I last posted here back in the winter months, and have been trying to sift through the many posts to see what has been going on since that time. I didn't lose interest here, just became terribly busy, and couldnt get away.
I have read some unbelievably interesting posts since that time, and see that now Mr. Rivera and Mr. Bridges have been posting here! I hope to spend the next few days reading all that I have missed.
I hope I am not asking an already asked question...but, a few weeks ago, I turned on the television, and was flipping through the channles when I came upon my PBS station out of Columbus, and saw Pete singing "I just want to celebrate", playing drums and all, but, this was as the show was ending, and the credits were rolling by. I just wondered if anyone else saw this in its entirety, and how much he was on this, and whether or not they will be repeating it, as well as how much he was on the program?
To those whom I chatted with here earlier this year, hello! I have so much catching up to do! Looks like some really fascinating topics to read up on! Hope all are doing well!
I SAW A SIMILAR SHOW WITH PETER ON PBS,BUT HE WAS SINGING GET READY WITH A HOUSE BAND AND I BELIEVE THE SHOW WAS CALLED ROCK VOICES OF THE SEVENTIES AND BARRY WILLIAMS (BRADY BUNCH) WAS THE HOST.....PETER REALLY ROCKED!!! AND THE CROWD WAS REALLY IN TO IN IT......I BELIEVE PBS HAD A CD OR DVD UP FOR ONE OF THIER ANNUAL AUCTIONS TO RAISE MONEY......... TAKE CARE... MARK M
Thanks ever so much for this reply, and for the welcome back.
I was very upset that I had missed the program as I was sure he had probably done many of the hits the band had. I was hoping thet they would air it again so I could tape it, but, if they have, I have missed it. I was amazed at his voice. So many of the singers from the past have lost their voices, but not him. He sounded incredible, and as strong and full of quality as he did in the 70's.
One question I always thought I would like to ask him, when I was younger, was, how did he play the drums with his eyes closed? I remember trying that back in the day, and failing at it largely. I haven't tried that lately, but now that I'm thinking about it, I might try that today when I practice , just for the heck of it LOL!
Thanks again, Mark, for your fast reply. I love it that Pete was the performer who closed the program!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOH!!!!!!!
Peter( if I may) I can't tell you what an honor it is to be addressed by you.
I can't tell you how many times you have made my day over the years, for I have lost count of those days. You inspired me both as a drummer and singer ( although I don't sing anymore, I am still heavily active in drumming) and to this day, I am overwhelmed by your multi-talent of both singer and drummer.
Thanks ever so much for being such a big part of my life, and for having taught me--through your recordings--so very much, with your superb drumming and your great voice.
Thank you so much for those compliments. You never really stop singing now do you/ I am blessed and very thankful that I've been able to live a life of music. It's all I've ever done and I wouldn't trade it for anything. After all these years you don't know just how much it means to hear from friends like you....Thank you again....Peter Rivera
Steve Barber wrote: Peter( if I may) I can't tell you what an honor it is to be addressed by you.
I can't tell you how many times you have made my day over the years, for I have lost count of those days. You inspired me both as a drummer and singer ( although I don't sing anymore, I am still heavily active in drumming) and to this day, I am overwhelmed by your multi-talent of both singer and drummer.
Thanks ever so much for being such a big part of my life, and for having taught me--through your recordings--so very much, with your superb drumming and your great voice.
Respectfully ,
Steve
Well said Steve. I'd have to agree. Rare Earth's music has loomed large in my life over the years, especially in college. While everyone else was into rap, heavy metal, etc...I was into anything and everything 60's and 70's. I turned some friends onto Rare Earth while at college, especially In Concert during or after study groups. I used to get a lot of "Oh yeah, I recognize this song or that voice". Not to classify RE, but one great aspect is the "blue eyed soul" of the vocals and harmonies. I'm a sucker for that.
Another thing is how cool Pete looked (no kissing up intended Pete) while playing drums and singing with his eyes closed...after having seen footage on DVD.
Having at last ditched my previous ISP, I've now updated to Broadband and not before time.
