Tampa Earl - On Air Personality with Real Rock Radio

02/12/2025

INITIAL THOUGHTS ON THE 2025 HALL NOMINATIONS

They never have lacked the ability to surprise us, and the Nomination Committee for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame didn't fail to do it again in 2025. The list is an intriguing mixture of artists and bands that will present voters with some easy choices - the tough part may be who gets that last "Performer" slot.

There are a few surprises on the list, at least one of whom will earn induction. That would be Bad Company who, while I disagree with their potential induction, would not be unwelcome. Bad Company is one that RAWK fans have been clamoring for decades. Now, we'll see if they can earn induction.

Two surprises aren't as slam dunk guaranteed. Chubby Checker, he who famously told the Hall to either induct him or forget about him, and Joe Cocker both were named in 2025. They are going to have a hard time swaying many voters, but stranger things have happened.

There were also some "out of left field" nominations. With little fanfare or call, both Mana, an extremely influential Mexican pop band; Phish, a longtime jam band (think the Grateful Dead), was put on the nomination list; and Outkast, the groundbreaking Atlanta rap group, were all nominated (Outkast for the first time). Phish is going to get a HUGE call from the Fan Vote, but I don't see them being elected. I also see Mana being passed over, much like the much more Hall-worthy choice in Fela Kuti. The one who might get the call? Outkast, the seminal rap group that has been at the forefront of many a "snubbed" list over the years.

There are some more first-time nominees - Billy Idol, Oasis, and The Black Crowes - and some returning entries - Mariah Carey, Cyndi Lauper, Joy Division/New Order, Soundgarden, and The White Stripes - who might be running out of chances for induction. Only Carey seems to be a sure-thing induction...the rest? Well...

If I were to have to file a ballot today, my choices for induction would be:

Soundgarden
Outkast
Joy Division/New Order
Bad Company
The Black Crowes

If I were envisioning who the Voting Committee of the Rock Hall goes for, it would be this:

Mariah Carey
Chubby Checker
Outkast
Cyndi Lauper
Oasis
Bad Company

For Musical Excellence, I think we will see:

Fela Kuti
John Coltrane

For Musical Influence:

New York Dolls

And for the Ahmet Ertegun Award:

Rick Rubin
The MTV VJs

All in all, not too upset with the nominations. I got five out of the fourteen choices, that's a .357 batting average...you go to the Baseball Hall of Fame if you average that every year!

02/12/2025

With the announcement of the nominees for the Class of 2025 for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame coming tomorrow, I thought it was time to drop on you my list of those who will be selected. Let's see if I still have my touch!

GUARANTEED NOMINEES

Linkin Park
Oasis

With both making big comebacks in 2025, it is perfect timing for them to be inducted.

POTENTIAL NOMINEES

Alice in Chains
Soundgarden
Joy Division/New Order
Cyndi Lauper
Sting
Coldplay
Iron Maiden

LONG SHOTS

Lenny Kravitz
Arrested Development OR De La Soul
Warren Zevon (although he should have been there YEARS ago)

POP/COUNTRY/INTERNATIONAL

Fela Kuti
Mariah Carey
Garth Brooks

I'd toss in my list for the Musical Excellence, Musical Influence, and Ahmet Ertegun Award, but let's get by the nominees first...

02/01/2025

Celebrating the best in music and a veteran band returns...check out and on Sunday to hear both!

At 1PM (EST)/6PM (GMT), "Rockin' in the USA" looks at the 2025 and who are up for the Rock and alternative Grammys. and are there, but would you believe AND ALSO are up for awards? Sunday night is the show, but hear from the nominees Sunday afternoon.

At 2PM (EST)/7PM (GMT), "Crackin' the Seal" brings up new music from a veteran of both and . and his namesake band, , have a new album, plus we'll hear new music from and . In the New Artist Spotlight, we've got The Metal Byrds, The Ruins (), , , , , Michael Webster, and to wow your ears!

