My history of Circus Magazine? Yes, that's a story I've been prompted to tell, for years. Now is the time. So, rather than wait a year, or two, or more for me to complete a manuscript, I thought it best to jot down notes as they entered my head.
This way, information will be transmitted instantly. True, with all warts, and welts. But that makes the tale grittier, I suppose. Stay tuned, Dear Reader. History of rock music's legendary publication, Circus Magazine begins now.
Before Circus Magazine there was Hullabaloo. The name change occurred in 1969. But that is a story for later on. The first issue of the magazine was born on a long mahogany wood dining table, purchased used for $10. from a thrift shop. The table was set complete with a clunky upright typewriter typed copy for the issue, X-acto knife, t-square, rulers, paste-up glue, white out, copy paper, and paste-up boards.
First issue, Beatles George Harrison, and model Pattie Boyd. The couple married on January 21, 1966. Jimi Hendrix graced the first cover of Circus Magazine.
David Dalton was our first editor, who helped focus on the mag toward a serious appreciation of rock music. I did some writing, but David and freelancers did the bulk of the writing. Note the first issue, featuring British model Pattie Boyd, with Beatles George Harrison.
Yes, the English invasion had already begun a year or so earlier. The Animals were here, The Rolling Stones, Dave Clark 5, and even Herman's Hermits. Note the first edition of Circus Magazine, with an incredible portrait photograph of Jimi Hendrix, snapped by a young Jeff Mayer, who became one of our regular rock music photographers.
(British Rock band Eric Burdon, and the Animals. Our first centerfold. "House of the Rising Sun," became a trans-Atlantic hit song, after its release by MGM Records in 1964. Described as first folk-rock hit.)
The first official staff of Hullabaloo was me, as editor-publisher, David Dalton, art director, and editor. Ian Cremer listed as editor-in-chief, and Bruce Gedman, associate editor-publisher.
Sarah Dalton, David's sister, wrote the London Cable, Bruce Gedman wrote a music column and DidierDelaunoy wrote record reviews. Norm Schreiber and Jeff Steinberg were our go-to freelance writers. Jeff later became our editor.
What I remember vividly about David, during a busy day was a telephone call that would come in from his mom. She spoke with a broad British accent. David was both editor, and art director for the mag, and had much to do in our office, which was my Studio apartment.
The phone rings, and I answer. This was a landline desk unit that sat in the middle of the long table.
She: Is David there? Me: May I ask who's calling? She: His mother. Me: David, your mother is on the phone. David: Tell her I'll call back in a moment. Me. He'll call you back in a moment. She: Thank you.
This conversation went on a few times a day until David returned the call to his mom.
The original staff. Left to right: Gerry Rothberg, Bruce Gedman, Jan Cremer, Darling, and David Dalton.
David Dalton could be seen at Steve Paul's the Scene, on New York's West 46 Street, wi th his new friend Linda Eastman, a photography newbie. Steve Paul was an affable guy, open, and friendly.
Rock music heavies, like Jimi Hendrix, played the Scene, while British invasion bands jammed, and hung out. Linda became one of our earliest photographers, as well as Linda McCartney. Yes, Paul McCartney's wife.
At this time it was necessary to secure national distribution for the magazine. I was fortunate to hook up with Ace Distribution Company headed by the affable and involved Aaron A. Wyn. A.A. Wyn founded Ace Books, which at that time was a well-known publisher of science fiction and fantasy paperback books.
The first success for this company, however, was with mysteries, and westerns. These genres were known aspulp fiction. Pulp because of the paper it was printed on.
The magazine started out as a pulp magazine, with color inserts, and was printed by an offset press. The first edition of Hullabaloo, soon to become Circus Magazine, was produced at a printing press company in Upstate New York.
Seeing the first edition going to “bed” was a nightmare. I was at the printing plant as a means of micro managing, I suppose. Making sure there would be no last minute glitches, or emergency phone calls.
When we finally got on press, late at night, and the last job of the shift, I looked up, and saw the pressman man running on top of the gigantic press machinery.