One of my first visits was to YouTube. I have to say that I was completely blown away by Peter's "Celebrate" band. I'd read some great comments on here, but seeing is believing and, oh boy, how much fun would it be to be involved in a band like that???
Pete's drumming and singing is of the highest order and the musicians that make up the rest of the band are certainly well up to scratch.
I'd like to add that I also saw footage of latter day Rare Earth and Gil and Ray are equally on top of their game! I wish the three of you great success in 2008, though I make absolutely no apologies for thinking that it would be so much sweeter if you could be persuaded to pool your talents and do something together again one day. I guess it'll take a genie in a bottle for that dream to come true....
Having at last ditched my previous ISP, I've now updated to Broadband and not before time.
One of my first visits was to YouTube. I have to say that I was completely blown away by Peter's "Celebrate" band. I'd read some great comments on here, but seeing is believing and, oh boy, how much fun would it be to be involved in a band like that???
Pete's drumming and singing is of the highest order and the musicians that make up the rest of the band are certainly well up to scratch.
I'd like to add that I also saw footage of latter day Rare Earth and Gil and Ray are equally on top of their game! I wish the three of you great success in 2008, though I make absolutely no apologies for thinking that it would be so much sweeter if you could be persuaded to pool your talents and do something together again one day. I guess it'll take a genie in a bottle for that dream to come true....
WELL DAVE THEY DID IT TWICE BEFORE AND THERE ALWAYS HOPE... PINK FLOYD GOT TOGETHER FOR SOME CHARITY WORK AND THE EAGLES HAVE A BRAND NEW CD OUT SO....MAYBE.....THERE IS HOPE
Ok, this is a pipe dream but...I'd like to see Pete, Gil, and Ray get together in a band situation to do some work. I know there's a lot of history between Pete & Gil (having read Pete's book) but ya never know. It'd be cool to get Kenny Folcik and Mike Urso involved too...a reunion of sorts. I'd pay to see/hear something along these lines. The very important element of "congas, timables & cowbells" would still be left unfilled. Perchance to dream I suppose. Of course...Mark, Eddie & John would be sorely missed.
I was talking with my dad Saturday while playing him some of my Rare Earth vinyl transfers. I asked him what seeing those guys in the 70's was like. he told me it was like "one big party...you just couldn't help but getting up on your feet, clapping and singing along...feel good music". We're gonna have a good time? Indeed...it sure sounds that way.
Thank you so much for those compliments. You never really stop singing now do you/ I am blessed and very thankful that I've been able to live a life of music. It's all I've ever done and I wouldn't trade it for anything. After all these years you don't know just how much it means to hear from friends like you....Thank you again....Peter Rivera
You're welcome, and thank **you** very much, sir.
You're right...you never stop singing. In my case,however, I gave up singing in bands, but I do sing in private. If walls could talk they'd tell me to shut up(lol).
I am just a drop in the bucket as to how many singers and drummers you've influenced over the years. I can never say thank you, enough. I hope someday to meet you, for this would make my life complete!
Steve Barber wrote:I hope someday to meet you, for this would make my life complete!
I know the feeling Steve. I remember when I sent a letter to Motown in late 1995 with questions for both Gil & Pete and asking fi they could forward them on. One day in mid-December I am woekn up from a nap being told I have an important phone call...I was a little groggy when I picked up my phone...UNTIL I heard the voice say "Hi Mike, This is Pete Rivera. How ya doin' man?". For about half an hour we talked and discussed the band. I'll always be grateful for that phone call...and thank you Pete. :)
Steve Yes, I'd love to meet Peter too. Undoubtedly it was his drumming on Get Ready and Magic Key that hooked me to the band. Naturally I'd no idea from a 45rpm record that he was also the lead singer on Get Ready. Peter is amazing and I have to say the same applies to Ray and Gil. I'd like to meet them some day too.
Mike That's a great story about Peter phoning you. I can't imagine how thrilling that must have been. I wrote to Motown and got a photo (circa Willie Remembers) with printed autographs. That was a big enough thrill for me, but a phone call from Peter???
My ambition is to get to see with the Funk Brothers in May. I'd like to get the chance to thank him for the pleasure I've gained from listening to his amazing guitar work over the years.
