BY JULIA CIRIGNANO

To coincide with the end of 2016 and the start of a fresh, new year, Limelight Magazine spoke with ten local musicians about what they were most grateful for in 2016 and their New Year’s resolutions for 2017 both within their personal lives and their music careers. We’d like to thank each of them for participating in our short survey. We’d also like to wish our readers a very happy, healthy, safe, and prosperous 2017!

What were you most grateful for in 2016?

Sarah Barrios

“I think I’m feeling most grateful for my friends, family, and the endless support from those who follow my career. 2016 has been a year of real self-reflecting for me. I’ve learned a lot about myself as an artist, who I want to be, what kinds of music I want to make, what topics to write about and I think that’s given me a new perspective of my career and how I want to move forward. I started making consistent YouTube videos twice a week and it’s really helped me connect even more so with the lovely people who help support my music. Without them, I truly would not be where I am today. I can’t imagine doing anything else, so the fact that I have the opportunity to pursue my dreams is something that I am very grateful for.

On a more personal note, I have always been someone who enjoys to be alone, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes you need your space, but for the past few years, I just couldn’t be bothered to really put myself out there…until now. I have made and strengthened such incredible friendships this past year and I can’t even begin to describe what it feels like to be surrounded by truly kind, talented and inspiring people. As for my family, they are my rock and my home and I have learned that no matter how annoying your brothers may get or how frustrating your parents can be, your family will always be there to support you at any stage of your life and I am very lucky to have the fun and loving family that I do.”

Liz Bills (of Analog Heart)

“I have so many things to be grateful for! Here are a few. I am grateful for my loving and supportive boyfriend. The health of my family and friends. My own physical and mental health. My wonderful band Analog Heart who have stuck with me through thick and thin. The freedom to express myself and to shoot for the stars. My amazing students who teach me more and more about myself and give me purpose and balance in my life. The love that surrounds me.”

Shaun Hague (of Journeyman – A Tribute to Eric Clapton)

“I am most grateful for two things in 2016. My beautiful family which grew even bigger this year as we welcomed our second daughter into the world. Everyone is healthy, happy and doing well. I am also grateful for the amount of professional booking and touring work that landed on my plate this year from lots of hard work, with even more coming in 2017 and beyond!”

Ashley Jordan

“I am most grateful for my family. They are wonderful, loving and supportive and I can’t imagine my crazy life without them!! It will be nice to spend some extra time with my family over the holiday season!!”

Jenna Lotti

“I’m grateful to be a part of the Boston music community.”

Dan Masterson

“I’m most grateful for getting out my bed-bug ridden apartment and moving into a new place in Brighton without going completely broke or insane. I never take a good night’s sleep for granted. I’m also grateful for discovering EBASS (Emerging Boston Area Singer Songwriters) which has been an incredible community and source of support as a performer and I’m thankful to the New England Music Awards and all my friends and fans who came out and propelled us to a win at this year’s Last Band Standing in New England Competition.”

Erin Ollis (of Thirty 6 Red)

“2016 has been one of the best years thus far. I’ve been very grateful to be part of a wonderful band, Thirty 6 Red, who I can also call a second family. We’ve performed at so many wonderful events this past year and we’ve been so fortunate to have the support of family, friends and fans. We ended this year by performing at Gillette Stadium on Christmas Eve before the Patriots took the field…We were also lucky enough to choose a fan to join us for the entire day and invite them to watch the Patriots game afterwards with us.”

Louis St. August (of MASS)

“I didn’t have to give this one too much thought because I am so grateful for many things in 2016. Mostly for my family who have always been supportive in all that I do and understand that there may be times when our family plans may need to be altered. I’m very grateful for their love and understanding. Secondly, I’m very grateful that most, if not all, of my family and friends have stayed relatively healthy and happy in 2016. I’m also very grateful for our amazing fans that continue to support me and MASS music over the many years. I’ve been blessed to still have the passion and desire to create and perform the music that still burns in my heart and soul.”

Matt York

“I’m most grateful for my wife because honestly, that’s never not the right answer. However, in this case it’s actually true. I’ve had a pretty wild year musically and got to travel to some cool spots, experience some cool things and none of that would have been possible without her support. We have two young daughters and trying to coordinate the schedules of two people who both work full-time along with all the things that come along with parenting could be challenging but we’ve made it work.”

What are your resolutions for 2017?

Sarah Barrios

“I don’t think I’ve ever made a New Year’s resolution but like they say, ‘there’s a first time for everything.’ One of my resolutions for this coming year is to take more risks. I tend to let my fears, many being ones that have been created purely from my own imagination, control my life and the decisions I make. I’ve let these fears rule over me because I was more comfortable not taking risks and complaining about it, than taking the risk and seeing where the journey took me. While that wasn’t a huge deal when I was younger, I’m now pursuing a career that requires you to really step outside the box and out of your comfort zone. Maybe it’s because I’ve reflected over it or maybe it’s because I’m getting older but I’ve grown tired of feeling caged in by walls that I’ve put up all on my own. I want to step outside of my comfort zone and create without fear. To make content that is unapologetically honest, to travel more, make new friends, strengthen my musical abilities, make videos that are different from my current content. I want this year to be the year that I get out of my own way and start to live less for my fears and more for my dreams.”

