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ELVIS

June 20, 2022 / violetbrown

Elvis is the “KING of ROCK & ROLL,” and he will reign as the “KING of the BOX OFFICE” on JUNE 24, 2022

Elvis Presley is the 2^nd bestselling artist of all-time (behind The Beatles) but that may change when the new “Elvis” biopic hits theaters this month.

I predict that ELVIS-MANIA is about to happen all over again.

When Elvis really “left the building and the world” on August 16, 1977, I remember every detail as though it was yesterday.

This is a day in Rock & Roll history that I will never forget. I was the Assistant Manager at the #1 store in the Wherehouse Music chain. I suppose we were #1 because we carried an extensive selection of titles by all artists.

It was a Tuesday, and we were playing the hits of that time. Andy Gibb, The Commodores, Peter Frampton, Fleetwood Mac, and Heart were in high rotation. And I always had to play Led Zeppelin at least 3-4 times a day. Shortly after 1:30 pm, I was told that I had a personal phone call, so I went upstairs. I could see the entire store from a security window that was in our office upstairs. I picked up the phone as I gazed out the window. It was my mother calling and as I said hello, she screamed into the phone “Elvis is dead.” I could not believe it, I told her it must be gossip. But before I got off the phone I knew it must be true since I watched hordes of customers running into the store with tears streaming down their faces. They ran straight to the Elvis Presley section. Our store always had an amazing selection of Elvis since our manager was a HUGE fan. The manager was Godfrey and when he was a teenager, he and two friends from school were invited to the set of the Elvis film “Jailhouse Rock.” They met Elvis and got this photo with him.

My friend Godfrey and his two friends meeting Elvis on the set of the film “Jailhouse Rock.”

It was hard to break the news to Godfrey about the passing of Elvis. It took only 30 minutes for every piece of Elvis product to sell out.

When Baz Luhrmann’s new biopic “Elvis” is released 4 days from now, Elvis’s product will be in high demand again. Baz is an Oscar-nominated filmmaker and until “Elvis” Baz was most known for his extreme and over-the-top productions of Strictly Ballroom (1992), Romeo & Juliet (1996), Moulin Rouge (2001), Australia (2008), and The Great Gadsby in 2013.

This new film Luhrmann depicts Elvis’s rise to fame and his complicated relationship with his lifelong manager Colonel Tom Parker.

Parker (Tom Hanks) met Elvis (played by Austin Butler) in 1955. Within a year Colonel Parker was able to score Elvis Presley a recording contract with RCA Victor Records.

Colonel Parker was like the great “OZ” behind the curtain calling all the shots and pulling all the strings to make Elvis the BIGGEST STAR IN THE WORLD.

Colonel Tom Parker took 50% of all the money that came from merchandise and the licensing of Elvis music. He took the standard 25% of all the money that Elvis earned. Elvis was his only client until the day Presley died on August 16, 1977.

Tom Hanks seems like the perfect actor to portray a complicated man like Parker. Throughout their relationship many called Colonel Tom Parker a psychopath. I love a relevant story about the music industry and the inclusion of a psychopath is just icing on the cake. I have already purchased my ticket to see “Elvis” at the first showing on the evening of June 24. I hear the story is mostly about “Parker” but when you have a bigger than life artist like Elvis depicted in the film it will be hard to not focus on the newest star in-the making, Austin Butler.

I am not sure if the old-time, hard-core Elvis fans will love the glitzy and lavish Baz Luhrmann film, but I suppose a lot of young movie goers will certainly “LOVE” Austin Butler as “Elvis”

Remember when Robert Pattinson debuted in 2008 as Edward in Twilight? Austin Butler just might follow suit to become Hollywood’s newest “heartthrob” movie-star.

Austin Butler has everything it takes to become the HOTTEST HOLLYWOOD “IT BOY” of 2022.

His charisma, charm, great looks, dance moves, and “real” singing in the film is sure to make Austin “The King” of next year’s MTV Movie Awards.

The film premiered at “Graceland,” the home and burial place of Elvis in Memphis Tennessee. Baz Luhrmann, the stars of the film and the Presley family were all in attendance.

The media and press are buzzing with news about the movie and stories about the lives of Elvis, his wife Priscilla, his daughter Lisa Marie, and his legendary manager Colonel Tom Parker. I suppose that all stories about “THE KING” will resurface but if you really want to get to know Elvis, just pick up some of his music, movies or documentaries about his life and career. Elvis recorded over 700 songs and he did not write any of them. He made his songwriters very wealthy people even though they gave up 50% of the credit before Elvis would record their songs. I suppose this was just another smart and crafty move by Colonel Parker. If Elvis sang the song it was sure to SELL and most often the songs became HITS!

As the Elvis Presley press explodes over the balance of the year, it may become hard to find his music and films……

That’s right……ELVIS WAS A MOVIE STAR.

Between 1956 to 1972 Elvis made 33 movies and he starred in 32 of them. The movies were not always great but with his face on the big screen, his singing, and his hip shaking every theatre seat was filled with screaming women.

As I watched his classic film “Jailhouse Rock” a few years ago I could not help but compare it to the modern-day real-life story of hip-hop’s most notorious record label “Death Row Records.” Who knows, perhaps Suge Knight took some tips from Colonel Tom Parkers playbook.

The smart and talented folks behind the scenes at DeepDiscount.com have been busy over the past few months cultivating the best collection of Elvis music, movies, and collectibles.

