M’s Substack

THROUGH THE HAZE #57-Badfinger ‘coulda, shoulda, woulda' artists, Vol. #2

Badfinger—How hype, deceptive management, and unreasonable expectations of becoming the next Beatles ended their career in multiple tragedies.

Mar 20 • M D Navalinski

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THROUGH THE HAZE #56 The Kinks

On their way to the upper echelon of ‘60s pop stardom this talented band found ways to continually be their worst own enemy.

Mar 6 • M D Navalinski

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February 2026

THROUGH THE HAZE #55 The Cameron Crowe Caper: a two-part mystery Part 2

The pot boils, the plan springs into action; Trap set, bait follows prompts, then suddenly…

Feb 20 • M D Navalinski

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THROUGH THE HAZE #54 The Cameron Crowe Caper: a two-part mystery

Imagine arriving one day at school only to learn your inspiration to pursue a career in journalism is actually on campus. Or was he???

Feb 13 • M D Navalinski

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January 2026

THROUGH THE HAZE #53

California conclusion. Night two with James Cotton, a harsh reality for Half Shell is revealed and the long ride home…

Jan 23 • M D Navalinski

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THROUGH THE HAZE #52

Manager Mike works the Whiskey GO GO for James Cotton Band; Tom Waits and 2:30 A.M. burgers. Just another day in LA...

Jan 16 • M D Navalinski

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THROUGH THE HAZE #51

Rolling nonstop down I-5, Fear & Loathing style, destination So. Cal. No bats, no lizards, or ether; just plenty of tunes, sticky skunk, propellant, and…

Jan 2 • M D Navalinski

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December 2025

THROUGH THE HAZE…#50 Part 2: Ponty time

48 hours until showtime: Suitable replacement as opening act needed; negative dinner plan drama on hand; was it possible Half Shell’s second show could…

Dec 19, 2025 • M D Navalinski

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THROUGH THE HAZE… special recollections on a sad day

My sentimental look back at this day 45—yes,45—years ago and how a dream of what may have been was squashed by a sick fan’s desire to “be famous.”

Dec 8, 2025 • M D Navalinski

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THROUGH THE HAZE…#49 Part 1: Ponty Time

A decision was made to steer our Half Shell endeavors from granola-based fan appeal to astounding jazz giant Jean Luc Ponty. Time to bounce back from…

Dec 5, 2025 • M D Navalinski

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November 2025

THROUGH THE HAZE…#48

With Half Shell Productions now reality it was time to find the right show for the right price and get our company off on the right foot. The show was…

Nov 21, 2025 • M D Navalinski

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THROUGH THE HAZE-Side Trip: Behind the curtain on 11-11-74:

One singular event contributed greatly in defining how this column got its name…

Nov 12, 2025 • M D Navalinski

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