We were hired to celebrate Lenny's 30th Birthday party and celebrate we did. Flannerys bar on 14th street had us move the band upstairs from the party room downstairs and we played 3 great sets and everyone involved had a blast, towards the end of the night Flannery's bartender,barback told us it was the best party he had seen thrown there in ten years and with Rob and Diana including Lenny in the proceedings it really was an 80s Birthday Party bar none.
Unique to tonight's performance was the requested "Bad Romance" by Lady GaGa.
As can be seen stage conditions were cramped, I have been in worse situations.
Diana enjoying a pre-show Tuna Melt.
One of the best things about living in New York is I can walk down the street dressed like THIS and no one bats an eyelid.
After our first set I made a beeline for the Taco Truck up on 8th avenue and while only having a fifteen minute window they prepared my 2 Araby Tacos in record time. I added some Green Sauce and my mouth was burning as the second set begun.
Flannery's Pub facade.
The Donut Pub stood next door and at the end of the evening I purchased twelve dollars worth of Donuts and Cake. There was a Vanilla Iced Blueberry Muffin cake in the window that I just had to have.
GaGa audio and a nice view of the in-house mixing console.
Tonight we were truly a Party band because the party joined us on our makeshift stage. Once again not too many pictures since this is a private event but this was indeed in Dave's words "one for the books". We drove over two hours to Malvern, Pennsylvania and set up our equipment on the sun deck at (for argument's sake we will call him) Grant's house and were asked to make ourselves at home as we all banked on a rainless day which is what we got.
First set went without a hitch after which we had a bite to eat and some Beer, Water & Soda (depending on who you ask) and Grant brought us up some Beer and Wine to the deck. Second set was going smoothly but we had to vamp with a few Diana songs since we did not want the crowd (who were at the Piñata and Frozen Yogurt truck) to miss the Michael Jackson segment. Michael arrived but during his performance Grant decided to give us some liquid fun and proceeded mid - song to each band member feeding us Ketel One Vodka from the magnum to our mouths which was hysterical, decadent and just plain fun (we are so professional), afterwards Michael Jackson exclaimed "Well, its made out of potatoes so its healthy" then proceeded to ask for more "special juices" from the podium of which of course Grant obliged, the band was starting to feel a bit wobbly.
Third set was the "All Request" set and we started showcasing with Madonna and Billy Idol which led into the request portion interspersed with regulars from our show, we were asked to extend our third set and the band played on. Someone requested Led Zeppelin so we made up our version of "Rock and Roll" that I caught audio of with my trusty camera and we also did a version of "L.A. Woman" giving Rob a chance to get his inner Jim Morrison out.
Unique to tonight's show is "Call Me, Maybe & "Roller" by April Wine.
Premiered tonight was Foreigner's "Juke Box Hero".
Dave's new 80s shorts and the extra 2X10 cabinet for outdoor shows boosting levels from a paltry 300 watts to a devastating 500 watts.
Another Pepsi accident waiting to happen *
Is it the Ketel One Vodka or did Spike just become a thousand times more attractive ?
Half of the band cooled in the pool directly after our performance.
Grilled Chicken, White American Cheeseburger, Homeade Mac & Cheese (obscured by Burger) & Corn Avocado Salad.
A bunch of the ladies accompanied us on this.
Off The Cuff and flying by the seat of our pants and dresses.
* - I have to give Jamie credit for this caption as I could not think of anything at all except "Eat It"
The band played a private party in midtown on 12th avenue and 42nd street right across the street from the circle line of which whose neon marquee I kept glancing at through the windows behind me all night. Not only was this a birthday party but the birthday boy himself proposed to his girlfriend standing two feet in front of me as he was announcing "Best 80s" costume awards and then proceeded to sing the intro and first verse of the Georgia Satellites Hit "Keep Your Hands To Yourself" with the band that incidentally he requested we learn especially for this occasion.
Premiered tonight was Maroon 5's "Moves Like Jagger" and U2's "I Will Follow"
Eric took this beautiful shot of this view of the Hudson River with his cell phone.
Prior to us going on Rob said he had a present for me and presented me with the other half of his dinner (and I do not mean that he vomited) that he had purchased at "Sandwich Planet" and being a man of good taste it was a "Sopranos" Sandwich (Prosciutto di Parma, Toscano Salami and Provolone on a Rosemary Focaccia Bread) which was most Delicious and to top that off Rob didn't even realize that I was starving and didn't have time to eat before the show and was so late (due to traffic) that I would only have time for a drink before we went on, in this case it was a Purple Passion (Vodka and Grapeade) but that's another story.