Elvis once said “If you’re looking for trouble, you came to the right place”

Violet Brown says “If you’re looking for ELVIS, you came to the right place”

Whether you are a casual Elvis fan or an Elvis fanatic you will find “EVERYTHING ELVIS”…HERE

Search results for All Products : “Elvis Presley” (deepdiscount.com)

ELVIS “THE KING” PRESLEY WILL BE ON SALE THROUGHOUT JUNE….And make sure to UNLOCK another 10% savings off your order with that AWESOME coupon that pops up when you open www.deepdiscount.com

Here are my some of my favorite Elvis films:

Jailhouse Rock (1957)

Jailhouse Rock Deluxe Edition, Remastered, Restored, Widescreen on DeepDiscount.com

Blue Hawaii (1961)

Blue Hawaii Widescreen, Dolby, AC-3 on DeepDiscount.com

Elvis On Tour (1972)

Search results for All Products : “elvis on tour” (deepdiscount.com)

Viva Las Vegas (1964)

Viva Las Vegas Remastered, Restored, Widescreen, Subtitled on DeepDiscount.com

King Creole (1958)

King Creole Limited Edition, Remastered, Widescreen, Amaray Case on DeepDiscount.com

G.I. Blues (1960)

G.I. Blues Widescreen, AC-3, Dolby, Mono Sound on DeepDiscount.com

Follow That Dream (1962)

Follow That Dream Subtitled, Dubbed, Repackaged, Standard Screen on DeepDiscount.com

AND….for a SUPER ELVIS FILM BARGAIN check out this 7 Movie DVD set…..WOW!

Elvis 7-Film Collection Boxed Set on DeepDiscount.com

When you see “Elvis” on June 24, come back and share your thoughts on it!

June is LGBTQ Pride Month

June 13, 2022 / violetbrown

Over the past couple of years “Pride Month” was celebrated online with virtual events due to the global pandemic. This year the celebrations return with the in-person fabulous festivities we are known for.

The celebrations resume with parades, festivals, parties, concerts, marches, music, movies and more!

Across America and the world, streets will be filled with millions of LGBTQ+ people and their allies that will join in peace and unity to celebrate their rich history and bright future.

Pride events bring awareness to the LGBTQ+ experience and community. The parades celebrate their accomplishments, growth, visibility, contributions to society, the creativity of the people and the freedom to be themselves.

We are everywhere and we will proudly show the world the beauty and importance of our people and culture throughout June.

Each year the celebrations seem to get BIGGER & BETTER. There was a time in which you could only find parades and festivals in major cities but now there are festivities and events in small cities and towns across the globe.

If you want to attend a Pride celebration near you, use this link for a calendar of events.

You can filter your search by country, state, or city.

If you can’t attend an in-person event, invite your friends, family, and LGBTQ allies to your home or to a park for your own celebration.

I always enjoy having a BBQ with good friends, great music, and classic LGBTQ+ films. If you are looking for a great selection of movies and music for your own PRIDE celebration…..Take a look at these MOVIES…
DeepDiscount.com Site-Wide-Summer-Sale LGBTQ Movies

And MUSIC titles…
DeepDiscount.com LGBTQ Pride Music Sale

I particularly love my new, “fab” rainbow lava lamp that I found here.

This brings me to “WHY” I love writing about many of the products found at www.deepdiscount.com. In my past life as a music buyer for a large entertainment chain I understood our customers and I took pride in bringing in products that made them happy.

Before I started my blog I looked over the selection at Deep Discount and I was impressed by the DEEP SELECTION of product and titles they had to offer. They truly have EVERYTHING, including hard-to-find music and movie titles that collectors often look for. “DEEP DISCOUNT” offers a DEEP SELECTION along with DEEP DISCOUNTS for you. I am proud of the selection I can offer you in my blog.

Check back throughout the month to hear about some of my favorite LGBTQ+ titles and another one of my favorite things about in June…“African Music Appreciation Month”

JUST A THOUGHT…….June 1st is…

June 1, 2022 / violetbrown

When you woke up this morning was your first thought, “what is special about today?”

Or are you one of those perky, positive, people that says “EVERY DAY IS SPECIAL TO ME”?

I happen to believe that “IF” everyone could wake-up and think that every day was special…and that they too were special… and EVERYONE WERE SPECIAL, we could all live in a safer and happier world.

Did you know that June 1 is “NATIONAL SAY SOMETHING NICE DAY”? Neither did I until I looked at a list that tells me why “this day, June 1, is special”. In fact, it tells me why there is something to be aware of, appreciate, observe, and to be grateful for, EVERY DAY!

Some of these special awareness days or topics are hilarious to me….BUT they can also be deeply meaningful to others.

Below is the link I use to find out what I should care about each day. This list will tell you what is recognized and observed by each day of the year. These lists tell us Nationally and sometimes Internationally…What we should eat…What we should do…What I we should wear…Where we should go…and how WE should FEEL ABOUT ANY GIVEN DAY.

EVERY DAY IS A DAY OF RECOGNITION, AWARENESS. OBSERVANCE or APPRECIATION OF SOMETHING.

I can map out my entire day just by checking this site. But first, finish reading my post, because you might get lost or trapped in the enormous list of what you should care about on every day of your life!

June Holidays & National Days | 2022 Calendar (nationaltoday.com)

Today, on June 1, 2022, I discovered that it is:

National Running Day:

I do not see myself celebrating this, but millions of others will be out there running on this HOT June day. Since today is also“National Olive Day,” I will shake up a few martinis and give a toast to all the runners out there.

AND…today is also “National Nail Polish Day”

This is just a reminder that perhaps I should stop biting my nails. Whereas others may show up at their nail salon and ask for some extra-long “Cardi B nails.” They can paint them GREEN since Wednesday is “National Green Day.” Of course, I would wait until Saturday for “National Purple Day” (I prefer to call it “National Violet Day”)

Did you know that EVERY DAY is National or World “SOMETHING DAY” for multiple things?

I dare you to guess how many Appreciation or Awareness days there are in the month of JUNE..

I dare you because today (June 1) is “DARE DAY”

If you guessed there are 88 special recognition days in June you would be correct. If you guessed wrong, you could have been right if you made your guess on March 16^th which is, “EVERYTHING YOU DO IS RIGHT DAY”

If there are only 11 Federal Holidays in an entire year, why are there 88 Special Observance Days in June alone?

BECAUSE…Everyone loves to feel special about something other than just the GLORIOUS day they were born.

