RETRO - INTERVIEWS - Dan Peek of America
July 26, 2011 - Although Dan Peek left the group America in 1977 he is certainly not forgotten as a member of the famous band. Peek passed away on July 24 of undisclosed causes. He was 60. The singer’s site simply states, “Dan went to Heaven on July 24 2011” and features a video of Peek performing his America hit “Lonely People.

I interviewed Gerry Beckley of America in 2003 and shortly after printing the story online I was approached by Peek’s brother, Tom, for a chance to hear another side of the America story – so I talked to Dan, for three hours. He told me he would welcome a return to the America but that both Beckley and Bunnell had no interest in a reunion. Peek and his brother kept in contact with me for 2-3 years after our interview. It was a pleasure getting to know him. He will be missed. Read the interview below.

”It's important to note that Peek was with America during their most successful period singing hits like "Lonely People," "Woman Tonight" and the fan favorite "Don't Cross the River." The singer told us he was empty and miserable during his last days with the group and needed to take a serious look at his professional and spiritual life. Peek who was a Christian had fond memories of his old band mates Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell and says for the most part he has found peace within himself about his Rock'n Roll past. It was a slow process and the singer shared some of the details with us. We spoke with Peek for almost three hours in late August of 2003. Read part one of our interview.

Classic Interview with the Late Great Jim Clench of April Wine and BTO
November 8, 2010 – When I heard that Jim Clench had passed away I immediately went to my basement to find one of my favourite April Wine albums, “Electric Jewels.” More than any other LP from the group, this one really showcased his talents at such an important time in their incarnation.

The second thing I did was dig up an old interview I did with the band from May 27, 2000. I spoke to leader and lead singer/guitarist Myles Goodwyn, guitarist Brian Greenway, then drummer Jerry Mercer and Clench. Clench and I talked for almost an hour about his Rock'n Roll journey, golfing and goofing off to London in the early seventies.
There's a strange thing that happens when one transcribes an interview with someone who recently died. Though the interview is over ten years old I couldn't help telling myself over and over during the 4 hours of transcribing that Jim Clench was a revised, happy musician at this period. I was filled with conflicting emotions because as I heard both of us speak in this moment in time he was, at least for this session, very much still alive.

April Wine has been my favorite Canadian band since 1972 and Jim's passing easily made me stop in my tracks with a sense of appreciation for how much he contributed to who I am, musically, today. I hope you enjoy the interview. I will be posting the segments from the other members soon. - Read the Interview

Exclusive Rock History Book Interview with Former Eagles Randy Meisner
Even though he left the Eagles after the Hotel California tour in 1977 Randy Meisner will always be remembered as the voice of 'Take it to the Limit' and 'Midnight Flyer.' He still sings those Eagles hits live in his latest band the World Class Rockers but mostly he lives the simple life in his house in the hills of Studio City Los Angeles. We talked to Randy by phone.

John Beaudin - Hi Randy, it's nice to talk to you. We built a section on the site so I can talk to whoever I want to!

Randy Meisner - Well, then I'm glad you chose me, thank you.

John - Where are you by the way?

Randy - Studio City Los Angeles. It's right across from Universal City.

John - What are you up to these days?

Randy - I'm working with a group called W.C.R. which stands for World Classic Rockers.

Rock History Book Exclusive Interview with Ravi Shankar
Some of us find God in the details and others with a mantra surrounded by our own silence. World music legend Ravi Shankar who became a household name in the mid sixties through his association with George Harrison and the Beatles has always found God while creating and performing his own music. His friendship with Harrison was strong right up until his death in November, 2001. Shankar, now in his eighties, is just as much the peaceful ambassador of world music that he was in the beginning of his recording career in the fifties. I spoke with Shankar by phone from London, England.

John Beaudin - Ravi, thank you so much for speaking to us. I'm really looking forward to experiencing your concert.

Ravi Shankar - Yeah, I am also very excited to be going out after a long gap.

John - A little while ago I interviewed Dave Brubeck who is also in his eighties and he says people come up to him all the time and ask him when he's going to retire and he says he doesn't understand such a question.

Ravi - Exactly. As long as I am wanted and people are there to hear and I am free to play then the question doesn't arise. The difference now is I don't like to tour as actively as I did. I like to choose fewer places on where I like to go.

John - So you are just more selective?

Ravi - Yeah that's all. Traveling has become such a hassle and that's why I tour less number of places then before.

John - What is the size of your current show? I know your daughter Anoushka is up there with you.