Oh Well-The Rockets

[IamUncledeuce]

I reallly dug this version.... then they just disappeared.

[undercoverman1963]

I saw them perform this live in 1979 and they were as tight live as in the studio. I prefer this cover FAR more than the original!!

[ride2wheeled]

Better, worrse, just as good, what's the difference, just a different verson of a exellent song....

[ericksongeoff]

Great lead guitar playing

[oldskoolrokr1]

very cool version....

[Mraodom1966]

Awesome version. Not better .. not worse... just different. I love the original and this cover.

[kennyjb2362]

I remember this version very well, but I hadn't heard it in 30 years! This was the first version of the song I had ever heard, being only 17 and having not discovered the history of rock, yet. A few years later, a friend of mine turned me on to Peter Green and Fleetwood Mac's "Then Play On" album, and I was surprised to hear the original version. At that time, I preferred the Rockets' version. That is no longer true, but it sure was nice to hear it again. Thanks!

[MightyCraw]

Not a bad version, but definitely NOT better than the original.

[TheCupcakegirl1]

I LUV THIS FROM HETTIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!....

[EmeraldTriangle80]

I wish Minneapolis and St. Paul had a great blues rock band during the late 60's and 70's. We had to wait until the 80's with The Replacements and Prince.

[dbpiercy1]

great classic

[Bellinghamspence]

I listened to this record back in 1979 in Madison, South

Dakota...I was bumming around with abunch of my buddies

[bevil4aday]

Former members of Mitch Ryder and the Detroit Wheels. Folks, I'm proud to present, from that great rock'n'roll city of Detroit, MI..... THE ROCKETS!!

[Pmr1957]

I think this version was better than the original, they gave it a funky/soulful melody that got my adrenaline going back in the day, and still does now!

[gerryhdad]

Indeed a great guitar break.

[DaveWollenberg]

Written by Peter Green of the Mac, who, coincidentally were to hit the top 40, a few weeks later, with 'Tusk'. God bless ya, for postin' it. Thanx! Have a great week!

[Racratz]

The was something I found at an old record shop(back in 80) and I remember the man behind the counter telling me this is what its all about Skynard, Allman Brothers, Molly Hatchet- Then these guys! Great song! Thanks for loading it up.

[terryusa]

This is good. But isn't even close to the Original Peter Green.

[455Transam]

@terryusa You're right it's not close........it's MUCH better!!!

[MrWolfano]

PERFECT. Anyway . TH U.

[DaveWollenberg]

the Rockets hit #30 in Billboard, 9-1-79. God bless ya, for postin' it. Thanx!

[flip4you42]

This version of the Fleetwood Mac original did for this song what Molly Hatchet did for the Allman Brothers Band original "Dreams ( I'll Never See )". They took a good song, and simply made better. I never even heard either of the original songs on the radio one time, until after the popular remakes. That has to say something.....

[piosta18]

Amazing version! I'm truly stunned. Thanks for uploading these 3:08 minutes of real magic.Will be returning to this site ASAP.

[gkontovas]

JIM McCARTY A great Guitar player

[zim1966]

I saw the Rockets open for Kiss @ olympia stadium in Detroit ,1978 KILLER show!

[zim1966]

I saw the rocketts open for Kiss @ olympia stadium in Detroit ,1978 KILLER show!

[rockoutmichigan]

Dave was a family friend, I grew up listening to his music. Glad to see his legacy living on...

[stilldajoker]

cool to hear this ----- got a ticket stub for the Rockets w/ Triumph --- killer concert.

[46razzledazzle]

WOW, what a great sound. I never heard this played on local radio in Pittsburgh.

[PBRjunkie]

@46razzledazzle thats cause cheap trick does it live so when people request it they dont have it

[MrCraigDNelson]

Yeah, I like this version better too, Even tho it was written by Peter Green

[MackAxyzz]

Nothing against Fleetwood Mac but I definitely prefer this version ;>

[bennevisplace]

A brash cover version that manages to lose all the cut and thrust of the original in a pedestrian rhythm section, leaden bassline and hackneyed guitar solo. Vocals ain't that special either. The keyboard man's trying but he shouldn't be onstage.

Check the live-on-TV version by the Mac.

[WolfBlitzersBitch]

@bennevisplace Yeah, it does totally kick ass doesn't it?