Some days are recognized by the Government as legal holidays, some are made-up holidays such as “Festivus for the Rest of Us” (made famous in Seinfeld, season 9, episode 10)

We have special days that were created by industries or brands just to sell you things on their special “made up” appreciation days. I wonder if September 16 was a slow day for avocado sales or perhaps a big batch of avocados were going bad on this day when some brilliant mind created “National Guacamole Day?” Frankly, I could celebrate “Guac-day” every day of the year.

Did you ever wonder who created these special days?

Was it the clerk behind the counter at 7-Eleven that suddenly said,“Today is July 7^,2002…7/11 and I declare this day to be National 7-eleven Day and we should give away FREE Slurpee’s”.

Now that we have discussed a few of the 88 things that were EXTRA-SPECIAL ABOUT TODAY…..This one STOOD OUT to me and looked like something that I should support and DO!

Today is “NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION RECOMMITMENT DAY”

In January I featured a post on “New Year’s Resolutions.”

Everyone seems to care about their health, fitness, and weight EVERY January. January is “National Healthy Weight Month.” In January there are sales on all thing’s fitness and weight loss. Those sales are a BIG REMINDER that we just might be a little pudgy and could stand to take off a few pounds (or 50..or 100).

So many of us make a NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION to lose weight and get fit. And we keep it for 1 day, a week or even two weeks. You were a “Resolution Rock-Star” if you made it past January 14 this year, which was the official “QUITTERS DAY” of 2022.

We really try to lose the same weight (or more) every year. Someday we will lose those pounds, but important things always come up that de-rail us. Things like “National Popcorn Day” on January 19…“Pizza Day” on February 9…“Beer Day” on April 7…or “Hamburger Day” on May 28. If we only had the willpower and strength to make it to “NEVER GIVE UP DAY” on AUGUST 18^th,

Well, why not start over on this lovely “NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION RECOMMITMENT DAY”

Today is a perfect day to re-commit since EVERY FITNESS WORKOUT DVD & EVERY PIECE OF FITNESS EQUIPMENT IS PRICED “JUST RIGHT” for you to conquer your weight loss goals and save some BIG BUCKS through the ENTIRE MONTH OF JUNE at Search results for All Products : “fitness” (deepdiscount.com)

GET ALL THE STUFF YOU NEED TODAY (or tomorrow) but “DO IT” with the Deep Discount 10% off coupon and while the prices are low! Get the coupon code here

Revisit my fitness post from January 2022. I listed several of the TOP Fitness products from Merrithew. They have something that everyone can use to start or recommit to a fitness or weight loss resolution.

SUMMER OFFICALLY BEGINS ON TUESDAY, JUNE 21, and you CAN be in a different swimsuit size by….

“NEVER GIVE UP DAY” on August 18.

Since today is “SAY SOMETHING NICE DAY” I will tell you that “YOU CAN” make it past August 18 and you are “AWESOME” EVERYDAY and not just on the “INTERNATIONAL DAY of AWESOMENESS” on March 10.

“The Rock” is Cooking Up Quite a Career!

May 31, 2022 / violetbrown

Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is one of the BIGGEST movie stars of all-time.

Over the last 13 years only 3.4% of the top grossing films featured Asian American or Pacific Islander leading actors.

44 films had an Asian American or Pacific Islander lead. 14 of these films featured Dwayne Johnson in a leading role. Dwayne is not just a Pacific Islander star he is one of the BIGGEST movie stars of the past two decades.

Since 2001 Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson has appeared in one movie or more each year. In 2013 he had five huge films within the same year.

There is no secret to his success. We have watched him in plain sight as he rose to wrestling stardom in 1996. Just three years later in 1999 he emerged as an actor. It did not take long until “The Rock” started making a name for himself as “Dwayne Johnson” in films. In 2001 he had a small role in “The Mummy Returns” but that led to a leading role in the 2002, “Scorpion King”.

Dwayne Johnson has been in or associated with 59 films. The hit TV show “Young Rock” is based on his life story. He is ranked at #6 of the highest grossing actors of all-time. His movies have earned $11.4 BILLION and counting….WORLD-WIDE

WHY ARE STUDIOS & DIRECTORS DRAWN TO WORKING WITH DWAYNE JOHNSON FOR SO MANY MOVIES?

Dwayne strives to be successful at everything he does. Perhaps these are a few of the reasons why he also WINS at everything he does!

HE IS COMPETITIVE….and he WINS!

HE WORKS HARD….Nothing stops him!

HE DREAMS BIG & FOLLOWS HIS DREAMS!

HE IS UNSTOPPABLE!

If you are looking for movies that the whole family can see, you can never go wrong with movies starring Dwayne Johnson.

Here is a list of some of his most popular films that I highly recommend:

Moana

This is a fantastic Disney animated film that the whole family can enjoy.

MOANA, an epic adventure about a spirited teen who sets sail on a daring mission to save her people. Along the way, Moana (Auli’i Cravalho) meets the once mighty demigod Maui (Dwayne Johnson), and together they cross the ocean on a fun-filled, action-packed voyage. Bring home the movie full of heart, humor, and oceans of bonus extras!

Moana is one of my Grand Daughters favorite films, so I found other Moana related goodies for her. She especially loves the soundtrack, the karaoke CD, and the Moana collectibles.

You can find the Moana movie, music and more here: All Things MOANA from DeepDiscount.com

Jumanji

Jumanji is a fantasy, adventure film franchise that started in 1995.

The film also gave birth to a popular animated television series that aired from 1996-1999. In 2017 Dwayne Johnson, Kevin Hart & Jack Black brought Jumanji back to theatres. It was one of the highest grossing non-Disney and non- comic book films since Transformers. Due to the success of this sequel (Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle), there was another film in the series released in 2019. Dwayne, Kevin, and Jack were back in Jumanji: The Next Level with another box office success story.

Jumanji centers around four teens that discover a 16-bit video game called Jumanji in their school’s basement. Upon opening the game, the teens find themselves transported inside the game’s jungle world. Each teen is assigned an avatar. There is an explorer (Dwayne Johnson) with huge muscles, cartographer (Jack Black), a zoologist (Kevin Hart), and a beautiful martial artist (Karen Gillan). The four of them must survive a series of dangerous adventures to get back to the real world.