Enjoy the party before the Grammys with "Tampa" Earl and Real Rock. The link is in the bio or cut and paste this:

www.realrockradio.co.uk

01/31/2025

How many of you will be in attendance when Mariah Carey takes the stage in Las Vegas? Hey, at least she's out of the freezer for a bit longer!

Mariah Carey is back and will start an eight-date residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM in Las Vegas on Friday, with the potential for an extension should the partnership prove successful.

01/30/2025

The first month of 2025 has seen some cancelations or postponements of residencies in Las Vegas - but, just like the city itself, there are other options more than willing to step into the breech!

The first month of 2025 has seen the postponement of a major Las Vegas residency and the cancelation of another. The response is to schedule more shows around the city to take their place.

01/28/2025

Usually, you'll find me kicked back on a Sunday. On January 26, however, I took in the Michigander/Sydney Sprague show at Crowbar in Ybor City - and I was glad I did!

https://www.rockatnight.com/2025/01/sunday-nights-alright-to-rock-michigander-sydney-sprague-bring-outstanding-show-to-tampa/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIGNoxleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHTbikLpLwA8A9EctFXrBC2EM0FeZNJxKge4qmh3SVxVFuWDPQSBPOVLfLg_aem_eoVTgwWI0WSHXIw8Qem2Jg

By “Tampa” Earl Burton Live Review: Michigander with Sydney Sprague – Crowbar in Ybor City, Tampa – January 26, 2025 If you’re like me, Sundays are a period for relaxation most of the time. You kick [...]

01/27/2025

Rock & roll never rests! With the editor and covering the show tonight at ! Look for the review and photos soon!

01/24/2025

Making the best out of a tragedy and the latest Warriors countdown... has it for you on Sunday!

At 1PM (EST)/6PM (GMT), "Rockin' in the USA" will unveil some of the tracks from the fundraising album "Aid for L.A.," which is raising money for . Bands such as , , .moment, and more than 300 other bands have given one song for the album, with the proceeds going to the CFF. Learn more by tuning in on Sunday!

At 2PM/7PM, "Crackin' the Seal" counts down the first Real Rock Radio Warriors Top Five for 2025. Things may not be going well for and right now, but their song "Bad Guy" is rocking the charts - can it make Number One? In the New Artist Spotlight, and all are on tap with the latest and greatest in new rock!

Help those affected by the California wildfires and enjoy some great rock...does it get better? It's all yours this Sunday with "Tampa" Earl and Real Rock Radio! Hit the link in the bio or cut and paste this link to find the show:

www.realrockradio.co.uk

01/10/2025

Who will it be in 2025? And the latest and greatest in new rock...it's all for you on Sunday with and !

Sunday at 1PM (EST)/6PM (GMT), "Rockin' in the USA" examines the potential choices for the in 2025. is in their first year of eligibility...are they a shoo-in for induction? And what about grunge acts like ? Check out our best bets for nomination!

At 2PM (EST)/7PM (GMT), "Crackin' the Seal" features new rock from , , and , while the New Artist Spotlight brings you , , , , , The Ferrymen (), , and !

Two hours of jams and, if you miss it, you can catch up on Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8PM (GMT)! Just hit the link in the bio or cut and paste here:

www.realrockradio.co.uk

01/04/2025

HAPPY NEW YEAR! "Rockin' in the USA" and "Crackin' the Seal" are BACK! Join and for the first show of 2025 this Sunday!

At 1PM (EST)/6PM (GMT), "Rockin' in the USA" will remember the life and music of with an hour of music. Everyone knows Steinman's connection to Meat Loaf, but what other musicians did Steinman work with? And what was Steinman's connection to Batman? Find out about that and much more!

At 2PM (EST)/7PM (GMT), "Crackin' the Seal" drops the first new music for 2025. Tunes from , , and Angel Olsen will be joined by New Artist Spotlight bands like Machine Man, .official, Movieland, , , , , and !