Liz Bills (of Analog Heart)

“I don’t like to do New Year’s resolutions but if I had to have one it would be to continue to always learn and grow and expand. To strive for balance and happiness and to have the wisdom to stay calm and patient in times when I am sad, angry, sick or in pain.”

Shaun Hague (of Journeyman – A Tribute to Eric Clapton)

“My New Year’s resolution is to get things done and not leave them for another day. I do that too often whether it’s work related or even a house chore. I have had two ballerina prints sitting in my office for my oldest daughter’s room that should have been in there months ago. Lazy dad! Well not really lazy, I just have so much going on family/work wise and I’m not prioritizing my time well enough this year.”

Ashley Jordan

“My New Year’s resolution for 2017 is to officially release my newest album He’s Crazy and to get it out there in a new and unique way. I also want to do some music videos for my songs on my new album.”

Jenna Lotti

“I don’t really have a specific resolution but I have a goal of making 2017 my best year yet, music wise. I’ve been working on new music that is very different from anything I’ve put out yet and I’m very excited for people to hear it! I’m going to work as hard as I possibly can in 2017.”

Dan Masterson

“My first and most important resolution this year is to do anything and everything possible to defend and support my LGBTQ friends, friends of color, and female/non-binary friends — and to not be silent when I see any kind of intimidation directed toward folks simply for who they are or how they look. I feel strongly that this is a resolution that I must commit to without exception.”

Erin Ollis (of Thirty 6 Red)

“I’m sure 2017 will be jammed packed with more music and exciting memories. One of my New Year’s resolutions is to take more risks. I want to expand my music repertoire and create more original music to showcase to the public.”

Louis St. August (of MASS)

“My resolution is simply to try and be the very best human being possibly and to spread the word of hope and love through my daily actions and of course through song.”

Matt York

“For 2017, one of things I really want to do is work more to support local artists. I think with the way the landscape has changed in recent years, it’s harder for musicians to find an audience, sell merchandise and so on. So, if I can help that, even in a tiny way, by seeing more shows, buying more CDs and letting people know about acts that really impress me, I’d like think that could help a little bit.”

BY JULIA CIRIGNANO & JAY KENNEY

Bob Coburn, host of the nationally syndicated radio show Rockline, died on December 18, 2016, of lung cancer at the age of 68. Limelight Magazine would like to commemorate Coburn for what he added to the world of rock & roll. Through Coburn, Rockline connected fans with their rock & roll heroes from 1981 to 2014, giving listeners the opportunity to call in with their questions. Long before social media, Rockline was the primary way for fans to do this.

Coburn got involved with Rockline in 1981 when his friend, mentor and then host of the show, B. Mitchell Reed, became seriously ill. With Reed’s blessing, Coburn took over the position and impressed everyone on the show, landing him a permanent job as host of the show. With Coburn bringing in excellent ratings, Rockline’s popularity skyrocketed. With Coburn’s uplifting personality and hard work ethic, combined with the extraordinary crew that he worked with, the show had about 48 of the top-50 markets and hundreds of affiliates.

Since the 80’s, Coburn has had the opportunity to interview some of rock & roll’s biggest acts including Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Ringo Starr, Rod Stewart, Neil Young, Van Halen, David Bowie, Ronnie Spector, Joey Ramone, Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Black Sabbath, Bob Dylan, Elton John, Rush, Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, Paul Rodgers, Def Leppard, Buckcherry, Queensryche, Puddle of Mudd, Dave Mason, Green Day, REM, Creed, Pete Townshend, Alice In Chains, and Guns N’ Roses. A lot of rock history and shenanigans happened at the Rockline studio, yet they also hosted comedians such as Joan Rivers, Billy Crystal, George Carlin, Mike Meyers, and Denis Leary.

With such a vast list of musicians and pop icons already interviewed before his death, Coburn mentioned some musicians that he never had the chance to interview, but wishes he had. He mentioned many deceased rock stars such as John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin and Jim Morrison, and a few who are still alive, Eric Clapton and Bruce Springsteen.

Limelight Magazine spoke with three musicians days after Coburn’s death, including Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, Rik Emmett of Triumph, and Shaun Hague who was the former guitarist of the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band and currently the guitarist of Journeyman – A Tribute to Eric Clapton.

Ian Anderson had been friends with Coburn for years before his death and appeared on Rockline with Jethro Tull.

“Bob Coburn was already a radio legend when I was appearing in the Los Angeles market from the early 80s onwards,” Anderson explained. “We contributed to Rockline from various parts of the planet many times and met up in LA on several occasions. He was a kind and gentle man with a real knowledge and love for all things rock and roll. An email from him on my birthday a few months ago spoke only of a continued commitment to music and radio, back home again with KLOS. We will all miss you Bob. Part of American music history. Legends live on and the music never dies.”