Jumanji will take the whole family on an adventure of a lifetime. Watch the first Jumanji and you will be wanting more so get all the Jumanji related films and products here: All Things JUMANJI from DeepDiscount.com

In 2011 Dwayne Johnson joined the 4^th most successful movie franchise of all-time!

When Dwayne Johnson joined the popular “Fast & Furious” franchise it kicked hit star-power into high-gear!

Fast Five (2011)…Fast & Furious 6 (2013)…Furious 7 (2015)… The Fate of the Furious (2017)…The Fast & the Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019)

Fast Five

Dwayne brought the character of Luke Hobbs to the franchise in “Fast Five.”

Hobbs is a highly trained and skilled bounty hunter for the D.S.S. (Diplomatic Security Service). The character of Luke Hobbs gave birth to a spin-off of the “Fast” franchise in “The Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs and Shaw.

I realize that this feature is dedicated to Dwayne Johnson, but I am going to recommend seeing ALL the “Fast & Furious” films. If you LOVE Dwayne in these films there are double DVD sets that contain the films that he starred in.

Here is Dwayne’s “Fast Five” and “Fast & Furious 6” collection if you just want to start with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s entry into this EPIC franchise.

Fast & Furious Collection: 5 & 6 Snap Case, 2 Pack on DeepDiscount.com

If you are one of the few people that have not seen any of the “Fast & Furious” films or “Hobbs & Shaw” you can finally see what you have missed by clicking here: All Things FAST & FURIOUS from DeepDiscount.com

Fighting With My Family

This is one of my personal favorite Dwayne Johnson films.

This biopic is about a young teen named Saraya-Jade Bevis (Florence Pugh) from a small town in England who was pushed into joining her family’s business. That business was pro-wrestling. She spent a year learning the ropes of wrestling from her family and then she was ready to enter the ring as “Paige.” She soon became a rising star for the WWE. Dwayne Johnson was a co-star and the Executive Producer of “Fighting With My Family.”

Fighting With My Family With DVD, Digital Copy, 2 Pack on DeepDiscount.com

Pain & Gain

A group of personal trainers decide to steal the American dream.

I have two reasons for liking this Michael Bay hilarious crime comedy….DWAYNE JOHNSON & MARK WALBURG. I love them both and they are magical together in this action, adventure, comedy. When a group of personal trainers (Mark Wahlberg, Dwayne Johnson, and Anthony Mackie) decide to steal the American Dream, they get caught up in a criminal enterprise that goes horribly wrong. Now, living large will take everything they’ve got in the unbelievable true story that critics are calling “Goodfella’s on steroids”……and “outrageously entertaining.”

If you need some laughs and action, just click here: Pain & Gain Subtitled, Dubbed, Widescreen, Dolby on DeepDiscount.com

If it’s BLU-RAY you need, click here: Pain & Gain With DVD, Subtitled, Dubbed, Widescreen on DeepDiscount.com

These are just a few of my favorite and most popular Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson films. Browse and own all of films by clicking here: All Things DWAYNE THE ROCK JOHNSON from DeepDiscount.com

Who Would You Pay Big Bucks to See in Concert?

May 20, 2022 / violetbrown

Are there 1 or 2 artists you would see live, no matter what you had to pay for a ticket?

In an earlier post I said that I am finished paying for high priced concert tickets. Especially when there are so many great DVDs of live shows that are available. I do enjoy sitting at home seeing a great concert from the comfort of my couch. With phenomenal speakers and a huge television screen it is much better than being in the back of a crowded and noisy venue. And let’s face it, these live recordings only capture the best performances from each artist. Live music recordings are pleasing to me, and they do eliminate spending a lot of money for tickets and the hassle of going to a venue ….

BUT, if Joni Mitchell, Sade, or Yusuf Islam (CAT STEVENS) ever come back for a live show, I WILL be in their audience no matter what the cost may be.

I would find a way to be there for any of these artists. I am a proud super-fan of Joni, Sade, and Yusuf…CAT!

The last time I saw Joni Mitchell perform in Southern California it was at the Gene Autry Museum in 1995. This photo was taken on this unique an intimate evening with Joni. This breath-taking show celebrated her music and artwork.

Sade’s 6^th and last tour through the U.S. was in 2011. I have seen Sade each time she has been on tour, but it is not nearly enough. Her albums and tours are few and far between.

On December 14, 2014, Yusuf Islam (aka Cat Stevens) returned to Southern California after 35 years to perform at the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles. There were no tickets, and I was desperate to get into this show. A generous friend purchased tickets for me from a private party. That friend is the comedian Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias. I had to throw his name into this post because he has done wonderful things for so many people I know. He loves spreading joy on stage and off. Check out my upcoming feature on Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias…coming soon!

As you can see by the dates of their last tours, these artists are not likely to tour again soon….or possibly, ever again.

If you enjoy these artists as much as I do and would love to see them perform I invite you to visit their DVDs by using the links found below.

Now through the end of May deepdiscount.com is hosting their annual “Video Sale for Music Lovers.”

If you have wanted to see (ANY) of the artists you love in concert, but it has not been possible, this is the time to add their DVDs to your collection. If you have a friend or family member that has a birthday coming up, a DVD of their favorite artist or genre of music makes a thoughtful and perfect gift. If you know the person’s favorite artist or genre of music, you can never go wrong with the gift of music. Music brings good memories, joy, and happiness, so use the links below to browse a full selection of music and DVDs from hundreds of artist

Click here to find your favorite artists DVDs on sale:
Music Video Sale on DeepDiscount

Looking for just Joni Mitchell, click here:
Search results for All Products : “Joni Mitchell” (deepdiscount.com)

For Sade Super-fans , click here:
Search results for All Products : “sade” (deepdiscount.com)

For Yusef Islam (Cat Stevens) fans click:
Search results for All Products : “cat stevens” (deepdiscount.com)

Here are some NOT-SO-FUN FACTS about going to live shows in 2022…

However, there is a light at the end of the tunnel (well, at the end of this post)

We all know that inflation is something that we face daily…some things are up 5%….10%…25% or MORE. BUT, If you have tried to go to a LIVE show or concert lately you may have noticed some ticket prices are up 100%.