The press kept moving, as paper was fed in for inking, with the pressman in pursuit on top, overseeing the right holes fit into the correct grooves. What a frightful sight, as he could have been trapped in this labyrinth of machinery.
Back in the office, two camps arose, in our editorial process. One which favored lampooning artists and, the other to stay the course with a strict music appreciation line. Bruce Gedman strongly favored the strict music appreciation point of view, with criticism left to the record reviews. He was adamant about this, and thankfully so.
We could have drifted off to a less than serious rock, and pop publication. From the onset, several writers, and critics praised the magazine for taking the music seriously. I tended to lean towards a less than serious point of view. But Bruce held to his viewpoint. In a way, Circus Magazine, as it evolved over the years owes its approach to rock music to Bruce Gedman.
Issue #2. Cover photo(l. to r. ) Mick Jagger, KeithRichard, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, and Brian Jones. Brian Jones passed away tragically on July 03, 1969, aged 27. He was founder, and original leader of The Rolling Stones.
Bruce was the kind of guy who felt the music, and sought out the right people for us to be in contact with. Among these music people was Nat Weiss, who dealt with Brian Epstein, who managed the Beatles. Bruce was quick to set up a dialoguewith Nat, who had many contacts in the music biz.
So on we march to the second issue, which was tighter, and more focused in my opinion.The Rolling Stonesin an incredible, cover story with great photos,the Beach Boys, Dave Clark 5, Paul Revere, and the Raiders, Donovan, among our interviews. With all this, we launched The Adventures of Gedman, a music column by, you guessed it, Bruce Gedman.
The cover story remains a mystery to me. Were those photos byLinda Eastman, who soon becameLinda McCartney? Who wrote the piece? The author starts off that he received a phone call from me, assigning him to this Stones project, but never identifies himself. No photo credits appear on the pages.Hm-mmm!
Stay tuned. Circus Magazine History to be continued.
About Me: Circus Magazine, the legendary rock music publication was founded by Gerald Rothberg in 1966. He has been its editor, and publisher since its founding.
(All pages, including all logos of Circus Magazine, Circus Raves, Hullabaloo Magazine, on all pages of https://geraldrothberg.com are Copyright (c) 2021 by Gerald Rothberg . All rights reserved.)
Circus Magazine News & Notes
Monkees Peter Tork : February 13, 1942 - February 21, 2019, Passes Away at 77
That week our Facebook, and Twitter pages were ablaze with the sad news of Peter Tork 's passing. Peter whose birth name was Peter Halsten Thorkelson, was born in Washington D.C. We covered the Monkees in the 1960s. (Note: before Circus Magazine, Hullabaloo was our moniker. Scroll down this page and read beginning History of Circus Mag.)
The Monkees were not considered real rock by hard rock fans. Their genre may have been labeled teeny bop. But so many of our readers grew up enjoying the wild, and crazy antics, and songs, often written by Neil Diamond, ("Last Train to Clarksville," among others) that they swiftly flew into the realm of fave rockers.
Peter Tork was the favored Monkee with Hullabaloo Magazine readers. Though all members of the band were neck and neck in any race for popularity.
The Monkees were Peter Tork, Micky Dolenz, Michael Nesmith, and Davy Jones. RIP Peter Tork.You brought joy and happiness to a generation of fans. Heartfelt condolences to your family, and friends.
News & Notes July 18, 1967: The Jimi Hendrix Experience is thrown off Monkees tour. Jimi's manager Chas Chandler admits afterwards that it was a publicity stunt.
What's Up in Rock Music?
Circus Magazine got its start in 1966. I began publishing Circus as a general interest rock magazine, running stories on big-name rockers of the day. Later, I realized that the target audience of teenage boys loved reading about their favorite rock stars over and over.
I soon made it my priority to cover the top acts repeatedly. Circus covered all kinds of rock music, but always featured many heavy metal and hard rock bands in its pages. My 50-year journey with Circus Magazine was an interesting ride — e-mail me today to learn more about it. Read more about this iconic American magazine and watch some early TV commercials below.
