the other part of the field.' Melissa Parker (Smashing Interviews Magazine): Tommy, I'm in Montgomery, Alabama. In the 1960s and early 1970s, the station sponsored a series of pop/rock concerts known as "Big BAM Shows" featuring acts ranging from Paul Revere and the Raiders, Lou Christie, and The Beach Boys to comedian Pat Paulsen. Wed go all over, even the Old Dutch in Panama City.. HOW COME PAUL GODDARD PUSHES HIS GLASSES UP THE BRIDGE OF HIS NOSE? "It cost enough that we were lucky to come out with just enough and break even with it," Brennan says. Their first gig was at the Wetumpka Recreation Center where admission was $1. A recent Skype video call to his U.K. home found Whitwam fondly remembering the Hermits Big BAM Show performances. George Cumuze, RN, Case Manager 4150 Carmichael Court Montgomery, AL 36106 334-270-2274. show . We came along at just the right time.. The Carpenters. The station's studios are . Ticket prices were never more expensive than $4.00. We were the opening act and it was the biggest crowd we had ever played before, nearly 30,000 people. Most of the clubs have gone to a single performer, or a duo or karaoke. Members: Mitch Alton (original member), Gregg Pappas, Ham Wilson, Bill Marshall , Dwight Williams, Rick Byrd, Orville Cain, Carl Tesh. (The Beatles' popularity in the U.S. exploded in 1964, and that year's tour was a watershed moment for the band.). Keith Richards was almost electrocuted when his guitar grounded on a mic. "Little Feat at Boutwell mid 70s. And if we hadn't had (Hurricane Dora), we would have made a lot of money. Bobby Darin. WMSP (740 AM, Sports Radio 740) is a radio station licensed to serve Montgomery, Alabama, USA. J Jackie Culpepper 662 followers More information WBAM Big Bam Shows Remembered Record Case Montgomery Growing Up 60s Old Things Teen Memories Remember Videos We do everything from Jerry Jeff Walker to the Grateful Dead to Van Morrison, says Pappas. Dylan with Brian Setzer Orchestra opening (about 1998 ?). K Jamie Carter Childhood Toys Childhood Memories Camille Redouble Sheila E ", "Leo Kottke, Foster Auditorium, UA campus, about 1974," said 57939names. ", "I'm also inclined to mention 1982 at Boutwell when the Blizzard of Ozz played; Randy Rhoades' third to last appearance before his tragic death," said GmanGent. He wanted us to sign a management contract with him, but we were still under contract with Marshall and . The original investors in the company were William J. Bobby Goldsboro was having a nice run of hits in the mid-'60s when suddenly, with the release of a song called "Honey" in 1968, he became a major star. Fans would mail their orders to the station, requesting a specific showtime, and the envelopes often included suggestions for artists they'd like to see. Signature songs include Brown Eyed Girl (Van Morrison), Cryin (Roy Orbison). JLL put on a hell of a show also. December 24, 1958: Jerry Lee Lewis ; December 12, 1959: Fabian, The Fleetwoods, The Browns, Floyd Robinson and Bobby Lee Trammell From Brian Willis: "Any of Alabama's June Jams. Vocalist in Salem, Alabama 1,320 views on fandalism. From:"Rodney Justo" To:"robert register" Subject:Re: HEY EL NIXO! YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. (L-R) Bob Corley, David Headley, Cary Green, Jeffery Johnson, Bob Pike, John Key. Clipping found in Alabama Journal in Montgomery, Alabama on Mar 24, 1966. Little Richard and Jerry Lee Lewis were on the bill, said Whitwam of their first performance at Garrett Coliseum. ", From David Hester: "Eagles at Von Braun Civic Center in Huntsville in 1975. The concertlater gained a secure foothold in Alabamamusic history -- fans here still ooh and aah about it -- but it wasn't a money-making proposition. ", From dassani: "I was there Could not have been better! For this little kid from Wetumpka, that was a big, big deal, he said. "To go to the concerts was huge. "There was a police line for the Beatles to run through, and the stage was built up so people couldn't get to them.". Carl Perkins. Tickets cost $3 apiece. "My brother, he was always a little bit of a gambler," Brennan says. Elvis Presley. "Tuscaloosa Memorial Coliseum 1972," said Randy Palmer. ", "This is so subjective and there are way too many to pick from. Gary Puckett & the Union Gap. Clayton, Hayward and Gradney. I always got seats on the floor for the shows. That way I could see the stars and hear the music better. They have reformed several times with different members, playing for Lee High School reunions. Music you could dance to Both concerts were sold out. After helping escort her safely away from an unruly crowd, she rewarded him with a big kiss. Yes, the Beatles' performance was "a really big show," as Ed Sullivan wouldhave said. The wildest thing other than the Troggs rocking out to "Wild Thing" and whipping around long dirty hanks of British hair was Lou Christie. Paul Revere & the Raiders. I have such fond memories of coming to Alabama. By the time they came to get us we were pretty shozzeled.. That was one of my first big gigs - the Big BAM shows! No mention does anyone else remember that?". 6 places sorted by traveler favorites Clear all filters 1. Best Review Site for Digital Cameras. (Photo courtesy of the Brennan family). But it was one of many concerts organized by the Brennans, as they sought to cement listeners' loyalty to WVOK in Birmingham, WBAM-AM in Montgomery and WAPE in Jacksonville. So many great City Stages performances: Chuck Berry (backed my some of Birmingham's finest), James Brown, Johnny Cash (right after Randy Newman! (In 1965, Legion Field could seat more than 68,000 people.) The early concert didn't begin until it was time for the second one, but it was worth the wait. Hes been in a few movies, raced sports cars and been inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame. ", From Steve Wayne: "Guns N' Roses at the Birmingham Race Course. When I got on stage the drum kit seat was way too high.