(I suppose they are making up for the time our world was shuttered during the pandemic. Guess what, many concert fans did not work either, so we do not finally get back to work and have a newfound fortune to spend on concert tickets. Some artists love and understand their fanbase and have welcomed fans back with affordable tickets.)

CHEAP SEATS are a thing of the past at most venues…Just think of them as PERMENTLY SOLD OUT.

The price gouging does not stop with the price of a seat to see a live show….We recently paid $158 to park our car for a 5 hour stay at a venue…closer lots were $300-$500…What happened to every car pays $10-$20 to park in any lot and “first come, first serve” for the closer spots?

QUESTION: Why not save money on parking and take a ride share company (you know which ones)?

ANSWER: Well due to the inflation of GAS prices and new surcharges, prices have risen sky-high to get you to and from concert venues. And good luck trying to find your driver or “A” driver after your show. Be prepared to pay more to get home than what you paid to get to your show…..FACT!

Need I mention GAS PRICES…NO, we all get this not-so-fun FACT!
Do not go to your concert hungry. It is cheaper to stop by a 3-5 star restaurant and eat before your show. Once you step into the lengthy line at the snack bar of the venue you will be paying BIG BUCKS for burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and other foods to crave your munchies.

Now here is a FUN FACT…

If you are a MUSIC LOVER…there is a sale JUST FOR YOU

You can sit in the “front-row” and still have “CHEAP SEATS” to see ANY show you want. You can also see your favorite shows over and over again….all from the comfort of your home.

You can browse hundreds of performances, documentaries, and other music related DVDs in this “VIDEO SALE for MUSIC LOVERS”

Here is that link…again Music Video Sale on DeepDiscount

See The Greats One More Time?

May 18, 2022 / violetbrown

I thought I should see Paul McCartney live just one more time before he decides to stop performing….after all he is 80 years old.

After the “ordeal” and all the “drama & the work” it took to see Paul….I AM THE ONE THAT HAS DECIDED MAYBE ITS TIME TO STOP GOING TO OVER-PRICED SHOWS.

It has become next to impossible for regular fans to see their favorite acts these days (without taking out a loan or selling a kidney for the price of a ticket). Some shows cost as much as going on a vacation.

When I looked for tickets and saw the prices for McCartney I decided to stay home, bust out, and enjoy all my favorite McCartney and Beatles music and DVDs from my own collection. I was prepared to miss his show even if it may be his last tour through Los Angeles.

My son was not happy to hear that I was going to miss seeing McCartney, so he purchased a pair of tickets for his “2 moms” to see the show. The tickets set him back $1200 and the seats he purchased “SAT” us back about midway back from the stage. Even with $1200 seats we were watching Paul on the giant screens in the stadium.

Paul was performing at a new stadium, and we were not familiar with the parking situation, so I looked for information on-line. The website recommended purchasing pre-paid parking. We did not purchase parking in the $300 lot that was closest to the stadium. Instead, we bought the $117 parking ($158 after the tax and processing fees). Even though we had pre-paid parking we were instructed to arrive at 3:30 pm. If we could arrive when the lot opened we might be able to get an A.D.A. (handicapped) parking spot . The show was supposed to start at 7:30 but it started after 8:30 pm. This meant that we were there 5 hours early just to ensure we could get ADA parking. Of course, all the food, water and restrooms were behind the gates of the stadium which did not open until 6:00 pm. Many fans that arrived early (as suggested by the website) were roaming around outside the stadium in 90-degree heat looking for water, food, and restrooms.

We were all happy when the gates finally opened at 6:00 pm. We could then get our $7.50 small bottles of water and stand in long lines for the over-priced food.

The family that sat next to us during the show were buying $20 cans of beer all night from the guy who was walking through the stadium selling them.

I wanted to buy another bottle of water but those were not sold by the guys walking through the stadium. Another $7.50 bottle of water would require a walk up the stairs to the lobby.

So off I went to get my water. When I got to the lobby, I got sidetracked by a bar. I thought I would surprise my partner with her favorite drink, so I ordered a “Whiskey Old Fashioned” cocktail and a margarita. I was told that I needed to go to the “whiskey bar” to get her drink. That bar was on the other side of the huge arena, but I could get my margarita about midway there from the “tequila bar.” All this hassle because the regular “bar-bar” did not sell these drinks. I wanted my drinks, so I made the trek around the stadium and stood in more lines to bring the 2 drinks back to my seat. These drinks were $79 including tax and tip. Needless to say, we would not be a risk on the road after the show by having just one round of $79 drinks.

We returned home about 11 hours after we headed out on our Paul McCartney adventure….it was now 1:00 am.

I am not completely giving up on going to live shows, but I will be VERY selective about who I see in the future.

I have a comfortable reclining couch, a fully stocked bar and we can prepare our favorite snacks to have while we watch our favorite artists perform live on our ultra-clear, GIANT screen TV. Never again will I put ourselves and our wallets through a lot of drama just to see our musical heroes….and, in the most “uncomfortable” way.

We can sit in the comfort of our own home, safely sipping on our favorite drinks…munching on our own favorite foods….wearing whatever we are comfortable in…and saving a whole lot of money on gas, tickets, processing fees, taxes, parking, $70 t-shirts, and other venue money traps.

Deepdiscount.com is currently having a HUGE Video Sale for Music Lovers. If you have a solo artist or band that you LOVE seeing live, just search their name on DeepDiscount.com and be prepared to hear and see them…YOUR WAY!

