THE BEACH BOYS PAY TRIBUTE TO PETE FORNATALE
As many of his fans know, Pete Fornatale was a die-hard Beach Boys fan. He loved the group's music from the beginning, and stayed with them through the 'difficult' years of the early 1970s when radio stations were not adding new Beach Boys music to their playlists.
In recent years, Pete had become friends with Jeffrey Foskett, the current Musical Directo, and long-time member, of the Beach Boys. I contacted Jeffrey via e-mail to ask if he would be able to join us for the June 26th event. Amazingly, I received a response within ten minutes. Sadly, a scheduling conflict would prevent him - or any of the other band members - from attending. He said, however, that he would try to get 'the guys' to put a video tribute together. A few says later, I downloaded this clip. Pete's friends and family were clearly moved by this gesture from one of Pete's favorite bands. Thank you Jeffrey, Brian, Mike, Al, Bruce, and David. Your contribution was priceless.
GRAHAM NASH PAYS TRIBUTE TO PETE FORNATALE
Pete treated the artists that he had on his show with great respect. And his deep musical knowledge base usually created the type of atmosphere and experience for a guest that they would never have with the 'average' radio host or interviewer. Pete loved Graham Nash, and the music he made with CSN (and sometimes Y), the Hollies, and as a solo artist.
When I contacted Graham only hours before a CSN performance at Westbury Music Fair to see if he would like to say a few words about Pete, his response came back quickly enough for Winnie (my better half) and I to get to the venue in time to film this tribute to Pete. Bless you, Graham.
CHRISTINE LAVIN'S LOVELY TRIBUTE TO PETE ... AND AN OFFER TO HIS FANS
Dear Christine Lavin' put together this wonderful video clip for everyone who attended the Hard Rock Cafe Tribute, and she's given me permission to post it here on the site. Her clip made us all smile during an emotional evening. While we all missed her physical presence at the Hard Rock, she was most certainly there in spirit!