WHITE WEDDING

Zeppelin Hall 2/17/12 Jersey City,New Jersey

2012-02-17T15:22:00.004-05:00

This was the first show from my vantage point at the back where I realized we might be building a little following at the Zeppelin hall (Giseli, Hector etc.) and the crowd was definitely into it. At one point the man spotted to the right in the photo above was holding Rob's microphone stand over him as he lie on the stage floor singing in his Bono guise and I was in fear for his safety but the guy was truly having a good time and not to worry as Zeppelin hall has an attentive and professional security staff (one of which complimented my drumming) of which we can count on.

Premiered at tonight's performance was "The Safety Dance" by Men Without Hats.

Rocking Out with Dave on the 5 string bass.

Partying on a Friday Night with us.

Bono in mid leap.

Eric, Michael & Dave.

During our first set I glanced at the floor tom to see it mysteriously garnished with French Fries (I didn't spot the sandwich till later) and wondered if someone was throwing food at me, they were a bad aim if they were because I certainly wasn't hit with any but I remained perplexed for the rest of the set. If I was being heckled it should not be happening at this stage of the game should it ?, was it my looks ? dark visions of being bullied through my formative years at school returned. After the set I ran to Jamie and asked if she was "throwing food at me" ? Turns out she wasn't throwing it at me but was feeding me the Philly Cheese Steak I had ordered and for the second time in a row was not able to appreciate due to my lateness arriving at the hall. Thanks for trying Jamie, I will make sure I get there earlier next time to indulge properly.

This was also the night that Robert Smith spilled Schweppes Raspberry Ginger Ale on my down pillow.

This Is Show # 155

- Spike

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Private "SKI" Party 2/4/12 New York City

2012-02-04T19:04:00.005-05:00

The Crowd Totally ROCKED!!! We Totally ROCKED!!! It ROCKED!!!

White Wedding played here about a year ago to aid a benefit/Ski Party for the homeless to an insane crowd and they just got insanier!!!. Everyone was in lovely spirits from the start and on the dance floor by our first number "The Promise". Springsteen went over BIG tonight!!! and the crowd chanting Born In The USA with us in spirit and key was special.

Tonight was one of those shows when I was so proud to be in this band and I am sure it was in no small part to this being our last show with our bandleader and architect Mike (Doc Brown) who resigned his post for the most righteous of duties, namely starting a family with Tawni and their daughter Thora. Not in Any way to belittle the valiant efforts of Mike's understudies Marco or Paul and our new full time guitarist Eric (Who are all awesome players might I add) but a lot of our detailed arrangements are Mike's that Dave, Nancy and myself executed for well over five years and as happens without realizing it, we became organic natural players together so the smoothness of tonights performance in some part was just setting it on auto pilot.

p.s. - the bum leg on the floor tom of the orange school bus drum kit kept collapsing so I played with no floor tom tonight, at one point it became aplasticcupofseltzerstand to which Nancy questioned me about during song but I couldn't answer since I was drumming and all but Nancers had me dying laughing.

In all his Purpleness.

80s SKI Fashion Abounds.

Rob, Nancy & Grand Marnier Globular Drinking Vessel in Crimson.

a.k.a. Billie Jean & Doc Brown. (whats with the cigarette Mike ?)

Me & Dave (what the hell am I playing)

a: the intro to 1999

The Candid J.C.

and Sean and Ginger did our sound and lights again, always a pleasure.
you can find their services here

This Is Show # 154

- Spike

Resorts World Casino/Bar 360 2/2/12 Queens, New York

2012-02-02T12:43:00.003-05:00

Bar 360 at the Resorts World Casino offered us a most unique stage to perform on offering a three hundred and sixty degree view from stage as well as being our first casino performance. On the grounds of aqueduct raceway in Queens, New York is a slots only gambling "Racino" (I use gambling for lack of a better word all you shriners out there) offering complete smoke-free entertainment until the wee hours, most impressive.

The band delivered three one hour sets to an appreciative and ever changing crowd of onlookers (there were quite a few who stuck around with us most of the night as well) as is the nature of playing a casino since not many are there to watch the band all night, the next step is to build a casino following and before you know it we could be competing with Wayne Newton. After our second set the A/V crew got a handle on what our show is about and Mike the sound engineer was yelling "Billy Idol!!!" at Rob dressed as Billy Idol and then asked me most good naturally "Who are you supposed to be Phyllis Diller ?" after which I replied "I have heard many things in my life but never Phyllis Diller" turns out that was a stock personality for Mike.

Fancy Nancy in her Day-Glo shades.

Dramatis Personae Rob

Eric as The Beast of X-Men fame.

The Coolest Pic of Dave Ever.

J.C. Keys

Your Blogmaestro.

The Green Room at World Resorts Casino was far away enough from the stage that I wondered if anyone gave a second glance at Rob or Nancy in Full Billy Idol or Cyndi Lauper Regalia,... This is Queens, NAH!!!

Jamie had SLOTS of fun taking some photos too, as you can see. Thanks for taking the pics Jamie.

This Is Show # 153

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- Spike

Zeppelin Hall 1/27/12 Jersey City,New Jersey

2012-01-27T17:52:00.005-05:00

The recurring image in my head of this show is one that I did not even witness for myself. Jamie told me that during the Culture Club segment of our performance her sister Carol shared smiles with a particularly macho member of Zeppelin Hall's Security personnel as he stood shaking his head in bemusement at Rob's costumed and caricatured depiction of Boy George thoroughly enjoying himself yet possibly wondering why.

This is why we are the right tribute band at the right tribute time doing the right tribute things in the right tribute way and rightly so.

Tonight was Eric's premiere performance with us live and we played splendidly together (I just wanted to type Splendidly) and without a hitch considering that we had only "run through" maybe thirty percent of our set together performing many songs together for the first time here tonight onstage, (herein lies a proud accomplishment as seasoned musicians). Unique arrangements to this band were met head on with little Flubbishness by Eric and this ensemble as we barreled through the proverbial 80s Bierhalle Kielbasa Tunes just like always.

a spooky picture with a lot of character.

Between Set Schmoozing.

Our Solid Gold Dancers.

Eric and Rob Rocking Out.

Who goes to a german biergarten and orders a Philly Cheese Steak ? I DO!!! This was a Delicious Sandwich but I ordered too late and got in one bite before having to begin our set.

This Is Show # 152

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- Spike

Brooklyn Bowl 1/23/12 Brooklyn, New York

2012-01-23T08:51:00.004-05:00

Tonight was our third return performance/engagement at the spacious and lovely Brooklyn Bowl at 61 Wythe Avenue and always a pleasure to appear at.

THE PROS - Full Backline (sans guitars,keys and cymbals), We are performing at the Brooklyn Bowl which is probably Brooklyn's finest room, aside from a certain bartender (dare I call him anything else) the Brooklyn Bowl has an accommodating and pleasant staff from top to bottom, Proper stage, Proper Green Room, Excellent on-stage monitors/mixes, complimentary hot water for my Theraflu.

THE CONS - I forgot Nancy's wigs which were newly transferred to my living room inside my bass drum/no bass drum/no wigs. This is being remedied tomorrow and we are keeping all the costumes together, Our Drummer (me) is weak and sick with a coldflucough, when ordering a drink a hipster member of the wait staff reminded me that "Gratuities arent included with the drink ticket" the nerve of him as I am working too (to keep people from leaving!!! hence less tips), I would have set his beard on fire but I quit smoking so my Zippo was back home in the drawer.

We perform our newest rendition of Barry Manilow's "Copacabana", OK I Joke, Really. J.C. is our underrated singer, This man can sing.

BONO: A Space Oddysey.

Rob does a great job (and many fan photos are taken as well, usually mid-performance).

One of the finest singers I have worked with, Nancy - signed spike.

Nancy points Dave in the direction of the nearest Indian restaurant but we needed him at the moment.

Dave hands off the 99th Red Balloon, a first for the band.

I had to hoof it (via car service) to the Bowl with gig bag, cymbal bag and bad cold (a common health deficit) so lazily decided to utilize the in house snare drum as opposed to bringing my beloved maple DW snare and I was not disappointed. a wee bit high pitched but then again I didn't attempt to retune it. The Tama Starclassic is my second favorite snare drum on the market (I still haven't tried a Gretsch however) so it was fun all around and lighter to carry as well since I couldn't leave with it and bringing it into the venue would certainly be defying the laws of physics as are currently known.

Nachos - I nursed these in the green room throughout the evening and as far as I can tell the toppings were Refried Beans, Beef (Ground ?), Monterey Jack Cheese AND Corn (sending it over the top). ooo, I see some red peppers I think as well. Either way no explanation needed and no time to decipher, this is Nosh Food.

Soundcheck (HD)

in house schedule poster.

facebook promotion.

online promotion. brooklyn bowl website

This Is Show # 151

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- Spike

Heritage Bar - 1/21/12 Yonkers, New York

2012-01-21T17:03:00.003-05:00

Certainly not one of my better nights performing as I popped the bass drum head just a few numbers into our first (of 3) sets during "Everybody Wants To Rule The World" by Tears for Fears and Nancy and myself were feeling under the weather causing Nancy's cancellation making it a male 80s band show with Paul and J.C. handling vocal duties between Rob's costume changes, The crowd did not seem to notice and were as raucous as ever. Kudos to Rob for ducking a patron landing on top of him whilst in his Bono lying on the floor guise of which I only heard of after the fact.

I don't see anything from my vantage point.

Diamond Head Dave and his flying V.

Dave and myself perform "A Whiter Shade Of Pale" prior to our set. NOT!!!

My little corner at the Heritage.

Dublin style Fish & Chips served with Baked Beans, Coleslaw and Tartar Sauce in faux newspaper wax paper with Lemon wedges.

DELICIOUS.

This Is Show # 150

- Spike

Zeppelin Hall 1/13/12 Jersey City,New Jersey

2012-01-13T16:11:00.003-05:00

Ask a bus driver on the corner of 9th & Hennepin what a magnet bitch and get out of free jail card means and the shaman may reply "chicken salad or" ???... the comedian may also reply "when the still sea conspires",... whatever. what is important is that there is a reply. and now about tonight.

The Zeppelin Hall of Jersey City is a Great Room(s) and I can really only imagine what it is like there in the summer months (but look forward to finding out) once again a packed house and we were hard pressed to find a table ourselves pre-show.

By the finale of tonight's performance the crowd was quite appreciative of our musical efforts and showed it with exuberance. Bon Jovi, G n R, Poison, The Ramones and Beastie Boys all went over big time to end the third set with a Bang.

Premiered this evening was Culture Club's "Do You Really Want To Hurt Me", Poison's "Talk Dirty To Me" and "Blitzkrieg Bop" by the Ramones

PROST !!!

Nancy Rose

We Whip the crowd into a frenzy.

Dave caught lying down on the job again, Friggin' Bass Players and their SubSonic Ways (This coming from a SuperSonic drummer).

Nice Presentation even if it looks like a Kielbasa.

This Is Show # 149

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- Spike

Good Times magazine article

2012-01-06T14:54:00.007-05:00

The Latest Good Times magazine (January 3-16, 2012) is running an article on White Wedding, pick up a copy and watch this spot for the transcript after this issue goes out of print, off the stands and into the aether.

Thanks Sara(h) for the glowing write up.

Good Times magazine has been in circulation in the tri-state area for over 40 years.

my view "down the block" towards Guitar Center.

Good Times Magazine

- Spike

Two Tiger Studio - Brooklyn, New York

2012-01-04T17:09:00.004-05:00

Sometimes things really come full circle and this was one of those occasions. As soon as I approached the entrance to our new rehearsal space, spied the gas station on the corner and saw the front door (see photo below) I knew I wasn't in Kansas anymore. This was the very rehearsal studio where the Airwaves formed (Two Tigers Studio) and where I first ever met Nancy, Tawni, Dave and Mike back when I tried out for a wedding band my good friend Joe (of the Good Yeggs) had passed the audition for and here we were almost a completely different lineup, five years down the road with considerable miles of experience under our collective belts with an heir of new beginnings and starting over, here's to 2012 exceeding all expectations.

Sorting out something or another, this is why we have rehearsal.

Odd lighting effects (of an odd person) as I set the camera up for the video (see below)

IN the same room together which is proof that Eric and Paul are not the same person.

First photo I took on the night, I knew this doorway only too well.

- Spike

Heritage Bar - 12/31/11 Yonkers, New York

2011-12-31T16:55:00.004-05:00

I finally learned what an Ulster Fry is, oftentimes on the daily menu specials at the Heritage (but not tonight) this item is listed. I previously surmised that it was a "fried food platter" and that Ulster is "a place" and I was right on both counts (Ulster is geographically located at the top of Ireland and the contents of the plate was rattled off to me so expertly and quickly that I can only remember that there were Beans). This information was provided by members of the wait staff who had ended their shift and were counting out receipts at the very table next to which I set up my Drum Kit and as it was getting closer to showtime I went ahead and set up around them, they were all very sweet but realized once the band "came in" that this was a bit loud and somewhat intrusive. Oh Thats Right SHOWTIME, this entry is about the show.

It being New Years eve the Heritage was its usual lively self with a few extra well wishers 'Round Midnight, this place has fans and a core audience that need no explanation once you have experienced the Heritage spirit.

Tonight there were 2 Michael Jackson's at one point but dont worry I know who the real one is and I aint telling, there was also some breakdancing during "Sister Christian" which was instigated by Rob, Well... at least that sounds right to me, I was in prescription shades in a dimly lit room but I mean who else would do that!!!. This is also the show that I experienced a common drummer nightmare, that of the band being onstage ready to start without you, I was at the bar getting a third set Guinness discussing the band Rush with a patron when I heard Rob introducing the opening number "Anyway You Want It" by Journey.

Thanks Steve for delivering the Stout to me.

The Two Michael's

Is this a Material Girl ?

Welcome to the Jungle.

Note: White Wedding t-shirt

Axlette Rose.

Rockin' The Heritage.

The band played very well and it was nice to have Nancy back in the fold for the evening. Nancy had a blast as well, I was there.

We got there early (Sean drove me) and actually got a seat at the bar along with Nancy & Paul. I purchased a Heritage Bar polo shirt since they treat us so well there (and its a nice shirt) and finally tried their Sliders which were very tasty.