[Tornfreedom]

@WolfBlitzersBitch NO

[MrBrewerfan13]

ive never heard of The Rockets? IDK why because they are a pretty good band.

[speeder302]

Not the original, but quite possibly the best

[PhilK1231]

@speeder302 You are joking, surely ? This is not in the same galaxy as Peter the Great Green and Fleetwood Mac

Wonderful tune, though. Nobody could fuck this up.

[455Transam]

@PhilK1231 I'll say ITS A LOT BETTER!!!!!!!

[RACARNIE]

@speeder302 fooey!

[The420Bomber]

I never heard this version until I caught it a few times on WDVE out of Pittsburgh several years back and haven't heard it since. I thought it was an awesome cover and loved it more than Mac's original. I always wondered who it was and never found out until now. Thanks for the post and finally giving me the answer. Adding it to my playlist now!

[aquilonian]

I've never heard this version before. I like it. Its more peppy and happy, it has more pop to it. The guy is also singing it more on this version rather than talking out the lirycs.

Fleetwood's version is alot more heavy and bluesy. I preffer it, but this gives it a happier goodtime feel

[headforthetropics]

fleetwood who?

[MrBrewerfan13]

@headforthetropics Im guessing Fleetwood Mac?

[Neptuneman07]

@MrBrewerfan13 Yup, a minor US hit for Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac in 1969. Back when the Mac was Blues Rock.

[Neptuneman07]

@MrBrewerfan13 Yup, a minor US hit for Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac in 1969. Back when the Mac was Blues Rock.

[ste74le73]

I used to hear this back in the 80's- early 90's on 98.7 WLLZ. I'm from southern Ontario and really miss hearing this tune. Thx for posting.

[SmeagolLovesPrecious]

the vocals in this version just destroy fleetwood mac's

[Presentyouth]

I've always loved the guitar solo on this one. Lost the album in a move years ago and never replaced it. thanx

[headforthetropics]

@Presentyouth agreed - guitar lead 100% kick-ass

[gsasko]

Not a bad cover but woefully short of Peter Green's original.

[detroitdemon]

@gsasko This version kicked Fleetwood Mac's ass, song still gets airplay on Detroit radio, one of the best cover songs ever, Rockets rule!

[flightbag89]

Awesome cover of a great song! Tom Petty still is playing it on his current tour, and does a great job too.

[ohdear1964]

HAVE 3 OF THEIR ALBUMS ON VINYL , ALWAYS DUG THIS BAND, WAY COOL

[SuperfluousMoniker]

I like this much more than the Fleetwood Mac version.

[kpix99]

Screaming Dave and the Rockets. Detroit through and through. Jimmy Mac, Johnny Bee! Nuff said.

[ste74le73]

I've heard this song so many times on the radio and never heard mention of who it was, thanks for posting....such a great tune

[Pages225]

OUTSTANDING SAONG AND VIDEO THANKS SO MUCH FOR POSTING IT!!!!

[Arminchen]

Absolutely crazy fantastic funk! My number one song!!!

[eacIipse1]

Thankyou for posting this !

[Allanfries]

One of the better renditions of the Peter Green Classic!

[0marigolds]

@Allanfries some days, I love this version more than the  P. Green, who wrote an almost lyrically perfect song, an elegant way to tell somebody to shove it. Great video radiovixen76, many thanks for this post - peace ;.)

[DaveWollenberg]

Cover of a Fleetwood Mac song. Hit #30 in Billboard. God bless! 1 hit wonder.

[crossvillemike]

Thanks for finally getting some good stuff on, Dave was a very close friend from the U.L. days. R.I.P. David Mike "Spider" Savich

[fibes55]

Jim McCarty on guitar! The best!!

[bfish89ryuhayabusa]

@fibes55 As in the drummer from the Yardbirds?

[bfish89ryuhayabusa]

@bfish89ryuhayabusa Wait, never mind. It's not.

[fibes55]

@bfish89ryuhayabusa No, different Jim McCarty. This Jim McCarty was guitarist with Mitch Ryder & The Detroit Wheels, Buddy Miles Express, & CACTUS.

[semrete]

I LOVE THIS n I LOVE THE ROCKETS. Haven't heard it for years. Thank You for posting this. I have this album on Vinyl somewhere. So Good To Hear it again. BLESSINGS

Rajesh Semrete Selassie Aggarwal FRSA

[cqlove12]

For all those saying this is the best version please type in Peter Green Oh Well in the search bar above. Look for the black and white performance of fleetwood mac and then turn the speakers up. Thank you.

