Fretboard Magazine

Golden Earring Strijen Open Air

2011-06-08T16:24:00.000-07:00

The dutch rock ‘n roll band Golden Earring from the Hague, more than 40 years together in the same line-up without any change.

The band was formed in 1965 by George Kooijmans (vocals and guitar) and Rinus Gerritsen (bass guitar and keyboards). They first started playing together in 1965 as the Golden Earrings, with their first hit single Please Go. George and Rinus were joined by Jaap Eggermont on drums, vocalist Frans Krassenburg and rhytm guitarist Peter de Ronde. Peter de Ronde left the band in 1966 just before the band recorded Winter Harvest. After this record also Frans Krassenburg left the band. He was replaced by Barry Hay.

In 1969 they were one of the first dutch bands to tour the United States, they toured there for about 3 months. After returning from the States Jaap Eggermont decided to leave the band and was replaced by Sieb Warner. That year they also dropped the S from Golden Earrings and moved on as the Golden Earring. Sieb Warner was an introvert person and didn’t really fit in the band, and things went wrong on their second US tour during the winter of 1969-70. They found a replacement in Cesar Zuiderwijk. The band line-up hasn’t changed since. In 1973 they recorded the album Moontan, which brought them their US number 1 hit Radar Love, which is up to this day the number 1 road song in the US, and a constant factor in their live set since then. Many hits followed.

Moving forward in time to their second most famous hit, Twilight zone, which became another US hit for them as well, and with that the invitations for another US tour kept coming in again. The story of the Golden Earring is a lot longer than this, but we’re giving a short recapitulation. The photo’s you see here are from their latest performance june 6 2009 in Strijen. The show was good, and loud as they’ve always been known to play.

All the hit songs were played still with as much power and vitality as if they were playing them for the third time!!!

GOLDEN EARRING FOREVER!!!

Rock and roll lubricates your smile and satisfies your soul!

2009-12-08T14:28:00.001-08:00

Rock'n roll, rockabilly, psychobilly, blues, rock, bluesrock, country, western and even bluegrass all have one thing in common. It's music made by real musicians not by computers. Though sounds can be sampled, and parts can be layered on top of another part. But in the end it's all about the feeling the musician can put in his playing or singing, that really creates the atmosphere of the song.

The most instrumental instrument for this that really lets the musician express himselve and his feelings is the guitar... Especially in the forementioned types of music..... Different guitar models have been made famous by different musicians in the different music streams. No two guitarists can sound alike, you can try to imitate certain styles, you can play the same notes, but it's virtually impossible to put the same feeling in the same notes.

Some are more inventive than others, but each have their own style in music. Express yourselve and show your emotions in your playing, that's what sets guitarists apart from other musicians. It's hard to put your feelings and emotions in piano playing.

The notes sound the same, you can't bend a note to make it scream different. The only instrument that comes close to a guitar in that respect is a saxophone. Also when you listen to guitar and sax solo's you will find real similarities which you will not find with any other type of music. Great guitarists like Jimmie Vaughan and Dereck Trucks for instance also try to transpose Saxophone solo's in their guitar solo's. Which makes it more clear that these two instruments really work well together and both bringing feeling in the music.

To me guitars are the instrument of choice, it's a beautiful instrument, great female body shapes, round forms, and functional too, listen to the the sounds it produces, approaching singing....not for nothing that when the electric guitar came around, Rock and roll had it's beginning. Rock on forever, follow your heart, and let that music touch plenty of soles!!!

Cesar on drumssssssss!!!

2009-10-13T18:04:00.000-07:00

Undoubtedly one of the worlds best drummers, Cesar Zuiderwijk, the solid back bone of the worldfamous rock band Golden Earring.

After Keith Moon passed away the other members of the Who invited Cesar to be his replacement....however he declined their proposal and sticked with the Earring. Being their drummer for almost 40 years now, and still enjoying every second of it.

Aside to the Golden Earring, occassionaly Cesar has his own theatershow based around every possible kind of percussion which he presents with his famous sense of dry humor. Looking at the faces he makes while he's playing on these pics, you can see he enjoys his playing and gives his fullest in every performance...

