Gary Sohmers – Good Old Friend (from Beasties Rock Opera)

Sohmers spent his formative years as a singer and composer in Chicago, followed by Madison, WI, where he worked as a singer/songwriter in clubs and studios, recording, singing, and producing, before moving to Boston in 1983.

The track “Good Old Friend” by Gary Sohmers is a nostalgic classic rock piece that evokes feelings of reminiscence and appreciation for the people we have in our lives. The track features a groovy and melodic rock guitar that provides a warm and welcoming backdrop for Sohmers’ soulful and emotive vocals. The vocals unfold the story of a sci-fi rock opera that discusses the theme of the music business from a really weird but interesting perspective.

In the “Beasties: A Sci-Fi Rock Opera” album, a rock band finally gets a successful record after years of touring, and they play a free concert that draws a sizable crowd in Central Park. Nevertheless, the promoter secretly sold a sponsorship to dishonest politician Dick T. Raitor, who disrupts the performance in an effort to divert the audience’s attention. The protagonist, Gr, a stagehand and former singer, is affected by an extraterrestrial energy that infuses him with a schizophrenic personality and exceptional abilities in order to awaken people to their inner Beasties.

The production of the track is simple and stripped-down, allowing the focus to remain on the storytelling vocals and classic rock orchestration inspired by bands such as E.L.O. and Deep Purple. Overall, “Good Old Friend” by Gary Sohmers is a beautiful and touching tribute to the enduring power of originality in the music industry. The track is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates classic rock music, especially from the 1970s era.