Sad news: Link Wray, pioneering instrumental-rock guitarist, has died at age 76, and has been buried in Copenhagen. The English-speaking press hasn't picked up on the story yet, so this Danish article is all I have to go on. Since my Danish is limited to "I'd like to have a hamburger," I can't say if the article identifies the cause of his death. Here's a French article translated into English, which says the cause hasn't been released yet.

I saw Link perform with Robert Gordon, many years ago; the passion in his playing was incredible. He will be missed.

So long, Ray, and thanks for all the great licks!

Posted by MrBaliHai at 9:32 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

A couple of days ago, I noticed I was getting some hits in my referrer's log from this Citizine interview with "Metal" Mike Saunders, lead singer and guitarist for the Angry Samoans. Longtime readers of the Goof may remember him as the gentleman responsible for putting me back in touch with my buddy X-8.

In the interview, Mikey outlines the history of the band, and also talks extensively about the development of the L.A. punk scene. He doesn't pull any punches when it comes to discussing his perceived shortcomings of local demi-gods like KROQ D.J. Rodney Bingenheimer and the influence that Slash Magazine exerted over which bands were allowed to appear in Penelope Spheeris' celebrated punk-umentary, The Decline Of Western Civilization.

When the topic turns briefly to the origins of Flipside Magazine, I have to admit that I was highly amused by Mike's characterization of us Whittier boys as having an "outsider mentality." Living 20 miles from Hollywood ain't exactly the same as living on the far side of the Moon, doncha know! Besides, where does he think almost everyone in Silverlake moved there from, if not the dreaded 'burbs?

Posted by MrBaliHai at 10:25 AM | Permalink