Dave and myself vamped behind MC Rob counting down the new year for the crowd after which I meant to shut off my digital camera but forgot so we get 18 minutes of audio from tonights show instead of five, ALL for the price of a dime.

This Is Show # 148

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- Spike

The Callbox - We hardly knew ya' 12/21/11

2011-12-23T01:39:00.003-05:00

The Callbox Lounge (which is really a sports bar nestled betwixt the Kingsland & Meeker avenues in Williamsburg) was a unique place from an "ensemble" (band) standpoint where WE could watershed songs and arrangements without the pressures of being "on the clock" in a rehearsal studio proper, We could be casual AND this place SERVED BEER.

THIS WENT ON FOR FIVE YEARS !!!

In the beginning, we were performing as The Airwaves (Mike, Nancy, Tawni, Dave, myself and our singer also called Mike) The thing Was Mike (Doc Brown) lived two blocks away from the Callbox and once we had a handful of songs prepared he offered them a show gratis which was accepted and became our first "gig". We played to a handful of people and strictly for experience but we officially became a performing band that night. Afterwards the owner of the establishment offered us the opportunity to rehearse there once a week at our leisure which we accepted and exponentially with time we grew as musicians, performers, people and collaborators in many ways, we gained So Much and that is mostly why I will miss the Callbox, so much learning and growing went on in that room.

Speaking freely for White Wedding / The Airwaves during its creation and fruition I can only give thanks towards the Callbox and its owner Freddie for affording us Hundreds of hours rehearsal time, our first "gig" proper (and a few after that too), storage of equipment, allowing us to load gear at unimaginable hours, and most of all... The Experience.

Nancy watches her step.

The Call Box Awning.

Mike's yellow school bus Ludwig drum kit which has served well under many a performance (12/12/07).

The Airwaves outside of the Callbox (left to right) Mike, Steve (our second singer), Nancy, Dave, Tawni, Spike (7/19/07).

CALLBOX WEBSITE

- Spike

O' Flanagans - 12/17/11 - New York City

2011-12-17T17:25:00.006-05:00

Once Again,

Quite the Frenetic and Energetic crowd out on the dance floor from our opening "A Little Respect" to the closer "Fight For Your Right", We have learned to expect a certain degree of AWESOMENESS from the O' Flanagans Saturday night patrons but this being Pre-Christmas weekend "Weekend" there were a few parties being held on the premises adding to the fun and if any night was going to have the crowd yelling "WHITE FU**ING WEDDING !!!" then tonight was it !

Those Rowdy Drunkard's certainly let us know,.... Beer, Sports, Gyrations, Rock Music and use of the "F" word where applicable and

WHITE FUC**ING WEDDING !!!!!

I was entertained by the audience's reaction and playfulness in front of a capable band but also by the bands reaction towards a capable audience. Thanks to my blonde bartender friend for all the Bass Ale Pints.

This audience knew what they were in for as soon as the DEVO hats came out.

Robert Smith contemplates.

What might they be chanting and was the "F" word involved ?

She's Got Legs.

Ran into this fan as he was trying to nick a pair of Rob's 80s shades during load out and then again was informed minutes later by Paul that "theres some guy outside wearing Rob's shades" after which I went to retrieve them, they were finally returned to Rob and we posed for a pic.

Since MTA.org is So Reliable with up to date transit info (All Sarcasm Intended) as it has fed me in the past I took the quick walk over to the 79th street "D" train to find there was No Manhattan bound trains ALL weekend. On the way back I decided to check see if they had the "Lard Bread" at Palermitana Bakery (7821 17th avenue) of which a most reliable source has told me therein the Good Bread resides.

This Is The Real Deal "Lard Bread" and not the Prosciutto Bread (which is loved on its own merits) that I have been eating over the years, you can taste the Bacon Drippings in every bite of this Delicious Loaf ($3.50).

This Is Show # 147

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- Spike

Zeppelin Hall 12/9/11 Jersey City,New Jersey

2011-12-09T08:57:00.008-05:00

This is not someones prank especially not mine, the poster above was drummed up by the ad men at Zeppelinhall and I must say for the record that we did 11 Costume Changes Tonight NOT the advertised 10!

So That's One Louder Innit!!!

I appreciate the poster and am always taken aback when you find one has been made for you with an angle, its interesting to see how your project is received and appears objectively.

The band played great with Rob and Paul performing on the dance floor much to our mirth for a portion of the evening. Many people passed the bandstand throughout the performance and as I peered past my bandmates asses was quite entertained myself, I have said it before "A Drummers life is a series of asses".

Premiered tonight was the Number One song of the 1980s "Every Breath You Take" by the Police.

Zeppelinhall of Jersey City is becoming one of my favorite places to play. in lieu of a green room this Biergarten is spacious with at least three distinct areas to Eat, Drink and Be Merry of which I did my best.

His Purpleness

Our fan Giseli poses with her shirt, this photo and the one above were sent to us by Giseli as well. TY

EAT TO THE BEAT.

"go out and get a bite and you'll still be hearing that one"

Its Bono, Two Cups and a White Balloon BUT What Does It Mean ???!!!

Mmmmmmm, Biergarten Potato & Cheese Pierogies, Mmmmmmm,....

from the "ALL'S WELL THAT ENDS WELL" department. I arrived at the Callbox right around the designated time for load up and found Tiffany sitting in front of a Closed Bar, gas barbeque cooker grill over the cellar door (our only alternative form of entrance) fastened by a Kryptonite lock, fortunately Smiley showed up and came to the rescue opening the entire bar for business (the afternoon girl called out) and we loaded our equipment to and fro via bungee door, trapdoor, zipcar and back again.

Thank's for taking the photo's Steve

- Spike

JCs Restaurant - 12/3/11 - Manorville, New York

2011-12-03T13:49:00.009-05:00

Tonight was Tiffany's first performance with us in front of an audience and she certainly rose to the occasion more than can be expected from most with so little time to properly prepare and only one dress rehearsal under her belt. Regaling the crowd with impersonations of Joan Jett, Debbie Harry, Cyndi Lauper and Madonna she was literally out in the crowd demanding (in a proper way) more people to the dance floor of which particularly J.C. and myself were pleasantly surprised. I said to Dave at one point between songs "She's pretty good isnt she ?" as a side note Tiffany's rebellious stage came at the tender age of 12 so this may explain things.

Debuted at this show was "I Love Rock & Roll" by little Joanie Jett.

For all the Billie Jean and Nancy fans out there, Don't worry we are not letting her off that easy, she is still playing New Years Eve (at the Heritage) and a private party with us.

taken from my vantage point during "Don't Stop Believing"

Tiffany in our newest outfit, Joan Jett

Is Mike wearing Joan Jett's pants ?

Is Rob jealous of Joan Jett's pants ?

J.C. and Spike play along happily dressed in red (J.C. is even wearing a red belt). Dave was dressed in red as well, This was NOT planned, see the photo below.

Hey that's NOT Joan Jett, That's Madonna !!!

Thanks for taking the pics Sarah.

Famished and on the Q train at a godforsaken hour I realized I had a Chinese Ham & Cheese Bun in my presence and proceeded to take care of that.

from the website.

- Spike

Petes Saloon 11/18/11 Elmsford, New York

2011-11-18T18:29:00.003-05:00

Nancy was kind enough to take a moment and snap a pic with Daryl Hall between sets.

On the ride up to Elmsford someone posed the question "Is Petes Saloon an Irish bar?" after which Rob surmised that "Pete" was an Irish name and I deduced that "Saloon" was kind of a white non-descript thing,.... turns out it didnt matter as Petes Saloon was more of a restaurant with a bar in it.

As we set up our gear the scents of it all was very enticing and Dave and myself decided we must order something. The taps were of average fare but Hey, We just played a Biergarten last week!!! Nothing Is Real.

The band played well enough but even setting up my drums catty cornered I was totally cramped for the evening, part of this phenomenon is due to the fact that the stage at Petes Saloon is smaller than even the one at O' Flanagans!!! Petes stage is roughly (6X12).

I would be lucky if I could present the Last Supper as performed by Squirrels wearing tutu's in this space.

Its amazing Our Singers managed to stay up there with us at all but for the first set or two they had no choice as the wait staff and customers were using the area right in front of the raised platform for table service and general locomotion, by the end of the night most of the band were all over the floor (in front of the raised platform and areas unexpected thereof).

Not one of my more comfortable shows as I had to crush myself between Cymbals, Cymbal Stands, Cables, Floor Tom, Gig Bag, Drum Stool, Stepping Over Dave's 5 string Bass Guitar and Bass Amp and railing to get behind the kit.

Right before we went on (as we were being introduced onstage by Rob) I knocked my drink over due to the lack of space and for just one pint glass it shattered Everywhere!!! behind the drum kit, on top of my Floor Tom and Snare Drum, I tossed the glass slivers aside but was in fear for the entire performance due to the shards at my heel (see pic).

You may ask why I did not get the staff to sweep it up, I would have if they could for the life of them even get behind there. The authorities were notified by the end of the evening so no further drummers or trombone players face possible injury.

This was Delicious and Really hit the spot, Roast Beef and Cheddar Sliders A La Perfection, there was something a little sweet in the Au Jus Gravy that made it just right, obviously their Secret Ingredient, and look at their construction, kinda messy on purpose. Dave had the Vegetable Curry Soup which he proclaimed "Indian Restaurant Quality" and he knows his Indian fare and Restaurant Quality and Indian Restaurant Quality soup.

The Callbox was its usual demented jumping self when we dropped off the Drums and P.A. around 3 a.m. I snapped this photo on our way out (note the vast amount of posteriors).

We returned the Zipcar to a 24 hour parking garage but had to summon the gatekeeper so I had the exciting privelige of ringing the Night Bell to arouse them from their slumber, you would think in all my years of living that I would have rung a 24 hour parking garage Night Bell before but NO I HAVE NOT. Well,.... Since I have yet to own a car or rent one (to drive as well) for that matter maybe it makes all the sense in the world that I have Never rung the Night Bell at a 24 hour parking garage.

BUT IT MAKES ME WANT TO RING THE BELL EVEN MORE!!!!

Pass the Grated Cheese Please.

- Spike

Zeppelin Hall 11/11/11 Jersey City,New Jersey

2011-11-11T16:19:00.007-05:00

Zeppelin Hall is a Great Venue and we have been invited back December 9.

While not indicative in any way of the quality of the show or venue this is the sign that stopped me in my tracks at the main entrance to Zeppelin Hall and had me a little perplexed until Jamie mentioned the possible proliferation of neighborhood street gangs to avoid. Zeppelin Hall is a beautiful venue and a most large Biergarten in my vast Biergarten experience.

The stage was a little smallish in circumference but I was not cramped against the wall with no Bass Drum/Elbow action and there were stairs on the side of the not quite short not quite tall stage of height. I cannot speak for the rest of the band but there were no complaints.

The White Wedding Dollhouse with first 3 fully posable figurines (Mike,Dave & Rob) will be available Christmas 2013.

Zeppelin Hall treats their entertainment well as all food and beverages are Gratis and you can imagine the selection. Pictured above is the Blau Speck-Burger topped with Bleu Cheese, Bacon, Pickles, Lettuce and Tomatoes served with fries.

Zeppelin Hall website advertisement (wrong date)

It was my birthday the day prior and Nancy sent me this crazy greeting via her very favorite iphone app.

short excerpt from the mockumentary in the making "This Is White Wedding" *.

* disclaimer - at the moment there is no mockumentary in the making but you never know.

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- Spike

O' Flanagans - 11/5/11 - New York City

2011-11-05T16:34:00.004-04:00

I was the first to arrive at the "O" and awaiting my bandmates arrival duly ordered a "Pint of Ale" which went down nicely as I relaxed and sat on the edge of the very low and dimly lit bandstand, feeling most at home there,..... a smell of cheap tangerine perfume permeated the air and the shrieking, clanging sound of the peanut vendor's monkey on the sidewalk showed no regard for those who slept or those at conflict within their souls.

The band played a tight performance and the crowd was up and dancing by the first set, the partier's grew in diversity and intensity and its always nice to spark up A party early then keep the level energetic. Unique to this show was Dave inadvertently knocking a few framed iconic images off the wall during his musical performance to great effect and getting his (headstock mounted) bass tuner caught in Bruce Springsteen's headband. I also suffered from my rack tom becoming (and I mean) completely dislodged from the tom mount during the dramatic introduction to Night Ranger's "Sister Christian" which opened set 3 after which I had to do without for the song, Kudos to Mike (also a drummer, need I remind me) for rescuing the mounting right before song number two, Bon Jovi's "Runaway". We are invited back for a December Seventeenth performance (just a month away).

White Wedding was interviewed before our performance by NYU (New York University) for a future article about the band (see photo above) which was a fun experience for all of us.

Robert Smith.

This man drinks Semiquavers for Breakfast, eats Arpeggio's for Lunch and feasts on the Mixolydian scale for dinner. He is also a very nice fellow (and tasteful rock solid bass player) with a penchant for soup & cashews.

This man injects wild quail with chestnuts for breakfast, inhales obsolete pocket computers for lunch and feasts on Yak and Honey Dew for suppertime, He is the one constant in White Wedding (even when we were called The Airwaves) and it is this mans vision propelling us on our path beyond these things and closer to those other things. He is Mike without which the other things would not be happening in precisely the same way that they have been happening for the past number of years.

Who is That Ditzy Strumpet !!!???
OH WAIT, That's Debbie Harry !
NO WAIT That's Nancy !!!

Who needs Rachmaninoff when we have ROCKmaninoff !!!

I'm So Ronery
So ronery
So ronery and sadry arone

There's no one
Just me onry
Sitting on my rittle throne

This is Not a posed shot, another reason why Rob might be the finest and funnest frontman/lead singer I have worked with to date.

The Ultimate Nachos of O' Flanagans were indeed just that. Cheesey Cheese, Chunky Chili, Spicy Salsa, Spunky Scallions, Beany Beans and as a nice touch Fresh, Firm (mild) Veggie Jalapeno slices. If these were from a jar then it was a jar designed by the celestial core of mechanics during a philosophical pinata party and that aint too common folks.

