Without attacking or supporting Rolling Stone magazine -- or its founder, Jann Wenner -- I will say simply that this special is horrendous and I wish videotape hadn't been so plentiful in 1977.
The centerpiece, which you will never be able to "un-see," features Ted Neely screeching his way through an endless Beatles medley, complete with overenthusiastic dancers, someone stumbling around in a Nixon mask, terrible visual effects... it is one of the worst things I've ever seen.
The opening sketch (Steve Martin begging to be in RS) is cute, and watch for writer Ben Fong-Torres wearing a San Francisco PBS (KQED) Monty Python shirt.
But later, Martin has to try and anchor a bombastic sketch with Keith Moon. Moon pops up later telling an incoherent story about touring, alongside such "rock stars" as Yvonne Elliman, Richie Havens and Phoebe Snow. All incredible performers, but not really "rock." (On a side note, Elliman and Havens provide the one bright spot in the Beatles medley).
I haven't been able to stomach the whole special, but what's with the awful "garage band" at the beginning and end?! WHO CARES!
And why is Bette Midler -- another incredible performer, but not really "rock" -- in the special? RS notably (unfairly?) slammed her second album, sending her into a depression. Sad.
Finally, Gladys Knight and the Pips perform an excellent medley, then give way to Art Garfunkel... but it's so awkward when Knight introduces him. See for yourself!
Aired on CBS-TV on November 25, 1977. This recording is from the Sacramento affiliate, KXTV.
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