What The World Needs Now Is Peace Love & Togetherness!

 Speaking as an old dude who’s been around the block — seen it, lived it, reported it — the world feels more twisted now than at any point in my lifetime. People are spinning out in every direction, and honestly, I’m pretty disgusted with planet Earth myself.

So I drift back to the days when the Hippies ruled, when the air felt lighter, and the message was simple: Peace, Love, Togetherness. It sounds impossible now, but wouldn’t it be something to say again — and actually mean — that love is the answer? Peace, my brother. Peace, my sister. What the world needs now is love, sweet love! (And God) ☮ ✝ ❤

My hope for today: May you find a quiet moment today to breathe, to center, and to share a little love with someone who needs it!

~Gary England~

Keep The Beat Keep The Respect: Music Scene Rhythm Meets Real Life Truth!

 Waking up this morning, I felt that quiet rush of gratitude humming through me — another sunrise, another shot to do what I love. I cracked open the inbox, and there they were: four assignments lined up like a blessing disguised as hustle. Instead of shaking my head, I nodded. Thankful to have the work, thankful to still be part of the noise and the narrative.

I skim down the AP wire, slide through the UPI feed, then wander into Facebook land like stepping into a familiar neon-lit alley. The day looks solid, steady, full of possibility. And yeah, there’s always a “but” lurking somewhere — but today I’m meeting it with gratitude instead of grit. It’s time to speak my peace!

There’s a virus going around that’s called Disrespect, and you can feel it creeping around in our local Las Vegas music community if you listen close enough. Out here, where amps buzz, voices shine, and dreams get tested under the neon heat, respect is the one thing that keeps people standing tall. 

The world’s changed, Vegas has changed, and the scene I’m proud to be part of has shifted right along with it! But the need to treat people right never goes out of style. As someone who cares and as a journalist who actually pays attention, I feel it’s my responsibility to say it straight: Respect is the baseline, the beat we all need to stay in time with!

The fix is actually pretty simple. 

"Treat others how you want to be treated"

For those of you that Respect your Creator, it's called the Golden Rule.

Gary England

Stryper's Michael Sweet’s Message To A Divided World: Rock Respect And The Red‑White‑and‑Blue

 Thursday night, while I was cruising through Facebook, I landed on a post from Michael Sweet — singer, songwriter, guitarist, founding member of Stryper, and one of the most respected voices in the rock world. This is a guy who’s earned the admiration of the music community and the global stage. When Michael Sweet speaks, you don’t just scroll past — you stop, you listen, and you take in every word.

I’ve got nothing but respect for Michael Sweet — his music, his life, his convictions, and the way he and his band stand tall for what they believe in. He’s earned that respect from the rock community and from fans around the world, and I’m right there with them.

To keep things straight, here’s the post he shared — copy‑and‑pasted exactly as he wrote it — along with the slick graphic Michael put together himself.

I posted this yesterday. I’ve spent a good part of my morning blocking people & deleting some pretty horrible comments.
Some from people who live here who hate the flag and these colors, and some from people in other countries who also seem to hate the flag and its colors.
What is going on? I was born in the USA. I’m proud of this flag and its colors. If you want to come here and disrespect what this flag represents (and those who died for this flag), then expect to be blocked. I won’t put up with it. Ever!!
By posting this, I’m not disrespecting other countries. I’m simply paying respect to this country. I’m very patriotic and proud of our beautiful country. And, it just so happens that I was born on the 4th of July. Maybe God knew how much I would love this country and he blessed me to be born on that day, who knows
My point is, why would anyone have a problem with me posting something like this? My mind is blown
If the Internet has shown me one thing, it is that this world needs Jesus now more than ever"

Being a rock writer for 58 years, I’ve watched the whole ride — the highs, the lows, the wars, the love, the hatred, the peace, and, in these recent years, a growing wave of disrespect for our country and even for the One who created us all. Through all of that, Michael Sweet and Stryper have stood tall for more than four decades, pulling countless fans toward faith through the power of their music.

So when some folks pushed back against Michael’s red‑white‑and‑blue Stryper logo, I had to wonder: What’s suddenly so wrong with this country? Since when did freedom become something that hits people in the face? What’s so bad about the USA — or the colors that define it? Instead of unloading on Michael’s sharp, patriotic design, maybe the real question is what’s actually hitting people beneath the surface?

From where I’m standing, Michael called it straight — this world needs Jesus now more than ever!

For that, I stand with Michael Sweet & Stryper!

God Bless America! (And The World)

Gary England