Janita Haan, Jenny, leading the Babe Ruth band at Summerfest on June 28th, 2014.

July 7, 2014

On June 28, 2014 we had the Babe Ruth band visit Summerfest here in Milwaukee, Wissconsin!! They came to America for one show.! Yes, they traveled all the way from England to perform the one show for us loyal fans!

I have photographed rock'n'roll for a very long time (1971) and have had the chance to meet all types of bands and rockers. Jenny, Alan and the entire Babe Ruth band are some of the nicest rockers I have ever met!!!! My request for photo credentials started weeks ago when I sent Jenny an email along with some shots of the show I photographed in 1975 when they played here with Roxy Music. Those photos are in a previous blog and are on my website.

Last week when they were here, I got together with them before the show and gave them a disc with images of the 1975 show.  They loved it and invited me to come back after the show. After their terrific performance I went backstage and had some fun with the band. Then I went with them for an autograph signing session. They were so nice to everyone and signed everything possible! Not in a big hurry, they really signed everything they could!

Enjoy the photos of my new friends.  I'm getting used to my new watermarking system. It will get better, so please bear with me as I work out the kinks. All photos are for sale on my website.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

Janita Haan leading the Babe Ruth band at Summerfest on June 28, 2014.

March 24, 2014

At Summerfest in 1972, the Mahavishnu Orchestra with John McLaughlin in charge put on a wonderful show.

There are not many acts that come to Summerfest without vocals or a vocalist. This is one such band! No need for a singer when all your compositions are this beautiful!

The 1972 version of this band was it's best for many reasons, but mostly because of Billy Cobham who played drums. Billy is one of the best drummers in the world. Jan Hammer on keyboards is terrific too.

John McLaughlin and his Gibson EDS-1275 double neck SG guitar pictured here produce some amazing sounds!

Enjoy some photographs of the men at work on a nice summer day in 1972.

Please join me on Facebook at Rich Zimmermann Photography if you have not already.

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

March 17, 2014

At Milwaukee's Summerfest in July of 1972, one of my favorite bands played, Quicksilver Messenger Service.

They shared the stage that night with The Doors and if I remember correctly, there was a bit of a fight that night. The reason was because Quicksilver played too long and went into The Doors time slot! I remember it getting ugly.

The band and the lineup has changed a lot over the years. They have reformed and toured as recent as 2010, along with old San Francisco friends Jefferson Starship. I hope they get together again and show up in Milwaukee soon.

Enjoy a look at the band in 1972 and have a great week.

Please join me on Facebook at Rich Zimmermann Photography. I made it to 50 likes this past week!!

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

March 10, 2014

At Milwaukee's Summerfest music festival in 1973, Stephen Stills and his band, Manassas, gave a wonderful performance.

Manassas, was formed in 1971, by Stephen Stills who had broken up with Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young (CSNY) in 1970. Of course, this would be the first of many CSNY breakups, but that is another story sometime with photos to be included.

With CSNY, The Byrds and The Flying Burrito Brothers band breakups, we have a lot of wonderful musicians looking for something to do! Stephen Stills formed Manassaas as a result of these breakups and we had a terrific, very underrated band.

The first album the guys made was a double album recorded in Miami very quickly because they were so talented and had a lot of material. Another album would follow further on down the road.

The talent in this band is just amazing when you think about it! Enjoy a look at one of the best concerts I ever saw!

I just realized that the guitar Stephen Stills is playing is the same as the one Doug Yankus of the band Soup played. I think I've even seen Johnny Winter play it. Does anyone know what kind of guitar this is?

Please join me on Facebook at Rich Zimmermann Photography if you haven't already and have a good week!

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

Stephen Stills and his band Manassas at Summerfest in 1973.

Steve Miller, on the old "Main Stage" at Summerfest in 1973.

March 3, 2014

Today's blog is a look back to Summerfest in July of 1973. These were the days when Summerfest still had the old "Main Stage". It was basically a big tent on a little hill that had grass in front of the stage! It was actually quite nice and some performers even walked down onto the grass performing.

In finding today's photos, which are slides, I discovered an error I made! Hard to believe, but yes I have dates screwed up. These photos are from 1973. My Blog #59 titled Steve Miller and Leslie West 1971 should read 1977! I will straighten those dates out soon.

So, enjoy some photos of Steve Miller in 1973, playing some good music!

Thanks,

Rich Zimmermann

December 16, 2009

My good friends, The Familiar Looking Strangers, have headed back home to Liverpool, England for the holidays.

Their album is done and coming out in March 2014 when they will start touring with the band Hawkwind.

You guys have worn out my Nikon and I have sent it away to get repaired and ready for your next visit!

The Strangers played a few dates here recently with Phil Vasser who is one of the nicest guys and hardest workers in the music industry!

In 2009 at Summerfest, Phil stayed around for every last person at a meet and greet, signing anything and everything plus taking photos with his fans! That is the way it is supposed to be, right?

Enjoy some photos of Phil from Summerfest here in Milwaukee back in 2009.

Please join me on Facebook at Rich Zimmermann Photography and have a great week.

Thanks,

Rich