[patroc58]

i saw these guys in '81 at the alberta rock fest.. w/b.o.c.,ted nugent,heart,and sadly loverboy.. and a few other acts.. did a little interview for the edmonton sun.. good show

[waterfordjim]

I think this version SMOKES the Fleetwood Mac version purely because of Johnny Bee's drumming. His unique style and FEEL makes the song MUCH better, in my humble opinion.  RIP David Lee Gilbert.

[CheckYourSelf24Here]

I know Fleetwood Mac had either the first version or one before this... but, I heard this one first and it stuck in my head like my own in-head MP3 way back when. From 2.41- 2.47 should be a ring-tone.

[smartypnts94]

i saw fleetwood do this in 78 or so and the rockets back in maybe 81 and must say the rockets ,i give it to the rockets

.boy those where the days

[TheBrassHole]

I bet they wished they were doing "SHE WAS SHAKIN!!! OH WOH OH OH!!!!" instead, Eddie Money.

[grifftrain]

i never heard this version before. it didnt get any radio play here. its a good version though. black crowes do it live sometimes

[dbltrplx]

its like comparing Urhia Heep with mega death---cant do it--it is what it is

[dbltrplx]

this version got way more air play then the mac version and turned a whole new audiance on to fleetwood mac in the 80s when the macs soap opra drama made everyone sick

[MrGMmusic]

Interesting comments here, wow! Is hard to believe that someone could compare this version with Fleetwood Mac's original. This is a creditable copy and I'm not in any way knoocking the band but they couldn't seriously hope to better the genius of Peter Green, Danny Kirwan et al. 

So, well done guys but better than the original?? Nah!

[sbswbarnard]

shouting is not soul. Guitar meandering is not the blues. When will people hear how good PG was? The original is tight and intense because Green meant what he sang. Copyists can never be better. I suppose Bobby Darin's 'If I were a Carpenter' is better than Tim Hardin's original. Tim Who? I hear you say. Get to know music!!

[MysteryHunterz]

They won't hear how Peter Green was a genius cause people simply don't know what music really is or whats it about

[12wsatye]

when pg is actually good. and i dont hear no shouting in this killer bluesee tune. and for tim hardin, he played woodstock. he was short lived. R.I.P. Tim.... get to know music!! rock on rockets!!!!!!!!!!!

[phetusman]

@sbswbarnard dude what about all along the watchtower? Hendrix just freakin owns that tune i just dont think some people should sing when they can songwrite even better

[anthonyperna]

This is the one i always hear on the radio!!! Ive been hunting for this version!!!! Fleetwood Mac's is great but i connected with this one first so FOR ME its the original lol

[12wsatye]

this version has alot more soul then the mac, this was a great band out of detroit, i miss these guys!!!! R.I.P. DAVID

[sgp1264]

This one is much better than fleetwood macs...the rockets kicked ass,my favorite rockets song is born in detroit

[Kiimmsano]

props for my dad <3

[biologicalbubble]

Fuckin Eh!!Love It!!

[northbynorthwestable]

Better than Fleetwood Mac's.

[virusinsideus]

give me a thumbs down if you desire, but fleetwood macs wipes the floor with this! its ok but you know, why bother when you have another version out there which is so much better!

[bertman5]

well I attribute their moderate success wiyh yhis song to the fact that the guitar solo is more powerful than Mac performed.

[PhilK1231]

@bertman5 LOL !! More powerful than Danny Kirwan or Peter Green ? Jesus wept....easy pleased.

[RACARNIE]

@bertman5 ? Ha...This was their only real hit and they didn't write it! ...If you are gonna be a one hit wonder at least write your own shit!...better than fleetwood mac?!...no way!

[WholeLottaRosie95]

Awesome job on Rockets Oh Well!!!

Thanks also for Steve Millers Saving Grace as well I was wondering who sang that for years.

Keep the Motor City music coming!

- Roadmaster

[ctbritt777]

would love to be able to find the song Ramona, my brother used to have the album but I cant remember the name of it . glad to see you can now find them on itunes

[GeorgeskoorB]

great band!!!!!

[DetroitRockCityMusic]

Kick Ass!

[eastsidebrent]

This is kick ass!!!!!!!!!! RED CAREPET!!!!