About me: J.G. (Gerald, Gerry, Jerry} Rothberg founded Circus Magazine, the legendary rock and roll publication and had been its editor and publisher for fifty years.
Rothberg is the author of "The Esau Swindle," "Love Song for Montana Greene," the just-released “Memoirs of a Woman With Two Lovers," and the forthcoming fantasy novel "Billy B Gude, and the Escape from Elsinore Castle."
IN MEMORIUM: ROLLING STONES drummer CHARLIE WATTS dies at 80 USA tour continues
CHARLIE WATTS iconic drummer, The ROLLING STONES. The rock band's rhythmic pillar. Born June 2, 1941, Kingsbury, UK. Died August 24, 2021. London, England, UK. (Vintage photo from Hullabaloo/CIRCUS magazine, circa 1966)
(Young Stones. Vintage CIRCUS photo. Mick Jagger left, Keith Richards, center, Charlie Watts, right)
"It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts," a statement from Watts' spokesperson read. Watts recently withdrew from performing in the upcoming Rolling Stones tour because he was recovering from an undisclosed operation.
"He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family. Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also as a member of the Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation. We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time."
THE ROLLING STONES rescheduled 2021 U.S. "No Filter Tour" went forward after CHARLIE WATTS death. Kicked off September 26 The Rolling Stones went ahead with No Fi\lter Tour dates, which begin September 26, at the Dome, America Center, St Louis MO, and wind up November 20 at Austin, Texas' Circuit of the Americas.
On August 4, the classic rockers announced that Charlie Watts their beloved drummer of 58 years will sit out the forthcoming tour because of surgery. Watts named Steven Jordan to fill in for him.
To make up for canceled venues, the Classic Rockers have added Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and New Orleans.
IN MEMORIAM: Rock stars praise ZZ TOP's DUSTY HILL
Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Brian May, Paul Rodgers, more salute the ZZ Top legend
In 52 years playing in ZZ TOP, DUSTY HILL missed one show, which was four days before his death. The band's guitar tech Elwood Francis filled in, and remains on the road with ZZ as the band's bassist.
Dusty Hill died at age 72. According to bandmates Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard, Hill passed away in his Houston, Texas, home. Hill's image next to Gibbons' is one of the most iconic in rock and roll history.
Rock World share their praise for Dusty Hill on social media:
Ozzy Osbourne Tweeted: Rest In Peace #DustyHill of @ZZTop. My thoughts go out to @BillyGibbons and Frank Beard and all the #ZZTop fans around the world
Tony Iommi Tweeted: Sorry to hear about Dusty Hill, greatly missed, a crucial part of the unique ZZ Top sound
Bad Company Paul Rodgers Tweeted, and shared backstage photo.
A sad day in rock history. I am gutted to hear about the sudden passing of my friend Dusty. He will be remembered with love. Condolences to his wife Charleen, family and friends. - Paul
The bassist's widow Charleen McCrory on August 2 shared her grief, and love for her husband on ZZ Top's Facebook page:
After 19 wonderful years of marriage that ended too soon, I’ve decided to step out into Dusty’s spotlight to thank all of his fans, colleagues and friends for the overwhelming outpouring of love for The Dust. It makes me hopeful he will not be forgotten.
He was the kindest, most gentle and caring man a woman could ever Hope to find in a lifetime. Many don’t believe in fairy tale marriages but Dusty and I truly lived one! We were inseparable.
He wasn’t supposed to leave me or all of you. That wasn’t the plan he and I had. The plan was for another round of physical therapy, with a different approach, to help his chronic bursitis. The plan was he would return to the second leg of the tour in September.
Early Wednesday morning my world and yours would lose a great musician and I would lose my greatest love. He woke me up and we talked and as he was sweetly chatting with me he suddenly stopped and he was gone in an instant. So, while I feel numb and lost and alone and in a million pieces, I know he will always be with me in my heart and soul and I will join him when the Lord calls me home to be with them. It is my hope you will always keep him in your hearts. He loved his fans and always remembered that without fans music is not heard. So, know he truly appreciated each and every one of you.