I feel a little silly because I did not click here to enjoy Paul McCartney….MY WAY
Paul McCartney CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray on sale at DeepDiscount.com

I could have also clicked here to relive Beatlemania in the comfort of my home. The Beatles CDs, DVDs, Blu-rays, Box Sets and more from DeepDiscount.com

See all your favorite artists in their prime when they looked and sounded their absolute best. Our heroes live on forever thanks to the body of work they leave behind.

Throughout May I will tell you more about some of my favorite artists and the videos in their catalogs….Make sure you check out all the great performances, documentaries and more from YOUR favorite artists…Get them while you can get MORE for LESS at DeepDiscount.com

On October 22, 2021, I featured The Beatles on this blog – Click here to read that post.

It includes a photo of me with 2 Beatles…PAUL & RINGO…Check out that story and see if you can spot me in the photo with Paul. You can see by the look on my face that I was VERY HAPPY to be next to him. Oh, and about the hair in that photo with Ringo (it was the 80’s)

THE NEXT BIG BLOCKBUSTER

May 17, 2022 / violetbrown

The OG “Top Gun….Tom Cruise” soars back into theaters in “Top Gun Maverick” on May 27, 2022.

Will this sequel live up to the original Blockbuster of 1986…..TOP GUN?

Have you ever wondered, what makes a film a BLOCKBUSTER?

“A film that is a cultural phenomenon… a fast-paced exciting source of entertainment…films that audiences interact with and talk about afterward…films that bring viewers back to the theater to see them again and again, just for the thrill……..These films are called “BLOCKBUSTERS”

The first film to be called a “BLOCKBUSTER” was “Jaws” in 1975. I featured Jaws in a previous post in July 2021.

If you would like to read it, just click here

After the success of Jaws, movie studios were in a battle to see which film would be the NEXT BIG BLOCKBUSTER!

Since we now know what a “BLOCKBUSTER” is, we also know that this is the “ONE MOVIE” we “MUST-SEE” as soon as it hits theatres. Even if we do not typically see a lot of movies we are sure to head to the theatre when the newest BLOCKBUSTER is released!

Most studios wait till the summer to release their BIG “BLOCKBUSTERS” but since we were shut-ins for nearly two years they are dropping these films early and at a rapid pace.

There are several BIG FILMS set for release in 2022….CAN and WILL THEY ALL BE BLOCKBUSTERS?

The first GIGANTIC film of 2022 (touted to be a BLOCKBUSTER) is “TOP GUN MAVERICK”. The film is set for release on May 27, 2022.

“TOP GUN MAVERICK” is the sequel to the ….BIGGEST BLOCK BUSTER FILM Of 1986…“TOP GUN”

The original film starred a young Tom Cruise, Val Kilmer, and Kelly McGillis. After 36 years we will see Tom Cruise and Val Kilmer back in their original roles alongside our new stars, Jennifer Connelly, and Miles Teller. I am thrilled that “Top Gun Maverick” is finally being released.

I fondly remember the rush I got in 1986 as I watched Pete “Maverick” Mitchell (Tom Cruise) soar through the clouds in the most intense flying maneuvers ever in “Top Gun”

Pete Mitchell was a young, handsome, confident, arrogant, courageous, precise, and highly skilled aviator….AND HE WAS A REBEL that did things “his way”

“Top Gun” fans loved being along for his “wild rides” in the cockpit or on the streets with his “Ninja” motorcycle. The movie had just the right amount of Drama, Action, Adventure and Romance to make it soar at the box office.

In “Top Gun Maverick” we will meet up with Pete Mitchell again, 30 years later as he continues to serve as a top Navy test pilot and flight instructor. We shall see if it is as good as the original and if it too, will be memorable 36 years later.

Before I head to the theater on May 27^th to see “Top Gun Maverick”, I will go through my ritual of watching the original film that started it all “Top Gun”.

If you would like to view and own this Blockbuster film from 1986, you can find it here……

Top Gun (1986) on DVD from DeepDiscount.com

Top Gun (1986) on BLU-RAY from DeepDiscount.com

Top Gun (1986) on BLU-RAY in 3D from DeepDiscount.com

After watching “TOP GUN” from 1986, you will understand why everyone is talking about and anxious to see the sequel on May 27, 2022.

“TOP GUN” was the 8^th movie starring our Mega-Movie Star Tom Cruise…“TOP GUN MAVERICK” is his 44^th film.

If you need more Tom Cruise now, you can find the complete selection of Tom Cruise films by just clicking here.

WORTH RE-VISITING

April 22, 2022 / violetbrown

You can’t talk about ROCK LEGENDS without mentioning “THE BEATLES” and “THE ROLLING STONES”

Well, it appears that I have mentioned and featured “The ROLLING STONES” on October 19, 2021…(it includes one of my “fave” photos with Keith Richards)

The Rolling Stones – Violet Brown Told Me
from October 19, 2021

“The Beatles” were also featured on October 22, 2021. You can visit this feature by clicking the link…..(it includes photos of me, with 2 Beatles….can you find “Violet” in the pic with Paul?

Did I really have that “hair” in the pic with Ringo?

The Beatles – Violet Brown Told Me
from October 22, 2021

Which ROCK LEGEND……is NEXT?

I am writing about my “personal favorites” through April so check back soon, for more of VIOLET’S FAVORITE ROCK LEGENDS!

Was Prince a Rock Legend?

April 21, 2022 / violetbrown

Or was he a FUNK….R&B…..POP….or SOUL LEGEND?

Most music fans would agree that “PRINCE WAS A LEGEND”

When Prince Rogers Nelson was born, did his mother have a premonition that her baby boy would grow into his ROYAL NAME and RULE MANY GENRES of MUSIC?

PRINCE was PERFECTION…he was a MUSICAL GENIUS…he MASTERED 27 INSTRUMENTS…he was a PROLIFIC songwriter and composer…he had AMAZING GUITAR SKILLS…Some call Prince a GUITAR GOD (some say GUITAR HERO)

Prince was a Singer, Songwriter, Composer, Producer, Actor, Innovator, Game-changer, Music Mogul, GENIUS…ICON and a LEGEND!

