I just want to add my comments here about the new cd "A Brand New World". It is a wonderful cd with superb musicianship. I also am aware that Bridges played on everything Rare Earth ever released. BUT....when there is only ONE original member of the group involved I can't accept the cd into the same camp with the albums recorded by the original group (not that anyone is asking me to!!!) But in my humble opinion the voice that identified Rare Earth was Rivera's. No other voice can do that...just like no other voice but Mick Jagger's would be accepted for The Rolling Stones, etc. etc. I know a lot of people here might get mad about my feelings, but I am being truthful. And I also understand that Rivera is not in Rare Earth anymore, so this is what we have to work with. I always appreciated Bridges unique sax sound and his presence...but the voice is what ultimately identifies the character of the group. The new cd is great for what it is, and I wish the band much luck and success. I remember going to see Rare Earth in 1986, on the same bill with WAR and Vanilla Fudge. After I paid my money at the door, the goon who took my money yelled to me "Hey, by the way, WAR couldn't make it"....So I was already frustrated from that, then when I saw that Rare Earth had some other drummer, not Rivera, I was totally disgusted. Not because of their performance, but because I was misled into believing that the lead singer would have been there, or they should have at least advertised it as such. The funny part is that the photo of the band showed the bass player, who looked a little like Pete, so I had no suspicions...until I heard their first song. Again...great musicians, but not what I expected. (I believe Monette was there for that one) TM
Tony as many bands are moving on to 30-40 year careers many have lost original (or popular) members. Sometimes to other bands, sometimes unfortuneately due to death and retirement.
Deep Purple has one original member as well (the drummer!). Ian Gillan was not an original member but certainly one of their "voices". I mean he may be their most popular but remember David Coverdale sang for them as well.
You mentioned War. War has just the keyboardest and co-vocalist left. The other 4 guys from War (arguably the more talanted 4) are force to call themselves The Lowrider Band.
Queen is touring with Paul Rogers while Yes is out without Jon Anderson. What about Journey? By the way, they were great this past summer. Heck, even Led Zeppelin is thinking of going out without Robert Plant. Genesis was more popular without Peter Gabrial. Lynyrd Skynyrd still sells out many many shows and makes a lot of people happy. Who really are Jethro Tull besides Ian Anderson? What about Procol Harum....is it just Gary Brooker? Who is Bad Company? Is it Paul Rogers or Brian Howe? Remember, they had some BIG hits with Brian singing.
Pete is a great singer. Gil is the soul of Rare Earth. He has been for years. Would it be nice for a reunion...of course. Will it happen, who knows. Rare Earth is till around and that is great. Is it the Rare Earth of the 70's, no. Is it Rare Earth, YES!!!!!!!!
Times change. Thankfully we still have musicians who connect with the original material and do it justice!
Jay, I see your point and I agree that we are fortunate to have Rare Earth out there. I need to have a more open mind (and ears) about these things. It is just that I was so wrapped up in that great old stuff from those great old days that nothing today ever seems to measure up!!! Thanks for your reply! TM
Didn't Pete and Mike Urso depart at the same time? When you say that the new bass player looked like Pete Rivera I'm taking it that you're not referring to Mike's replacement Reggie McBride!!! I presume you must be referring to the second departure of Peter after the Grand Slam days.
I kind of understand what you're saying about the line-ups but as Jay points out, sometimes bands have not only survived the departure of important members but have gone onto greater acceptance and success. Whilst I'm not suggesting this is the case at this stage of Rare Earth's career, Gil has kept the ball rolling and the new CD demonstrates that they still have a good deal to offer. I think it surprised a lot of people.
I'd like to think that one day old wounds will be healed and the remaining founder / prime members might find it possible to do a re-union of some sort. However, when you watch the promo video for Peter Rivera's Celebrate, I have to ask why Pete would be too concerned about a re-union. They sound extremely polished, but then again I expect they play the single versions of Get Ready and Losing You rather than the extended jams we all miss.
In response to Jay, I thought the Queen and Paul Rodgers thing was working well. Then I bought the new CD. I've never bought a Queen album before although I like a lot of their stuff. I went for the new one and liked the first track. I've struggled with the rest of it though. With the exception of C-Lebrity I just can't get excited about it. Off topic I know, but I just wondered if you've heard it and what's your views? No mistaking Paul Rodger's talents by the way. Free and Bad Company are right up there on my list!
No, I didn't hear that new Queen release. I was a Queen fan back when they released their first 3 albums. Queen ll was a really strong album....back in the good old days. And I am guilty again of not giving them much of a chance today because they are so different from when I loved their old stuff......you know, a lot of this, for me anyway, is nostalgia....30 to 35 years ago I was younger, stronger, better looking ( a lot thinner!!!!), had no responsibilities, no bills, no cares...therefore I was able to actually LIVE the music. But now I am lucky if I get any time at all to listen to things. I miss those old days when you would buy an album and wear the grooves off of it, then go out with my friends and cause all sorts of chaos (innocent stuff by today's standards), drink booze, smoke cigarettes and pot until I couldn't smoke anymore of it...which is why I am not in the best condition today!!!! Dumb I suppose, but wow...did I have fun!!!!!!! Didn't we all?!!!!!!!!!! Rock on brothers!!!!!!!!! TM
