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New Memoir Recounts @jerrygarcia’s Final Days

Len Dell’Amico’s new memoir, Friend of the Devil: My Wild Ride With Jerry Garcia and Grateful Dead, recounts his experiences working as the Grateful Dead music video director and spending time with Jerry Garcia during the singer’s final days.

Dell’Amico shot their 1987 “Hell in a Bucket” music video and spent a lot of time with the band, befriending Garcia. As Dell’Amico recalled Garcia did not act like an entitled rockstar; he had a modest home and would often say he wanted to spend money on experiences rather than material things.

Dell’Amico said “We would go out to dinner and the manager at the restaurant would come over and say, ‘The meal’s on us.’ Garcia would always say, ‘No, thanks. We can pay for this. We have money. Why don’t you give a free meal to people who don’t have money?’ The manager would be taken aback by this, but Garcia was serious. … He wasn’t the type who wanted to talk about how great he was. He would get fed up with that. He wanted to talk about spirituality, religion, philosophy — he wasn’t interested in celebrity.”

He added, “I remember I came across the phrase ‘charm machine.’ That was Garcia. To meet him was to know him. And to know him was to love him. … He was the most well-read, intelligent and empathic person I’ve ever met. Many celebrities are self-involved and narcissistic. That was never Garcia.”

Dell’Amico recalled speaking to Garcia just a few weeks before he died.

It was hysterical. We laughed until we cried. But later I thought, ‘Why was he talking about his early life on that particular day?’ I was in denial. He was getting stuff out that he wanted us to know about. He wanted to laugh with his good friends, because I don’t think he thought he had much time left.” He said that Garcia seemed just like his happy self right before the end and hopes that his way of thinking inspires others to live life to the fullest.

Catch the stream at k-zap.org, on the k-zap apps or at 93.3 FM in the metro Sacramento area.
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The Sixth Rolling Stone Member You Probably Forgot Was in the Original Lineup (And Why They Got Kicked Out)

The origin story of the Rolling Stones consists of two musical worlds colliding at just the right time in the early 1960s.

Longtime members Keith Richards and Mick Jagger were performing Muddy Waters and Bo Diddley covers as the Blues Boys. Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, and Ian Stewart were performing under the name Blues Incorporated.

The musicians were all familiar with one another, being in the same local scene. So, when Jones left Blues Inc. and put an ad in the newspaper to form a new rhythm & blues band, his friends were quick to respond.

Stewart was the first to join Jones’ new outfit. Jagger, Richards, and their Blues Boys bandmate, Dick Taylor, joined next.

Ian Stewart left the band’s official lineup in 1963 at the request of Andrew Loog Oldham, the band’s manager. Oldham said Stewart, with his older, square appearance, didn’t fit the band’s younger image.

For some musicians, that might have been the official dissolution of any kind of working relationship. But Stewart was different, as Keith Richards explained in According to the Rolling Stones. “I’d have probably said, ‘Well, f*** you.’ But he said, ‘Okay, I’ll just drive you around.’ That takes a big heart, but Stu had one of the largest hearts around. I think Stu was bemused by the whole rock ‘n’ roll circus. He enjoyed it without having to be torn apart, sign autographs, and go to photoshoots. He was, in every respect, the kind of Rolling Stone he wanted to be because he could be totally anonymous but still be along on all the good s***.”

Some of that “good s***” included playing keys on some of the Rolling Stones’ most iconic tracks, including “Honky Tonk Women,” “Brown Sugar,” and “Time Is On My Side.”

Stewart died of a massive heart attack in December 1985. When the Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame four years later, the band requested Stewart’s name be included in their lineup.

Catch the stream at k-zap.org, on the k-zap apps or at 93.3 FM in the metro Sacramento area.
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⚡️ Thunderstruck Giveaway! Win AC/DC Laser Concert Tickets with K-ZAP! ⚡️🎸
Sacramento, let’s ROCK! 🤘 K-ZAP is dropping pairs of tickets to the MOSAC Planetarium Laser Concert Series featuring the electrifying vibes of AC/DC on Friday, May 9th! 🌟 Feel the power of AC/DC’s epic riffs through MOSAC’s 25,000-watt Dolby 5.1 Surround Sound System and mind-blowing laser show. 🎵✨ Want to join the party? Here’s how to score your tickets:

How to Enter: 🚨

📧 Email free@k-zap.org by Wednesday, May 7th.
📩 Subject line: “AC/DC”
✍️ Include your name and phone number.
⚠️ One entry per person (frequent winners may be skipped).