Today, on April 21, 2022, it has been 6 years since PRINCE left us.

Prince fans will NEVER forget where they were and what they were doing on the morning of April 21, 2016, when they were hit over-the-head with the news of the passing of PRINCE. For me it was unbelievable and 6 years later it is still UN-REAL.

I had the rare opportunity to visit Prince at his private estate and production complex…PAISLEY PARK.

I was there on October 26, 1996, for a private listening party with Prince and 12 other fortunate music execs to hear his new album. The album was “Emancipation.” It was a triple album, so we were alone with Prince for more than 4 hours as he played and discussed all 36 songs on the album. After hearing the entire album Prince asked us if we wanted to stick around for a “demonstration.” We were not exactly sure what his demonstration would be but the invitation to stick around longer with Prince was “music” to our ears.

His demonstration turned out to be the MOST AMAZING and INTIMATE PRINCE SHOW we would EVER see!

The 13 of us….stood in his massive sound stage room where Prince usually rehearsed for all his major tours including his famous super-bowl performance.

Prince left us alone in the room and told us to have some snacks. The beverage of the night was delicious juices…NO ALCOHOL WAS ALLOWED AT EVENTS IN PAISLEY PARK. Prince was never much of a drinker – he only enjoyed a little red wine on special occasions.

After about an hour wait, all lights went out and we were standing in total darkness. Then a purple spotlight hit the middle of his giant “all-white” stage. Purple smoke started to spew out of fog machines that were on each side of the stage.

Prince stepped into the spotlight with his guitar. We could vaguely see the other band members through the purple fog/smoke.

Prince proceeded to give us a private show with a full band. I stood right in front of the stage, looking up at him as he played 10 songs. Song #2 was Purple Rain and he stood right at the edge of the stage. I could have touched his feet. He played Purple Rain for 13 people as though he was playing it for the Super Bowl….I felt as though I could faint…it was over-whelming.

We later found out that we had seen a rehearsal for a live show he was recording at Paisley Park. The special show would have an audience full of hardcore Prince fans. The show aired on MTV, BET & VH1 in November of 1996. The show was to promote and celebrate the release of his (triple) “Emancipation” album (released on Nov. 19, 1996)

Our special Prince show is “The most memorable show of my lengthy career in music” I have witnessed so many amazing and special shows, but this PRIVATE, INTIMATE PRINCE show for 13 people tops my list of the MOST MEMORABLE SHOWS OF ALL-TIME!

I am not going to get into specific albums by Prince, but I will invite you to use the link below to check out my feature on…PURPLE RAIN (written on 6/18/21).

Prince: Purple Rain – Violet Brown Told Me
Posted 6/18/2021

Prince: Purple Rain-Violet Brown Told Me

I will end with my most treasured item and moment with Prince……….

“The Item”

On November 20, 2001, Prince released his 24^th album on NPG Records along with Redline Entertainment.

The album was “The Rainbow Children” and I was a buyer for Wherehouse Music.

I was told that my sales rep was bringing something special to me from Prince. I had been given a few things from Prince over the years but this time my sales rep walked in with a CD. He asked me to play track 12, called “Family Name”. I listened closely for several minutes but nothing was standing out until I reached about 6:09 of the 8:17 minute song. It was at that moment in the song where Prince was jammin’ on his guitar and he said, “make a sound”

then all music ceased and he very clearly said, “Violet Brown.”

Then he went back to jammin.’ I could not believe my ears and it made me very emotional.

ALBUM: Rainbow Children

SONG: “Family Name” (Track #12…Verse 6)

(Found at 5:50-6:10 of the song)

People, people what’s your name?
Maybe, we should start all over
Let everybody get in the game
Put up a one gloved fist
Make a sound, Violet Brown

“The Rainbow Children” is not easily found but my blog sponsor deepdiscount.com carries an extensive catalog on all artists.

Click here to find it and OWN…”The Rainbow Children”

“My Magical Moment with Prince”

It was at a Goapele show in Hollywood where I had the rare opportunity to see Prince again. I was seated upstairs in a V.I.P area at a great table with 3 of my friends. A waiter came over and asked if he could seat 2 more people at my table. I said

“yes” and I noticed he was bringing Raphael Saadiq and another man to my table. Raphael sat down next to me which was fine because I know him well. When I looked at the other man I was shocked to see it was Prince. I whispered to Raphael that after the show I needed to speak to Prince. With so many eyes on Prince, he never seemed to make eye contact with anyone. He just sat and watched Goapele as she gave an outstanding performance. At the end of the show Raphael tapped my arm and then he said to Prince “This is Violet Brown, she is the…” and before he could finish Prince stood up and took my hand and said “I know exactly who she is. She is the buyer at The Wherehouse.” I then looked right into the eyes of Prince and told him how much the mention of my name in his song meant to me. As I was telling him how much his gesture touched my heart, I got emotional and started to cry. Raphael found this to be funny which made me a little embarrassed, but it did lighten the moment and helped me to calm down. This is one of my most memorable times with Prince.

Just in case you may be wondering who Goapele is and why Prince went to see her that night, just check out her video for “Closer.”

You can also sample and purchase her music here (Goapele music on DeepDiscount.com)

If you would like to add any of the 39 Prince studio albums…or the 5 live albums…or perhaps some of his 17 video releases to your personal collection….check out the full selection of Prince music and movies available from my blog sponsor DeepDiscount.com here (Prince on DeepDiscount.com)

Come back to see which ROCK LEGEND I feature next…..DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE???

ROCK LEGENDS

April 20, 2022 / violetbrown

When I think of rock legends, the first band that pops in my head is……….

LED ZEPPELIN

Led Zeppelin tops the list when it comes to the GREATEST HARD ROCK BANDS of ALL-TIME. Many magazines and media outlets rank them at #1. They are my favorite hard rock band of all-time.

For my birthday in 1970 I begged for just one gift, and it was for a ticket to see Led Zeppelin at The Forum in Inglewood, CA. It would be the perfect gift since my birthday was on March 26 and the concert was on March 27.