Cesar Rocks!!!

Ride to play, play to ride.

2009-09-23T05:15:00.000-07:00

Big purple Ranchero.

2009-09-16T01:54:00.000-07:00

She ain’t no hot rod

But sure as hell she’s hot

She ain’t no drunk

But she sure drinks a lot

She spends all my money

But she still is my honey

Big purple Ranchero

She’s my eight cylinder hero

Let the plugs light her fire

Shift her gear into drive

Just to know you’re alive

With her big ass high five

She leaves El Camino’s in her shadow
She goes ahead and can’t accept no
Ain’t got no trunk
But she can carry what you got
She ain’t no phony
But she’s got a lot of pony’s

Big purple Ranchero

She’s my eight cylinder hero

Let the plugs light her fire

Shift her gear into drive

Just to know you’re alive

With her big ass high five

New Products!!!

2009-09-05T18:46:00.000-07:00

New in Fretboards range of products, Greasy Groove pickguards, neckplates and dice grover style tuners, for Stratocasters, Telecasters, Les Paul and Gretsch guitars. Available from stock, for pricing email Fretboard at sales@fretboard.nl and check out www.fretboard.eu

LES PAUL LEGEND IN HIS OWN TIME!

2009-08-13T15:31:00.000-07:00

Les Paul,born Lester Polfuss, originator, inventor, comedian and legendary guitarist. He virtually invented the solidbody electric guitar.

Already in the forties he created his "log" based on a hollowbody Epiphone guitar. He then approached the Epiphone guitarcompany to take it to the next level,but they were not interested. A few years later Leo Fender produced his first solid body guitar with the Broadcaster,which created an interest with the Gibson guitar company, who in turn invited Les Paul to show them his solid version. Which after some brainstorming back and forth resulted in the Gibson Les Paul model. Which over the years became the most iconic guitar in rock and roll, with everyone from Eric Clapton, Peter Green, Jimmy Page, Slash and Joe Walsh and way to many others playing on it.

Les also a virtuoso guitarist himselve, especially reached his own musical fame with his wife Mary Ford, with songs like "Vaya con dios" and "Mockingbird hill" as some of their most famous hits. During this time in the fifties, Les Paul also invented multi track recording, creating layers over layers and thus creating his own unique sounds.

The last years Les Paul has been playing 2 gigs every monday night at the Iridium Jazz Club on Broadway in New York. He continued playing there with a lot of pleasure and a terrific sense of humor which you had to experience to understand the greatnes of the man. Unforunately the news of the passing of Les Paul just reached the world. Les Paul passed away aged 94, the music world will never be the same again.

His legend will continue!

Keep on rocking in heaven!

Brian Setzer Orchestra rocks Amsterdam!!!

2009-07-22T20:44:00.000-07:00

Mischief, rockabilly trio from Utrecht the Netherlands, opened for the Brian Setzer Orchestra in the Heineken Music Hall, July 15th. Their driving rockabilly made sure the crowd was warmed up for the main act to come on stage. The dance steps by Mischief’s guitarist Daze are amazing, you should really see him jump into one of his great solo’s. Rockabilly, and great vocal harmonies, making Mischief a real crowd pleaser!

Wednesday July 15th the world famous Brian Setzer Orchestra rocked the Heineken Music Hall in Amsterdam.

BSO opened with their version of the “Batman” intro, unfortunately when Brian started his guitar part he discovered his vintage Fender Bassman Amp gave up on him, so it had to be replaced by the extra amp…..but it didn’t spoil the fun for a second, the band filled in and Brian picked up as soon as he could.

Rocking on with all the classics, from “Drive like Lightning”, “Jump, Jive and Wail”, “Sexy and 17” and so many others.

Also bringing “Rumble in Brighton”, psychobilly big band style! Half way the show the horn section of the band stepped down, and Brian performed with just drums and bass in the old fashioned trio style, bringing songs from the 50s classic “True Love”,” Gene and Eddy” and many more, and half way Stray Cat Strut continuing with the complete big band again.