Winners get the call Thursday, May 8th! 📞 Can’t wait to rock ‘n’ roll? 🎉 Snag tickets now at visitmosac.org/laser-concert-series. K-ZAP’s cranking up the free music madness – don’t miss this high-voltage night! 🔥

#ACDC #LaserConcert #KZAP #MOSAC #SacramentoEvents 🎤🎆 …

🎸 Win tickets to see Social Distortion at Sacramento’s brand-new Channel 24 theatre (1800 24th St) on June 14th! Another Planet Entertainment brings you the hottest new concert spot, and K-ZAP’s giving you a shot at FREE tickets!
To enter:
• Email free@k-zap.org by midnight Sunday (5/4)
• Subject line: “Distortion”
• Include your name & phone number
• One entry per person; previous winners may be disqualified
Winners picked Monday (5/5) & notified. Get tix at ticketmaster.com. More FREE music from K-ZAP! 🎶 #Channel24 #SocialDistortion #KZAPORG …

🎸 Sacramento, get ready to rock! Join us for Remedy 7 live at Carmichael Concerts in the Park on Saturday, May 3, 2025, from 6-8 PM at the Daniel Bishop Memorial Pavilion, Carmichael Park (5750 Grant Ave, Carmichael, CA).

🎶 Enjoy an epic night of music and swing by the K-ZAP Emporium of Swag for exclusive K-ZAP shirts, hats, and more!

✍️ Support local radio by signing the ZAP THE GAP petition on-site—help us expand K-ZAP’s signal across Sacramento. Your signature rocks!

This free event is perfect for friends and family. More details: https://www.carmichaelpark.com/2025-05-03-concerts-in-the-park-6pm-8pm-remedy7

See you there! #Remedy7 #KZAP #CarmichaelConcerts #ZAPTHEGAP …

@sammyhagar: Alex Van Halen Is “Angry” Because “I’m Out Doing It” and “He Can’t”

Sammy Hagar and Alex Van Halen haven’t been on speaking terms in 21 years, and the Red Rocker has a couple theories as to why the drummer is upset with him, with one being jealousy.

Hagar recently released the new single “Encore, Thank You, Goodnight,” inspired by a dream he had about Eddie Van Halen. The singer and his all-star backing band of Michael Anthony, Joe Satriani, and Kenny Aronoff are set to kick off their  “Best of All Worlds” Las Vegas residency on Wednesday night (April 30th) at Dolby Live at Park MGM.

Alex then completely ignored the Van Hagar years of Van Halen in his 2024 memoir, Brothers, with Hagar insisting that not mentioning that era of the band was “blasphemy” to Eddie Van Halen’s legacy.

Now, in a new conversation with Rolling Stone, Hagar said, “I dreamt about Alex the other night, man. It was crazy. And it was so friggin’ real. I was saying, ‘What are you pissed off at me about, man? Now just tell me what your problem is. What did I do? Just tell me.’”

“I think Al’s angry because I’m out doing it, and [bassist] Mike [Anthony] and I are out doing it, and he can’t,” surmised Hagar. “He’s not a singer. He’s not a guitar player. He is not really a band leader. And he seems like he doesn’t want to play drums or can’t play drums anymore, and he can’t go write a new record. Alex wasn’t the songwriter in the band. He was the drummer. Eddie and I wrote the songs. Dave and Eddie wrote the songs, and so we can go out and do them.”

The interviewer then mentioned that Alex’s bitterness could do with recent health issues that have prevented him from performing, as well as Eddie’s passing in October 2020. Hagar answered, “Yeah, I’d say so. And I’m okay with it. Al, you’re fine. Just leave me alone. I’ll leave you alone. Everything’s good. I’m making you money, by the way, Al. I’m out there selling Van Halen records and keeping the name alive, keeping the music alive.”

Catch the stream at k-zap.org, on the k-zap apps or at 93.3 FM in the metro Sacramento area.
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🏍️ Older Riders Face Rising Risks in 2025 Motorcycle Crashes 🏍️

A trending issue in 2025: motorcycle accidents involving older riders are surging. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that riders aged 50+ now account for a significant share of fatalities, with a 34% fatality rate among this group in 2022—a stark rise from just 3% in 1975.
Lack of physical protection and slower reaction times often lead to severe injuries. As motorcycle accident experts, autoaccident.com has been helping riders since 1982. Ed Smith’s team fights for fair compensation. Proud sponsors of "Mick Martin`s Blues Party" (Saturdays 10a-Noon Pacific) on K-ZAP. Call 916-921-6400. 🛡️ …

New Album of Rare Acoustic Demos by Badfinger’s Pete Ham Released to Coincide with 50th Anniversary of His Death

A new collection of previously unheard demo recordings by Pete Ham called Acoustic has just been released in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the late Badfinger singer/guitarist’s death.