Thanks to Jamie for taking the Fantastic photos.

FLICKR

- Spike

Vintage Video - Water Witch Club 9/10/10

2011-11-01T05:30:00.001-04:00

- Spike

The Nutty Irishman 10/29/11 Farmingdale,New York

2011-10-30T07:57:00.004-04:00

Nancy requested some adult entertainment in the green room tonight and due to weather conditions the agency could not comply but The Nutty supplied us with some printed visual reference of which It's rumoured Nancy was up to page 93 at last count.

On a snowy and Slushy October Night did we, the White Wedding Band arrive at the premises of Nutty IrishMan & Men to perform All Hallows Eve duty amongst the Gaily dressed, and I must say we Gaily dressed as well. Tis the Season'

TRANSLATION: We (WHITE WEDDING) performed at the Nutty Irishman (Of Farmingdale) on the worst night weatherwise within wememburrance (SlushyRainyZombieApocalypse) and yet the people did come, partook of festivities, supped on sauce and gaily dressed too for the Halloween weekend festivities. Spotted in the audience were Rock' Em Sock Em Robots, Keystone Cops & the transgendered Pink Ladies (costumed by men) & T- Birds (costumed by women) too amongst many other Ghouls and Succubus'

Nice acoustic room to play, Progressively Active Crowd, Good Ensemble Band Performance (G.E.B.P.), Sprawling Green Room (beers in fridge), Stage Curtain (partial)

There was a video screen curtain that came down in front of us after our performance and as we packed up curtain stageside I realized I was now entering my "Webster Hall" video screen period.

This is the Declaration that I enjoyed quite a bit on the way down to the Green Room which was a few turns and little steps (nice the room is) dervish wise.

A most impressive green room refrigerator, well the contents.
On reflection I'm sorry I did not check the freezer.

Upon further reflection (a few hours later) I am GLAD that I did NOT check the freezer.

After the show we lived it up in true Rockstar fashion and visited the local Wendy's drive-thru, I purchased a Double Cheeseburger and Small Fries (now prepared with Sea Salt) and especially enjoyed it very much after not having Wendy's for quite some time. (80s culture tie not included)

- Spike

Heritage Bar - 10/22/11 Yonkers, New York

2011-10-22T17:01:00.004-04:00

Maybe its the Delicious Guinness Stout talking but its always a pleasure to perform at the Heritage Pub in Yonkers. For the first time I forgot my camera at home but fortunately Richard was in attendance and took some shots, I did get the color pic at the bottom with my LG cellphone to post on Facebook and right here on this Blog in case there was a shortage of photos. The band played a good gig and Tiffany was in attendance to check out our show pacing and performance.

Dave looking Quite the Biker.

Paul looking Quite the Guitarist.

I finally wore my "Hello Cleveland" shirt for Rob's soundcheck. It's the 80's It's Spinal Tap.

J.C. on the Roland and Korg.

Recognize quite a few people in this shot, hmmmmmm,.........

A Dance Band ? Certainly.

Its always a good idea to have a fresh Stout before the next set begins.

FLICKR

- Spike

La Pomme - 10/15/11 Manhattan, New York

2011-10-15T14:01:00.004-04:00

La Pomme features a very nice room and our clients who threw an 80s anniversary party had a stage built for us while Sean and Ginger provided the sound and lighting. I did not get to to see the crowd during our performance but marveled at some of the 80s fashion sense afterwards as is often the case at these parties. We played a good two sets and due to time constraints were packed up by 11 p.m., Unique to this performance was "Limelight" by Rush which was a special request (see below)

possibly my coolest space yet, I had my own little makeshift drum riser.

After passing White Castle on the way to rehearsal every week it was nice to finally have some pre-rendezvous at the Callbox. Two Jalapeno Double Cheeseburgers, One Double Cheeseburger and a sack of Fries ($7.68). Two Cheeseburgers are plenty the third came home with me.

I forgot the band were dining together and wasted my appetite on the murder burgers. pictured above are BLT Poppers ($6) from the very cool Hog Pit NYC bar located right next to La Pomme, this bar offered a Quart Bottle of Colt 45 for $10.00

Limelight is one of the most difficult songs we have had to learn to date and gave us a run for our money as far as ensemble playing, Dave is reading the sheet music during the 3/4 guitar solo section.

- Spike

Vintage Bar - 10/14/11 - White Plains, New York

2011-10-14T17:00:00.004-04:00

Beerstaches Rule.

The Vintage Bar was a nice room to play and we had the crowd dancing sporadically throughout the evening. Tonight we implemented our pro-twitter stance which gets a free t-shirt to the first person to tweet us on a Wednesday and comes down to the show. This evening is also when I popped my bass drum head halfway through the first set (of two sets) but left the replacement back in Brooklyn, some painters tape kept the head intact for the second set fortunately.

Our brave singers had to deal with a spiral staircase which led to the changing room.

the changing room in question was located above the stage.

our poster in the front window.

EXHIBIT A - I'm going to write to Mr. Ludwig as I keep losing lugs from the bottom of my rack tom.

the ad for the show from Vintage Bars website.

- Spike

Allison & Eric's Wedding - 10/8/11 Jumping Brook Golf Course - Neptune, New Jersey

2011-10-08T13:30:00.005-04:00

Coming just one week after our last wedding performance it becomes easier to grow accustomed to working in a hall/dining setting with breaks in the set dictated by the festivities as well as the actual festivities, food, drinks, dancing and high spirits apparent at a wedding reception. We all had a Blast doing our jobs and continue to grow through experience.

Songs unique to this performance were two by The Misfits, "Where Eagles Dare" and "Astro Zombies" this is also the show where the bride and groom entered the proceedings to the "Emperor's Theme" from Star Wars which we all found very cool and amusing a few months back when we got the details.

Unique shots of Rob in his "Danzig/Misfits" personae since this may be the only time it ever happens.

This and the last photo get published just because I took them while the band was playing ("Dont Stop Believing") and I had a second to step out in front amongst the crowd before my Drum Cue went off. We had passed our curfew so there was no time for Rob to get out of his makeup.

I would like to thank my friend Ham for appreciating The Drumming especially this evening (I am told that his friends were also All About The Drumming) and my personal feeling can only be described as elated when you realize you are elevating someone to have so much fun. I could only feel blushful when being told my playing was "On A Whole Other Level!!!", All modesty aside folks, I can carry a tune to its end and successfully play in an ensemble but the "Other Level" is Well,... for those "Other Level Dudes".

Ham and his buddies really made my night though, Thanks Very Much guys.

Stuffed Chicken (with Gravy), Garden Vegetables and Mashed Potatoes.

FLICKR

- Spike

Sabrina & Sam's Wedding 10/1/11 - Rumson, New Jersey

2011-10-01T03:53:00.007-04:00

Nancy couldn't make it to this show but fortunately at the very last minute we got Mike's friend Cora to fill in at this important wedding performance and she did a great job singing and dancing with very high energy. Rob did his usual outstanding emcee delivery introducing the wedding party under an audio bed of "Walking On Sunshine" and the band played a tight evening of music in very cramped circumstances, I could not get much action from my bass drum pedal (much less get out from behind the kit) since I was crammed against the wall but this is just another one of those challenges a gigging musician sometimes has to deal with.

Unique to this performance was renditions of Van Morrison's "Sweet Thing", Men At Work's "Who Can It Be Now" and Loudon Wainwright lll's "Daughter". Unique for White Wedding is that a member of the party requested a song that we NEVER played before and we winged it in a live setting which was not a Pub either (no offense to the pub's), at first I had no idea what song it was mainly because I don't really know the song but everyone else does. We performed Poison's "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" as part of the Metal Block and it sounded just fine too.

Tonight's M.V.P. in my book, Cora for doing an Amazing job and fitting right in.

Like most working bands we continue to build strength to strength, Next thing you know we will be performing songs we never played to live audiences!!! oh wait ,.....

Once again Sean and Ginger provided sound and lighting for us and you can find them at Boardwalk Entertainment

The Kobe Burger - 10 ounces Kobe Beef, Humboldt Fog Cheese, Garlic Butter, Arugula, Red Onion, Tomato & Mayo on King's Hawaiian Bun, Salt Creek Garlic Fries Too

Cora runs through her songs at the Callbox right before heading to the reception. Notice Dave in the background giving us the "slow down" hand signal, we were speeding on purpose so we could get on the road already.

- Spike

Heritage Bar - 9/24/11 Yonkers, New York

2011-09-24T17:33:00.002-04:00

The Irish are a very festive people and the Heritage is the most Irish of pubs with the most Irish of clientele, pair this up with Ireland getting into the World Cup quarter finals while your band is performing there and prepare to see some serious celebrations. For the first time the crowd was up and dancing from our opening number and the night was going well only to be enhanced by a crowd of sports fans with their own "world cup(s)" that they were waving around, at first I didnt know what was going on (did this team just win a trophy ?) until I remembered J.C. earlier during the performance giving a shout out to Ireland's victorious football team.

While putting finishing touches on my drum set up I kept hearing Nancy's infectious laughter from behind me, turns out she saw the absurdity in blowing up a ghostbuster accessory with a hand pump in the back of an irish pub,.... like that was weird or something.

Always a bit of a challenge setting up the kit "catty cornered" at the Heritage. Yet another cymbal set up kept things challenging tonight.

We picked up Paul on the way to the show and I complimented him on his 80s tie and dress shirt, turns out he had an office party that afternoon and was still dressed for that. After a few more similar compliments from bandmembers Paul decided not to change at all and I had to get a photo.

Steve saw a bit more from his table then I did from behind my drum kit, details* soon. I have since heard that the "World Cups" that were waved around were filled with Beer!!!*

This gets posted because I took this photo while drumming, we are performing "Eye of the Tiger" at the request of the "Football Hooligans"

Pre-gig I had time to try some of the "crunchy" food at El Loco Burrito on Graham avenue and the "Spicy Beef Nachos" ($7.00) did not disappoint, Very Delicious. Some leftovers barely made it home with me in the gig bag, they were so Bamboozled you don't even wanna see a photo, T.G.F.T. (Thank God For Tupperware).

Squirrels Just Wanna Have Fun.

- Spike

Life On The Road 9/17-18/11

2011-09-18T18:51:00.014-04:00

A band gets to really test their mettle by going on a road trip and this certainly was our first long haul to Maine with a seven hour one way commute (750 miles total). White Wedding convened at the Call Box 10 a.m. after last nights gig on the boat cruise and it took me two and a half hours travel getting me there thirty minutes late but so was everyone else except Nancy whom I found napping on the bar. By 11:30 we loaded up the van and secured some Road Food (Gummi Bears, Hash Browns, Wasabi Seaweed, Pretzel Rods, Sausage McMuffin, Multigrain Tortilla Chips, Strawberry Lemonade, Chex Mix, Spring Water, Vine Ripened Tomatoes and a Cucumber) and took off into the wild blue yonder with Dave, Mike and J.C. sharing driving duties. En route we learned how to draw a Rhombus, the names and nicknames of the Pac Man ghosts, Not all rest stops have a McDonalds, what the band Mastodon sounds like, how to operate an inverter and that Dave is very good at naming state capitals.

Being a rock band on the road you should always keep some "homegrown" around. This specimen is from J.C.'s Tomato garden.

the van itself.

there was more conversation than not on our road trip.

You want a good slice, you talk to J.C.

Mike runs through his guitar solos for the evenings performance.

Rob seemed to be the most experienced Pac-Man player but the high score was taken by Mike with 17,690 points.

"Ootini"

Nancy gets her Jawa on.

after encountering a pick up truck filled with chairs we knew we weren't in Kansas anymore.

before our show I had an on campus Bates Burger ($2.75) from Milt's, I forgot how discount priced campus food is.

Hopalong Quesadeetch and J.C.

as we approached the Hilton I shot some very boring video.

it was at this time that we realized the irony of play driving while real driving and I exclaimed "I'm in Maine and I'm staring at Pole Position", for those unfamiliar Pole Position is the name of the video game.

we knew we were back in New York City when we saw this style of traffic.

- Spike

May We Check Your Bags Sir? - Hilton Garden Inn 9/18/11 Lewiston, Maine

2011-09-18T18:51:00.006-04:00

The Bates Hilton at Lewiston, Maine has a very helpful and accommodating work staff amongst pleasant surroundings and a pleasant work staff amongst helpful surroundings (Tim You Rock !!!).

THE PROS - Free Internet service, complimentary cookies at front desk serviette (via tongs), widescreen flat TV (LG), multiple settings on showerhead, Shampoo AND Conditioner (separately) provided by Neutrogena!!!! (a company I have actually heard of), "Boardwalk Empire" flyer.

THE CONS - Room Service/Bar is Not 24 hours, Ice Machine does Not work on the sixth floor (servicing needed), parking lot dimensions not adequate for a swift enough egress of vehicle (with Dave at the wheel) concerning J.C.'s expectations.

of note - my new Nike "Gig" bag and Rob's industrial sized water.

some pre-soundcheck drinks in the lobby, bandmembers not included.

Your Blogmaestro takes his own photo.

The view from Dave, J.C. and Mike's room on the sixth floor (taken with Mike's Iphone)

- Spike

Bates College 9/17/11 Lewiston, Maine

2011-09-17T02:22:00.005-04:00

The student alumni at Bates College Really DO Know How To Party as demonstrated at our 80s Night performance on campus at the main entrance to the library. Initially it was just the band, sound crew and college staff at the start time of 10:30 p.m. and we were prepared to perform to an invisible crowd but smartly moved our U2/Bono portion of the show from the top of the set list to a little further on since we were told that this show was promoted on radio and when we asked for directions on campus two of the students (Sam & Ben) asked if we were "White Wedding" so surely we could expect a small audience, I was confident that once the music started wafting across the grounds it would at least bring some curiosity seekers. The first number was now "Bette Davis Eyes" and a few brightly dressed 80s fans checked us out then stepped back into darkness to which Nancy remarked "Well, nobody wants to be first to the party" after which a few people sat on the floor in front of us, I looked down and next time I looked up there was a small throng dancing to our second number "Melt With You" at which Rob commented "Your Like Locust's" which had me and J.C. dying laughing. All Hell (and quite a bit of heck) broke loose as the crowd got bigger and bigger until I could not see any horizon at all. We were duly entertained by the pogoing dancers ourselves and guarded by two bouncers frontstage required there to let us do our show without raucous interruption.

