The cathartic bands of the last few years will apparently continue their struggle with mediocrity and banality as announcements of impending tours by "rock n' roll" royalty has been verified for the impending summer. Tentative dates by Pink Floyd, Cream and Queen are in the works and fans anxiously await confirmation in major cities across the globe. Pink Floyd has not toured with Roger Waters in over twenty years but apparently the riff between Nick Mason, Rick Wright & David Gilmour has been temporarily abrogated. Their collective return to the dreaded touring rat race could be the most heralded event since the Page & Plant reunion in 1995.

Cream has contemplated a reunion somewhat frequently since their "Farewell To Cream" concert at Royal Albert Hall in 1968 but to no avail. Perhaps the passage of time has healed the volatile demeanor between Clapton & Bruce. As the most prolific trio in the annals of contemporary music, Clapton, Bruce & Ginger Baker could be a significant part of the musical equation for this year that will restore the credibility to the genre that has been so obvious missing during the last fifteen years. With the demise of Freddie Mercury, one of the most revered bands since the mid-sixties came to a sudden and saddened ending. Now, after several years, the survivors of Queen have signed Paul Rogers, i.e., Free, Bad Company, The Firm, & once the most celebrated vocalist on the planet, to a contract that will bring the band back to the mainstream.

These were once the bands of renown, exalted, admired & emulated. They are often discussed in the midst of music connoisseurs as we reflect on the magical moments of our youth. These are the memories of a genre that helped to heal a nation, united an entire generation and made music the greatest solvent for universal peace. They are the iconic figures that were unreachable yet adored. We exulted in their being, danced to their music and those celebrated memories were savored for all these years. Musical memories represent a distinct epoch of our lives, and certain songs remind of us people who have passed on that made a difference in our lives and society in general. These were the precious times, often perceived as those of yesteryear, but…..an encore for the ages is on the horizon To quote myself, when all is said and done, it really is "The little victories".