Holy Stromboli Batman. Talk about the butterfly theory in full effect. I have reread that story twice for the sheer fact of how crazy it is, or maybe it isn’t so crazy.🤪
The Russian 1 legged maid was icing on the cake as like any NewYorker I am a Huge fan of the Sopranos.
As always A 1000 thanks to Sonny for his work on this site. God Speed 😎
That’s one from the vault for sure. I had forgotten about the Rather story, and while I knew the “what’s the frequency Kenneth” line, REM isn’t on my list of things to care about. You know how to keep it interesting. I always look forward to seeing what you’re going to pull up next.
Thank you, Daniel. I’m not much of an REM fan myself. I mean good for them for making it big, but I don’t listen to their records. The story intrigued me though, and once I got started, I couldn’t stop. Really appreciate the kind words, and that you took the time to read the piece.
I’ll always read the piece. Come on man. Actually that wasn’t completely true about REM. I was friends with Bill Rieflin who drummed for them for a few years. I met him when he was with KMFDM. I always joked how he went down musically to play with REM, although to be fair I’m sure he got a better payday.
Bill Rieflin! Now there’s a name I haven’t thought of in a while! I used to listen to Ministry, KMFDM, Revolting Cocks, etc. all the time. That’s so cool you knew him. I bet he was a hell of a guy. And I totally agree that he ‘lowered’ himself to play with REM 😂
This is great! I remember hearing about this story when the song came out but I love that you did some digging on it and even found out what happened to Tager lol! Such a weird piece of history and even weirder that a song written about it got on the radio at a time when people still listened to the radio.
Thanks, AJ! The story felt so weird from so many places that I just had to find out what happened to the guy. I had a blast researching and writing it, and am thrilled that you enjoyed the post!
The Molly Ringwalds came to our small town in Lower Alabama, last Friday. It was loaded with fun and everyone was “into it”!!!
I like them because they don’t make a pretense as being something anything else than what they are... an excellent entertaining cover band playing totally upbeat well-known songs. They played for 1.5 hours and the crowd stayed as it was a perfect evening outdoors.
I had no idea who they were so I just looked them up on YouTube. I can totally imagine having a fun night listening to these guys, especially outside on a lovely night.
I was aware of the assault on Dan Rather as the basis for the song, but never knew that they’d apprehended the person or that he’d been involved in a murder. A great piece Sonny!!
Wow, Sonny, that was the most fascinating and entertaining article I have read in a long time! I remember hearing about this when the REM song came out, but had no idea of the twists it has gone through since then.Totally wild.
Enthralling story! I cannot believe I missed this pop culture moment, or perhaps, I had forgotten it. Tragic though, the way young Campbell lost his life. Tager was probably one among many who are grappling with mental illness without medical supervision or care. Sad, but fascinating and enthralling story. Thanks Sonny!
Thanks so much, Nadine! The incident popped into my head one day and I found myself wondering whatever happened to Tager. I had no idea that he’d gone on to kill Campbell. One thing led to another and the piece was born. Couldn’t be happier to hear you enjoyed it!
Outstanding!!!! Fascinating. Great work!
Agreed. Plus I like the song as well as REM .
Thank you very much!
I enjoy your photographs immensely but I didn’t realize how well you can write! Great work.
Holy Stromboli Batman. Talk about the butterfly theory in full effect. I have reread that story twice for the sheer fact of how crazy it is, or maybe it isn’t so crazy.🤪
The Russian 1 legged maid was icing on the cake as like any NewYorker I am a Huge fan of the Sopranos.
As always A 1000 thanks to Sonny for his work on this site. God Speed 😎
Thanks for reading, Foosball! I’m a huge Sopranos fan as well and couldn’t believe it when I learned the news. 😁
How bizarre is this story...WOW!!! Excellent piece...
Crazy, right? Thank you for reading!
That’s one from the vault for sure. I had forgotten about the Rather story, and while I knew the “what’s the frequency Kenneth” line, REM isn’t on my list of things to care about. You know how to keep it interesting. I always look forward to seeing what you’re going to pull up next.
Thank you, Daniel. I’m not much of an REM fan myself. I mean good for them for making it big, but I don’t listen to their records. The story intrigued me though, and once I got started, I couldn’t stop. Really appreciate the kind words, and that you took the time to read the piece.
I’ll always read the piece. Come on man. Actually that wasn’t completely true about REM. I was friends with Bill Rieflin who drummed for them for a few years. I met him when he was with KMFDM. I always joked how he went down musically to play with REM, although to be fair I’m sure he got a better payday.
Bill Rieflin! Now there’s a name I haven’t thought of in a while! I used to listen to Ministry, KMFDM, Revolting Cocks, etc. all the time. That’s so cool you knew him. I bet he was a hell of a guy. And I totally agree that he ‘lowered’ himself to play with REM 😂
Ministry and KMFDM are still heavily on my workout playlists. Bill was a great musician. RIP
This is great! I remember hearing about this story when the song came out but I love that you did some digging on it and even found out what happened to Tager lol! Such a weird piece of history and even weirder that a song written about it got on the radio at a time when people still listened to the radio.
Thanks, AJ! The story felt so weird from so many places that I just had to find out what happened to the guy. I had a blast researching and writing it, and am thrilled that you enjoyed the post!
I LOVE stuff like this, so anytime you get a yen to write something along these lines, know you have my full and undivided attention lol
How many people went and listened to the song after reading this?
Off topic:
The Molly Ringwalds came to our small town in Lower Alabama, last Friday. It was loaded with fun and everyone was “into it”!!!
I like them because they don’t make a pretense as being something anything else than what they are... an excellent entertaining cover band playing totally upbeat well-known songs. They played for 1.5 hours and the crowd stayed as it was a perfect evening outdoors.
By the way, that Lead Guitarist is really solid!
I had no idea who they were so I just looked them up on YouTube. I can totally imagine having a fun night listening to these guys, especially outside on a lovely night.
This was truly fascinating. Thank you for posting!
Thank you very much, Dan!
I was aware of the assault on Dan Rather as the basis for the song, but never knew that they’d apprehended the person or that he’d been involved in a murder. A great piece Sonny!!
Thank you very much, Mark!
Wow, Sonny, that was the most fascinating and entertaining article I have read in a long time! I remember hearing about this when the REM song came out, but had no idea of the twists it has gone through since then.Totally wild.
Thank you so much reading, Sheila! I thought it was pretty wild as well!
Saw REM at the Capitol Theater in Passaic NJ very early on in their career. 3rd row center seats.
OK
Enthralling story! I cannot believe I missed this pop culture moment, or perhaps, I had forgotten it. Tragic though, the way young Campbell lost his life. Tager was probably one among many who are grappling with mental illness without medical supervision or care. Sad, but fascinating and enthralling story. Thanks Sonny!
Thanks so much, Nadine! The incident popped into my head one day and I found myself wondering whatever happened to Tager. I had no idea that he’d gone on to kill Campbell. One thing led to another and the piece was born. Couldn’t be happier to hear you enjoyed it!