My mother gave me one of the greatest gifts ever and somewhere in my prized possessions I have a ticket stub for the March 27, 1970, Led Zeppelin concert. This show set my mom back $6.00 in 1970 which was quite a bit at the time.

After this “Zeppelin” show I would continue to see them every time they came anywhere near Los Angeles, California.

Here are some facts about my favorite hard rock band…..LED ZEPPELIN

LED ZEPPELIN was a British band that consisted of Robert Plant on vocals, guitarist Jimmy Page, John Paul Jones on Keyboard and bass and the late John Bonham on drums.

They were a short-lived band that performed together from 1968-1980. The band ended due to the passing of drummer John Bonham on September 25, 1980. Rather than replace Bonham with a new drummer they decided they could not go on without him. Two months after John’s death Led Zeppelin made the announcement that out of respect for Bonham and his family, they were officially calling it quits. This shocking announcement came on December 4, 1980.

Since then, they have only performed a few times…

In 1985 for “Live Aid” with Phil Collins and Tony Thompson on drums.
In 1988 for the Atlantic Records 40^th Anniversary celebration and concert at Madison Square Garden. John Bonham’s son, Jason Bonham was on drums for this show.

AND….on DECEMBER 10, 2007, at the O2 Arena in London.

This is now known as the “GREATEST ROCK & ROLL SHOW EVER!

This EPIC show put Led Zeppelin on another prestigious list.

Led Zeppelin is the only musical act on the list of the “Top 10 Most Expensive Seats of All-time”. They are ranked at #10 behind legendary, historic sporting events and space flights

Face-value tickets were $250 to see Led Zeppelin perform their first show in 27 years at the O2 Arena. But it was reported that one super-fam paid $14,700 for his seat and another fan paid $168,000 at a charity auction for 2 seats to the show.

The iconic band re-grouped and performed in honor of Ahmet Ertegun who was the co-founder and president of Atlantic Records. This was the most sought-after ticket in the history of rock music.

The Ahmet Ertegun Tribute Concert “Celebration Day” featuring Led Zeppelin is in the Guinness Book of World Records for the “HIGHEST DEMAND for TICKETS for ONE CONCERT.”

The once in a lifetime reunion show garnered over 20 million requests for tickets. Tickets for the show were like gold. Led Zeppelin super-fans traveled from all over the world to witness these Rock Gods take the stage just one more time.

The “CELEBRATION DAY” concert was recorded and is available on CD and Blu-ray/DVD. This has been called the “Greatest Rock and Roll Show EVER”

You too can enjoy the magic of this LED ZEPPELIN “CELEBRATION SHOW by clicking here

Celebration Day: Deluxe Blu-ray/CD/DVD Edition available from DeepDiscount.com

Celebration Day on CD available from DeepDiscount.com

I also recommend owning the Blu-ray of “How the West Was Won.” This was recorded during 2 AMAZING shows on June 25 and 27, 1972 in Inglewood and in Long Beach, California.

SEE IT, FEEL IT & OWN IT, by clicking here…
How The West Was Won on Blu-ray

Led Zeppelin has had lasting success and popularity. They are one of the best-selling bands of all-time.

During their twelve years they released eight albums. All albums hit No. 1 on the charts in the U.K. and six of the albums were No. 1 in the U.S.

The band was founded by Jimmy Page who was also the last lead guitarist for the Yardbirds. They were another important British blues band. Jimmy played with the Yardbirds from 1966-1968. The Yardbirds were known for their great guitarists. The band was active from 1963-1968. During this time, they had three guitarists that were listed in Rolling Stone Magazine’s Top five of the “100 Greatest Guitarists of All-Time.” These famous “Guitar Gods” were Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, and Jimmy Page.

Check out the extensive selection of Yardbirds CD’s, LP’s, and DVD’s here…

When the Yardbirds disbanded in 1968, Jimmy Page formed a new band which he named “The New Yardbirds.” This name was used because the Yardbirds were under contract to do a few more shows after their breakup.

This New Yardbirds were formed in August of 1968 and consisted of Robert Plant on vocals, Jimmy Page on lead guitar, John Paul Jones on bass and keyboards, and John Bonham on drums. After the band completed their concert obligations they took on a new name and recorded their debut album as, Led Zeppelin.

Did you know that, Led Zeppelin got their name from the late, great drummer for The Who, Keith Moon?

While talking to some other musicians Keith Moon said, “the New Yardbirds would go down like a lead balloon.” Supposedly Keith was asked to join the New Yardbirds as their drummer but turned it down. When the band heard about the reference to a lead balloon they decided to use the name, Led Zeppelin. A “zeppelin” was the largest and most powerful balloon of all time. A zeppelin was a large German airship that was used during World War 1 to drop bombs.

The cover of the debut album by Led Zeppelin on January 12, 1969, is iconic.

The cover was a photo of the infamous “Hindenburg disaster” that happened in 1937.

The huge balloon type airship was zeppelin called “The Hindenburg” that caught fire and went down in a ball of flames.

Jimmy Page found a little laughter in their debut album cover from Keith Moon’s comment about Led Zeppelin “going down like a lead balloon”

Just like the Hindenburg, Led Zeppelin BLEW-UP (but in a good /safe way) and their debut album quickly shot to the top of the charts.

Here are a few of my personal favorite Led Zeppelin titles. These titles are a “MUST HAVE” for ALL rock collections….Check out these remastered versions on CD, LP, Deluxe Editions and Blu-ray DVDs

Led Zeppelin 1

Led Zeppelin 2

Led Zeppelin 3

Deluxe Edition Remastered on CD

Led Zeppelin IV

The Song Remains the Same

Available on Blu-ray or DVD

Houses of the Holy

Physical Graffiti

Check out all titles by Led Zeppelin here…

If you like ROCK MUSIC check back this month for more features on some of the BIGGEST ROCK LEGENDS of ALL-TIME.

Violet Brown Told Me