The album was released on Friday, April 25, via digital formats and as a limited-edition CD. The CD comes packaged in a six-panel digipak, and features 31 tracks, one more than the digital release.

The album’s tracks were compiled and edited by Badfinger archivist Tom Brennan, who also penned liner notes for the collection.

Only 1,000 copies of the Acoustic CD are available.

The recordings span from 1966, when Badfinger still was known by its original name, The Iveys, through 1975.

The album features demo versions of several songs that Badfinger recorded, including “Midnight Sun” and “We’re for the Dark.” Acoustic also features early renditions of a few tunes that later developed into Badfinger songs.

In addition, the album boasts alternate versions of tunes featured on the previously released posthumous Ham demo collections “7 Park Avenue” (1997) and “Golders Green” (1999).

The bonus track on the Acoustic CD is a rock ‘n’ roll medley that combines the Ham original “Are You Ready” with Pete’s renditions of the 1957 Elvis Presley hit “Mean Woman Blues” and the Gene Vincent classic “Be-Bop-a-Lula.”

Ham was a principal songwriter in the group, and was responsible for composing Badfinger’s three biggest original hits—“No Matter What,” “Day After Day,” and “Baby Blue.”

As the 1970s progressed, Badfinger experienced financial issues and legal troubles for which the group’s manager, Stan Polley, is widely blamed.

Distraught over his money troubles and struggling with his mental health, Ham died by suicide on April 24, 1975, three days before his 28th birthday.

Catch the stream at k-zap.org, on the k-zap apps or at 93.3 FM in the metro Sacramento area.
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‘Sweetheart of the Rodeo,’ the Bold Country Rock Move by @thebyrdsofficial

Already brimming with charisma and chaos even at the age of 21, Gram Parsons created the environment that created “Sweetheart Of The Rodeo.”

Parsons might have signed under the pretense that he’d just be in the cog in the wheel of a sturdy rock band.

But his ambition insisted that he try and push his artistic ideas on the band’s leaders, Roger McGuinn and Chris Hillman.

He envisioned the melding of country music’s traditional instrumentation and structures with rock music’s edge.

It helped Parsons in his plight that he had one simpatico bandmate. Hillman had already imposed a little bit of a country influence on the band on past records.

The Byrds headed to Nashville in the Spring of 1968 to record the album.

Like Bob Dylan before them they wisely made use of the wonderful session players on hand.

Other problems though were brewing most notably a power struggle between McGuinn and Parsons.

McGuinn replaced several of Parsons’ lead vocals, citing contractual issues that Parsons brought with him into the situation.

In any case, Parsons departed The Byrds, even before “Sweetheart Of The Rodeo” hit shelves in August 1968.

Brilliant session work by guys like JayDee Maness on pedal steel, John Hartford on banjo, and Earl Bell on piano ensures the authenticity of the album.

Parsons’ contributes originals “100 Years From Now” and “Hickory Wind,” the latter feeling like an instant standard.

Give credit to the band for hearing in William Bell’s early Stax hit “You Don’t Miss Your Water” the makings of a great country weeper.

Between the top-notch instrumental work and the killer harmonies of McGuinn, Hillman, and Parsons, there’s not a moment here that sounds anything less than exquisite. “Sweetheart Of The Rodeo,” oddly enough, ended up being ahead of its time in terms of the country rock explosion, even as it went deep into roots music traditions for inspiration.

Catch the stream at k-zap.org, on the k-zap apps or at 93.3 FM in the metro Sacramento area.
#kzaporg …

He was one of ’80s rock’s great journeymen with his searing hot lead work

Exploring the lead guitar style of John Sykes, a player who – like Page, Blackmore, and Moore – balanced flair with power.

John Sykes passed away in December at the age of 65, to the shock and dismay of many.

He first came to prominence in the early 80s with Tygers Of Pan Tang, though within a few short years he had replaced Snowy White in Thin Lizzy, before moving on to Whitesnake, most notably co-writing the 1987 self-titled album at the peak of their US success.