When it became time for the encore Brian came back on stage to perform “I won’t stand in your way” solo on his vintage black and white Gretsch duo-jet. The show finished when it was time to “Rock this Town”!

They showed Amsterdam once and for all:

Don’t mess with a big band!!!

Stray Cat Strut - Brian Setzer Orchestra - Amsterdam

Dirty Boogie - Brian Setzer Orchestra - Amsterdam
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Mischief!

My green Forty Five! [by R. Bosselaar]

2009-06-30T16:22:00.000-07:00

My baby she leaks

My baby she squeeks

But when I kick her alive

She’s like an angel to drive

67 years old

With a heart of pure gold

She’s my green forty five

The one that keeps me alive

She can rock she can jive

She knocks my gear into drive

With a twist of the wrist

She lets her power assist

A little rumble and roar

We’re crossing the floor

Discover the night

With that old body so tight

She’s my green forty five

The one that keeps me alive

She can rock she can jive

She knocks my gear into drive

She’s dressed all in green

My old fashioned beauty queen

Her tail is so rigid

Nowhere near frigid

Three speed in the box

Shifting through this old fox

She’s my green forty five

The one that keeps me alive

She can rock she can jive

She knocks my gear into drive

Booker T & The MG's

2009-06-17T09:14:00.000-07:00

In 1962 Booker T and the MG's was formed as the houseband for Stax-Volt records in Memphis Tennessee. Formed with Booker T Jones on organ, Donald "Duck" Dunn on bass, Steve Cropper on guitar and Al Jackson on drums. They
backed all the great Stax-Volt stars on their tours and records, Rufus
Thomas, Carla Thomas, Albert King, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, Eddie Floyd, and the legendary Otis Redding. Booker T Jones co-wrote the blues classic Born under a bad sign, and Steve Cropper co-wrote classics, like Eddie
Floyds in the midnight hour and Otis Redding's dock of the bay. They also had their own hits, Groovin, Time is tight, hip-hug-her, Hang em high, Soul Limbo and last but not least Green Onions.

The band was officially disbanded
in 1972 and each followed their own careers. In 1975 they were planning a reunion, but drummer Al Jackson was shot to death when he discovered a burglar in his house in Memphis on October 1 1975. Booker and Cropper and Dunn reunited at several different occasions with different drummers, like
Willie Hall, Anton Fig, Steve Jordan and Jim Keltner. But for the long run Steve Potts filled in behind the drums. In the late seventies Cropper and Dunn got back together backing the Blues Brothers in the Saturday Night live
performances, concert tours and also in the 1980 cult movie of the same name, adding their distinct style to the Blues Brothers music.

They also got
back together again for the sequel in 1998 Blues Brothers 2000. The last few years Booker T and the MG's have been touring again on and off, bringing their classic vibes to the stage. Cropper and Dunn occasionally still play in the Blues Brothers band backing the original Elwood Dan Aykroyd and the
official brother of Jake (John Belushi) James Belushi.

Booker T and the MG's keeping the soul alive!!!

There's a Thin Line [by: R. Bosselaar]

2009-06-11T14:04:00.001-07:00

Last night i had a dream
Dreaming ‘bout a better world
No fussing never fighting
No suffering or lying
No people unnecessary dying
No loosing game, no war refrain
A peaceful world for everyone

There’s a thin line
Between what’s right and what is wrong
Now i wrote it in this song
To be heard by everyone

But waking up...was so absurd
Cuz in this world you do get hurt
There’s nothing you can do
This life you must go through
It may hit you it may hurt you
But it may never get you down
Stand up and turn around

There’s a thin line
Between what’s right and what is wrong
Now i wrote it in this song
To be heard by everyone

All the people in this world
Living peaceful lifes
Now would we be surprised
Everybody satisfied
No more hunger no more pain
Just a simple love refrain
A dream come true for everyone

There’s a thin line
Between what’s right and what is wrong
Now i wrote it in this song
To be heard by everyone

