Teddy Mueller’s Blog

Hello My Friends, Today it’s more Rock ‘N Roll “Humble Pie” one of the best Rock bands ever! In the beginning it was Steve Marriott from the” Small Faces”on guitar/vocals, Peter Frampton on lead guitar, Greg Ridley from “Spooky Tooth”on bass, and Jerry Shirley on drums. They played the Fillmore in San Francisco and recorded it. Andrew Oldman the Stones manager signed them . “I don’t need no Doctor” was the hit. Then the Whiskey with “Shakin All Over just rocked! They all kicked butt! Peter Frampton got an offer to go solo that he took. History will tell you about that record! Clem Clempson came in as the other guitarist. Then they recorded my favorite record and the band hired a new manager Dee Anthony. The record was “Smokin”. The record was the best I ever heard at the time. It includes songs like Hot N’ Nasty, 30 Days in the Hole, C’mon Everybody, Your so Good for me was a hit ballad, and Roadrunner-blues extraordinaire. it ended with Sweet Peace and Time.

My band “AXE” was lucky to get the tour with Humble Pie, Frank Marino & Mahogany Rush, Angel, and Axe. We toured the whole country. Steve and I became friends and he did not like most people, yet we became close. I’ll never forget those days, he taught us alot. At that time they had a hit with “Fool for a Pretty Face” We did live the Rock ‘N Roll life that whole year! Be a musician, not a poser! Also listen to the music that came before…!

Teddy Mueller 2007

Hello my friends, we are going to a new group in the History of Rock. My first was “Trapeze” and you saw what I had to say about being a musician and not a poser!

Let’s get on to real musicians and real music. “Uriah Heep” were a strong part of starting “Heavy Metal”! If you listen to their screams, they were the first as a group to do this!  No one had the vocals they did. This was the most powerful band of it’s time. If you like power in music, you need to search this band out. Later I will tell you how. Talent that’s practiced! This group did it. Probably one of the top three bands I have ever seen live. I am talking about heavy bands! Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, & Uriah Heep! Those were the  most heavy at the time!

Uriah Heep did a number of great records, the one that really stuck with me was “Look at Yourself” the title song I listened to everyday I woke up. It is a classic and never received the acclaim it should have! Then “July Morning”, and from Demons & Wizards “The Wizard”, “Circle of Hands”, and the hit “Easy Livin”, yet their other material was just as good if not better. I don’t like critics unless they live the music. They also had the Magician’s Birthday, with Sunrise, and Sweet Lorraine, I always loved “Traveler in Time”!

It was David Byron/Vocals, Ken Hensley/Keyboards&Vocals, Mick Box/Guitars, Lee Kerslake, and Gary Thain on Bass- May he rest in peace! Gary came out to do a show and touched a hot microphone with his mouth and it electrocuted him, RIP! He was a great talent and don’t forget him! It was a tragic accident.

This group was one of the first to bring heavy/metal to the forefront. For you who love heavy rock find Uriah Heep especially “Look at Yourself” Keep Rockin! I am giving you a look at rock that started all of this. I hope you understand. I want you to do research, and find out for yourselves what this artistry was, find it learn from the past and make it better for the future! Learn to put into words and music what the times are….!

Teddy Mueller 2007

Hello my Friends,

I am starting a new section in my blog called The History of Rock- Teddy Mueller. I hope you enjoy it. In the past Music was what most people were into. We did not have  video games, or computers. There was pac-man, and tetris. So music took us to our thoughts, dreams, hopes, wishes, and farther. Music is a powerful tool for the soul. Try it sometime if you haven’t. Music is a gift from God, if you have the balls to attempt it. It is not easy. You must practice your instrument and practice more, more, & more. Then you might get good! If you are going to attempt it be a musician not a poser! Here we go with History!