John’s fluid, skilful playing combined the passion of Gary Moore with riffs inspired by Zeppelin and Deep Purple, plus unexpected melodic twists like Ritchie Blackmore and squealing pinched harmonics that pre-dated Zakk Wylde getting the Ozzy Osbourne gig.

“When John Sykes came out on the [Tygers Of Pan Tang] “Spellbound” album, it was like, ‘This was a game changer for me.’” Marty Friedman told Eddie Trunk earlier this year. “He was the first guy in that genre that I heard that I was like, ‘Wow – these lead guys can really take an exciting part of the band’s sound.’”

John was also known for getting huge rhythm tones, some of which were created with the help of producer Bob Rock, who went on to produce Metallica’s ‘Black Album’ a few years later.

Though John settled in the US later in his career, he never lost the ‘Britishness’ in his playing – and while he was most certainly a rocker, he always retained a certain melodic blues feel, which set him apart from the shredders.

The guitar John is most associated with is his 1978 Les Paul Custom/Black Beauty with chrome hardware and a mirror pickguard, which he used throughout his career.

He would generally plug straight into his amps, which at various times were Mesa/Boogie, Jose Arredondo-modified Marshalls and EVH 5150s.

John liked his high-gain tones, and like Gary Moore he was adept at silencing the guitar/avoiding unwanted feedback by zeroing the volume knob between phrases.

Catch the stream at k-zap.org, on the k-zap apps or at 93.3 FM in the metro Sacramento area.
#kzaporg …

@officialbadco React to Rock Hall Induction: ‘A Long Time Coming’

The surviving members of Bad Company say they are “elated” to have finally been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, with two of them saying they intend to perform at the November ceremony.

“It is pretty amazing and very cool to be part of an iconic American institution that celebrates music, musicians and sometimes unsung heroes behind the scenes,” singer Paul Rodgers told Billboard. “I know that our fans, friends and some media have wanted this for a long time, so they will be pleased at last.”

“It’s been a long time coming,” drummer Simon Kirke added. “I’m not taking anything away from the [Rock Hall] committee; they had their reasons, but it’s a welcome addition if you will.”

Guitarist Mick Ralphs, who suffered a debilitating stroke in 2016, noted via e-mail: “I am elated and think Bad Company’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame is fantastic.”

The article goes on to note that Ralphs’ health will keep him from attending the Nov. 8 ceremony, but that Rodgers and Kirke plan to perform, although full details have yet to be revealed.

Bad Company had long been considered one of the Hall’s most egregious omissions. With more than 40 million albums sold, along with classic hits like “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” “Can’t Get Enough,” “Shooting Star” and “Bad Company,” the group’s resume was certainly stacked.

Bad Company’s final tour took place in 2019 and concluded with a performance at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Rodgers has battled health problems, including multiple strokes and heart problems in recent years. The issues have largely slowed him down, though the singer did release a solo album in 2023 and has made several guest appearances on television.

In a 2023 interview, Kirke admitted Bad Company’s performing days were “pretty much over,” with Rodgers’ health problems among the main reasons. “We had a good run and I think we’re going to lay the old Bad Company to rest pretty soon,” Kirke remarked.

Catch the stream at k-zap.org, on the k-zap apps or at 93.3 FM in the metro Sacramento area.
#kzaporg …

May is here, and with warmer days ahead, it’s time to get your car ready for spring road trips! 🌞 Black Rock Auto in Sacramento is your trusted spot for keeping your vehicle in top shape:

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K-ZAP Sponsors: Proud supporters of K-ZAP and the Rush Hour Blues with Bill Prescott, Fridays at 5pm – ensuring your drives are filled with awesome tunes! 🎶

As we head into May, let’s focus on checking your tires for summer readiness. Rising temperatures can affect tire pressure, and worn treads can be dangerous on hot pavement. Black Rock Auto can inspect your tires, adjust pressure, and recommend replacements if needed, so you’re ready for those long, sunny drives without a hitch.

Stop by during business hours to grab your FREE K-ZAP sticker – because a road-ready car deserves to look as good as it rides! 🎁

Get your vehicle May-ready by calling Black Rock Auto at 916-447-3494 or visiting blackrockauto.com. Keep your tires rolling and your music rocking! 🚗

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Cruise into May with confidence, thanks to Black Rock Auto! 🌴 …

On this day April 28, 1967 @muddywatersofficial and Big Mama Thornton played UC Davis Freeborn Hall.