Kick off the New Year blues with hot rock from "Tampa" Earl and Real Rock Radio! The link in the bio will get you there, or you can copy and paste here:

www.realrockradio.co.uk

12/28/2024

I know you've been waiting for it...and HERE IT IS! The best of 2024, featuring some of the best in rock (with some drift over to the country side) over the past twelve months. Such bands as April Art, LILIAC, and Tamar Berk made the list...who else would you put on the roster?

https://www.rockatnight.com/2024/12/pearl-jam-petty-tributes-top-best-of-rock-in-2024/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR0pk1KiLov42b85oLQIxqYxOKz-yCBkwnj4vd9l51zBYwEKvk4YYab2k30_aem_IBC0au0baRfDPA9EYF7Tpg

By “Tampa” Earl Burton We’ve come to the close of another year, a year replete with great moments (anyone else still buzzing over Ozzy Osborne’s induction at the Rock Hall this year) and moments of [...]

12/28/2024

If you missed it last week, here's your chance to catch the encore performance of the "In Memoriam" on "Rockin' in the USA" and the countdown of the best in rock with the "Terrible Thirteen" on "Crackin' the Seal." It all kicks off at 1PM (EST)/6PM (GMT), so BTA!

www.realrockradio.co.uk

12/20/2024

We've come to the end of another year, and we will remember AND celebrate it...come join and for a look at 2024 this Sunday!

At 1PM (EST)/6PM (GMT), "Rockin' in the USA" pays homage to those who have left us in our In Memoriam for 2024. We lost several legends in the last year, including Dickey Betts, Brit Turner of , Duane Eddy, and many others. We remember their contributions to the world of music over the course of the hour.

At 2PM (EST)/7PM (GMT), we'll answer the question of the best in rock with "Crackin' the Seal's" Terrible Thirteen for 2024. 334 songs were tracked in the past twelve months, but what thirteen songs vied for Song of the Year? Was it ? What about ? ? Maybe ? Tune in to find out what made its way to the top of the Crackin' the Seal year-end chart!

What a way to close out 2024! Join "Tampa" Earl and Real Rock Radio on Sunday and end the year right! All you have to do is hit the link in the bio or cut and paste the link below:

www.realrockradio.co.uk

12/14/2024

Come help and continue our celebration of 2024 on Sunday!

Tomorrow at 1PM (EST)/6PM (GMT), "Rockin' in the USA" looks back at the 2024 Induction Ceremonies for the ...who can forget the iconic being feted? We'll also look at who has the best shot for induction in 2025...is this the year for ?

At 2PM (EST)/7PM (GMT), "Crackin' the Seal" looks at the bands that came up JUUUUST short on the CTS Chart in 2024...would you believe that 334 songs made the Crackin' the Seal Song of the Year list, and had TWO Number One songs in 2024, but neither went to the "Terrible Thirteen?" See who else had a great year, just not QUITE making it to the top!

Only a couple of weeks left in 2024...get caught up on the last twelve months with "Tampa" Earl and Real Rock Radio! Find the link in the bio or just copy the link here:

www.realrockradio.co.uk

12/07/2024

Getting ready for 2025 by reviewing 2024...that's what's going on with and on Sunday!

At 1PM (EST)/6PM (GMT), "Rockin' in the USA" looks toward 2025 and what is in store for rock fans! Unfortunately, won't be a part of the fare, but will be, and there's a plethora of new albums coming...are you ready for new music from and others? 2025 is looking GOOD!

At 2PM (EST)/7PM (GMT), "Crackin' the Seal" counts down the biggest songs from the world of alternative rock. Did hit the top? What about or ? The Number One song for 2024 might surprise you!

Come on in as we celebrate the best of 2024 and start to cast our eyes to 2025 with "Tampa" Earl and Real Rock Radio! The link is in the bio or you can cut and paste this link here:

www.realrockradio.co.uk