Unsung Heros of Rock - The Rockets

Michael Butler showcases one of his favorite under appreciated bands. This time it's a band from the Detroit called The Rockets Five studio albums produced several minor hits including a rocking rendition of Fleetwood Mac's "Oh Well". Always a popular group in Detroit, and Michigan, The Rockets had gotten some attention outside of the state, but never really got the big break to become a true national act. The first album, Love Transfusion, was released in 1977. It failed to produce any hits. The 1979 self-titled release featured the hits, "Oh Well" and "Turn Up The Radio". This record also featured on bass, David Hood, one of the "Swampers" from the famous Muscle Shoals Sound Studios in Alabama. Muscle Shoals was mentioned in Lynyrd Skynyrd's southern rock anthem "Sweet Home Alabama". Also, this Rockets album was dedicated to Skynyrd members Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines and Cassie Gaines, who all perished in Skynyrds infamous 1977 plane crash. The third attempt came in 1980 with "No Ballads", "Desire" was a popular tune from this album. Next came the "Back Talk" album in '81 and then finally "Rocket Roll" in 1982. "Rollin' By The Record Machine" from this release was the last hit for the band. The final release, "Live Rockets" was recorded on New Years Eve 1982 at the Royal Oak Music Theatre near Detroit. The Rockets performed for their last two shows at Pine Knob (now known as DTE Energy Music Theatre) near Detroit on August 28th & 29th, 1983. The band splintered and the members all went their separate ways. Bandajek, McCarty and the rest went on to other projects. Gilbert played in a couple of short-lived local bands and ended up taking a job hanging drywall. His lifelong abuse of drugs and alcohol along with divorces, death and suicide had taken its toll. Former rock star David Gilbert was 49 when he died of cirrhosis in 2001. R.I.P. David. Save money on Converse, Vans, REEBOK and other athletic shoes with our Eastbay Discount Coupons. Use the code AFBUTL15 at checkout and get 15% off any order Use the code AFBUTLER at checkout and get 20% off any order $75 or more or use the code AFBANG15 or AFBANG20 Make your own D-A-D Shoes at ZAZZLE.com Get 10% off your order of $50 or more by using the code: RockGeektv10 at checkout Get 12% off your order of $75 or more by using the code RockGeektv12 at checkout Find more great discount offers HERE