Catch the stream at k-zap.org, on the k-zap apps or at 93.3 FM in the metro Sacramento area.
#kzaporg …

Joe Cocker, Bad Company, the White Stripes and Soundgarden get into Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Other inductees include Chubby Checker, pop star Cyndi Lauper and the hip-hop pioneers Outkast.

Salt-N-Pepa, the first female rap act to achieve gold and platinum status, and the late singer-songwriter Warren Zevon will get the Musical Influence Award.

The late record producer Thom Bell, pianist Nicky Hopkins and bassist Carol Kaye will each get the Musical Excellence Award.

Some nominees that didn’t get in this year include Mariah Carey, Phish, Billy Idol, Joy Division/New Order, Maná, the Black Crowes and Oasis.

Catch the stream at k-zap.org, on the k-zap apps or at 93.3 FM in the metro Sacramento area.
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The two @therollingstones albums Mick Jagger always hated

Among the Stones’ prolific scores of studio albums, there are two sore thumbs that stick out as blights on Jagger’s musical soul.

But surprisingly enough, they aren’t from the band’s dreaded 1980s rough patch or even some of their more recent ageing efforts – but instead from what is widely constituted as their peak period of the 1960s, as Jagger feels they just don’t meet the stratospheric standards they would go on to set.

The first is the 1967 album “Between the Buttons,” which Jagger once told Rolling Stone he feels should just fade into obsoletion as: “Frank Zappa used to say he really liked it. It’s a good record, but it was unfortunately rather spoiled. We recorded it in London on four-track machines. We bounced it back to do overdubs so many times, we lost the sound of a lot of it.”

Similarly, The Rolling Stones’ follow-up album from later in the same year, “Their Satanic Majesties Request,” failed to live up to his heady standards either, but the difference was that on the latter, there was also an ulterior motive at play. With regard to the album as a whole, Jagger later admitted: “It’s not very good. It had interesting things on it, but I don’t think any of the songs are very good.

It’s a bit like “Between the Buttons.” It’s a sound experience, really, rather than a song experience,” however, the sound versus song dichotomy turned out to be his weapon of choice.

The blitzing sound of “Their Satanic Majesties Request” was formulated with one aim – to oust manager Andrew Loog Oldham, as Jagger confessed: “We did it to piss Andrew off, because he was such a pain in the neck,” Jagger confessed. The ‘Satisfaction’ singer then added: “Because he didn’t understand it. The more we wanted to unload him, we decided to go on this path to alienate him.”

Catch the stream at k-zap.org, on the k-zap apps or at 93.3 FM in the metro Sacramento area.
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Watch Neil Young Jam With Stephen Stills, Break Out Stunning Deep Cuts at Light Up the Blues

Young’s politically-charged set featured the debut of his new tune “Let’s Roll Again,” the first “Ordinary People” since 1988, and a furious “Rockin’ in the Free World” guitar battle with Stills.

Neil Young and Stephen Stills joined forces Saturday night for the semi-annual Light Up the Blues charity show at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles.

They shared the bill with Billy Idol and Steve Stevens, Cat Power, Nathaniel Rateliff, Rufus Wainwright, and Linda Perry to raise money for Autism Speaks.

Taking the stage alongside his new band the Chrome Hearts – which features guitarist Micah Nelson, organist Spooner Oldham, bassist Corey McCormick, and drummer Anthony LoGerfo – Young kicked off his set with the live debut of “Let’s Roll Again” from his upcoming LP “Talkin’ To The Trees.”

For Young’s final two songs, “Human Highway” and “Rockin’ in the Free World,” Stephen Stills and his son Chris Stills joined them on guitar and vocals.

It ended with Young and Stills trading furious guitar solos.

Stills was also backed by the Chrome Hearts for his own set. It featured the Manassas favorite “Colorado,” where he was joined by special guest Nathaniel Rateliff, Buffalo Springfield’s “Hung Upside Down,” CSN’s “Dark Star,” and Buffalo Springfield’s “For What It’s Worth.”

Young returned to the stage for the latter song, where he replicated his guitar part from the original 1966 recording.

Check out Stephen Stills and Neil Young dueling on “Rockin’ in the Free World” below:

https://shorturl.at/hItWD

Catch the stream at k-zap.org, on the k-zap apps or at 93.3 FM in the metro Sacramento area.
#kzaporg …