Dusty was an avid tv and movie buff…always quoting lines and so I share an embellished quote from “This Is Us” as my last love letter I send with him to his final resting place.
My Sweet Dusty, The single most extraordinary thing I have ever done in my life is fall in love with you. The single most extraordinary gift I have ever received in my life was for you to ask me to marry you. I have never been seen so completely, loved so passionately and protected so fiercely. I will be with you again. Love you to infinity and back. Your wife, Chuck
I will lay my husband to rest tomorrow. I would ask that you look to the heavens at noon and wish Dusty Godspeed.With great love, respect and appreciation to Dusty’s fans, colleagues and friends, Mrs. The Dust
Upon notification of of his death, the band immediately issued a statement on their Facebook page.
"We are saddened by the news today that our Com padre, Dusty Hill, has passed away in his sleep at home in Houston, TX," the post said. "We, along with legions of ZZ Top fans around the world, will miss your steadfast presence, your good nature and enduring commitment to providing that monumental bottom to the 'Top'. We will forever be connected to that 'Blues Shuffle in C.' You will be missed greatly, amigo."
ZZ TOP will continue rockin': Up-to-date Tour venues for August, September through end of 2021.The band the road July 16, 2021 in Manchester, Iowa for the long awaited North American tour. The Texas blues-rock trio's trek called A Celebration of ZZ Top, remains on the road through the end of the year.
“To say we’re looking forward to getting back out on the road and performing in front of real people is the understatement of the last 16 months, if not the century,” drummer Frank Beard proudly stated in a press release.
Singer and guitarist Billy Gibbons added: “ZZ is coming on strong. Let’s get it!”
(Above. Vintage ZZ Top Circus Magazine cover image, December 10, 1976 edition).
ZZ Top began their trek July 16, 2021 in Manchester, Iowa for the long awaited North American tour. The Texas blues-rock trio's tour called A Celebration of ZZ Top, remains on the road through the end of the year. Canadian leg begins April 23, 2022. Smartphones scroll page for complete tour dates ZZ Top A Celebration-USA. and Canada 2021-2022.
Remembering EDDIE VAN HALEN (1955-2020) Eddie Van Halen legendary guitar rocker dead at 65
Above. Eddie Van Halen celebrated rock guitar virtuoso, Circus Magazine cover image, June 30 1986
Eddie Van Halen renowned Van Halen band rock guitarist, and co-founder's passing was confirmed October 6 via Twitter by son Wolfgang, 29.
“I can’t believe I’m having to write this, but my father, Edward Lodewijk Van Halen, has lost his long and arduous battle withth cancer this morning. He was the best father I could ever ask for. Every moment I’ ve shared wi th him on and off stage was a gift,” wrote Wolfgang, who has filled in as the band’s bassist replacing Michael Anthony in 2006.
“My heart is broken and I don’t think I’ll ever fully recover from this loss. I love you so much, Pop.”
Wolfgang's mother, Valerie Bertinelli, Eddie's wife from 1981 - 2007 tweeted a long string of broken hearts, and later shared a family photo of Instagram.
Valerie Bertinelli @Wolfiesmom in a heart-wrenching post wrote, “40 years ago my life changed forever when I met you. You gave me the one true light in my life, our son, Wolfgang. Through all your challenging treatments for lung cancer, you kept your gorgeous spirit and that impish grin. I’m so grateful Wolfie and I were able to hold you in your last moments. I will see you in our next life my love.”
IN MEMORIAM: Eddie Van Halen Anniversary of death October 6. "A year to the day/since you went away"
What other song could be more fitting? The legendary guitarist passed away last year of cancer at the age of 65
Rolling StonesNo FilterTourCriss-Crossed USA With Huge Video Screens, Bringing Jagger, Richards Up Close. Younger Brother Says Mick Almost Died Before Surgery
Start them up! It began as The Rolling Stones Tweetedfrom Chicago the morning of June 21: "Morning Chicago! We can't wait to see you at Soldier Field later today - please remember do not bring bags in to the stadium. If you have to only clutch bags - max 6.5"L x 4.5"H / clear tote bags max 12"L x 6"W x 12"H / 1 gallon resealable clear plastic storage bags are allowed."