The Bates College Gives Great Audience.

"Pride (In The Name Of Love)" was premiered at this show and tonight was also when Rob told a Lewiston, Maine crowd "Live Free Or Die !!!" to which an audience member replied "that's New Hampshire" not that it mattered as the crowd and band had an absolute Blast throughout the evening on White Wedding's very first Road Gig.

Between sets

"Dave,.. Dave! you will never believe what I just heard!!!"

Assembling a last minute changing room with some "pipe & drape"

Nancy's vantage point.

- Spike

Rocks Off Concert Cruise 9/16/11 - East River, New York

2011-09-16T09:44:00.008-04:00

FLICKR

- Spike

Roxbury Mardi Gras 9/4/11 Breezy Point, Queens

2011-09-04T17:12:00.001-04:00

Mardi Gras in Roxbury, Queens at Breezy Point is a bit of an Exclusive affair. After the checkpoint through which our car passed we ventured into (Well, at first we got lost in the parking lot due to NON-instructions from the staff but I DO Digress) a micro-community of what can only be described as "single family beach houses within very close proximity towards one another" (in other words ask your next door neighbor if your snoring is keeping them awake), Not to criticize as this is akin to living in a college dorm bubble, at least for Mardi-Gras time that is.

White Wedding played three Rockin' sets for our tentful of Rowdy Rabscallions who sang along, drank and danced through the night feeding the energy right back to the band. As happens often the setlist gets changed due to the centigrade of the room and this moment stands out within this dialogue between Mike from the frontline and me behind the drum kit (in a VERY NOISY Room mind you) as I saw new coordinates being set but asked twice what he was saying and quickly as we were still playing LOUDLY at the time. of course it was a supercalifragileisiticexpealidocius moment for me and a Long song title for Mike to blurt out twice.

Mike -BonJoviYouGiveLoveABadName
Spike - WHAT ?!!!!
Mike - BonJoviYouGiveLoveABadName
Spike - O.K.

Mission Accomplished.

We all got wristbands to Party-Hearty All the night through after our show was done which was very gracious of our hosts but made the Zipcar/MTA commute back home before dawn.

Playin' in a tent is payin' the rent - FZ

the 80s Trivia portion of the evening is always very entertaining because the audience is the show.

J.C. on the Drums between sets.

I immediately likened the Roxbury portion of Breezy Point to a small mexican village (even though I have never been to a small mexican village) due to the proximity of the single lane between front facing houses and the lived in comfortable bungalow community that gave this place an otherworldly feel.

Seabreeze Avenue (and this is NOT Coney Island)

Nancy took this pic when I wasn't looking (must've been at the bar)

just minutes previous to meeting at the Zipcar rendezvous point I grabbed a DD Tuna Salad on a DD Croissant at D and D's which kept me satiated for about 45 minutes, Delicious as the sandwich was (well,..... lets not get technical*).

* - technical notes - It's ALWAYS The Mayo (This is not Hellman's or I will eat my hat) and this is THAT Mayo with the slight aftertaste of Mustard!!! O.K. maybe its the Fish Aftertaste !!! Croissants don't have an aftertaste, Too Much Flaky Air.

- Spike

Heritage Bar - 8/27/11 Yonkers, New York

2011-08-27T15:18:00.001-04:00

Tonight's show was cancelled due to emergency conditions brought on by Hurricane Irene (Cara).

- Spike

Claudios 8/21/11 Greenport, Long Island

2011-08-22T02:04:00.002-04:00

We performed for our biggest crowd yet on the waterfront at Claudio's and had the crowd up and dancing, none of these photos do any justice to the kineticism of the energetic crowd but then again I was limited to taking photos between songs.

Robby Osbourne ?

J.C. on Keys.

Windy show over the water with my tie as scrunchy.

Hangin' Out by Da' showers.

For breakfast Rob and myself sampled Crabby Jerry's right across the water from Claudio's. I got the FISH (Cod) Platter with Fries, Very Tasty.

- Spike

May We Check Your Bags Sir? - Greenview Inn 8/21/11 Riverhead, New York

2011-08-22T02:04:00.001-04:00

The Greenview Inn of Riverhead which is designed duplex motel style offered adequate amenities but our room (Rob and myself) seemed a bit stuffy and airless. There was a bumbling asian fellow at check-in who slightly panicked when my Cheez Doodles got stuck in the vending machine which I proceeded to shake after which he refunded my seventy five cents, then our door would not open with the pass key (an actual key) so we had a brief game of charades as he showed me to use the doorknob keyhole as opposed to the deadbolt above. I put my refunded seventy five cents into the vending machine and got two bags of Cheez Doodles and grabbed a bucket of Ice. There are certainly worse places and the Greenview did have its charm, well the night check-in guy did.

THE PROS - Room had beds, toilet, shower and T.V. (with remote control)

THE CONS - No shampoo and conditioner or even shampoo/conditioner, language barrier with staff, low tech ice machine, paltry selection in snack machine, lack of air circulation in room, wall to wall carpeting in outdoor hallway.

A nightcap of french vodka and cheesey doodleness.

A Pool Too. (photo from J.C.s Iphone).

the blue tarp really disturbs me.

- Spike

JCs Restaurant - 8/20/11 - Manorville, New York

2011-08-20T16:52:00.001-04:00

A Double Header weekend for us as the band has a late night show at JCs (two long sets) and an afternoon appearance tomorrow at Claudios (three not quite as long sets as the longish sets the night previous) and it was nice to return to JCs Restaurant amongst its plush and beautiful flora. The band played really well and premiered tonight were "Sister Christian" and the Classic purple chestnut "Lets Go Crazy"

Dave offered me a piece of Chicken Quesadilla (not pictured) which was Delicious (Thank You Dave) but not quite as good as the Quesadilla from the Heritage Pub which has yet to be topped, this will become an ongoing topic if all goes as planned.

It did become more crowded than this. This was taken at LIKE Eight Thirty!!! (it was).

I missed photographing the moment when J.C. cracked Dave's back, but this is right after.

T.V.s (television sets you preverts) and Instruments.

- Spike

White Wedding Promo

2011-08-19T05:35:00.000-04:00

The New Promotional Video 2011
as performed by White Wedding at the B.B. Kings Blues Club in Times Square, NYC 7/22/11.

filmed by Roy and Edited by Mike.

- Spike

Peggy O' Neill's 8/13/11 Coney Island, New York

2011-08-13T22:26:00.001-04:00

This was a very fun show for us and the band lucked out with the weather since we were playing an outdoor gig on a sunny August afternoon AMONGST NO SHADE that thankfully became cloudy, so much so that it went from Too Much Sun to Too Many clouds and we had to cut two songs from our last set as it actually started to drizzle. Once again even with the aid of my yellow milk crate the stage was of an awkward height and I was also fearful of falling backwards off the stage but these are the drummer's hang ups arent they ???, our singers had no problem jumping on and off for costume changes. We played very well and attracted quite an array of onlookers just outside the barricade who happened to be passing by.

This was a gig to remember and I look forward to our return.

Songs premiered at this show were "Anyway You Want It", "New Year's Day" and "Just Like Heaven" (well if this wasnt the premiere it has been years since we played it) featuring THE Robert Smith costume.

There wuz Pop Rocks Too.

To Al in Memorium.

- Spike

FLICKR

Breezy Point Surf Club 7/30/11 Long Island, New York

2011-07-30T13:13:00.001-04:00

Consumption of alcoholic beverages is accepted behavior and almost pre-requisite in the business of performing music and presenting it as well but on some nights you can step backwards instead of forwards and I am so glad that I am not speaking from my experience or any of my bandmates.

Our regular sound engineer Sean could not make this show so we hired an outside freelancer from Craigslist who was serious enough to come see the band last month and tonight he got his audition (albeit he was payed for his services) and at first I thought he seemed to know what he was doing (he used terms like XLR cable, Guitar & Electricity) and I was impressed at the fact that he mic'ed the resonant head of the Snare Drum as opposed to the batter keeping that pesky microphone clip out of harm's way, He even had me plug in the mini-XLR so I was able to put my Qualified "Recording Engineer" skills to work.

By the second set something was rotten in Pepperland (Beatles reference) as a feedback hum overtook the stage monitors of which I initially wrote off as Gain/Fader problems but they persisted throughout our set to no avail, the band sounded good on the dancefloor but onstage things were getting fuzzy. Turns out both of our sound crew had a bit too much to drink and at one point had to be nudged awake by Rob to ask for hotter (in level) vocals. I am told that throughout the second set there were proud exclamations of "Dont Worry, I Do This ALL THE TIME!!!" which makes you kind of wonder, there was also vomiting into dixie cups which I happily missed. As a band this gig separated the men from the boys as White Wedding played non-stop, un-phased and very well too without a hitch,... at least not from our end.

The engineer's assistant was a very nice guy who volunteered to take photos of us so I lent him my Lumix camera and he got a few good shots as seen here.

- Spike

Heritage Bar - 7/23/11 Yonkers, New York

2011-07-25T05:41:00.002-04:00

The Most Delicious Guinness Stout On The Planet.

Tonight was 4/6ths of the core band as Nancy could not make the show due to a family loss and Paul was on guitar duties but there was some interesting people in the audience that finally started dancing by the second and third sets. This was the night that a woman walked up to Paul, saw a little hole in his jeans and ripped it making a bigger hole, what strange behavior to show your appreciation.

Taking Dave's lead I decided that I Also Had To Have the Chicken Quesadilla from the menu. A Decent if not Large sized dish of a quartered Quesadilla over a most flavorful and respectable salad flanked by portions of Pico de Gallo (mmm Cilantro), Guacamole with a hint of Lemon and Sour Cream. Take a closer look at that Salad, There was All Kinds Of Stuff in there.

- Spike

B.B. Kings Blues Club (Other Shots) - 7/22/11 New York City

2011-07-25T05:41:00.001-04:00

My Favorite poster Yet.

Soundcheck.

FLICKR

- Spike

B.B. Kings Blues Club - 7/22/11 New York City

2011-07-22T18:24:00.000-04:00

-Spike

Claudios 7/17/11 Greenport, Long Island

2011-07-21T03:40:00.001-04:00

What Can I Say About Claudio's!!!

Sea, Sun, Fun, Sunburn, Good Gig for us.

At this fishy appearance we performed on the far end of the dock so there was water directly below (planks protecting me from the drink of course) and the ocean breeze as a constant on all sides. I set up the Kit Drums in the shade but as the afternoon waned the sun moved in the sky and so did the sunburn, I came out fine but cannot speak for Paul who welcomed it.

The Constant Ocean Breeze can make you actually want to KILL SOMEONE at times without the use of a "scrunchie" or hair pin!!!

Fish & Chips @ Claudio's ($14.95) decent cole slaw.

- Spike

Bally Bunion - 7/15/11 Brooklyn, NYC

2011-07-17T04:43:00.001-04:00

The band had a Great time once again playing the Bunion in Bay Ridge and this time on a Friday night to showcase the possibility of future Live Music to the new owner (who was a No Show). Being in the same borough as my apartment I was on my own getting my "home practice kit" to the gig and I thank Chris for getting me there, getting back via car service was not as horrible as I thought it would be. As you can see below it is a bit of a stripped down setup especially the cymbals but my PDP Bass Drum sounded Incredible, too bad it moved all night long being subject to the physical act of being struck combined with a slippery wood floor and no tension (Rubber Mat PLEASE) holding it back in place. Never Again!!!

Our friend and fan Steve christened my Bass Drum "The Topless Creeper" on account of having no rack tom mounted atop and due to my lack of rubber soled mat the Bass Drum "Creep" that me and my bandmates dealt with throughout the evening.

And I thought that was long behind me.
More Like TOO FAR in front of me.

Culinary Lesson # 1 - There is No Cuisine in certain instances.

Autographing a few White Wedding t-shirts.

Towards the end of our show a patron of the bar filmed us which is not unusual but this person recognized me and questioned Nancy to which he got an affirmative answer all mid-song mind you and approached me to say "Your Dream Came True" which puzzled me at first. Turns out it was my childhood friend Angelo (he was in KISSAMANIA with me) who just happened to be there and all of this was captured on his Iphone which you can see just here below this sentence.

It was a great moment that happened by chance and to me chance doesn't just happen.

- Spike

Claudios 6/25/11 Greenport, Long Island

2011-06-25T15:22:00.000-04:00

Water, Water Everywhere and not a drop to drink.

So nice to perform overlooking the Long Island sound and so different that I felt I was on vacation and nowhere near New York City and I suppose I was right as Rob and myself rented a Zipcar to get to and from this venue in distant Greenport, Long Island so it was quite a day.

Here's how it went.

Prior to arriving in town we passed through lovely Mattituck which I took note of, if you ever need Goat Cheese, Basil, Zucchini or would like to see many wineries in close proximity visit Mattituck. The Dynamic male lead singer and Nifty drummer/percussionist (Cowbell) arrive at Claudio's without incident. We are told by owner and staff of a "sound ordinance" and are asked to keep it down if need be. I set up gear and Eat Shrimps simultaneously. We take "Group" photo's for our website and Industry magazine (also simultaneously). White Wedding plays its first set (of 3) but Rob's ailing voice gives out on him although he does get to do the "Springsteen" medley. Mike, Nancy and J.C. cover for Rob vocally but Rob remains our spiritual ringleader to the audience. I am asked to "keep it down" on the drumkit which is all at once humorous, a nice challenge and very much of an energy saver for my usually overexcited/Speedy Gonzalez self. The crowd LOVES us and are cheering and singing along amidst these obstacles that really only we (the band) are perceiving so critically. White Wedding's third set ends a little early so we regroup and make up a fourth set which includes Elvis Costello's "Peace, Love & Understanding" that we havent played in a few years (and which went off without a hitch). We pack up the gear of which Rob and myself will be returning some to the Callbox via Zipcar before heading home. The band says their good nights and part ways till our next rehearsal.

The two of us are the last to leave and the Zipcar wont start.
The key settles into the ignition switch but will not toggle.

