DAILY DIRT: We will soon say bon voyage to some classic sounds

Daily Dirt for Saturday, March 15, 2025

ELO, Oak Ridge Boys, others reaching the musical finish line … Welcome to today’s three thoughts that make up Vol. 1,229 of The Daily Dirt.

1. The end is near.

For a few of our all-time favorite music acts, that is.

Granted, individual singers and bands can always change their minds as far as retiring and unretiring, but if the following stars hold true to their word, 2025 will be the final time we see the following in live performances:

• Electric Light Orchestra: Jeff Lynne, who is now 77, and his ELO mates will call it a career with a July concert in London. ELO has always provided a different kind of sound that has set it apart from most of its contemporaries. Favorite ELO song: “Telephone Line.”
• Oak Ridge Boys: “The American Made” farewell tour will continue until late late in the year. Joe Bonsall, the group’s tenor for many, many years, died last summer at age 76 and his passing seemed to cut the heart right out of the group. Personally, I was able to see the Mighty Oaks a number of times and they never disappointed. A few years ago I got the chance to interview Richard Sterban (he’s the one with the deeeeeep bass voice) and I found him to be not only a tremendous personality, but a tremendous person. We talked for at least an hour, and most of that time it was about baseball. I’m going to miss these guys. Favorite Oak Ridge Boys Song: “Thank God For Kids.”
• Nitty Gritty Dirt Band: The folk/country rock veterans have officially reached the end of the line. I’m old enough to remember when they were regulars on the rock charts back in the late 1960s. Favorite Nitty Gritty Dirt Band song: “Buy For Me The Rain.”
• Foreigner: Lou Gramm always possessed one of the most distinctive voices in all of classic rock. Favorite Foreigner song: “I Want To Know What Love Is.”
• Alan Jackson: Health reasons are forcing Jackson to the sideline, which is a shame. The Man can certainly still sing. Favorite Alan Jackson song: “Wanted.”
• Steven Tyler and Aerosmith: Tyler’s fractured larynx hastened this retirement decision. Favorite Aerosmith song: “I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing.”
• REO Speedwagon: Lead singer Kevin Cronin and the Speedwagon called it a career earlier this year. Favorite Speedwagon song: “Keep On Loving You.”
• (There’s an asterisk to this one) Coldplay: Lead singer Chris Martin says the group’s final album will be released later this year, but said the band will continue to do some touring. Favorite Coldplay song: “Viva La Vida.”

2. Did you know (Part 303)

That the ancient Romans used to drop a piece of toast into their wine for good health. Hence, that’s why we “raise a toast”.

That Fox Sports’ Colin Cowherd said, “In the NBA, you have to pretend that Bronny’s an NBA player because otherwise you’ll upset the King.”

That Luis Aparicio is now the oldest living MLB Hall of Famer at 91. Aparicio played 1958-70, winning nine Gold Gloves.

That Chuck Norris can send a text with a rotary phone.

That the winner of the annual season series between the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners will now win the Vedder Cup, as in Eddie Vedder of Pearl Jam fame. Vedder is even designing the trophy. This award is part of a charity drive benefiting the Epidermolysis Bullosa Research Partnership, an organization co-founded by Eddie and Jill Vedder. The charity is dedicated to funding research to discover treatments and cures for epidermolysis bullosa, a condition that causes blistering of the skin. The Padres and Mariners play two series against each other every season. This year, they meet May 16-18 in Seattle and Aug. 25-27 in San Diego.

3. This week’s best of “Found on Facebook”:

• “I’ve always wondered if songbirds get mad at hummingbirds for not knowing the words.”
• “Sometimes when I close my eyes, I can’t see.”
• “As you get older, your secrets are safe with your friends because they can’t remember them either.”
• “I tried to walk like an Egyptian and I need to see a Cairo practor.”
• “Chuck Norris cannot turn left, because he is always right.”

Steve Thought O’ The Day – After Aparicio, the oldest living MLB Hall of Fame (player) is Sandy Koufax, who is 89.

Steve Eighinger writes daily for Muddy River News. His heart is on fire for Elvira.