June 26, 2025
Our music world lost another great musician on June 12, 2025,Brian Wilson. He was the leader and main writer of the Beach Boys songs.
Brian was a legend and his controversial album was "Pet Sounds".
He was one of three Wilson boys and they with the rest of the band were managed and coached by their father, Murray. Murray was a singer and songwriter and thought he knew what was best for the young boys.
All the Wilson boys had issues in life especially Brian. He suffered from depression and seemingly had a questionable doctor that they finally put a restraining order against. His methods were not so good.
I had the pleasure of photographing the Beach Boys twice. Once was in June of 1975 at Milwaukee County Stadium for a Gathering on the Green show. Then again when they headlined at the Dane County Coliseum in Madison, Wisconsin December 5, 1973. The New Riders of the Purple Sage opened that show.
I missed a chance a few years back to photograph Brian Wilson with my friend Jeff Beck because I was sick. That sucked and I know I missed a great show.
Enjoy a look at the men in 1973 and 1975. Unfortunately, Brian was already gone at this point so I have no photos of him.
Thanks,
Rich
June 2, 2025
What a couple weeks of racing in the Indy Car world!
Alex Palou won the Indy 500 and probably has the championship wrapped up for him as winner this year.
Alex has had an amazing career in racing and has been very successful in Indy Car with championships in 2021, 2023, 2024 and most likely again this year.
In 2024 he also won the Million Dollar Challenge at Thermal Park in California.
He is still very young and has a great future as one of the nicest guys on pit lane with a great attitude. Doesn't have an F1 Max Verstappen attitude when driving because he races clean.
Cancer has slowed me down a bunch and I missed Indy because of it. But we keep fighting. I have great support with my wife and we just keep on going.
Enjoy some photos of Alex from the Dale Coyne racing days in 2020 when he won at Road America and others through last year.
Thanks,
Rich Zimmermann
May 5, 2025
Are you ready for the 2025 Indy 500???? I think it's going to be a very interesting show and race on the 40th anniversary of Danny Sullivan's "Spin to Win" Indy victory.
So who are you hoping will win? For me it's Scott Dixon. If not him, then Helio, Pato O'Ward, Will Power, Santino Ferruci, Scott McLaughlin and Conor Daily! Tough choice with such talented group of drivers this year. And don't forget, Alex Palou or Colton Herta if he has a great day which we need for our American F1 racer with Andretti Global.
Going to be a great race to see in person but it's not gonna happen this year for me because of ongoing chemotherapy. Session #6 is the Friday of Indy 500 weekend and it's been pretty rough so far every Friday. Session #3 was cancelled cancelled because of a urinary tract infection which then extends everything a week.
Enjoy a look at the Indy Cars at last years Indy 500 and a few other races as it's time to focus on Indy Car and IMSA!!
Also checkout the latest IndyCastBrasil.com episode on You Tube with my man Fabio and me discussing Indy Car and IMSA.
Thanks,
Rich Zimmermann
April 21, 2024
My blog this week is short but sweet thanks to chemotheraphy session #2 kicking me a bit. Not as bad as last week. I'm just sore and lethargic. Just hope it works with 4 more treatments to go.
I dug up the Midwest band Head East that has been around since 1974 and has had more members than my high school class in senior year. In other words a lot!
Formed by John Schlitt when he and several of the guys were attending the University of Illinois. But being a rock band, who knows how many days they were there!
They are known mainly for their hit "Never Been Any Reason" but continued trying and toured a lot. I also saw them in 1976 and should to dig those photos up.
Enjoy a look at the men in 1980.
Thanks,
Rich Zimmermann
April 7, 2025
At Summerfest in 1977 country superstar and legend Willie Nelson came for a show. Seems like everyone likes Willie as seen by the attendance and autograph seekers that night.
Willie is 90 years old now and still touring and playing at festivals!
Voice is a bit older sounding but he is still awesome.
Enjoy a look at Willie in 1977.
Thanks,
Rich Zimmermann
March 24, 2025
Been a busy time here with more bad bladder cancer bad news. The 6 BCG infusions we did on my left kidney, ureter and bladder did nothing as the cancer is still present...
So the next step is 2 chemotherapy drugs administered together once a week starting soon. If that doesn't work I don't know what's next.
Anyway, take a look at the great Loggins and Messina band in September of 1974 at Milwaukee's Performing Arts Center which is my favorite venue here.
Enjoy and have a great week.
Thanks,
Rich Zimmermann
Loggins and Messina playing Milwaukee's Performing Arts Center February 14, 1973.
March 10, 2025
February 14, 1973 I photographed Loggins and Messina at the Milwaukee Performing Arts Center.
This was now my second time photographing them and my personal favorite band at the time.
Nice and fun bunch of musicians that are really talented. Kenny Loggins and Jim Messina keep working and doing well.
Enjoy a look and next blog will be the guys in 1974 at the Performing Arts Center again.
Loved that venue as I had 2 secret spots to photograph from. I would just sit on the floor 2 levels up and off to the side of the stage!
Thanks,
Rich Zimmermann
Loggins and Messina at UW Oshkosh on September 23, 1972.