In the 1970’s there was a group called “Trapeze” they came from Staffordshire, England. They included Mel Galley on guitar, Dave Holland on drums, and Glenn Hughes on bass guitar and vocals. This was an incredible group. They played hard rock with soul involved. A wonderful grouping of different styles of music that made it their own, yet heavy. The “Medusa” record was the first one I had heard and it was excellent. Songs like Black Elend, Amy, Touch My Life (Ive been waiting, so long), Seatrill and the title track Medusa was an erry number that made you think! What a great record. So I followed their music. No wonder John Lodge signed them to the Moody Blues record company “Threshold”. The next was “You are the Music, We’re just the Band”. In ‘71 or ‘72 this was one of the best records I heard. With Keepin Time ( Mel Galley really knew how to riff & groove that guitar) kicked my butt. So did Way Back to the Bone, Feelin Better Now, and You are the Music, We’re Just the Band. Glenn Hughes brought his soul and Golden voice on other great songs on the record like Coast to Coast, What is a Women’s Role, Loser and Will Our Love End. This group could mix hard rock and soul like no other group. I was lucky to see them live at the Performing Arts Center (PAC) with Procul Harem, and at the Brewery in East Lansing Michigan. I was in Tongue then and Glenn and I and my soundman Woody went out and found an after hours club in East Lansing and had a blast. We talked music, soul, hard rock, the future, the past and I won’t forget it. Glenn went on to join Deep Purple, Dave went on to join Judas Priest, and Mel, I don’t know where he is, but in my heart he is as good as any guitarist I have seen. I wish him well, and all the rest the best!

If you have a chance and you really love music, check out “Trapeze” they did what people said they couldn’t and won. A great band with great music. Give a listen…!

Teddy Mueller 2007

Hello my Friends,

Yes, the long awaited tour with David Lee Roth fronting the band again is happening! I lived in L.A. when Van Halen were playing the Starwood with 50 people in the place. They were great even then, it was only no-one really knew about them. If you read my article the Hollywood scene ‘75-’76 you can read more. This is one of the great American bands and has put themselves in the history books. Yet for me I saw the beginnings. The talent was there, especially Eddie. We kept telling David get rid of the platforms and go to Capezios. If you were there you know what I am talking about.

Ted Templeman took them and made Rock Stars of them. The material was there, Jamies cryin, Runnin with the devil, Ice cream cakes, they made it happen. That was the start. Let’s get to the show…! The United Center-Chicago, the boys rocked and it was so noisy you could hardly hear! They played every song you would want to hear, they were on Fire!

Everyone I know was there the Munsey crew, the Eric, Neil, Laura, Diana crew loved it. It was balls to the walls and I don’t mean Accept for you older people.  All have said Eddie was the best they have seen in years, be it rehab, or his son Wolfie playing bass, he was incredible! Throughout the show Eddie was kissing Wolfie on the cheek and they both had smiles on their faces the whole show. My nephew said Wolfie held his own he was not there just because he is Eddies son, he played great! They did play on his youth a bit. “Cradle of Rock” and “Atomic Punk” he rode the catwalk, Rock on…! Eddies solo was like watching a high school kid running around and kickin’ —! Alex also did a kick-ass solo, what a talent!

You could tell Van Halen was again having a blast doing what they love to do. I hope it will last longer, so all of us can enjoy it again.  Rock ‘n Roll Chicago!

Teddy Mueller 2007

Hello my friends,

Today we are going to talk about the New York City Music Scene from ‘76-’78. Hope you are all fine, healthy and happy. I have grown fond of you all and I “Thank You” for all your support…Sincerely!