At a sold out Soldier Field Stadium, Chicago on June 21, and 25 Mick Jagger danced, gyrated, and ran up, and down a huge 104 foot catwalk jutting into the audience singing the tunes they wanted to hear. Accompanied by band mates Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, and Charlie Watts The Rolling Stones resumed theirNo Filter Touracross the USA.
(Photo. Left to right.Ronnie Wood, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, and Keith Richards.Tweeted by @SoldierField June 21)
Presently, The Rolling Stones played their first concert -- after 25 years in New Orleans, Louisiana. On July 15, Mick Jagger told the crowd of more than 50,000 fans at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome: "We've been on a bit of a journey to get here tonight." Jagger was referring to Hurricane Barry, which delayed the show to the next night, as well as his recent, successful heart valve surgery.
“Thank you for an amazing night in New Orleans," the band posted on social media.
TheNo Filter Tourtraveled to Jacksonville, Florida for a performance on July 19. The following week, the Bad Boys of Rock and Roll get off in Philadelphia.
Before the tour's start in Chicago,Jagger told a Toronto radio station Q107 audience: "Been rehearsing a lot lately in the last few weeks … This morning [I did] a bit of gym. Nothing crazy. Then I go into rehearsal with the rest of the band.”
He assured fans The Rolling Stones will honor fan favorites. “The favorites, ones people like to hear, you know, ‘Paint it Black’, ‘Honky Tonk (Women’), and ‘Satisfaction’.
The 75 year old rocker revealed he still likes touring, but doesn’t tour twelve months out of the year, any longer. “When you’re young, that’s what you do. I spend three or four months on the road in a year, and that seems to be a good balance.”
Mick has kept fans totally informed with updates on his recent health scare. A month-and-a-half after his early April successful heart valve surgery in New York,Sir Mickposted on Instagram, and Twitter a 22-second clip of his stylish dance moves in a New York dance studio. A couple of weeks earlier Jagger posted on Instagram, sharing a photo of himself, captioned simply, "A walk in the park!"
A Walk in the Park.Mick wore a dark shirt jacket, blue jeans, and a cap, smiling lightly for the camera. He was released from New York hospital, a week after successful heart valve surgery.
Jagger’s younger brother Chris, 71, told The Sun, a UK newspaper that Mick might have died if his heart condition hadn’t been detected during his check-up.
Chris added, Mick is doing well. He then compared his older brother's condition to Joe Cocker’s.Chris told the publication: "Mick is doing OK. I spoke to him… he’s good. It just showed up on a scan so it could happen to anybody, you know.
"It happened to Joe. He came back from walking the dogs and his wife found him collapsed on the sofa. He had this valve problem." Chris added: "His father died from it. It was hereditary. With Mick it came on a check-up."
Mick Jagger had Tweeted from his hospital room after his operation. "Thank you everyone for all your messages of support, I’m feeling much better now and on the mend - and also a huge thank you to all the hospital staff for doing a superb job."
Dates for the North American tour resumed with two performances at Chicago’s Soldier Field, June 21 and 25, and at Oreo -Medonte Burl’s Creek Event Grounds, June 29. These three dates were scheduled before Jagger’s health emergency. Tickets sold for the original dates will be honored. No exchanges are necessary. Tour wraps up August 31at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium.
Brian Jones Rolling Stones founder, guitarist may have been murdered in 1969, daughter believes. Wants police to reopen investigation
Seated on grass left to right, Keith Richards, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, and Brian Jones. Cover photo Hullabaloo, November 1966. (Mag morphed into Circus Magazine in 1969.)
Brian Jones, Rolling Stones founder, and guitarist had drowned in the swimming pool at his home, Cotchford Farm in Sussex in 1969. The coroner at the time had recorded Jones’ passing as death by misadventure, “drowning under the influence of drink and drugs” at some time in the night of July 2, and or morning of July 3, 1969.
