Rodney on the Rock’s ‘GTO’ Vol. 2 Skids in After 20 Years

Sirius XM DJ Rodney Bingenheimer, a.k.a. the Mayor of the Sunset Strip, has once again put together a collection of Christmas tunes for the holidays with “Rodney On The Rock Presents: Santa’s Got a GTO Vol. 2,” being released by Gearhead® Records this week.

The album’s release party, including the release of Gearhead® Magazine’s annual issue #20, is at La Luz de Jesus Gallery on Thursday, December 7th, at Wacko in Hollywood, and features performances by The Woolly Bandits (as the Glitter Critters) with Clem Burke (Blondie) and Christa Collins (The Seeds, Disney), Kat Meoz, ColorTV with actress Tipper Newton (The Mindy Project)., and The Tearaways, which are just a few of the bands featured on the record. There also will be some surprise guests, as well as prestidigitation by Fantastic Fig (America’s Got Talent).

Fantastic Fig, lawyer-turned-magician Paul Fegen, debuted David Bowie in the states at his home parties in the 70’s, along with bands like DEVO and L.A. Guns, according to Gearhead Productions, Inc. CEO and President Michelle Haunold.

The album will be released in high-quality red vinyl, with cover art by Doug Mansfield of The Mansfields, as well as a digital download. “The album art is very colorful and kind of Shag-like,” said Bingenheimer, where the exclusive poster art for both the front and back album covers will be available at Gearhead® Records release party.

As with the first compilation, the new record will include a mixture of new songs as well as classic Christmas covers. The Mansfields’ “Broke on Christmas Again,” Launch Control’s “My Name is Santa and I’m a Punk Rocker” and Kat Meoz‘ “Christmas in Hollywood” are just some of the new songs adding to the unique line-up, as well a skit with The Characters and Bingenheimer. And there are covers of classics like The Dollyrots’ “All I Want For Christmas, The Donnas’ “Up On The Housetop,” The Glitter Critters’ “Little Drummer Boy,” and, of course, The Ramona’s “Santa’s Got a GTO,” just to name a few.

Additional tracks from CJ Ramone (of The Ramones), Color TV (with actress Tipper Newton,) Karen Basset (of The Pandoras,) Kristeen Young (David Bowie’s longtime collaborator), Frankie and the Studs, Peter118, and The Tearaways (of Sirius XM intro theme “Rodney’s Getting Sirius”) will be on the vinyl, with additional bonus tracks by Lisa Mychols and The Mansfields on the digital download.

Bingenheimer, whose current East Coast prime time spot is on Little Steven’s Underground Garage (Ch. 21), Sundays, 6:00 pm PST on Sirius XM, introduced bands like Blondie, The Ramones, The Sex Pistol’s, X, Van Halen, and Nirvana to Los Angeles during his unique and long-time radio show that ran 41 years on KROQ. The Sunday night show gave new generations ear access to 1960s bands and favorites of Bingenheimer’s, such as The Monkees.

The holiday compilation comes 20 years after the popular first release in 1997 of “Santa’s Got A GTO: Rodney On The ROQ’s Fav Xmas Songs” whose limited release currently fetches up to $70 on Amazon.

In addition to being sold at Wacko, the vinyl will be available at other select stores, for purchase online directly at GearheadHQ.com and at sites such as Amazon.com, and will retail for $21.95 beginning at the release party where a free digital download coupon will include the record plus the bonus tracks.

The record release party, along with the release of Gearhead® Magazine’s annual issue #20, is Thursday, December 7th, 2017, from 7-10PM and is at La Luz de Jesus Gallery/Wacko, 4633 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood.

About Monique A. LeBleu

Monique A. LeBleu is a writer, photographer, videographer, and shameless foodie and wineaux. A love of film history and a background in film production, post-production, and film theory provide unique insights into her movie reviews. As well, a background in technical theater fuels her passion on all-things theater. As a foodie, living in the ever-growing and diverse culinary landscape that is the City of Los Angeles feeds her never-ending pursuit of the perfect comfort food—the world's best Mac n' Cheese!
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One Response to Rodney on the Rock’s ‘GTO’ Vol. 2 Skids in After 20 Years

  1. Doug Deutsch says:

    Great read, thanks for posting!

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