O.K. I had moved back to Milwaukee from L.A. then offered a tour in Canada with a group called “Teen Angel” with my friend Chuck Benedon. He came on-board because we needed a guitarist, I hated the one they had. The tour starts in Montreal in December which will end up in Vancouver in March. The Moustache club in Montreal is the first gig, was killer. Next door they had a cafe downstairs, people rolled hash and tobacco then smoked hash joints right there in the club…That doesn’t happen in America. WOW. I liked Canada already, all I did was have lunch. Also with us was Joey LaVie playing guitar, keyboards with a voice to compete with Steve Marriott-Rod Stewart-Paul Rogers and anyone with that type of voice. These two weeks were total fun. We then went to Toronto, that was a blast too. We went back to Montreal while our agent told us the gigs are cancelled. Well, I was mad…! What happened was the singer still owed the agent money from the last tour, so we paid his bill. You 2007 young musicians, take note!

I was stuck in Montreal. Thank God I met a french girl to take care of me awhile. I was making phone calls, then remembered my friend Danny Johnson had just joined Rick Derringers group “Derringer”. He was living in New York. Jay Davis was there too, he was playing with Mick Ronson the guitarist of David Bowie and the Spiders from Mars-the total biggest thing at the time. They were both in a band called “Axis”, I met them in Oklahoma City and loved “Axis” so my band called “Tongue” invited them to tour with us, they did. I loved them so much! They were from Louisiana, sincere, yet GREAT players, they new their instruments and new how to perform. So we toured together.

Now, their in New York helping me! To this day I still thank them so much. O.K. back to New York. Danny Johnson was playing 2nd guitar, Kenny Aaronson was on bass, and Carmines brother Vinnie Appice was playing drums, this was “Derringer” Ricks new band.

I watched at SIR, (a studio you can rent to rehearse in) as they got tight as a great rock band. Teddy Slatus would alway’s come by here and home to make sure all was O.K. plus to tell Steve Paul all is well on the Derringer front! For you young lads check out this band “Derringer” they did both the Toys in the Attic and Rocks tours with Aerosmith. It was an excellent bill. I still remember Chicago, the World Series of Rock. It was Derringer, Jeff Beck and Aerosmith. While Jeff Beck was playing someone put fire crackers in a garbage can, it filled the whole stadium with smoke. Everyone thought the place was burning down. People were jumping off high areas, getting crazy. Jeff Beck kept playing. In five minutes the smoke cleared, almost everyone was still in their seats. Jeff continued, it was a classic moment in Rock ‘N Roll. I also remember the Garden at Christmas time, Aerosmith & Derringer WOW!

I learned alot about CBGB’s, Max’s Kansas City, the Palladium, Blondie, Patti Smyth, Dead Boys, mostly the Ramones because they were good friends of Danny’s and Rick’s. We used to have a blast whenever the Ramones were playing, they just rocked and were great people. Yet my favorite club was Ashley’s in the village. While living with Danny and Jay with their families, I loved Chad and Celeste, I met Eileen, she was the joy of my life. She lived with Liz and Rick Derringer, she was a doll. I fell the minute I met & saw her. Well her buddies were Liz of course along with Bebe Buell and Jerry Hall who lived with Mick Jagger. Girls night out, I am sure was as fun as Boys night out. Anyway Liz and Bebe ran Ashley’s front door. They knew who they wanted there plus who they didn’t. Aerosmith, Kiss, Derringer, plus many more came to just have fun, talk, and hang. Kiss didn’t need their make-up there. You could feel comfortable, party, while having a great time without being bothered, Liz with Bebe made sure of it. I loved being there especially with Eileen. It was the BEST…!

I was looking for a gig, Jay Davis called me, said they just finished recording, Mick Ronson decided he wants 2 drummers, come on up to Woodstock. Mick sent me a ticket, I was there the next day. Albert Grossmans house in Woodstock, NY. I could’nt believe it. Mick, his wife Sue were just wonderful. I have to say they are two of the best humans I have ever met in my life, I mean that super sincerely! Mick & I loved playing pool. Sue’s curry was also super, hot…yes, haha it was. Mick gave us information and the band folded. He joined Ian Hunter’s band, Jay joined Rod Stewart, and Axe was in my future.

