Buzz Zeemer - 2023

 

RIP Charlie Gracie [1936-2022]

Charlie Gracie, Philadelphia rock and roll pioneer, died Dec. 17, 2022, at the age of 86. 

Gracie is best known for his 1957 #1 hit “Butterfly.” He served as an early influence to many artists, including the Beatles. 

The Charlie Gracie documentary "Fabulous" was released in 2007 and featured interviews with many artists including Tommy Conwell.

 

From the documentary: “Charlie knocked Elvis from the top of the charts with his #1 monster hit "Butterfly." He went on a world tour and appeared frequently on television programs including Ed Sullivan. He influenced some of the greatest rock icons of all time including: Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Van Morrison and Graham Nash.” 

Tommy Conwell also appears on Charlie Gracie’s “I’m All Right” 2001 album (featured on guitar) on a track called “Still 19."

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform "Rock With You" - 1989

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers perform "Rock With You" live at the Pennsylvania State Fair in Bensalem, PA, Memorial Day, 1989. 

The Young Rumblers are: Tommy Conwell, Paul Slivka, Jim Hannum, Chris Day and Rob Miller. "Rock With You" is a track from "Guitar Trouble"--released in 1990.

TCYR Gig Countdown 2022 - "Burning Love"

At one time, Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers were known for their Elvis Presley covers onstage.

• “Little Sister” – 1987
• “Jail House Rock” – 1990   

But the best in my opinion is TCYR’s “Burning Love” -- Live at the DC101 Chili Cook-Off, May 18, 1991. 

TCYR Gig Countdown 2022 - "I Wanna Make You Happy"

 

Another non-stop rock jam from the Rumblers! Very rare! #MakeYouHappy 🤩 

Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers - the 80's! "I Wanna Make You Happy" - at soundcheck! [ Soundboard audio ]

TCYR Gig Countdown 2022 - "Walkin' On The Water"

A week after TCYR’s "Showboats and Grandstanders" record release party at Philly’s The Fillmore in 2019, Jacky BamBam shared with me his amazement of the “real-deal rock n’ roll sound” of the Young Rumblers that night and the awesome inclusion of the horns: “No one does rock n’ roll horns anymore!!!” 🤘🏻🎶🎸

But now it seems like everyone is doing it these days.  ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 

Here’s TCYR at Ardmore back in 2019 with "Walkin' On The Water!" 

TCYR Gig Countdown 2022 - "Cruisin' Slow"

OK. I have a confession to make....ALL of these TCYR songs are my faves! But this video is Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers at their chorus-y best! Performing the unreleased classic “Cruisin’ Slow in 1989. 🎸🎸🎸

The band does bring this rocker back out now and again—here’s their take on it in 2015.  🤩

TCYR Gig Countdown 2022 - "Reelin' and Rumblin'"

Welcome to this week's Audio Rumble gig countdown where DJ Caterina will be selecting her fave live TCYR concert performances from years past! 🎸

Get ready for Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers at Ardmore Music Hall on Sat., 11-19-2022! Today's selection is vintage TCYR captured on soundboard (during rehearsal) in the late 80's – called Reelin’ and Rumblin’! 

One of the great examples of Tommy showcasing his blues chops along with Chris Day bringing out his hard rock/metal licks on guitar! Just like peanut butter and chocolate--better together! And don't forget the rhythmic heartbeats of TCYR—Paul Slivka and Jim Hannum. (Yes, Rob Miller on keyboards, too.) 

 

TCYR Gig Countdown 2022 - "Do You Still Believe In Me"

As we countdown to Saturday night's big TCYR gig at Ardmore Music Hall, here's another one of DJ Caterina's "rediscovered" fave live video performances from Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers -- "Do You Still Believe In Me" at La Salle University, 1987. Philadelphia, PA.

If You Have Ghosts - Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers [1991]

Watch Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers cover Roky Erickson's "If You Have Ghosts" in their Guitar Trouble prime on video in 1991.

Listen to an audio only version from the same year live in D.C.!

Japanese Rock Band Covers TCYR's "Workout"

Released in August 2022, “Lookin’ Westward” is a new full length album by The Wimpy's, a punk-surf-rock band from Osaka, Japan! Track #4 is a cover of “Workout” by Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers!

Listen to the track (and buy it!) on Bandcamp. 

Bandcamp says: “On their newest full-length, they deliver 16 perfect poppy punk tunes, just like we're used to hearing them, but better! Surfy dreamin', 50s jukebox sounds and punkrock kissin' rock n roll! Dance with The Wimpys, never leave the prom!”

I’m going to try and get the limited vinyl LP version! 

2017 Facebook post from The Wimpy's

Tommy Conwell and the House Rockers - Connecticut Dates

Links below for more information on Tommy Conwell and the House Rockers this upcoming weekend in Madison and Mystic, Connecticut. 

• Tommy Conwell and the House Rockers at Madison Beach Hotel 
  Thursday, July 28, 2022  
• Tommy Conwell and the House Rockers at Hilton Mystic 
  Friday, July 29, 2022 

Tommy Conwell & the Young Rumblers - 1 Day Countdown to Lancaster Roots & Blues

 

1 day left until Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers (TCYR) perform at Lancaster Roots & Blues! 

Between now and then, enjoy some select blues performances from Tommy Conwell over the years. These are the best! 

🢡 TCYR at Ardmore Music Hall, “Early In the Morning” (2018)    

🢡 TCYR live in Italy, “Young Thing” (1989) 
 

🢡 Tommy Conwell and the Little Kings at 118 North, “Baby, Scratch My Back” (2018)
   

🢡 TCYR at The Bottom Line in NYC, “Sweet Home Chicago” (1988)  

🢡 Tommy Conwell at Walsh’s Tavern, “Hideaway” (late 1990s)  

Tommy Conwell's Young Rumblers - 1985

1985 was rockin' with "3 bands and totally open bar!" 🎸 #rockett88 #tcyr

Wayne Music Festival - June 11, 2022

 

Be Still. Listen Close.

Love 😍 this guitar solo intro of "Gonna Breakdown" on video--Tommy Conwell and the Young Rumblers live at Chestnut Cabaret on Dec. 28, 1990. 🎸

One of the greatest of all time!

To quote a Tommy Conwell [interview]--"Frank (Brown) is a great songwriter..." 🎶🎸

Tommy Conwell & House Rockers

Tommy Conwell and his backing band, the House Rockers, at 118 North in Wayne, PA, on January 21, 2022. Video on YouTube courtesy of Daniel Murphy.

Happy Birthday, Tommy Conwell!

Another birthday and forever cool. 

Happy Birthday, Tommy Conwell! [January 14, 1962] 

🎸🎶🎉😎