We keep our cool and Rob tries everything as I realize that I know NOTHING about cars (or trucks for that matter) and after about 20 minutes we call the Zipcar 24 hour hotline only to be put on hold (thankfully for just under 10 minutes). At this point Rob has the Laryngitis for the most part and is trying not to speak so I explain to the Zipcar specialist what is happening and yet they insist on speaking to the cardholder, We get some advice to "jiggle the key in the ignition switch while shaking the steering wheel".

This works Gangbusters and we proceed to the Callbox via 7-11 and vineyard country.

Dues being paid, Life is Good.

The Group Shot.

Beer Battered Shrimp flanked by an order of Mozzarella Sticks. Being a Land Lubber I paid instant heed to Rob's suggestion of getting some Fresh Seafood while the gettin' was good but to my dismay our gear arrived at the same time so the food went a tad bit cold on me, Delicious though it remained.

Interesting Food Fact - The Shrimp was de-tailed (and detailed) for easier consumption.

- Spike

Thai Rock 6/24/11 Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York

2011-06-24T16:51:00.001-04:00

NOTICE - As White Wedding continue to evolve the time has come to relinquish our onstage monikers back to our real names (Well, In Most Cases) due to the fact that the show has become so bountiful of special guests that theres no reason to confuse aliases.

(Left To Right) - Dave (Diamond Dave), Spike (Animal), Rob (Spicolli), J.C. (Amadeus), Nancy (Billie Jean) and Paul (Ferris).
Our bandleader Mike will be joining us at tomorrow's gig (Claudio's - 6/25/11) so we can take a peek at whom Doc Brown has been hiding behind.

They say Thai Food and Rock Music Bedfellows Shall Never Make !!!
but I for one beg to differ.

Thai Rock which is located overlooking Beautiful Jamaica Bay prides itself on being a Thai Food Restaurant AND "Music House" in which it succeeds. The Doppler was suspecting rain so we did not get to perform outside on the deck this time around. One of our fans Sheila spent her birthday with us and the crowd grew as the night wore on.

Delicious Food, Tasty Wine and one of the nicer venues in Rockaway Beach.
Premiered tonight was the chorus of the Ramones "Rockaway Beach"

Jamie, Rob, Paul, Richard & Spike took the train home in the wee hours only to be annoyed by the presence of "Misteronsomethingandbeingveryvocalaboutitwhiletryingtogothroughthecarsvialockedtraindoor" and instead of being my callous self I was reminded that "Yes, these people can be dangerous and YES they might have a gun"

Mr. OnSomething did Butter me up and easily too.

Upon his possibly tenth or twelfth passing across the train car he did exclaim (upon seeing Paul's guitar case or maybe my hair) toward's my friends and bandmates.

Mr. OnSomething: I like you people, your'e entertainers

(after a pause)

Spike (To Jamie): well,.... that was very nice.
Jamie (To Spike): You are So crazy, do you know that ?, Why are you So crazy ?

Beef Lad Nah - Like Chinese Pan Fried Noodles but the Thai version making it completely different. DELICIOUS but I want what Dave had, The Yellow Curry.

Mind You the Beef Lad Nah Never Stood A Chance and was Completely Imbibed. There were Curry Puff's too, YUM. Great Food Here.

THAI ROCK SITE

FLICKR

- Spike

Bally Bunion - 6/18/11 Brooklyn, NYC

2011-06-18T14:43:00.001-04:00

What a Blast we always have performing at The Bally Bunion. This was Ferris' first show with us in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

- Animal

Rocks Off Concert Cruise (SOLD OUT) 6/16/11 - East River, New York

2011-06-16T15:28:00.001-04:00

White Wedding's sophomore performance for the Rocks Off Concert Cruise may have been an even bigger success than our previous show. Once again I am extremely proud that we sold out our second showcase on The Jewel but we were also graced with a crowd that may have been livelier than the first time around.

Thing's picked up during our opening set and got fist pumpingly crazier throughout the second. Billie Jean and Spicoli valiantly put on a great performance inches from the faces of the raucous singalong crowd and made sure we got all of our "borrowed" props back as well (tambourines,cowboy hats), Jamie even de-hatted someone right there amongst the throng. The monitor speaker behind my head toppled over during the opening number ("Take On Me") but only caused a quick blemish to my performance. We played Great and Rocked The Boat.

I was the last member onboard (by about 20 minutes!!!) due to my fear of boarding over the "mind the gap" space between the rocking boat and the rocking dock which was "rampless" at the time. Finally I became extremely impatient, overcame my fears, crossed the gap and lived to play in the rocking band.

Premiered at this show (by request) was Fleetwood Mac's "Gypsy" which is currently part of the Stevie Nicks Medley.

Our props started to slowly filter into the audience but found their way back to us. In this photo I spy 4 cowboy hats, 1 DEVO hat and 1 Turning Japanese hat.

It was a lot easier transporting our gear via "Marco Polo Tub" than as piecemeal like we did on our previous visit.
Well, you live and learn.

p.s. - Rocks Off (Prod.) ran out of FOOD by the very end of the night and graciously ordered the band & crew a few Pizza Pies, Gratis.

FLICKR

- Animal

Staten Island Film Festival 6/12/11 Staten Island, New York

2011-06-12T14:04:00.002-04:00

We all rendezvoused on a Sunday summer afternoon at the Hall Of Justice (the Callbox) and carpooled out to what Diamond Dave tells me is our first Staten Island show (and theres no reason to disbelieve him except for the fact that we are well over one hundred show's into this band's career) to perform at the 2011 Staten Island Film Festival awards ceremony and dinner which was held at the lovely Vanderbilt Beachfront Catering Hall.

There was an attentive crowd for our first 30 minute set awaiting the awards ceremonies and then the band adjourned to the green room upstairs (and very nice it was) to return as scheduled an hour later during dinner proceedings for our 60 minute set. Needless to say people were having their Buffet "Dinner" in the next room so we did our job playing the set, running cues and striking our marks and I had a Blast playing a spirited & selfless set.

Speaking for myself there is a self-gratifying triumph when you realize "This Is What You/WE DO" regardless of "self" as the musical muse rises to the occasion fed by the spirit of ensemble playing in this my musical gang of stalwarts and roustabouts.

It wasn't hard to "Egg me on" due to our stage right compatriot entertainers who like us performed with aplomb, exactly as planned and professionally with no acrimony to "Dinner" being served. (aside from the White Wedding band) There were a few 80s ringers (def. 2) hired to keep the festivities going throughout the evening so off to the side was Michael "Thriller Costume" Jackson, Madonna, Generic 80s Girl and Cochise from the film "The Warriors" (who is an awesome dude) gesticulating bravely and gyrating madly keeping spirits high.

On a personal note a member of the wait staff at the Vanderbilt asked me "Is that your real hair ?" which only made me smile so much.

The Weave & The Weft.

The Green Room

Tortellini Tom Tom.

Fancy Plate Nancy.

Doc's Dish.

Pre-Rendezvous I had a Sicilian Slice (middle piece) at Carmines Pizza on Graham avenue.

Peggy O' Neill's 6/11/11 Coney Island, New York

2011-06-12T14:04:00.001-04:00

I have heard of Peggy O' Neill's since I can remember, Well at least for the last 25 years since here we were playing the 25th anniversary show. Strategically placed just a few blocks away from the original Nathan's and Keyspan Park this spacious bar has a nice amount of room and was enjoyable to perform at. The band was treated to its youngest Solid Gold Dancers as this was an early show and it was Erin's birthday party so we had some energetic children enjoying the 80s energy.

The Nutty Irishman 6/4/11 Bay Shore, Long Island

2011-06-05T04:39:00.000-04:00

The Nutty Irishman is one of Long Island's premiere club's to play and a testament to arriving at the upper echelon of tribute bands so we were very excited to perform at this establishment. The band delivered a set which seemed to fly by compared to our usual gigs (this was a 75 minute showcase) but was completely high energy and once our sound technician announced "two more songs" towards the end of our set over the P.A. the crowd moved closer to the stage to show their appreciation. Our bartender at the upstairs bar and green room was the lovely Megan who kept us in our cups and wowed us with a locally produced Blueberry Ale. Premiered at this show was Springsteen's "Glory Days".

FLICKR

- Animal

Napper Tandy's - 6/3/11 - Miller Place, Long Island

2011-06-03T16:30:00.000-04:00

It was an odd and pleasurable summer experience getting to the Napper Tandys venue at dusk with the sun setting in the sky opposed to complete night as we all rolled out of the car and into the bar. I proceeded to set up my kit (Ludwig Black) and in a fit of pique changed my cymbal setup (see below) but more importantly it was a return show for the band and our first with McFly helming the guitar.

Accolades to THE DJ Pac Man Pookie spinning tunes (hearing that he likes my Foodie pics on Facebook also makes me happy as well), Case Logic Lives, I gave a dollar to a Roll Up Q-Base Guy and didnt take my Roll Up (candy) since he said he was a musician so I "felt for him" I will Never Do This Again, he gains a buck/I gain one less buck, Caught the 5:41 (earlier) as opposed to the 5:53 (later) train (to RONKONKOMA) and couldn't get a seat so I stood while I read MODERN DRUMMER Magazine (JUNE 2011) and did NOT have my (Cheesy Melt Burrito) food until I sat down at "A" Round forty past six, Dropped my stick during the Drum intro to "Call Me" but no one noticed,... WELL... The BAND DID..., McFly singlehandedly wrestled the crowd up onto the dancefloor during our second set and This fits right in with the behavior I have come to expect from my bandmates of late. The Wonton soup was Really Good also.

FACT - this man has learned less than 200 songs in the six weeks since he joined.

O.K. he learned almost a Hundred in that time which is QUITE THE FEAT including Medleys and unique cues!!!
.... plus he likes Twin Peaks.

AND he's a fluid guitar player.

To accomodate Napper Tandys smallish stage which was crowded with mic stands, microphones, XLR cables, amplifiers, pint glasses, tambourines, set lists, effects pedals, cowboy hats, keyboard stand, cymbal bag, gig bag, guitar stands, drum case, back pack, power strip, replacement drum head and a soup container I used a different cymbal configuration which can only be described as garish and unmanageable. (on the left) Hi-Hats, Both Crash Cymbals. (on the right) Ride, China (Zildjian) (All Sabian AAX unless it says its Zildjian)

DOH. switch out the 20" Crash with the China, PROBLEM SOLVED.

Before and Between sets I almost delighted in some Wonton Soup from the Ho Ming Chinese Take Out Restaurant just a few doors down and the favorite of east coast pigeons everywhere.

- Animal

Wedding/Tunxis Plantation Country Club 5/29/11 Farmington, Connecticut

2011-05-30T06:49:00.001-04:00

White Wedding performed at a private wedding function this afternoon and evening at the Tunxis Plantation Country Club, This is a Beautiful space (I would type "room" but this was in the Great Outdoors) for such a gathering and I was happy to be playing under the sky. Sean & Ginger balanced the sound tonight and Bravely supplied Billie Jean and Spiccoli with a wireless Microphone so they could interact with the crowd in great success might I add. Thanks for taking some of these photo's as well Ginger.

I was Very entertained and supplied "SleazySexyStripper" Flavored percussion at Billie Jean's behest during her orchestrated Garter/Bouquet traditional sequence of the ceremonies which was A Blast.

Client Requested Songs Unique to this performance - "Wonderwall" (acoustic) by Oasis and "Telephone" by Lady GaGa.

First dance of the night,
Wonderwall.

Assorted Cheese Tortellini, Mushroom Ravioli topped with Grilled Swordfish & Lemon with Pepper Chicken with shavings of Unintentional* Bac-O's.
Green Salad topped with Bacon bits, Shredded mixed/multicolored Cheddar, Croutons and Creamy Italian Dressing of which the Unintentional* Bac-O's stem.

* - The Bac-O's spillage onto plate 1 is due to the serving anomaly inherent in the design.
Plate One/Table One is the Pasta Station/Table 2 is a Salad station imposing you to man 2 plates with two arms in a "Buffet" style setting/Table 3 is the main course or in this case "Meat-Fish" portion but you must balance and juggle your plates carefully unless you would like a 3rd plate.

Delicious Food, just sayin'

"Only chairs & tables are supposed to be hanging out back here" - Billie Jean, 2011

- Animal

Bally Bunion - 5/14/11 Brooklyn, NYC

2011-05-14T16:20:00.001-04:00

The band was already warmed up from our 60 minute set one avenue away and we proceeded to the Bally Bunion hooked up our gear and promptly began our set. Tonight we premiered "Footloose"

I was happy to see Clay in attendance to perform some of his infamous folk dancing.

FLICKR

- Animal

Brooklyn Irish Rally for David Bourke (Bally Bunion) St. Patrick's Church Auditorium - 5/14/11 Brooklyn, New York

2011-05-14T16:19:00.000-04:00

Bally Bunion asked us to perform at a benefit for Dave Bourke and it was our pleasure to oblige. There were Pipers, Irish folk music, acoustic rock and some adorable wee ones performing irish reels for the crowd and this was only during the 2 hours I was there. The house kit was Premier drums with Tama hardware and a drum stool in the lowest possible position that could not be adjusted so I felt a bit short for this show. We performed a concise one hour set with costumes but the highlight for me was when Billie Jean brought the adorable wee ones onstage with us during "Come On Eileen"

- Animal

"Cinco De Mayo" Rocks Off Concert Cruise (SOLD OUT) 5/5/11 - East River, New York

2011-05-05T15:10:00.000-04:00

This show was a great time for the mere fact that the band was performing on a moving vessel in New York's East River but we are also very proud of being bumped up from the 250 capacity "Half Moon" to the 300 passenger "Jewel" and still selling out the cruise. Our first set finished with the Jewel pulling up to Lady Liberty herself and our performance of "Born In The U.S.A." with a singalong crowd.

One of my favorite audiences yet kept us afloat throughout the evening and by the second set spirits were running high as the party passengers sang along with the band and chanted us on, There was a sound drowning us out (and It wasnt the JBL monitor speaker behind my head) and when I looked around I happily saw it was the audience singing along to "Walk Like An Egyptian".

Truly A Night To Remember.

Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale,
A tale of an eighties trip
That started from this city port
Aboard this party ship.