[maestro48239]

this is still my favorite cover song of all time! jimmy and the rockets tore this up

[455Transam]

Much better than FLEETWOOD MACS original version in my opinion.

[MysteryHunterz]

Totally differently played... this is played more rock style..

Fleetwood mac played it more bluesy ... ;)

[455Transam]

True but I like the Rockets version better

[hihats]

from back when bands played with some soul...

[shakerazz46]

saw the rockets way back when they were so f good that damm why didnt they doo more they were so famm good

[sweetnchey]

Love it! But I DO NOT miss Detroit!

[phactreerat]

If the Rockets were based in California, who knows how big they could have got.

But you know something I kind of like em being  local cult heros. My own littls secret that I won't share with the rest of the country.

[maestro48239]

have you seen Mystery Train yet? great band, alot more blues oriented though, killer harp player

[Summer9876]

lol & Arthur P is still on Wrif...

[YouDummy]

Not anymore...

[timeoffnow]

Thanks 7168 I will check it out..

[t7168je]

Hey! if you really love these guys you should check out their new band the Hell Drivers on Myspace. The new band is doing some great performances of the Rockets stuff and Mitch Ryder stuff. When I saw them live a few weeks ago they were doing everthing they ever played on...Seger, Alice Cooper etc.

Great guys!

[MTRCTY1963]

Man do I miss Detroit......

[seanboy05]

The best version yet...

[rothbj1]

This album together with the follow up 'No Ballads' will be released on CD on May 19, 2009.  A long time coming....

[455Transam]

Really? Where did you get this info from? I've been looking for these LP's on CD forever!!

[msoldiesluver]

I have a friend who can get u the Rockets and Turn Up the Radio - email me back if interested. 15 for one or 25 for both

[455Transam]

Sent you a message, I'm actually looking for the Lp's "NO BALLADS" and "TURN UP THE RADIO" if your friend can get those and how is the quality of the music?

I think those are The Rockets BEST recordings.

[Ezwider109]

written by... peter green in late 1968.... recorded by... fleetwood mac.. in 1969.... an awesome cover and bad ass drivin tune... a song that can put one in a great mood

[Mznblu247]

Cruzin' Downriver to Hines park, Bishop park, and Elizabeth park in my 77 Monte Carlo. Jammin' with Arthur P. on the WRIF

Rock-n-Roll Lives!

[pablito3343]

this was definitely a sleeper that never got the airing it deserved. one of the rock-in-est tunes ever.

[timeoffnow]

Gratiot was "it" for the East Side but for us West Sider's Telegraph was "IT".Many night's back in the late 70's and early 80's cruzin Graph from Goddard up to Schoolcraft and back,those were the good old day's jammim to the "Rocket Roll".

[NicoretteJunkie]

Man this brings back memories. I used to cruise Telegraph listening to this and many more by them. WRIF (Detroit Baby) on the radio bringing me The Rockets... Turn up the radio... :)

[PeterCRissKISSgod]

Telegraph?

why not Gratiot or Woodward?

that;s where it was at man.

[BIGBUCK20]

Great song!! Thanks for posting!

[dchant427]

Grew up in the D,brings back memories,definetly an underrated band

[billwest69]

I saw the band back in the early 80s while attending CMU. They were the headliners! Donnie Iris opened for them but yet you can still hear him on classic rock radio occasionally but The Rockets have been forgotten. I have not been able to get an explanation from anyone for this including classic rock radio stations. The Rockets were and are far better than Donnie Iris!

[radiovixen76]

Chippewas rule! I went to CMU myself.

[13BuzzC]

Rock on, Dave...

[loubrett5]

The Rockets opened up for KISS at the Toledo Sports Arena in Toledo Ohio the winter of 1979. I had their cassette purchased at a head shop called ABEY ROAD. Wish I still had it. I played the shit out of it! I was 14.

[devrayy]

Anyone know how to get this on a CD? The album 'turn up the radio' is one that i REALLY want. But i have no luck finding it.

If anyone can help me get this CD, I would appreciate it SO much. Thanks.

[tfssly1119]

the rockets dont release CDs

big legal case over it and the guy who owned the rights to there songs died before he could get the albums released on CD

[mm3861]

tfssly1119:

Someone needs to dig his ass up and make him sign the papers. I had wore this 8-track out in the summer of 79 and would love to get it back!!!

