First things first, Eddie Money had a HUGE impact on Johnny one night, his FIRST concert. Boston, Eddie Money and a band called New England that had some minor hit all at the Pontiac Silverdome. Johnny his best friend "Paco", his sister (who was Johnny's debate partner in HS) "Esmerelda" and Johnny's best friend growing up, "Einstein VonBrainstorm" who was dating "Esmerelda." "Einstein VonBrainstorm" was 18 and could still get the group booze at the time as the age wasn’t 21 yet in Michigan. Rum and Coke flowed even for the three underage rock music fans that night.
Hearing 'Baby Hold On' as Eddie Money came on stage was transcendent. The HUGE speakers, the LOUD sound, the ROAR of the crowd, the Bic lighters everywhere was AMAZING. It was like the rush seeing Saturn through a telescope for the first time. WOW, Johnny needed to see SO MANY more concerts.
That was the story August 19, 1978.
By all accounts he was a really nice guy, one of the good ones in music. RIP Eddie Money.
Speaking of 'Baby Hold On' let's kick off Eddie Money night here on the Music Series.
Anyone smart enough, schooled enough in music history and sharp enough of a songwriter that thinks to bring Ronnie Spector back for a bow is OK in Johnny's book. Just a really, really good collaboration between Eddie Money and Ronnie Spector on 'Take Me Home Tonight'
Sending you out with a song you've heard so many times and maybe tonight with Mr. Money (That sounds ridiculous, Johnny realizes that) passing away maybe tonight take a deeper listen and remember all over again why his music was just good, solid, fun rock and roll.
Make sure to come back after Oscoda beats the snot out of Alcona in football tonight. Alcona is lucky Johnny hasn't renamed Alcona County, "Oscoda County North" yet.