Poster by Jamie

FLICKR

FACEBOOK ALBUM 1

FACEBOOK ALBUM 2

- Animal

Heritage Bar - 4/30/11 Yonkers, New York

2011-04-30T17:45:00.001-04:00

Spiccoli and myself arrived an hour early to enjoy some Guinness (plural) and try some of the Heritage Bar's food menu but the dining room was mobbed (as was the bar) so we had a few pints before the rest of the band arrived. Once again the mood was boisterous but there seems to be the drinking OR dancing factions (amongst the crowd) of which there was both, One of my favorite places to play and the staff is most generous indeed.

New songs premiered tonight were "Heart Of Glass", "Born in the U.S.A.", "Material Girl" and befitting this most Irish of Bar's, U2's "With Or Without You"

The new business cards are in.

The Heritage Bar serves the Most Delicious Guinness Stout Ever. I Dont know what their secret is and they aint tellin'

- Animal

Kodiaks - 4/15/11 - Farmingdale, New York

2011-04-15T04:34:00.001-04:00

Kodiaks is a very large space and apparently extremely popular as it was packed to the tables when we walked in, the band set up gear and I had the unique opportunity of eating a Taco Bell Supreme Burrito while standing around near the employee locker room so in the least I was certainly humoring myself.

We played well enough as an ensemble but to my ears the room itself "Ate My Drums" and cymbals, the returning sound I expected was to be clear but much of the high end vanished and the attack was muffled to death by the architectural shape and construction amounting in a lifeless "whacking on a cardboard box" experience, O.K. Maybe not quite that bad.

The railed in ledging right behind the drum kit afforded me a photo from this nice and unique perspective, Above.

Sean and Ginger were on board to balance and amplify the house sound.

- Animal

O' Flanagans - 4/9/11 - New York City

2011-04-09T06:38:00.000-04:00

We were treated to a Fun, Frenetic crowd who Didn't take long to start dancing and having a proper Saturday evening and it was a Win Win (pronounced "winwin" but spelled "Throatwobbler Manegrove") situation for all concerned.

In classic eighties Back To The Future 2 form Both McFly's were in attendance at this show, one McFly onstage and one McFly in the audience.

Diamond Dave alerting me on the fly about a change in song selection and from the looks of this photo he is also awakening me from my deep slumber.

- Animal

Port Jazz - 4/8/11 - Port Jefferson, New York

2011-04-08T14:30:00.000-04:00

There were people up and dancing and some viewing us from the side of the stage but we have reached a pretty good level of proficiency and played to some pretty manic crowds that it makes me wonder why there isnt even more dancing feet, I suppose I am getting a bit spoiled and ahead of myself but I finally play an almost perfect set with No Mistakes (I missed the snare drum once) or discernible tempo problems and it's to an almost indifferent crowd too young to remember these songs and preferring some monotonous techno beats to dance along with, not that I am really complaining.

Doc Brown and Spiccoli really rose to the occasion and Rocked Out with conviction amidst and due to the polite applause and I got to look at my reflection in the mirror behind me all night. Port Jazz had us play one ninety minute set for the evening so it was a cakewalk for the band.

It was a pleasure to give my new Sabian AAX Fast Hats their first performance run and they sounded sweet.

Dont expect too much from food prepared at an Ice Cream shoppe (Ralph's in this case) and that is just what I received. The Frankfurter (pictured here with Mustard and Relish) had a slight agreeable tang to it and thats all but the Knish could have been heated through a bit more. Decent Mustard and it was after nine p.m. so am I really surprised ?.

- Animal

JCs Restaurant - 4/2/11 - Manorville, New York

2011-04-02T08:06:00.000-04:00

An active motion of intent such as taking photos of people in action as opposed to musicians and performers in action oftentimes will reveal a photo such as the one above, Well... I Like It A Lot.

JCs Restaurant was a great place to play with a circumference riding veranda (overrated patio) outdoors and on the inside in the bar a nice wooden stage and widescreen monitors arrayed behind keyboardists ,drummers and those who play with their back (or fronts) to the wall. The crowd was into the music and dancing which grew proportionately as the evening wore on the band got hot and more drinkies were imbibed. This was the night when Billie Jean (bless her heart) drove Spiccoli and me back to our red eye LIRR train (or face a 2 hour delay) to make the 2:10 a.m. to Penn Station and in my fleeing haste I left my cellphone at the gig (on top of the floor tom is what my minds eye tells me) which was retrieved by Doc Brown and is currently being held for questioning.

- Animal

Napper Tandy's - 4/1/11 - Miller Place, Long Island

2011-04-01T14:34:00.001-04:00

And Now some wacky photos from the live on the stage perspective (as seen from the live on the stage perspective), between songs, pre-set, still life and moments when photos are not usually taken by active band members... like during performance.

about to Metal.

Pre-Gig Dinner was from Zara Pizza & Restaurant located in the nearby strip mall.
Being a former Italian Brooklyn Snob Food Critic (IBSFC) I was surprised to find this Long Island SQUARE Slice to be very nicely textured but sadly was lacking a bit in flavor.

Cheese? texture yes/flavor no, almost like a salt-free cheese.
Sauce? a bit jar sauce tasting even for a jar, kinda bland, NO OOOMPH!!!
BUT!!! nice chewy dough reminiscent of the L & B Spumoni Gardens Square compensates very nicely.

There's such duality in nature.

To the man that ran into me at Penn Station saying "Animal!, White Wedding!, I auditioned for you guys two years ago, Im auditioning for X-Factor next week" You made my night and I wished you the best of luck as you did me. We are all in this together.

- Animal

Heritage Bar - 3/26/11 Yonkers, New York

2011-03-26T17:41:00.000-04:00

A Pleasant return to the Heritage Bar which is a Real Irish Pub in my book. The crowd was a wee bit more lively this time than the last and the Stout poured heavily. The band played well and we all had a great evening entertaining the crowd.

During the show and prior to the gig I ate some Delicious Guinness Stout. This was somewhat planned as I was bedazzled by their Guinness since the first time I was here just a month ago, I actively had a Guinness last night at the Irish Circle for the impending taste test.

No Contest.

The Heritage Bar serves the Most Delicious Stout I have yet to experience. Dark and Creamy, Full Of Body and Rich in Flavor. On my previous visit I asked about the Stout and was told it was due to its freshness, just tonight I noticed a pouring method, I think its a combination of both and several other aspects but why ask when you can just drink.

- Animal

FLICKR

The Irish Circle 3/25/11 Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York

2011-03-25T15:39:00.000-04:00

Awesome Kudos to Daniel-San for stepping up to the plate with less than 24 hour's notice to perform vocal duties for three sets with us. This was a very interesting gig for the core members of the band as we were performing with McFly and Daniel-san at the same time and Amadeus took over vocal duties on "Faithfully","I Wanna Be Sedated" and "Hungry Like The Wolf"

The Irish Circles Nacho Platter is pretty much what one would make at home so I can honestly say that I was not very impressed, Tasty though it was.

- Animal

Bally Bunion - 3/19/11 Brooklyn, NYC

2011-03-20T03:27:00.000-04:00

The Next Era Begins.

The band currently has eighteen gigs booked at an average of two a week and the weather is still chilly outside so things are really shaping up nicely. We had the usual energetic, dancing crowd that we provide Bally Bunion with and Jamie's cousin and fellow musician Jack (Geezer) came down to check us out.

The crowd is driven into a frenzy !!!

A Purple Frenzy.

- Animal

Private Party 3/5/11 Garden City, New York

2011-03-05T14:42:00.000-05:00

Another private party, Another AWESOME crowd.

This was a birthday toga party which only enhanced the entire experience once the guests really got partying.

I was the first to arrive which is well,..... a first and it was privately comedic to be greeted at the door by a couple of fully garbed romans (Biggus Dickus* anyone). A few numbers into our set and people were literally dancing on the countertop which was also surreal considering that said countertop was in someones kitchen. A Really tight performance from the band and Stellar performances from Spicolli and Billie Jean but the lighting was dimmed for atmosphere so the costumes were missed or perhaps enhanced due to a trick of the light. We never know what to expect out of these parties but we must be doing something right as the crowd was completely on our side and the band was asked to stay and play not a few encores but another short set.

We,The Entertainment were offered to partake in Food and Drinks so I made it over to the Buffet room only to encounter possibly my two favorite dishes, Chicken Francaise and Shepard's Pie in major abundance and almost right next to each other (aluminumnum trays of Baked Ziti was all that kept them apart). Incidentally DW Snare Drums also make decent snack tables (see above).

Since we are professional I make sure never to start snapping photographs in a fan/clients home but I could not resist taking one of the Cheese Platter (Swiss and Mild Cheddar) of which Diamond Dave and myself were enthralled with and happily partook of.

Anomaly's Abound - Prior to the gig while waiting for my train at the LIRR Jamaica station I grabbed a ninety-nine cent bag of Munchos and as I was snacking came across a disc shaped chip, after evaluating that this was not an intergalactic vessel or wayward poker chip I ate the sucker which was a bit more brittle than a Muncho and also overcooked to a degree which was only discernible by taste, I kind of liked it but to the brain the shape was all wrong (MUNCHO+TACTILE=REALMUNCHO) To my delight there was a second disc in the bag which I took a few photographs of and ate as well.

The People at Frito-Lays shall be hearing from me, Watch This Spot.

Doc Brown created a new White Wedding poster for upcoming gigs.

* - Monty Python - Life Of Brian (film)

- Animal

Napper Tandy's 3/4/11 Miller Place, Long Island

2011-03-04T11:46:00.001-05:00

They were up and dancing at the Napper Tandys for this gig and I was slightly adventurous in my playing tonight as I continue to watch tempo. Sean and Ginger provided sound for us and I finally got a straight answer from the staff "Drinks for the band are half price"

Premiered tonight was the first mention of Chocodiles, Made In China conical hats and a Zucker,Abrahams & Zucker film onstage.

Spiccoli, McFly and myself stopped off at Friendlys for the PreGigSupperNombulusFrammodification, and how could we not.

Pictured above is (TunaMelt, side of Fries, Coffee)
Yet Another non-photogenic and fulfilling yet blandish dish.
This Is WHY They Created MSG fer chrissakes !!!
MSG - (monn-ohh-so-dee-umm-gloo-tah-mate)

Bally Bunion - 2/26/11 Brooklyn, NYC

2011-02-26T21:05:00.000-05:00

McFly's second gig with us was lots of fun and we had a nicely built setlist of tunes. Bally Bunion's usual energetic crowd got really kind of wild during "Purple Rain" influencing people to gesticulate wildly and toss napkins skyward (of which there is some rare footage below)

Maple and Bourbon 101st Anniversary Cuppycakes, Oh My.

Thanks to Joe the bartender for his vocal prowess on "Love Shack"

It was great to see Clay Do The Dance.

This time I ordered the Nacho's Supreme from the bar menu (thanks for reminding me Jamie)

- Animal

B.B. Kings Blues Club 100th SHOW 2/25/11 New York City

2011-02-25T19:10:00.001-05:00

Not only was it the band's 100th show and we really have come a very long way but this was also unequovically the bands finest show from my standpoint on the bandstand. I have never been so entertained seeing a performance at B.B. Kings as much as ours (Humble, Aint I) and I saw Dr. Demento at this very location.

Premiered tonight was the "Weird Al" portion of "Like a Virgin" that I forgot we had rehearsed but we recovered quite nicely as the band are becoming more and more flexible as an ensemble. This gig was also the first time that I saw many costumes which gave the show a "what happens next" edge for me not to mention what the audience must have been thinking. The band played very well but I am super proud of our singers for making this a real show.

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.

Hello Dolly.

Into The Groove.

FACEBOOK ALBUM 1

FACEBOOK ALBUM 2

- Animal

B.B. Kings Blues Club 100th SHOW Pro-Shots 2/25/11 New York City

2011-02-25T19:09:00.001-05:00

FLICKR

- Animal

Digital Ad Campaign 2/11

2011-02-25T00:48:00.001-05:00

Many Beautiful Photographs were being taken at the Brooklyn Bowl shows and I decided to pick some of Jamie's and make a series of digital advertisements to pepper Facebook with over the course of a few weeks. Instead of putting all our names in a hat the photos were created in this order leaving Doc Brown for last since he is our fearless bandleader.

email to our mailing list -

Hey 80's fans!

Well, tomorrow is our show at BB King's in Times Square. We hope to see you all there because it is a very special anniversary for us... our 100th show! From our long-time fans that remember us starting out as The Airwaves, to our newest recruits, please come dance the night away with us! We're going to make it our best show ever, with tons of awesome 80's surprises!

If you can't make it or are not a city person, we'll be at Bally Bunion in Bay Ridge the next night, Saturdayu the 26th, and at Napper Tandy's on Friday March 4th.

See you soon!
White Wedding
www.whiteweddingband.com

- Animal

Heritage Bar - 2/19/11 Yonkers, New York

2011-02-19T17:52:00.000-05:00

The band has become somewhat of an unshakeable force after all of our experience and travails and while we have never been ignored the crowd at the Heritage bar did not really approach the dance floor until our second set and "Mickey" was the number that got people out there. Dancing was intermittent throughout the evening but patrons told us how impressed they were and more importantly the management really enjoyed us. Songs premiered tonight were 9 To 5, The Gambler, Rock Me Amadeus and Funkytown.

The bartending and wait staff treated us Very kindly and Spicolli and myself had to tear ourselves away from the Jamieson and creamily DELICIOUS Guinness on tap at the end of the night.

This is not the first time that our Music has persuaded young men to take off their clothes.

Pre-Gig I purchased a few appetizers (Chicken Fajita Tortilla and Black Bean & Cheese Tortilla) from the unique Japanese/Tex-Mex place next door only to find that it tasted identical to the more popular Chinese/Tex-Mex establishments around town.