[redwing1925]

good luck....i think the band members and their lawyers have stopped any distribution of any kind....but you might try on ebay....you may be ableto find a bootleg

the rockets rock...too bad they didn't make anymore music

[317taw]

I converted all my vinyl to MP3 a while back and I have this one. Hmm...if I burn a CD for someone is it illegal since the music isn't available anymore?

[brownie6t9]

i dont think its illegal to give copies away...as long as you dont sell them

[loudmusic67]

Great 70's song The Rockets were awesome (Nice cover song better than Fleetwood Mac!) Thanks for the post radiovixen76.

[superinventivename]

cool song :)

[cometepiace]

It's funny, I'm still like that.... Don't ask me what I think of you, I might not give the answer that you wanted to... the more time goes on, the less people actually speak their minds......... fcuk plcitoil ccrorsntes!

[AllstonPete]

lead guitar and lead piano! A killer combo I can't get enough of!

[pringlefish]

I saw this band open for KISS in Albuquerque on December 1, 1979. Too bad at the time, all I could think of was KISS (I was 11 years old) and didn't appreciate this band.

My loss entirely. This was a really cool band.

[levelwitme]

Pringlefish:I saw them with kiss too in'79. I was 19, and went right out and got the album.

[dtator1959]

i would love to see a video of "Lost Forever"Left For Dreaming got turned on to this band in the 80's here it is 2008 and im still listening love them dave tator rensselaer ny

[metallicamusic101]

awesome, my uncle was the pianist, Donnie Backus

[edwardprzydzial]

my favorite all time detroit rock band, saw them open for kiss at olympia stadium which has since been torn down... also the great mitch ryder and mc carty connection... johnny b and the crew. a great detroit example of post blues bar band hard rock n roll. dave gilbert's vocals kick ass.

[jimiange]

Best version of this song. and I think Dave Gilbert had an awesome for singing rock n roll.

This was an outstanding Detroit band.

[Samudra208]

@jimiange

There are so many different versions out there, but for me this is the best one as well - oh well ...... :)

[kblakleyk916]

I saw these guy's open for heart in 79 also. California leg of thier tour. ROCKIN!!!!

[varsitycamplife]

Saw these guys back in '79 in Boca Raton Florida. They rocked my face off. :-)

[apt21x]

Does anyone know what type of amp and guitar the guitarists use in this song? Thanks

[ray6200]

No, But my guess would be a Fender Twin Reverb and Fender Telecaster (both pre-CBS).

[paul2112rush]

I thought forever that wrote this song, but I was wrong. I had this LP, no other version really compares to this. The original and Black Crowes versions can't compare to this powerful version. Thanks for posting this, it takes me way back.....

[LAZYRMAN]

I used to play bass guitar in a Toledo rock and roll band. We used to play this song. This was one of my favorite tunes, however our lead singer wasn't anywhere near DG's voice. Long live the Rockets.

[juddstjohn]

I also saw these guys WAY back when while touring after their album with this song on it... what a show!! Too bad they didn't stick around longer and put out more hits- "Can't Sleep" is ALSO a GREAT song. This version of "Oh Well" shows you can take a mediocre old song and pump some LIFE into it!!!

[hwysong]

Wow, thanks for stealing a bunch of photos off of my website.

[13BuzzC]

Get a life highway song. Don't post 'em if you want to be so stingy about 'em...

[yourtubesteak]

If someone can tell me how to post stuff here, I can put up my copy of them doing this on Midnight Special in perfect quality.

[myway43]

My favorite version of this song! I have not heard this in so long. I got to seethem perform this live back in the day. Thanks!

[jasbigj]

This version is way better than Fleetwood Mac's. Do you have Desire by these guys? Please post it if you do. Thanks for posting this.

[zenon777]

@jasbigj DESIRE is their best!!!

[kyuss4me]

I seen these guys at a huge outdoor concert too with Heart, Ted Nugent, Blue Oyster Cult, Loverboy in 1980. Loved this album. Thanks, what a nice surprise to find this.

[YahooCensors]

OH MY GOD!!! I CAN NOT BELIEVE IT!!! THIS VERSION SO KICKS ASS!!! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTINT THIS!!! If I were Jesus, you would get a free ticket to heaven!... but I'm not... Oh Well!

[aleinware]

i seen this band at a huge out door concert with ACDC Heart Cheap Trick Romones was great concert back in 1979 glad see people still remember these guys