I soon left yet would never forget New York, SoHo, the Village, Ashley’s, CBGB’s, Max’s, the Palladium, and all the wonderful people I met. When Bebe was almost due, I used to rub her tummy, every-time I saw her to say God Bless the Child. Today that baby is Liv Tyler. That was just before I left New York. Those are great memories for me. Rock ‘n Roll. Hope you enjoyed….! See you next time.

Teddy 2007

Hello my Friends,

We all need to work, what do we do to get there. You must remember to find something you love to do! Maybe it won’t make you a ton of money, but you will enjoy going to work everyday! This is so important, to love what you do. Being young it might take you awhile to know what you want to do. Here’s a thought, teamwork makes dreamswork. You may need to find people that understand what you want. Follow your heart. You know!

Post your resumes on Career Builder, Monster, Job Noggin, where-ever you can. Be visible. Let employers know your not afraid, you know your talent, Go for it!! We as people have always had to do things we don’t like or don’t enjoy. Well, that gives us charactor. It helps us figure out what we want to do. Figure it out for your own future.

Jobs pay money, well so do jobs you will enjoy. You have to figure that out for yourself!Search your heart, and your soul. What do you enjoy? Follow that dream, no matter who tells you not to. Parents, teachers, and friends don’t know what you want, only you know that. So put a resume together after you have figured this out and post it, Monster, Career Builder,  Job Knoggin, anywhere you can. Go for what your heart tells you! You will win. I followed my dream. Everyone said you can’t do that, who are you? Well 6 albums for MCA and Warner Bros. with tours as Special Guest for Ozzy, Kiss, ZZ Top, Alice Cooper, Aerosmith, Ted Nugent, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, Cheap Trick, Deep Purple, Joan Jett, and many many more; they were wrong…! Follow your dreams, you’ll be surprised if your smart! I am now in business and follow the same outlook, TRUST YOURSELF IN WHAT YOU WANT TO DO! Post yourself, and win!

Teddy Mueller 2007

Hello my friends,

Hope you are healthy & Happy. I did forget in my last writing to tell you about the Bugle American and the Emerald City Chronicle which my friend Michael St. John started. These were free papers that gave us informative articles and where our favorite bands were playing. Both kept us in touch with the Music scene. Now on to 1984….Milwaukee.

Axe was rehearsing and writing. Management didn’t like what we were doing. It was time to take a break. I had family problems that brought me to Milwaukee. Bobby Barth and Michael Osbourne decided to go to Denver and rest and write. They left Gainesville, Fl and were driving. Michael used to talk our bus drivers to let him drive. He loved it. Well Bobby and Michael were in a Datson 280 Z. They got to Mobile AL. and a semi was entering highway 10 and Michael slammed into the back of it. Bobby was bent down sleeping in the passenger seat. He survived, Michael was killed immediately. Axe would never be the same. Michael was a major force in the group. Now what do I do…! Well Ken Adamany who was “Cheap Tricks” manager at the time said he had a band called “Bad Boy” who needed a professional drummer like me, but I would have to audition. After 34 drummers I got the gig. They had a new album out with “Cheat on Me” and “Thunder & Lightning” that was making some noise. I toured with the band for over a year.

My old manager finally let me out of my Axe contract, while Ken wanted me to sign with him. So, I called a meeting with the band. I said Ken will make $300,000.00 over the next 3 years for his commissions, we should ask for $25,000.00 for clothes , a nice vehicle to travel in ( we were in a ‘76 beat-up Ford LTD) and fix our monitors. It was a legitimate asking of the monies. We were playing Headliners in Madison, WI and discussed this the whole way.

We got to Madison and were in a meeting with Ken Adamany and I laid out our plan. After I was done Ken said that is a very logical idea, but Teddy all the other guys in the group already signed the contract. I was soooo mad. Their acting like this is what should be done, which it should be, but they already sold the soul…! Well,  for 3 years they paid Ken and never got a Worldwide Recording Contract. Young musicians take note! The next night at the Sunset Bowl, I quit the band.