Pre-Japanese/Tex-Mex While awaiting the 4 train on the Atlantic avenue platform an aromatically drunken fellow started spouting to me (in a friendly enough fashion) about Steven Tyler, J-Lo and Randy Jackson as if I looked like I knew about American Idol or even Music in general, I told myself "oh the hair and I'm carrying a snare drum" which was promptly followed by another gentleman interrupting and proclaiming "I'm a musician". WELL, this is when the red flag goes up and the "suspicious new yorker" comes out. He begins to ask me what kind of drumsticks I use, I answer honestly and say Pro-Mark. he ruminates mysteriously about drumstick brands I have never heard of then he hits upon something. "Do you use Ambian Drumsticks? How about Xanax drumsticks? fifty cents apiece" I tell him thats a really good price but no thank you and fortunately my train pulled in at that moment which I had no problems/obstructions boarding. As a parting question he asks me "Who's the best drummer you ever seen?" to which I reply "Keith Moon" even though I have never seen Keith Moon in person.

Do I look like a pill popper, I mean seriously,.....

O.K. DONT Answer That.

- Animal

O' Flanagans 2/18/11 New York City

2011-02-18T16:38:00.000-05:00

Doc Brown and Spiccoli Rocking Out at our return performannn ,.......
Hold On a Second There, THATS NOT DOC BROWN!!!

Awhile ago I had mentioned the band considering understudies performing at some shows due to our busying schedules and just two weeks ago we began rehearsals with Marty McFly and in a stunning feat of musicality and studiousness Marty learned 30 songs and ran through them with us at an average of once per tune spanning about 4 hours of solid rehearsal. I had a Great Gig and Marty gets the V.I.P of the night in my book for musicianship, professionalism and getting along with this lot.

Do They Not Look Alike ?
(L to R) Marty McFly, Doc Brown.
Callbox Lounge 2/2/11.

Considering this was the bands first gig with Marty McFly we didnt miss a beat and gave a typical High Energy White Wedding performance. O'Flanagans provided a nice lively crowd but we were very pleased to entertain bowling team "The Lois Lanes" who saw us at the Brooklyn Bowl last month and followed us into Manhattan, They asked to take a photo with us and we obliged of course.

- Animal

Ski Party/Coalition for the homeless benefit - 2/5/11 New York City

2011-02-05T16:10:00.000-05:00

This Was an AWESOME gig for us with a packed room singing along and dancing. The theme was a Ski party and they were also raffling off tickets to benefit the Coalition for the homeless.

The Band arrived at this sprawling eleventh floor loft on fifth avenue before me and since I was late I missed the Cheese Fondue portion of the evening but there was music to be played and a crowd to be rocked. Aside from our Speed Metal rendition of "Jenny/867-5309" (of which the drummer's fault it lies in the hands of) The band performed exceptionally well striking all of our marks.

Delicious "Punch" was served complimentary at the bar and I loved the cute cups so much that I just had to have four servings.

Napper Tandy's 2/4/11 Miller Place, Long Island

2011-02-04T03:26:00.000-05:00

We missed last months gig at Napper Tandy's due to Blizzard expectations so it was nice to get back to the place again and fall right into the swing of things. Tonights performance started out sedate but before the second set a crowd had filtered in and onto the dancefloor requesting songs and enjoying themselves liquidly.

And Now a photo of the "certificate" on the inner shell of my DW snare drum. Ya See Two days ago I broke the batter head on my drum (and with excellent timing as this happened during rehearsal, PHEW) so I got the chance to upgrade to my current head of choice the Remo Powerstroke lll Coated Batter Clear Dot (Say that Ten Times Fast) which I proceeded to apply gig-prior. Batter head removed allowing "Inner Shell Photography"

About the DW/Powerstroke combo, the ring/overtones seems to have completely disappeared due to the skins second "thin underlay" and I am getting a nice dry crack. The DW/Remo Factory provided head was fine (and had the DW logo on it which I liked) but the Powerstroke is an improvement to my ear's taste and as I try her in new and different rooms I shall fine tune accordingly.

Our sound technician's Sean and Ginger lend their expertise to our in-house mix at Napper Tandys so once mic'ed I was guaranteed a resonant Bass Drum which is always personally a nice touch and people can really HEAR it as well. I would like to thank Ginger for offering to take some pics of the gig at the gig (see above) and their company Boardwalk Entertainment can be found HERE.

On the road to Tapper Nandy's

I did a Very Brave thing and decided to try Mexican Food a la Friendlys (YES The Friendly's) and it was Not unenjoyable, As a matter of fact I enjoyed it quite a bit, This is EXACTLY what any Mexican Frozen Meal tastes like before it is frozen and then reheated again, the Rice was the deal breaker here and I finished almost every last grain. What appeared to be a Paltry Dollop of Sour Cream to my greedy eyes was quite enough to compliment the Meal.

Fontana's Bar 1/29/11 New York City

2011-01-29T18:46:00.000-05:00

Another Great 80s Themed Party and the crowd were with us right from the start. As a rule I try never to start playing the drums while someone is talking/standing right in front of me since it's probably a lot ruder than just talking over somebody (in the least certainly much louder) but the way Fontana's had it setup is that the party would begin upstairs and the "Live Band" would be performing downstairs at ten. As the Interested and Interesting crowd entered I could hear lots of excited conversation of the "Expectant" type of which I had to interrupt to begin our set But!!! We did have a job to do and for Bueller's sake The Show Must Go On which it did and We All Had A Blast !!!

Fortunately and thankfully we have exceeded the crowd's expectations Time After Time (incidentally our opening number tonight) so I can only walk away proud of our accomplishments and tonight was no exception with air guitarists (wielding the balloon kind) gleefully buzzing the stage (on and off) rocking out to their favorite tunes, This was a Great crowd and energy fed off of energy.

The photographer (in this photo) with the flash going off quite likely has a photo of me taking the pic from the stage with my flash going off just the same which makes it all freakytrippykool.

We asked if he would jam with us tonight but Michael said he wasnt there to be a star.

- Animal

White Wedding In 3-D

2011-01-29T18:45:00.000-05:00

Taste Of The Brooklyn Bowl

2011-01-26T18:47:00.000-05:00

1/3/11 (Pre-Gig 7ish) - Simply The BEST, If an individual needs a belief system then let me Believe in This.

Sloppy Joe, Coleslaw, Pickled Peppers on a Bun With French Fries, Served with a knife and fork which you will need.

1/3/11 (Post-Gig 12ish) - Brooklyn Bowl Burger - Beef Burger topped with Bacon and Cheddar Cheese, Side Of Mashed Potatoes Of The Most Buttery Kind, Sour Pickle Chips & THE Bermuda Onion/Lettuce/Tomato Triumvarat.

1/10/11 (Pre-Gig 7ish) - Cajun Catfish (Blackened) with Mashed Potatoes & Collards (with Bacon) - Being a Cat lover I thought that I would really enjoy Catfish and while I finished every last scrap from the plate (our minder Lindsay told me "I see you didnt like it, I better tell the chef") I found CatFISH to be a little too Fishy for my tastes. HOW DARE MY FISH BE SO FISHY, It was Delicious and so were the Creamy Potatoes and Flavorful Collard Greens which is concealed under the fish in the photo.

1/10/11 (Post-Gig 12ish) - BLT with Olive Oil Mayo on Toasted Country White (Greens on the side) - The first dish I had at
The Bowl that I found just plain Good but nothing to write home about, Mind you no complaints at all and the Bacon was done to perfection.

1/17/11 (Post Gig 12ish) - Chicken Muffaletta with Olive Salad and Roasted Garlic on Ciabatta Bread. This was most tasty but I could not taste any Roasted Garlic, Did I mention that the French Fries are close to perfection.

1/17/11 (Post-Gig 12ish) - Jamie had the Really Sloppy Joe under my recommendation which she liked but felt there was too much Coleslaw and from the looks of it there was certainly more than on mine from a few weeks back but nonetheless I did have to steal a bite of my favorite Brooklyn Bowel Culinary creation yet. She also had the Homeade Macaroni & Cheese Baked with Bread Crumbs which is Amazingly Cheesetastic and anything but crummy.

1/24/11 (Pre-Gig 6ish) - "The FATTY" French Bread Pizza topped with Pepperoni, Ham, Pulled Pork, Sausage, Onion, Mushroom & Eggplant is clearly more than enough food for one person and would perfectly compliment a pitcher of Ice Cold Brooklyn Bowl Pale Ale but as I had this for dinner gig-prior there wasnt going to be any excessive drinking going on. The Ground Sausage was a nice touch and the Ham was in teeny little cubes that would make any swiss craftsmen proud. Deeply Satisfying.

1/24/11 (Post Gig 1ish) - Fried Calamari with Lemon & Cayenne Mayo and Chillies, Thats how "Chillies" is spelled on the Menu so I will go with it and its the Chillies that get special mention here. Breaded and Fried Jalapeno slices (wheels) were out of this world and of course of the mild quality so as not to take anyone off guard. The Calamari itself was served in strips as opposed to "wheels" and the tails were served as tails (not tales). Fried to perfection with Delicious Dipping sauce.

And Every night we enjoyed some Delicious Brooklyn Bowl Pale Ale which is brewed on site, Light in color but Dark in Flavor.

- Animal

Brooklyn Bowl 1/31/11 Cancelled

2011-01-26T16:52:00.001-05:00

I had the time of my life just the same.

In a letter to our booking agent.

Hi Chris,

I'm really really sorry but Umphrey's McGee are playing at the Bowl on
01/31 (it isn't announced yet) and they are bringing in a semi, the
production is intense. We were really hoping to have the 80s Bowl as
scheduled but after talking with the production team it just isn't
possible so we are going to have to bump the last 80s Bowl. We will
still pay the band and I give you my word I will find a spot for them
(ideally a better night) to make up the gig as well.

Can you please let the band know?

Thanks again, it was a great residency and we look forward to having them back.

Best,
Will

- Animal

Brooklyn Bowl 1/24/11 Brooklyn, New York

2011-01-24T13:43:00.000-05:00

I made a conscious effort tonight to "Rock Out" onstage a bit more as far as body language and thankfully didnt hurt myself or anyone around me. The band played great and we are becoming a well oiled machine firing on all cylinders. Our friend Sean from security helped Spiccoli with the backing vocals on Bon Jovi's "You Give Love A Bad Name" and the crowd was enjoying themselves as you can see briefly in the "Welcome to the Jungle" video posted below.

Probably our best show yet at the Bowl and we pulled out a lot of the songs that we havent performed in some time without incident. I have become so familiar with the green room that I noticed the installation of a smoke detector that wasnt there a week prior and for variety changed up the beverage choices of which tonight's was a Margarita, several glasses of wine (surprisingly of the boxed kind) and of course some Delicious Brooklyn Bowl Pale Ale.

Our friend & fan Steve who has been to so many of our shows over the years.

FLICKR

- Animal

Rodeo Bar 1/22/11 New York City

2011-01-23T05:49:00.001-05:00

One of the funnest and gratifying shows I have ever experienced due to a very receptive 80s crowd who really dressed the part. It looked like an infinite sea of dancers from my admittedly myopic vantage point. Spicoli had me cracking up a record number of times this evening and the entire band played a tight set with crowd pleaser after crowd pleaser pleasing the crowd.

There were a couple of White Wedding first's tonight, for one we did a Crazy Thing and played a song that we have NEVER Played Together EVER live onstage at a decent paying "private party" show (The Promise by When In Rome which was requested a few days gig-prior) that went over Big, and for another first (due to time constraints) the club turned off the microphones right after we finished our announced last number (Dont Stop Believing) but before our encore (what would have been Fight For Your Right) leaving the crowd Really Wanting more and going off to speak to the manager and sound engineer to no avail.

This was also the gig where I tried on a more exotically fashionable 80s pair of shades (non-prescription) which handicapped my view of the drumkit and fellow band members considerably and due to the glasses closer proximity to my face turned my eyelids into sweat factories and even worse than dropping a stick no drummer drumming or even anyone at all wants sweat in his/her eyes, This was a science experiment in convection proving that you can indeed be Blinded By Science.

Meanwhile Back in the States ....

Famished after the gig I seeked out a Gyro Cart for some Gyro Over Rice (Lamb & Rice as it is now called) with White Sauce and Hot Sauce which I had a few forkfuls of on the glamorous & aromatic 34th street D platform taking the remainder home. Either I havent had Gyro and Rice for some time (and I havent), I Was Starving (I was) or this particular cart knew how to make it really well (probably a combination of all three) but this was some Extremely Tasty Gyro & Rice.

- Animal

Brooklyn Bowl 1/17/11 Brooklyn, New York

2011-01-17T04:00:00.001-05:00

Most of this performance was an Audience Request show (which JUSTKINDAHAPPENED and to no bandmember's dismay) but to our delight after looking at the "secret ballot" Request Board from the attendees we gleaned that the band does perform about ninety five percent of the material asked with remaining tunes/artists in the 80s spandex pipeline. The crowd was up and dancing once again and the shows are going Great at this coolest of coolest of venues.

Never have I met a kinder and more down to earth staff as at Williamsburg Brooklyn's Brooklyn Bowl. They Really make you feel at home and comfortable just by being cool people in a "Be Yourself" Employee Protocol Type Thingy (Well I hope that I'm guessing right) Theres an in-residence KINKS fan as well who spins the records of which I have Absolutely NO Qualms or piercing arrow's about (he/she even played Queen - Staying Power the other week, HOW FREAKIN' ODD)

Two More shows here this month, Life's A Joy.

Airborne.

Doc Brown

Amadeus

Diamond Dave

Animal - Vic Firth Timpani Mallets (foreground)

Thanks Very Much to Jamie, Richard and Steve for recording these moments for their photographic art and the posterity of these times.

Bowler Anna Jumped onstage and then off of it in Total Stagedive Glory, She IS Awesome and landed on her two feet as well so no need to worry action fans.

- Animal

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Bally Bunion -1/15/11 Brooklyn, NYC

2011-01-15T05:45:00.000-05:00

Due to the recent frequency of our shows the high pressure gigs are becoming low pressure gigs and the low pressure gigs are becoming no pressure gigs so it was quite a bit of fun to return to the Bally Bunion for some Bay Ridge Brooklyn entertainment as only Bay Ridge Brooklyn can provide, Namely I had a nice time watching the crowd dance as we played away three sets into the night being entertained as we entertained, Always A Good Thing.

