The Big Fat American Rock Show with Zach Martin: January 14 in Rock History
Step into rock history with Zach Martin on The Big Fat American Rock Show! In this electrifying episode, we journey through pivotal moments in rock. Relive the Sex Pistols’ chaotic final gig at Winterland Ballroom in 1978, where punk rebellion hit its peak before Johnny Rotten’s infamous exit. Jump to 1985 with John Fogerty’s triumphant return, spotlighting his iconic Centerfield album that reminded the world of his swamp-rock brilliance. Finally, we celebrate rock legend Dave Grohl’s 56th birthday, revisiting his career from Nirvana’s grunge-defining anthem “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to Foo Fighters’ masterpiece “Everlong.” Whether you’re a punk enthusiast, a Creedence Clearwater Revival fan, or a Foo Fighters devotee, this episode hits all the right notes. Turn up the volume, relive the stories, and celebrate the legends that make rock eternal. Stay loud, stay proud, and keep rocking with Zach Martin!
https://youtu.be/g-38GX2YQig?si=W-DYy8SAQb2ybkmq
The Sex Pistols’ Last Stand
The Sex Pistols’ last show at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco on January 14, 1978, marked the tumultuous end of the band’s brief yet explosive career. As the final stop on their chaotic U.S. tour, the performance was rife with tension, disillusionment, and the band’s signature anarchic energy. Playing to a sold-out crowd of about 5,000 fans, the show was riddled with sloppy musicianship and defiant antics, reflecting the growing fractures within the group.
Sid Vicious, struggling with addiction and increasingly unreliable, staggered through songs with erratic bass playing. Johnny Rotten’s vocal delivery was sardonic, dripping with disdain. His legendary parting words to the audience, “Ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated?” encapsulated the band’s collective disillusionment with their commercial trajectory and internal dynamics. Steve Jones and Paul Cook’s efforts to keep the music grounded were overshadowed by the chaotic energy onstage.
The setlist included punk anthems like “God Save the Queen” and “Anarchy in the U.K.,” but the performance felt more like a bitter farewell than a triumphant finale. The Sex Pistols disbanded shortly after the show, leaving a lasting legacy as pioneers of punk rock’s raw, rebellious spirit.
John Fogerty’s Centerfield
John Fogerty’s Centerfield album, released on January 15, 1985, marked a significant comeback for the legendary musician after nearly a decade away from the spotlight. The album was Fogerty’s first solo release since his 1975 self-titled record and became an enduring classic of heartland rock, blending nostalgia with masterful songwriting.
The album is best known for its title track, “Centerfield,” a spirited anthem celebrating America’s pastime, baseball. Other standout tracks include “The Old Man Down the Road,” which topped Billboard’s Rock Tracks chart, and “Rock and Roll Girls,” a Top 40 hit that exudes feel-good energy. The album reached No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, underscoring its widespread appeal and critical acclaim.
Fogerty played all the instruments on Centerfield, a testament to his versatility and artistic vision. Recorded at The Plant Studio in Sausalito, California, the production maintained a raw, stripped-down quality that complemented the personal and reflective themes. The album also subtly addressed Fogerty’s legal battles with his former record label, notably in the song “Zanz Kant Danz.”
The album’s success solidified Fogerty’s status as a rock legend and remains a beloved staple in his catalog, resonating with fans old and new. It was later inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame’s archives, honoring its cultural significance.
https://youtu.be/eBG7P-K-r1Y?si=_OEwfbiArHCGrWsw
Happy birthday dave grohl
Dave Grohl, born on January 14, 1969, in Warren, Ohio, is a multi-talented musician, songwriter, and producer celebrated for his monumental contributions to rock music. Grohl first gained prominence as the drummer for Nirvana, joining the band in 1990 and contributing to their groundbreaking 1991 album, Nevermind. His powerful, dynamic drumming became a hallmark of Nirvana’s sound, playing a pivotal role in the grunge movement of the early 1990s.
