If a picture is worth a thousand words, this captures Bruce Springsteen in action. He’s transcendent onstage, the best I’ve ever seen. However, this ticket fiasco has really stained the Boss’ reputation. For those who missed it, tickets for Bruce’s upcoming tour just went on sale. The face price for the best seats are selling …
Mick Jagger turned 79 the other day and thumbed his nose at aging. To celebrate, here’s a flashback to the Rolling Stones’ Voodoo Lounge tour. I had just joined VH1 as the head of marketing and wanted to create a buzz for the relaunch of our channel. The Stones were planning a big tour. So, …
A reporter asked AC/DC’s Angus Young, “Would you agree that your band has essentially made the same album 15 times?” Angus replied, “Hell no! We’ve made the same album 17 times!” There’s no denying that AC/DC’s no-frills, pelvis-grinding signature sound. But, they’re instantly recognizable and beloved by fans. For decades, the bad boys from down …
We’re living in a red-hot news cycle, and no media outlet has benefited more than NPR. Their reliable, unbiased reporting has given stations a huge ratings boost. All well-deserved. I just wish NPR’s presentation weren’t so stiff and elitist. It’s intentionally obscure, geared toward old, white, highly-educated listeners. I feel like I’m being talked at, …
More than 100 advertisers paid $6+ million for their Superbowl moment…only to be immediately forgotten. The top-rated ad showed Meadow Soprano driving a Chevy. Did it inspire anybody to buy one? It’s time we call out the elephant in the room. Mass marketing is just eye candy that rarely moves the needle. So, what does …
I was excited to watch a story about NASA’s new space telescope. So, I clicked on the link and the screen filled with images of…an insurance company ad. And no way to stop it. Sorry Flo, that’s not how to win my business. We don’t buy products because we’re forced to watch an ad. …
One morning, I walked into my radio station and saw two DJs rolling a watermelon down the stairs. One was stabbing it while his partner recorded the action…as rock stars roamed the hallways. It was just another day at the office. Being outrageous was our station’s culture and that collective energy made us better. Another …
Mick Fleetwood and John McVie should open an H.R. firm. Beyond their musical chops, this legendary rhythm section truly gets how to build a team. Not that it’s been easy. To date, they’ve recruited 18 musicians on the way to becoming one of the world’s biggest bands. They scrapped the playbook, changed their sound from …
What keeps execs awake at night? The smart ones worry about how to stay relevant. How to get noticed when everyone else is screaming for attention. So, how can you raise your game and create a buzz? Author/entrepreneur Seth Godin has some suggestions… Ignore the masses. There are no average Americans anymore. We’re a population …
This is the homepage of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame website. It proudly states their mission to honor “the people who shaped the history of rock & roll.” Like Abba. It seems like the Rock Hall only exists to support a tourist attraction. How did this coveted award become so meaningless? I …
