Classic KFMC Rock News
For January 25, 2012
***The Doobie Brothers have shared some updated information on the conditions of ailing drummer Mike Hossack and bassist Skylark, both of whom have been sidelined since 2010 because of separate health issues. Hossack -- who is dealing with complications from injuries he received in an auto accident a few years ago -- "is improving slowly [and] sends his regards" to the band's fans, according to the Doobies' management.
Skylark, meanwhile, who suffered a serious stroke, visited the Doobies at their concert in Las Vegas earlier this month. The group's management reports that the bass player "is improving daily, but is not able to travel or go on tour yet."
Skylark also wrote his own message to fans that's been posted on DoobieBrothers.net. He says his recovery has "been fascinating, interesting, heart-warming, encouraging, painful, challenging…but nothing has been more frustrating than not yet being able to sling my bass on and rejoin The Doobie Brothers on stage."
He adds, "It seems that recovery from a stroke -- and from what I understand mine was a whopper -– happens according to its own schedule…In the meantime, I keep my bass within reach as I forge ahead."
Skylark also tells fans, "Your many cards, messages, and good vibes have meant a lot to me over the months." In addition, he recently launched a new site, Skylark.me, to make it easier for fans to keep in contact with him.
The Doobie Brothers travel to New Zealand for a few tour dates in early February, and will launch a new series of U.S. shows on February 25 in Orlando, Florida.
***The Who's Pete Townshend has announced a partnership with the Spirit Music Group that includes the sale of his entire song catalog to the publishing company. The rock icon worked closely with Spirit Music CEO Mark Fried during the last year to formulate the deal, which seeks to promote positive collaboration between Spirit's marketing division, Townshend and his management, his current label Universal Music Group and TRO -- the publisher of his early material.
Townshend also has a multi-year contract to work as a consultant for Spirit Music, and will help conceive new ways to promote his and The Who's music via future catalog releases, as well as film, TV, multimedia and stage projects and productions.
In addition, the agreement incorporates a publishing deal focused on Townshend's future projects with and outside of his band, including his long-awaited musical, Floss. Spirit also will be involved in the promotion of Townshend's upcoming biography, which is expected to be published in September, as well as in a series of archival Who releases leading up to and in conjunction with the celebration of the band's 50th anniversary in 2014.
"I feel that my song catalog is at last consolidated with one guiding company, and I'm optimistic that Spirit will keep my music in the public mind," Townshend said in a statement. "Further, the deal provides me with the resources to start all over again in my creative career…I am passionately committed to new projects for rock and for music theater and I can't imagine a better company with which to be building a new creative life for myself."
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