Emmett, formerly of Triumph, also spoke about Coburn’s genuine passion for music that resulted in a major legacy.

“In the music biz, one encounters lots of folks who talk about how much they love music but what they eventually reveal is their love for their own position in the biz. Not Bob,” Emmett said. “He was a rare breed in the rock & roll biz. He was an old pro with a smooth style and a sincere, respectful gentleman. Bob was someone who had a genuine love of music, and a deep, deft ability to connect to the musicians who made the music he loved. He was a storyteller and a man who could draw stories from his guests. He will be missed and mourned but should also be celebrated with our humble respects.”

Fellow musician Shaun Hague talked about his relationship with Coburn from being star struck to Coburn actually interviewing him.

“In 2003, one of my biggest influences, Jimmy Page, appeared on Rockline,” Hague explained. “I tried forever calling in to speak with him. In the last hour of the show, I got through. Many of the questions I wanted to ask had been brought up by that point so I asked him a question about the How The West Was Won DVD and started it off by telling him what an idol he was to me. At the end of his five minute response, he stopped and said to me, ‘Thanks again Shaun for what you said about my guitar playing and influence’. I nearly fell off my chair!!!”

“One year later, I was in studio with Bob on Rockline as a member of the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band. It was just such an honor to be in the same room that many of my heroes had been in, also getting interviewed and playing live for Bob. I hope someone carries the torch of his unique interview concept, will be hard shoes to fill though.”

Limelight Magazine also spoke with six local music fans and readers of our publication on the passing of Coburn.

Tom Chagnon, of Providence, R.I., talked about his experience of listening to Rockline when he was only 13 years old and later in life when he got to interact with his music idols through the show.

“I remember sneaking a small transistor radio under my pillow so my parents wouldn’t find out. I used to visualize being in the studio with Bob as he ‘partied’ and spoke with David Lee Roth, Paul Stanley, etc. I remember the first time I called the station to speak with Paul McCartney. I was too late, the show wasn’t taking any more calls. I was so bummed. Years later I found out that Izzy Stradlin was going to be on Rockline. I called early to make sure I got a question in. When I finally asked it, Izzy gave a great answer which lead Bob to say, ‘Thanks Tom, great question’. I was around 24 and no longer sneaking a transistor radio under the pillow. I called Rockline several times. I got to ask questions to Buckcherry, the reunited Warrant and lastly The Winery Dogs.”

David Tolar, of Millis, Mass., talked about Coburn’s unforgettable shows.

“I remember listening to Bob and the Rockline program every week on various FM rock stations over the years and always loved the informal and fun nature of the show,” Tolar said. “He was brilliant at letting the artists be comfortable in his environment, and some of those performances that the various artists and bands did were remarkable!”

With so many memorable shows, Tolar said that Rush was one of his favorites.

“I don’t have one single band that jumps out at me as an all-time favorite but bands like Rush who weren’t exactly known for their sense of humor were able to truly shine on his show,” Tolar said. “Van Halen was always a hoot as well for completely different reasons. They were just out of control. [It was] a tremendous show and one that was the gold standard for every aspiring rock and roll interviewer. Bob will truly be missed.”

Brad Stevens, from Mashpee, Mass., also has fond memories of Rush on Rockline with Coburn.

“My favorite memory was in 1983,” Stevens said. “I was a huge fan of the band Rush and Bob had them on one evening and it was to talk about the upcoming release of their new album Grace Under Pressure. I just so excited that a new song was gonna be played for the first time which was ‘Between The Wheels’.”

Tim Cobb, of Fairhaven, Mass., also said that Van Halen was one of the best shows that Coburn hosted. Cobb remembers the nostalgia of listening to Rockline.

“Listening late Monday night as a tweener/teenager with my Walkman under the covers (my parents thinking I was sleeping) listening to Bob Coburn’s fantastic voice and interviews with my favorite rockers,” he said.

Jay Roberts, of Wareham, Mass., spoke about what he believed made Coburn and Rockline such a unique and intriguing show for music fans.

“The personal memories I have of listening to Bob Coburn and Rockline are pretty much how growing up and discovering the show made you eagerly await each successive week’s show,” Roberts said. “The intro music and Bob’s introduction. His great radio voice and how he managed to ask questions that went beyond the standard creampuff Q&A. Rockline covered everyone and even those artists that might not be ones you like were made interesting because they got really in depth with them on the show. You got to learn more about the artists when the internet wasn’t as easily accessible (or available at all in some cases). Bob Coburn and Rockline made the music and the musicians that much more interesting.”

Roberts and music fan Mikeal St. Ayre, of Lowell, Mass., both agreed that their favorite show was when Coburn interviewed Queensryche.

“My straight favorite time was when Queensryche premiered Promised Land on Rockline,” Ayre said. “We were all so excited! The funniest one was in ‘89 when Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora were on and utterly obliterated. That episode got cut short but not before they performed one of the best takes of ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’ ever recorded.”

RIP Bob Coburn…You will be sorely missed!!!