Now, fifty years later his daughter wants a new investigation of facts surrounding her father’s death. Brian Jones daughter, Barbara Marion, a clinical hypnotist from Chicago, has become convinced new answers are necessary, though she never knew if her dad had been aware of her existence.
In an interview with Sky News, the UK news agency, she maintains Brian Jones’ death was no accident. “I think he was murdered, and I think the police did not investigate it the way they should have,” she told Sky News. “I would love to have them reopen it, and to get some answers.”
Marion learned she was Jones’ lovechild in 2002, at the age of 33. Her mother, a model had visited the UK from America in 1968, and admits to having had a fling with the rock star.
"Who knows?" Kiss frontman Paul Stanley says Peter Criss, and Ace Frehley may yet perform on End of the Road Tour
(Vintage photo, Kiss Ace Frehley 16 x 20 inch color pull-out from Circus Magazine, 1975 edition.)
Kiss original drummer, Ace Frehley recently told KATT, Oklahoma's Rock 100.5 radio station, he had not been approached to perform on "End Of The Road" Tour 2019.
"I've offered my services, and they just haven't made the decision to bring me back. And that's okay, because I'm having a lot of fun as a solo artist. But I also am concerned about the fans as well. I wanna give the fans the biggest bang for their buck."
Meanwhile, Kiss front man Paul Stanley recently told Columbus, Ohio's Torg, and Eliott morning show, 96.3 WLVQ. "I have to say that door is open, but it's nothing I contemplate daily. We're 45 shows into a sold-out tour, and it's going to continue. And it's a celebration of everything we've accomplished with our fans... So whatever happens, happens."
Seeing the first edition going to “bed” was a nightmare. I was at the printing plant as a means of micro managing, I suppose. Making sure there would be no last minute glitches, or emergency phone calls.
When we finally got on press, late at night, and the last job of the shift, I looked up, and saw the pressman man running on top of the gigantic press machinery.
The press kept moving, as paper was fed in for inking, with the pressman in pursuit on top, overseeing the right holes fit into the correct grooves. What a frightful sight, as he could have been trapped in this labyrinth of machinery.
Back in the office, two camps arose, in our editorial process. One which favored lampooning artists and, the other to stay the course with a strict music appreciation line. Bruce Gedman strongly favored the strict music appreciation point of view, with criticism left to the record reviews. He was adamant about this, and thankfully so.
We could have drifted off to a less than serious rock, and pop publication. From the onset, several writers, and critics praised the magazine for taking the music seriously. I tended to lean towards a less than serious point of view. But Bruce held to his viewpoint. In a way, Circus Magazine, as it evolved over the years owes its approach to rock music to Bruce Gedman.
Issue #2. Cover photo(l. to r. ) Mick Jagger, Keith Richard, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, and Brian Jones. Brian Jones passed away tragically on July 03, 1969, aged 27. He was founder, and original leader of The Rolling Stones.
Bruce was the kind of guy who felt the music, and sought out the right people for us to be in contact with. Among these music people was Nat Weiss, who dealt with Brian Epstein, who managed the Beatles. Bruce was quick to set up a dialogue with Nat, who had many contacts in the music biz.
So on we march to the second issue, which was tighter, and more focused in my opinion. The Rolling Stones in an incredible, cover story with great photos, the Beach Boys, Dave Clark 5, Paul Revere, and the Raiders, Donovan, among our interviews. With all this, we launched The Adventures of Gedman, a music column by, you guessed it, Bruce Gedman.
( Shop Now! J.G. Rothberg's newest historical novel of the 1960s, Memoirs of a Woman with Two Lovers. This novel is available at Amazon Books. E-book only $3.99 )
The cover story remains a mystery to me. Were those photos by Linda Eastman, who soon became Linda McCartney? Who wrote the piece? The author starts off that he received a phone call from me, assigning him to this Stones project, but never identifies himself. No photo credits appear on the pages. Hm-mmm!
Stay tuned. Circus Magazine History to be continued.