There’s a thin line
Between what’s right and what is wrong

There’s a thin line
Between what’s right and what is wrong

What happened to music... [by R.Bosselaar]

2009-06-08T11:24:00.000-07:00

People say rock’n roll is thru
What do they know?
Music today ain’t nothing we know
Posers and fakes with nothing to show
Can’t make no music just polish up songs
Writing no lyrics just singing things wrong
Artists without art not worth a fart
Songs without feeling
Not worth singing to the ceiling

What happened to music played from the heart
Gifted musicians with right chords from the start
Making good music not caring what’s right
Or looking good underneath the flashing light

Blues is a healer when you’re blue
Soul’s in your heart when the blue days are thru
But the rock ‘n roll fever is always a part
A part of your life every day, what can we say
Idols have ruined the rock’n roll life
Even your gardener can sing a good song
Moneymaking producers cleaning a tune
Making you sound good but look like a goon
The end of this era better be coming soon

What happened to music played from the heart
Gifted musicians with right chords from the start
Making good music not caring what’s right
Or looking good underneath the flashing light

John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers

2009-06-04T13:23:00.000-07:00

A legend in his own time John Mayall, the father of british blues! John Mayall single handedly discovered some of the best and most famous guitarists ever. Starting with the original Bluesbreakers in 1966 with Eric Clapton on guitar, starts a long line of guitar greats. Though Clapton didn't stay for more than one record, but in his footsteps followed a young lad named Peter Green. Who later founded Fleetwood Mac together with John McVie and Mick Fleetwood.

Green another guitar purist, though stylistically totally different than his predecessor. Also Peter Green only stayed with Mayall for one record, and was followed by Mick Taylor. Taylor made a change for the Bluesbreakers being a great slide player. After Mick Taylor went on to join the Rolling Stones, Mayall changed his style and in 1969 came out with a drummerless accoustic album on which is most famous recording to date "Room to move" was a serious hit and is now a rock and blues classic. During the seventies Mayall experimented more with Jazz and Blues fusion. And in the eighties and nineties returned back to his own roots with a more guitar oriented blues sound.

On his way discovering the talents of Walter Trout and Coco Montoya, now well respected blues men on their own. The last decade and even more he spend on the road with the Bluesbreakers consisting of Hank van Sickle on bass, Joe Yuehle on drums and Buddy Whittington on guitar. Late 2008 Mayall decided it was time for himselve to move on and also for Buddy Whittington to move on by himselve and get his solo career rolling. And Mayall himselve has recently formed his new band with a good friend of the late Stevie Ray Vaughan, Rocky Athas on guitar, promising to be another Texas Cannonball. John Mayall still playing the blues at 75 years of age, not even thinking of ever retiring!!!

Keep the blues alive!!!

Cruztools Groovetech Guitarkit

2009-05-28T14:48:00.001-07:00

Guitar players may know a little about truss rods and action, but only a few actually attempt adjustment. That's a shame, because a good setup will improve your performance. The GrooveTech guitar kit provides everything you need to work on your guitar, plus an Easy Setup Guide that takes the mystery out of the process. This Easy Setup Guide, really takes the guesswork out of guitar adjustments. It doesn't just give you a terrific playing guitar but also teaches you which parts of your guitar define tone and sustain. The guitar kit contains eleven hex keys which are color-coded gold for metric and black for inch sizes, and long pattern for easy access. All truss rod sizes are ball end. Also included is a thickness gauge, ruler, capo, cutters, string winder, 6-in-1 screwdriver, and LED flashlight. Tools are lifetime guaranteed and pro-grade. You might wonder why a capo is included in the kit, but once you go through the Easy Setup guide you'll discover that the capo is a handy tool providing you with a third hand while making truss rod adjustments. All in all a terrific kit for a great price, that guarantees a bigger smile on your face the next time you play your favorite guitar!

2009-05-27T20:18:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Fretboard Magazine, the magazine for Musicians products, musicians, everything Rock'n Roll and Kustom Kulture. Visit back regularly for updates, product features, music and more...

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2009-05-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

2009-05-25T13:46:00.001-07:00

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