Gangster rap

Contributor Andy Boehm checks in from Hollywood, where the dedication of Steve Miller's star on the Vine Street "Walk of Fame" prompted this reunion with (from left) Boehm, former Madison Press Connection editor Bob LaBrasca, Miller, drummer-vocalist Tim Davis and singer-songwriter-pianist Ben Sidran. "The sacred sidewalk section was roped off to protect the nabobs from 200 or so autograph hounds," Boehm reports. "Then up bounded an energetic, menacing-looking Miller, dressed entirely in black with dark shades. This prompted LaBrasca, like myself an old college buddy of Miller [at UW circa the 1960s] to exclaim, 'Steve finally is the Gangster of Love,' referring to the song Miller popularized in 1968. Miller introduced many active and former sidemen in attendance, including Davis, now recording again after recovering from a serious illness, and Sidran, in town to produce Miller's 18th Capitol album. Miller extracted a promise from the mayor to change the star's inscription to 'Steve Miller Band'.... The nostalgic glow couldn't fully obscure the fact that rock stardom usually involves breakups and bitterness. Notably absent was Boz Scaggs, whose departure from the Miller band in 1969 was marked by well-publicized acrimony." Miller continues to record and tour. Sidran remains a Madison-based musician and writer. Both Davis and LaBrasca have died. We've lost track of Andy Boehm. And, yes, the name on the star has been changed to The Steve Miller Band.