I was watching young talent in Milwaukee, So I started a band called Moxy Roxx. Mark Worpel on guitar, Brooke St James on guitar, and Chris Martinez on bass who I didn’t want. I wanted Carey Caelin on bass. but Chris begged me and I mean begged me! He will practice 10 hrs. a day. I said guitar players don’t make good bass players he said I’ll do it. His brother Tommy, owned the P.A. the lights and he said to me my brother Chris will do it Teddy. You own this town right now. I said we want to own the country not the town! I helped make Moxy Roxx a driving force in the Milwaukee music scene.  Summerfest was a definate highlight. Marna who I met in Bad Boy was my partner and we were in love at the time. I introduced her to John Bon Jovi, Tommy Lee and all of Motely Crue, Judas Priest, Kiss, Queensryche, Winger, and more, she loved Rock ‘N Roll and I miss her-Rest in Peace Marna! Later I also had my friend Jay Davis call me and ask me if I knew any singers. Rod Stewarts band was looking for a singer to write with. I turned them onto Xeno, they flew him to L.A. He wrote with them and came back and Xeno did a radio interview and never gave me credit for me helping him. He acted like he did it…Wrong…I made that happen for him. Just for the record.

Moxy started to take the city by storm. Brooke and I used to say we did it. Nothing last month everything this month. Welcome to the entertainment business I said to him. We had huge crowds at Billy’s, the Jabberwoky, the Electric Ballroom, Pappagio’s, it was rockin! I built this to what it became, I then started a bad called the Machine and left the Misic Industry in ‘87, We had fun yet I knew there were no stars here for me like I had in the past. Good Luck and Rock ‘n Roll Milwaukee. I moved to NYC and went into business!

Hope you enjoyed some insight into real Rock’N Roll and the Music Industry…..We’re not done, keep posted for more info!

Teddy Mueller 2007

Hello,

Hope you are healthy and happy. Let’s talk about loss prevention in a Retail Store. Everyone thinks most theft is from customers, it’s NOT! It is from employee’s and paper shrink. Customers do come in and steal. I hate a thief. I have alway’s paid for what I wanted. Somtimes I had to wait until I had the money. I pay for whatever I want and always will. If you can’t pay don’t do it. Don’t be a thief, it’s the lowest a person can be. Be smart figure out how to get what you want and pay for it…! Don’t get me wrong, I have been to the bottom of the mountain, I know how it feels, yet I never stole! Bad Karma, in case you haven’t heard, is in the suburbs, streets, ghettos, and wherever people live! You must have some integrity! Be honest and buy what you need, work for the money to do it.

Back to the subject! Customers steal but they are only 20% of the problem. 20% is paper shrink. We’ll get to that in a minute. 60% is employee theft. That is shocking. All the people around you, as you come to work each day 6 out of 10 are stealing. Welcome to the Jungle, people are not always as honest as they appear! Is it worth it. I have seen employee’s steal and if it is over $400 it’s a felony, you go to jail, for nickels, dimes, this is stupid in the big picture. It will follow you your whole life. Be Honest, Please, for yourself! Don’t be an idiot! I know I can’t make you desicions for you but, give it some thought.

Now, paper shrink is another issue. When companies order product they issue a P.O. or what’s called a purchase order. When it is shipped to your store there might be more product than you think on that particular purchase order. You must count the product that came in, and look over the P.O. to see what you should have, then make adjustments. This doesn’t sound like alot, but if you add mistakes up over 6 months or a year depending when your next inventory is, it could make a huge difference in the final numbers, and your bottom line.

So, remember customers are taking some, employee’s are taking more and paper shrink and your shipping/receiving dept. are losing some too. Watch all these areas and you will have a profitable store, which is what you want. We need stores to be successful in America and abroad!

Teddy Mueller 2007