After Nirvana’s disbandment following Kurt Cobain’s death in 1994, Grohl embarked on a new musical journey as the frontman and founder of Foo Fighters. Initially conceived as a solo project, Foo Fighters evolved into one of rock’s most iconic bands, releasing numerous critically acclaimed albums, including The Colour and the Shape (1997) and Wasting Light (2011). Known for his versatility, Grohl has also played with bands like Queens of the Stone Age and Them Crooked Vultures.
Beyond music, Grohl is a celebrated filmmaker, author, and advocate for music education. His 2021 memoir, The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music, offers an intimate glimpse into his extraordinary career. A Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee twice over (with Nirvana and Foo Fighters), Grohl’s passion and charisma continue to inspire musicians worldwide.
https://youtu.be/x0RauMZPb9g?si=jUzrVzMTD-yhcroB
Rockin’ in the free world
“Rockin’ in the Free World” by Neil Young and Crazy Horse is a powerful anthem that blends raw rock energy with poignant social commentary. Released in 1989 on Young’s album Freedom, the song became one of his most iconic tracks, resonating deeply with audiences for its critique of societal and political issues.
The song’s lyrics paint a vivid picture of societal decay, addressing topics like homelessness, environmental destruction, and consumer culture, all while juxtaposing the refrain, “Keep on rockin’ in the free world,” as both a rallying cry and a biting irony. Inspired partly by the political climate during George H.W. Bush’s presidency, it captured the sense of disillusionment and the challenges facing the modern world.
Musically, “Rockin’ in the Free World” showcases Neil Young’s trademark gritty guitar riffs and impassioned vocal delivery, amplified by Crazy Horse’s raw, unpolished sound. The track’s electrifying energy made it a staple in live performances, often serving as a defiant climax to Young’s concerts.
Critics and fans alike lauded the song for its timeless relevance, ensuring its status as a classic. Decades later, it remains a symbol of resistance and the enduring spirit of rock music.
Complete Track Listing
- Sex Pistols – Anarchy in the U.K. (3:30)
- Sex Pistols – God Save the Queen (3:20)
- John Fogerty – Centerfield (3:52)
- John Fogerty – The Old Man Down the Road (3:34)
- Nirvana – In Bloom (4:14)
- Nirvana – Smells Like Teen Spirit (5:01)
- Foo Fighters – All My Life (4:23)
- Foo Fighters – Everlong (4:10)
- Neil Young & Crazy Horse – Keep on Rockin’ in the Free World (4:40)
The Big fat american rock show
The Big Fat American Rock Show on NEWHD NY, Monday-Saturday 12 Noon
Veterans Classic Rock Monday-Saturday 2PM Eastern.
The Big Fat American Rock Show with Zach Martin
Welcome to The Big Fat American Rock Show, the ultimate destination for classic rock enthusiasts and music lovers alike. Hosted by the legendary NYC and national radio broadcaster Zach Martin, this electrifying show airs Monday through Saturday at 12 noon Eastern on NEWHD Media, New York. Each episode is a high-energy journey through the timeless riffs, unforgettable melodies, and fascinating stories that shaped the history of rock and roll.
Zach Martin, a celebrated voice in radio, brings decades of experience, charisma, and a deep love for music to the microphone. Known for his incredible storytelling and deep connections to the music world, Zach has been a staple of NYC radio for years, capturing the hearts of listeners nationwide. His passion for classic rock and his ability to transport fans into the heart of rock history make him a one-of-a-kind host.
On The Big Fat American Rock Show, Zach celebrates the legends of rock, from Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin to Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, and more. Featuring thematic episodes, deep dives into music history, and exclusive insights into the lives of rock’s greatest icons, the show blends incredible music with behind-the-scenes stories that bring the songs to life.
Each episode includes:
- Thematic Rock Blocks: Explore unique themes, from British Invasion classics to American rock anthems.
- Historic Deep Dives: Celebrate key milestones and anniversaries in rock history.
- Fan Favorites: Relive timeless tracks and discover hidden gems.
Tune in to The Big Fat American Rock Show with Zach Martin for a vibrant celebration of classic rock and the unforgettable moments that defined a generation. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering rock for the first time, this is the show that will keep you loud, proud, and rocking.
