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Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp
At first, jamming alongside members of The Who and Cheap Trick was not exactly Katherine Lanpher's idea of a fantasy. But after five days at a Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp in Los Angeles, the author and radio host did just that -- and it changed her forever. We talk with Lanpher about her experience, which she wrote about in More magazine. Weigh in: Who would be your dream camp counselor at a rock 'n' roll fantasy camp? What would you want to learn from them?
Lanpher's story, "School of Rock," in More magazine
Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp website
Slideshow: Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp
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Comments
I would choose Black Francis (AKA Frank Black), formerly of the Pixies. In a nutshell, I'd like to learn how to scream musically.
Musical screaming has informed genres as diverse as punk, funk, heavy metal and good old rock-n-roll. It's cathartic. It's electrifying.
And best of all, to directly quote "U-Mass" by The Pixies, "IT'S EDUCAAAAAATIONAL!"
I picture Richard Butler of the Psychedelic Furs and Jack Hues of Wang Chung leading a 1980's New Wave/Alt Rock Fantasy Camp. Learning proper use of drum machine and video toaster graphics would be very important. There may even be a special session on picking out and wearing skinny ties.
My fantasy rock and roll counselor would be Brian Hugh Warner, aka Marilyn Manson.
True, he's not really a traditional rocker. Yes, most of his music stinks. And sure, his act is tired by now.
But to me, fantasy camp is experiencing larger than life personalities, and telling stories after ('I met Marilyn Manson once'). And from him, I'd learn how the other .004% live.
First choice: Gary Glitter. NO CONTEST! Maybe you've heard of a little ditty called "Rock and Roll Part Two"? HMMMM? Absolutely. Second choice: Dee Snider, but only if he wears the Twisted Sister garb the ENTIRE time, making the face from the "Stay Hungry" album cover. Third and final choice: Slash. DUH! Runner up: Noah Barton of Iron Throb.
Why can't I just say Sinead O Connor? Because she's so cheery and friendly. And here's the link to prove it:
http://www.wnyc.org/shows/soundcheck/episodes/2007/07/05
Well, if you want a serious answer I suppose I'd say Bowie. Because if I wanted to learn to sing like one person, I'd want it to be a person with the kind of chameleon-like voice that David Bowie has. From the Anthony Newley soundalike who sang on "Hunky Dory" to the crooner who dueted with Bing Crosby on the latter's late 70s Xmas special, to the anguished storyteller of "Outside" - just as Bowie has inhabited so many characters over the years, he seems to have at least one voice for any occasion.
Without a doubt, David Lee Roth.
With Diamond Dave as our counselor, my cabinmates and I would sprint, not walk, to his activities: "Own Your Stage," "Kickflip 101," and "No Shirt, No Crotch, No Problem."
By night, we'd head back to the cabin for Dave’s nightly “lights out” tales of backstage bawdiness, Manhattan medical emergencies and the finer points of jungle-insect repellents...
... Unless the bandanna was tied to the cabin doorknob. Then, as previously agreed, we would stay outside and practice kickflips or something for a while.
I'd love to learn about songwriting from Neil Finn, live arrangements from Sting, and drums from Phil Collins - especially after seeing this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_haueq5gQUU
Keith and Charlie from the Stones. With the tightest of all possible drummers, we would play all the Stones tunes you can play with just one finger, and then by night we could sit on the porch and drink and play Blind Willie Johnson tunes to keep Satan down in his hole. A case of Stoli for the weekend to be included; bourbon, smokes and knives to be the responsibilty of the individuals involved. Learning how to drink well is extra credit.
James Jamerson, may he groove in peace, is my dream counselor as a bassist. Time, groove, style, melody, presence, and innovation, phew! that would be an intense camp, especially as "the hook" formed.
Also, I think these would be the coolest leadership for a camp:
George Clinton - head counselor
Prince - Asst. head counselor
"Get Funked Up"
After hearingthe - um - version - of live and let die
I think we need Merry Clayton, or Dollette McDonald - the best rock back-up singers to teach those up front to move back support somebody who can sing.
Jorma Kaukonen of Hot Tuna Fame! Nobody played or plays rock/blues/folk any better!
I would have to go with Morrissey but I would want to play Jhonny Marr and do little backup vocals.
This WAS my Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy camp! I attended the concert at the House of Blues in LA because of Cheap Trick, and was quite impressed with all the participants and the show they put on. Part of me wanted to be up there jamming with everyone, and part of me was quite happy to stand in the audience and sing-along without anyone noticing how much I sounded like a dying wildebeest.
An absolute SCAM! Stay away from the Rock and Roll fantasy camp. They herd you in like cattle and the rock stars could care less about you! Save your money there are better things to waste your money on!!
Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp is a scam!
This thread is closed.
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