Because They Can: Blitz Magazine Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell (center) catches up with brothers GUNNAR and MATTHEW NELSON at the Convention Center in Knoxville, Tennessee on 10 July 2026. C&P 2026 Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People. All rights reserved. (Click on above image to enlarge).
"I got this!" DEBBIE GIBSON gives Blitz Magazine Editor / Publisher Michael McDowell a reassuring thumbs up, as she prepares to take multi-tasking to the next level. Photo by Michael McDowell. C&P 2026 Blitz Magazine - The Rock And Roll Magazine For Thinking People. All rights reserved (Click on above image to enlarge).
STAIRWAY TO THE STARS:
KNOXVILLE EXPO
SHOWCASES THE GREATS
By Michael McDowell
"Are the stars out tonight?"
Although the great Dick Powell first posed that question via his 1934 monster classic, I Only Have Eyes For You (with the Flamingos following suit in 1959, and Art Garfunkel rounding out the trilogy in 1975), none of them took into consideration for the purpose at hand anything but the so-called "plasmatic spheroids" that grace the evening skies.
Of course the term "stars" has also been used to describe individuals who have made their mark in the entertainment industry. However, the term has never met with universal acceptance in that respect, given that there are some among the rank and file who assert that it can be subjective when invoked in that capacity.
Nonetheless, there was no doubt that the term served as not only a fitting description in that respect, but as a testimony to the character and charisma of the various individuals who graced the Convention Center in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee from 10-12 July 2026 for the Fanboy Expo.
Thousands of devotees turned out to welcome a variety of greats who made their respective marks in the industry. They included The Terminator's Linda Hamilton, Henry Winkler of Happy Days, Laura Prepon of That '70s Show, Mackenzie Phillips of American Graffiti and One Day At A Time, Ron Perlman of Beauty And The Beast, Deborah Van Valkenburg, Lydia Cornell and Jim J. Bullock of Too Close For Comfort, Heather Locklear, Daphne Zuniga and Grant Show from Melrose Place, Kristy McNichol of Family, Jane Seymour of Doctor Quinn Medicine Woman and Gabrielle Carteris of Beverly Hills 90210, among many others.
In turn, the world of music was well represented throughout the weekend. On hand were Runaways lead guitarist Lita Ford, brothers Gunnar and Matthew Nelson and music's beloved vocalist, composer, producer, arranger and multi-instrumentalist, Debbie Gibson.
All concerned fielded a variety of fascinating inquiries throughout the weekend. To that effect, it was brought to Gabrielle Carteris' attention that during the series' original run, Beverly Hills 90210 attracted a niche cadre of viewers that was outside of its target demographic. That group was comprised of representatives from a slightly earlier generation, who envisioned the series as redemption of sorts for the perceived shortcomings of their own high school experiences.
"I must admit I've never heard that before", she said.
"That's interesting!"
The dialogue took on a even more animated approach when Blitz Magazine shared with Gunnar and Matthew Nelson some of the behind the scenes details of our multiple adventures with their father, rock and roll pioneer Rick Nelson. The elder Nelson earned Single Of The Year honors from Blitz Magazine in 1977 with You Can't Dance and again in 1986 with his farewell single, You Know What I Mean. Rick Nelson ultimately tied with Hank Williams as Blitz Magazine's decisive pick for Best Solo Artist of the 20th Century.
"We miss him", they said.
On the plus side, the Nelson brothers shared the good news that a project is in the works that may involve in some capacity the much missed Licorice Pizza record store chain. Details to follow.
Also buoyed by the adoration afforded their legacy were Deborah Van Valkenburgh and Lydia Cornell, who portrayed sisters Jackie and Sarah Rush on ABC's Too Close For Comfort from 1980-1983.
"We worked well together, like a family", said Cornell.
"What a blessing!"
After Too Close For Comfort concluded its run, series co-stars Ted Knight and Nancy Dussault persevered with a promising spinoff, The Ted Knight Show. Tragically, that series came to a premature conclusion.
"It was announced that Ted Knight was retiring from show business", Van Valkenburgh recalled.
"We didn't believe it. We knew something was wrong."
Indeed it was. Knight ultimately succumbed to a protracted battle against colorectal and bladder cancer in August 1986.
On the plus side, good news abounded from the Melrose Place alumni. Series vets Heather Locklear (Amanda Woodward), Grant Show (Jake Hanson) and Daphne Zuniga (Jo Reynolds) shared a wealth of highlights throughout the weekend; both individually and as part of a discussion panel that Saturday.
Melrose Place has enjoyed sustained acclaim since its original 1992-1999 run on the Fox network. So much so, that an inquiry about a potential reboot prompted a most welcome response from Grant Show.
"Ask her", he said, gesturing towards Daphne Zuniga.
Happily, Zuniga affirmed that negotiations with various entities who oversee the Melrose Place legacy are in the early stages. During the panel discussion, that possibility prompted a bit of humorous speculation.
"Amanda Woodward was always seen as a tough business person", Zuniga said.
"Maybe we should have her come back scrubbing toilets! That would be interesting".
"That's not happening!" Locklear retorted.
To be certain, Lockear was blessed with impeccable comedic timing. Blitz Magazine reminded her of one particular scene, in which her Amanda Woodward character was informed of a crisis that could have had catastrophic results for D&D Advertising, the firm where she served as CEO. Upon being advised of a tangible solution, Woodward declined to follow through accordingly. When asked why, she deadpanned thusly:
"That would be inconvenient."
"I wish I'd written that line!", Locklear said.
In turn, Mackenzie Phillips took a matter of fact approach to her vast legacy. It is a legacy that included key roles in the motion picture American Graffiti and the One Day At A Time television series, as well as a season with the Mamas And Papas, the legendary vocal quartet that was co-founded by her late father, John Phillips.
"A lot of people thought my name came from Scott McKenzie, who of course sang San Francisco. He was in the Journeymen with my father. But it didn't. His real name was Philip Blondheim.
"But look at California Dreamin'. What an iconic record! I see it as art for art's sake."
To that effect, Philips was reminded of a purist perspective that persists largely within musicologist and record collector circles. One issue voiced within those circles over the years concerned the use of anachronisms. In particular, the fact that the American Graffiti film, which was set in 1962, features a song in the closing credits (the Beach Boys' All Summer Long) that did not exist until 1964.
"I know about anachronisms", she said.
"I would say let it go. Just enjoy it!"
Thankfully, the prevalent atmosphere throughout the weekend was overwhelmingly one of celebration, rather than being focused on the minutiae of acaemia. That attribute particularly availed itself among Henry Winkler and Debbie Gibson (who was concurently celebrating the impending vinyl reissue of her Anything Is Possible and Body Mind Soul albums); each of whom fielded a wide variety of heartfelt inquiries from the faithul.
True to form, Gibson went above and beyond the call of duty. That included filming a last minute ad hoc video for a fan who was unable to attend the event due to health concerns.
"I've been so engaged all day", Gibson said at the conslusion of the event.
"It's so gratifying!"
An assessment that was definitely shared by the multitudes in attendance. To be certain, throughout that wonderful weekend, the somewhat prophetic 1968 words of the Kasenetz-Katz Singing Orchestral Circus most assuredly rang true: "The place to be is Tennessee".