The DW snare drum sounded absolutely cracking tonight, Speaking of cracking so did my "not so old" Sabian AAX 14" X-Plosion Crash Cymbal !!! well a little crack on the leading edge but the fat lady has already sang her last 80s aria. When I first purchased my Sabian AAX set I exclaimed "Cymbals For Life!!!" I now duly eat my words less than a thousand hours later, What Gives??? ,...... these were only played maybe 400-500 hours!!!

My Sabian cymbal (foreground) when it was brand new just two years and four months ago (B.B. King's 10/17/08)

Cracked Sabian AAX 14" X-Plosion Crash (It happened onstage during Love Shack) (Bally Bunion 1/15/11)

The Bally Bunion Burger which always comes with Cheese and Bacon is Juicy and Delicious.

With our fans Lorie and Marlene.

White Wedding/Bally Bunion mainstay Clay won the trivia contest this time around and after all of the kinetic energy that he has entertained us with I am glad that he did.

- Animal

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Brooklyn Bowl 1/10/11 Brooklyn, New York

2011-01-10T14:23:00.000-05:00

And right there positioned above is the graphic that The Brooklyn Bowl is using to promote our tenure this winter on their official website HERE which is always a nice thing to discover, especially if you didnt know about it.

Growing more familiar and at home on any concert stage can never be a bad thing and we are settling in as it were, I even defied my own rules and whacked away at the drumkit from stage while awaiting soundcheck.

By the finale of tonight's performance we won over the crowd and they didnt want us to leave the stage.

- Animal

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Napper Tandy's 1/7/11 Miller Place, Long Island

2011-01-07T17:35:00.000-05:00

THIS SHOW IS SNOWED OUT.

Brooklyn Bowl 1/3/11 Brooklyn, New York

2011-01-07T17:16:00.001-05:00

Opening night of our January residency at Williamsburg's Brooklyn Bowl was a Rockin' yet Relaxin' affair. Doc Brown and myself arrived at five to soundcheck and then we had a few hours to fill until our 9 p.m. showtime, The band shared a few pitchers of most refreshing in-house Brooklyn Bowl Lager and we ate heartily from the extensive and impressive Foodstuff's menu of which more details can be seen HERE.

Compared to our previous show this was a sedate crowd but once the (99 Red) Balloon's came out more people congregated onto the dance floor and even I from my vantage point behind the Tama Starclassic's heard audible gasps during the "Risky Business" portion of our performance.

One of my Favorite Photo's Ever !!!

A Drummer's Life Is A Series Of Asses - Bill Bruford

- Animal

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Bally Bunion 12/18/10 Brooklyn, NYC

2010-12-23T16:49:00.001-05:00

We ended 2010 with a nice casual gig at one of our home bases The Bally Bunion of Bay Ridge who always treat us to an energetic crowd and treat us right with their eager to please staff. Two of us (Billie Jean and myself) had our first ever "Hot Toddy's" and Spicoli nailed the deal by singing the praises of Toddyism to us as he sipped on his, Was it Yummy ? Yes It Were.

It was nice to arrive early enough to enjoy some leisure time speaking with Joey from Music Center and sample some Mozzarella Sticks from the in-house menu before performing 2 sets (sets 2 and 3 were combined) of 80s Classics for Le Crowd.

A Special thanks to The Karate Kid and Marty McFly for coming down and beginning our process of understudies for what is shaping up to be our busiest year yet 2011.

A Drummer's Life Is A Series Of DEVO Hats - Me, 2010

"Dont You Want Me Baby ?"

- Animal

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S.O.B's 12/16/10 New York City

2010-12-17T16:51:00.000-05:00

After probably decades of hearing about the famed S.O.B's it was a bit of a thrill to perform there for a private function as we played two sets of 80s classics for the (especially by the second set) highly receptive and kinetic crowd of fun seeking dancers. The DJ who was on between our sets played "Dont you want me" so we substituted that with "Jessies Girl". Nice place, Friendly Staff and we even got a gift bag at the end of the night.

I personally dont care for little stairsteps with no handrail (see above) but was able to successfully navigate them without incident.

Stylized seating in the green room but I gravitated towards the couch as I was feeling under the weather.

- Animal

Brooklyn Bowl 12/7/10 Brooklyn, New York

2010-12-11T02:55:00.000-05:00

Right from the start there was serious dancing and cheering which almost reached Beatle-esque proportions (on a much smaller level of course) and we were in the rare but fun situation of the entertainer being entertained. The band has played to some receptive crowds but this was by far the biggest of them in the dancing category.

So what was going on ?

Well, we have reached a level of competence that its no surprise people enjoy us but this was a scene out of a musical. What happened was that there was a church group in attendance and they all knew each other so to see several dozen "zombies" aping Spicoli's "Thriller" moves in unison was no cause for alarm not to mention the Love Circle which formed during "Dont Stop Believing".

The Solid Gold Dancers !!!

A lovely Brisket O' Beef flanked by Corn on the Cob and Creamy yet Especially Buttery Mashed Potatoes with the mysterious Salty yet Sweet Gravy for toppers courtesy of the culinary creators at Le Brooklyn Bowl.

FLICKR

- Animal

Napper Tandy's 12/3/10 Miller Place, Long Island

2010-12-05T20:09:00.000-05:00

What made this gig interesting was the addition of Sean the sound engineer to fatten and balance the audio distribution over the dance floor at the Napper Tandy and while I could never listen first hand I heard that we sounded just that much better, I for one always love a mic'ed Bass Drum and the low frequency thud that fills the room, likewise the crack and richness coming off of the snare drum when sent through speakers. On the downside I had a keyboard heavy monitor mix for a bit but these things can be worked out after the trial run which is what this was.

The band played great to an intimate crowd and DJ Pacman Pookie declared us his "Favorite Band at the moment"

Song premiered at this gig "Old Time Rock and Roll"

Even though I have had run-ins before it was at this gig that I realized how physically demanding it was to play most of these songs, I know that we are an High Energy Eighties Dance Band but a drummer with Flu-like symptoms does not bode well with
High Energy Eighties Dance Band Music. I got through three sets but barely and from my bandmates reactions I think they noticed. Most Importantly the audience didnt realize anything was amiss and I even got compliments on my drumming from two patrons. I know now that I am capable of playing with my eyes closed and I do mean Literally but I just wish these germs would keep away on show-nights.

A Few hours before the gig Spicoli and myself did our Friendly's sojourn and I ordered a Cheddar Jack Chicken Supermelt Sandwich (Savory Tender Freshly Grilled Chicken Smothered in melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar Cheeses Crisp Hickory Smoked Bacon with Dijon Mustard on Grilled (its toast) Sourdough Bread) which sounds great on paper but was kind of bland in flavor and presentation, add to that now that I think of it I think they gypped me out of my Crisp Hickory Smoked Bacon !!!

- Animal

The Irish Circle 11/13/10 Rockaway Beach, Queens, New York

2010-11-14T19:33:00.000-05:00

There have been White Wedding Banners, Flyers, Postcards, Hawkers, EPK's, Electronic Banners, Magazine Mentions, Newspaper Ads, Our Name in lights on the Marquee and even Duratrans but this is the first White Wedding Poster.

Who knew that Far Rockaway Queens held such a nice and spacious establishment as the Irish Circle ? I knew we werent playing a typical dive bar (not that there's anything wrong with that) but was pleasantly surprised to arrive and get a look round only to find Diamond Dave enjoying a piping hot Chicken pot oval pie as we prepared to set up gear. The crowd at the bar were Very Vocal in their requests and fortunately we pulled a few out of our hats to crowd please ("Need You Tonight", "Stand Back" & "Jessies Girl") and by the end of the night the crowd was pleasing us with nonstop dancing, singing and gyrating.

After the smoke cleared all that was left was Tambourines, Devo Hats and Rubik's Boxes

What was her name again ? Was it Jackie ?

- Animal

Napper Tandys 11/5/10 Miller Place, Long Island

2010-11-08T02:54:00.000-05:00

Our sophomore show at Napper Tandy's found us a regular monthly attraction replete with canvas banner and advertisement's up in the Loo. Fine by Me, this is called beer room success in my book and theres very little that I can say negatively about success whichever way you slice it. Top that off with an Energetic, Dancing and Appreciative crowd and I must digress. Actually I am Stuck with all this running on of sentences writer's block (JERK) and Effing Language. BRB

Cyclone Ranger.

Our T-Shirt winner of the night. Joey answered our Rick Springfield question before we even asked it, and I mean Really. Well, He said "General Hospital"

Congratulations Joey.

White Wedding, Now amongst the corporate Giants.

Spiccoli and myself stopped off at Friendly's gig-prior in the strip mall for a few Friend-z Reeses Peanut Butter Cup Sundaes. For Dinner I ordered an Chipotle Firecracker Chicken Sandwich on Jalapeno Cornbread (sounds so much better than what I tasted that was still awesome mind you) which consisted of Chipotle Chicken, Monterey Jack Cheese, Lettuce,Tomatoes and Red Onions in a Honey Chipotle Sauce (DELICIOUS)

- Animal

Bally Bunion -10/30/10 Brooklyn, NYC

2010-11-02T04:09:00.001-04:00

Down the Rabbit Hole we went and we took a Great Crowd with us or was it vice-versa ???

The Halloween revelers were out in full force and regalia to celebrate ALL-HALLOWS EVE EVE with us and we with them as they became Superheroes, Vixens, Folkloric Characters and we became THE UNDEAD to ROCK IT as Only THE UNDEAD Can !!!

Thus ZOMBIE WEDDING Was Borrrn,..... ummmmmm,... I Mean KILLED

Songs Premiered tonight were : Ghostbusters, You Give Love A Bad Name and a brush-off of Michael Jackson's "Thriller"

Its HALLOWEEN Morning.
CHEESEBURGER
mmmmmmm,......... flesh with cheese.

courtesy of the BLOOD VIEW,..... AAAARRGGGHHH!!!!!!
I Mean the BRIDGEVIEW DINER.

(1 star,.... maybe)

FLICKR

- Animal

O' Flanagans 10/15/10 New York City

2010-10-16T05:55:00.000-04:00

I must admit that these photos are a bit dark (They were taken with a flash) but hey O' Flanagans is kind of a dimly lit bar nice as it is. It was great to be invited back after a self imposed No Live Music Summer on the part of the venue and the crowd was certainly there but we had a bit of bad timing due to the fact that there was a Yankees vs. Texas Rangers game on tonight and we decided (and rightfully so) to go on with our first number AFTER the game, We wisely chose the Journey tune "Dont Stop Believing" to play off the Yankees and to play us on. Alas the White Wedding band was postponed by the worlds oldest profession ,....err ,... i mean the worlds Favorite Pastime. We Played Three Hours without a break and Rocked the house.

- Animal

Napper Tandy's 10/1/10 Miller Place, Long Island

2010-10-04T01:29:00.000-04:00

While this was a completely new crowd to us we had the dance floor jumping by the second set and won over the now somewhat lubricated crowd. Napper Tandy's is a nice spacious room and the in-house D.J. was very accommodating to us and our act keeping the revelers busy between sets and emceeing for the band before each segment.

What lots of bands subsist on for road gigs, Bottled Water and Peanut Butter Cups.

- Animal

Bally Bunion 9/25/10 Brooklyn, New York

2010-09-27T02:12:00.000-04:00

This was a fun and different gig for us as there was a "built-in" audience in attendance for reasons other than frolicking,cavorting and White Weddening. In other words a Post-Wedding gig was happening in the neighboring room after the reception and a whole new crowd joined our (not to say old but just "OUR") crowd for some dancing, calisthenics, one handed pushups and conical hat wearing. My Peers were at this show (Joe,Thomas, John) making it very special to me.

Songs debuted - Eye Of The Tiger, Boys Of Summer, I Think We're Alone Now/Physical/Break My Stride/Cars (MEDLEY) and Fame.

- Animal

The Water Witch Club 9/10/10 Monmouth Hills, New Jersey

2010-09-12T19:07:00.001-04:00

The Water Witch Club in Monmouth Hills, New Jersey is certainly amongst the most Beautiful and comfortable buildings I have been in and I knew that the Drums (spelled S.N.A.R.E.) would sound wonderful in the arched almost vast wooden room in which we performed (and they did) and was confident that the band would play very well (and we did) due to the laid back atmosphere of the event, an Back to the 80s Party which well,... We are perfectly suited for.

I regret that we as a professional band could not partake in the Kamikaze Ice Luge but was honored to play music for one just the same, Keep in mind that this was a Very "Rural" as in Dirt Road Gig so we needed to assure that we would find our way out of the winding woods to Party On Again.

4/6 of the band.

The drums as seen from stage left, right in front of the antique table and stool.

Our newest and most sought after collectible the Official White Wedding 2010 T-Shirt.

- Animal

Bally Bunion 8/21/10 Brooklyn, New York

2010-08-31T15:46:00.000-04:00

This is the real weepy part of the story beginning Oh my Brothers wherein your narrator and friend had quite the Dickens of a toothache five hours previous to showtime which has always been a timing concern of mine but some Extra Strength Tylenol and a few glasses of Cabernet pulled me through with flying colors, By the time I actually started drumming any dental diversion had completely left me. We had a Great gig at the Bunion and the crowd keeps getting just that much bigger each time we perform there.

Special thanks to the Solid Gold Dancers and to my Simcha who purchased a 40 ounce Colt 45 for me to sip at from behind the drumkit And special thanks to Jamie for taking all the Fantastic pictures.

Of course afterwards I knoshed on some French Fries with Brown Gravy at the local diner which is the toothache friendly food just below Mashed Potatoes and Potato Salad on the list.

-Animal

Brooklyn Bowl 8/6/10 Brooklyn, New York

2010-08-09T15:26:00.000-04:00

Some gigs are a Joy to perform at and the Brooklyn Bowl of Williamsburg was certainly no exception, the staff was very accommodating with an professional sound crew and the venue took care of the band with grace and aplomb. We played one set to a crowd of mostly locals and were successful at winning them right over to the extent that we were invited back for a repeat performance. As an added plus for the band Darling Nikki stopped by to check us out and it was wonderful to see her again.

Quite possibly the Finest Burger EVER was served me post-gig and I have been raving about it ever since. This one (see above) is a Bacon and Bleu Burger which translates into OMG, Let it also not be said that I was stuffed and hard pressed to finish the Burger in question by the last bite.

- Animal

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