It was 50 years ago, today.

On November 24, 1966 the Beatles entered the studio and began working on a new concept album. On May 26 (June 2 in the United States) Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band was released. It was then, and is now, one of the most important and influential rock and roll records ever released.

As a drummer, I can’t overstate the importance of Ringo Starr. And his influence on my personal playing style is only exceeded by John Bonham and Gene Krupa—but only be minor degrees. But it was through repeated listenings to Pepper and Revolver that I realized how musical and subtle—but still driving and creative—drumming could be.

I still listen to Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band with amazement and wonder. What the Beatles, and Ringo, achieved through Pepper is unlikely to ever be duplicated.

Let’s go crazy.

AdWeek, celebrating the strange.

I mean really, what’s the point.

I’m not European. I don’t plan on being European, so who gives a crap if they’re socialists.

The owls are not what they seem.

But the Eagles are.

When asked whether he thinks Agent Dale Cooper would be an Eagle Scout, he anwers :

“He was probably an Eagle Scout, and maybe Sheriff Truman didn’t quite make it, but he became a Life Scout.”

 

This seemed like a good idea?

A recent trend has seen brands taking on sensitive subjects. Done right—and with respect and sensitivity—it can be a way to connect with consumers on a deeper level. This has been especially effective with Christmas and holiday season spots, and especially in Europe.

Bit sometimes, it goes a bit badly and you get something like this recent offering from McDonald’s U.K.

The U.K.’s Advertising Standards Authority is reviewing the spot to determine if a full investigation is warranted. Investigated or not, this seems another example of an ad that misses the mark—and the audience.

 

A reminder to be careful out there.

And online.

There are three great moments in TV.

There are three great moments in television history. The Twilight Zone, All In The Family and Twin Peaks.

Each accelerated the medium and still influence everything that has followed.

And they still hold up.

 

Influence and inspiration.

So much of my development as a musician comes from Ringo’s playing. The Beatles were the band they were because Ringo. In many respects, he invented modern rock drumming.

May the Fourth be With You.

Long live rock.

The Holy Trinity of rock & roll front men is Freddie Mercury, Robert Plant, and Roger Daltrey.