O.K. If not the Best Lemon Chicken/Chicken Francaise I have Ever Had this stands amongst them.
By this time we had played our first set and I was full of Soprano and Purple Passion, at these private events so long as we are privy to the Food Dais I always try the Chicken Francaise when on menu. Superbly Tender Cutlets are Floured and served immersed in Aromatic Lemon Butter Sauce. If you don't believe me ask Eric who also was floored by this delicacy catered by Avellinos.
Such a catchy tune and fun to play, none other than "Moves Like Jagger".
A Kick Ass crowd kept us energized all night long and they Rocked Hard keeping the band firing on all pistons and the room entertained thoroughly. Thank you All very much you Lunatics (Elvis was there too).
Tonight there was a partial back line so I only had to bring down my Snare Drum, Cymbals, Kick Pedal and Hi-Hat Clutch that was accomplished via Subway which was a relief (Phew). We were playing a return engagement for an lively 80s reunion party from last year so expectations were riding high and rightly so, the crowd were ready for us from the get-go and it was "these go to eleven" from the start, storm clouds brewed however. Eric broke his "D" string (the fourth string) towards the end of the first set and his Floyd Rose Tremelo snapped it again during restringing causing two breaks and NO replacement "D" string on hand so it was a night of transposing for our fearless guitar player (string theory indeed). To add fuel to the fire my Evans Snare Drum head popped towards the end of the second set but fortunately I had time and a replacement head on hand to remedy that situation for the third set.
Bottom Line, Only the band noticed.
Trying to rescue the D string between sets proved formidable and impossible since the string broke twice, once during performance and once during repair. I blame Floyd Rose Tremelo Systems..... BASTARDS !!!
Look, its the D string, Where is Michio Kaku ?.
And Why is Dave conversing with a KKK member ?
"Tonight we're going to party like its 1986!!!" (so said Rob at the beginning of our set, deviating by a year from 1985)
the vice squad is taking Nancy in for violation of 80s Diva green card status (neon green of course).
the class of 86 is a Wild Bunch !!! I witnessed it.
sniffle,... tonight was Nancy's last show with us and even though we knew it was coming I paid extra attention to her formidable voice and figure on stage with us, being an original member of the Airwaves we went through so much in the trenches for a few years building up our reputation and paying the "dues" that most bands do playing for free, eating badly (OK we never did that, well They didn't), working hard rehearsing, becoming better musicians/ensemble players and losing sleep for the common goal of success in the little 80s band pet project that Mike and ourselves started together which has grown into a lucrative vehicle for all involved especially my car service driver.
As I said to Nancy tonight "See what you started You troublemaker"
I have made a lifelong friend and it was a pleasure backing up such a fine singer and talented bandmate,.... I am talking about Nancy here folks.
I used to call her our "secret weapon" because whatever male singer we had at the time would come out and warm up the crowd sufficiently and then came Nancy's turn with her looks and charisma but especially the voice completely winning the audience over in those early days of the band, So I firmly stand by my words "See what you started you troublemaker" and might I add that I was and am proud to serve with you then, now and next time.
The last Nancy showcase number at the end of our third set. I was just trying to capture the audio here and luckily the camera caught this angle. Yes the drums are loud, the camera was laying on my jacket just behind the Hi-Hat pedal.
Eric's new vocal showcase, "Your Love" by The Outfield.
He of effeminate qualities but doing a dickens of a job performing maitre d'/wedding coordinator duties at the lovely (Shining-esque) Vineyard Caterers of Aquebogue, New York.
We arrived thusly on a slightly cooler day of the week at a chillier sixty or so degrees in temperature amongst cloudy skies to set up our gear at this wedding reception and were asked to take our sign down by Tarantula (fair enough we were independently hired).
Shortly after Dave asked if there was a place to store our keyboard, guitar cases and costume bag to which Tarantula replied "right this way booby" with accompanying "buddy" arm on back.
Later during appetizer's Rob was coordinating wedding party intro's/band start time whilst receiving accompanying "buddy" elbow peccadilloes from the Tarantula as well.
He also liked the band and told us so, well we did do a smashing job and I am pleased Tarantula liked us as well, I wound up liking him too.
J.C. is responsible for the "T" moniker, you ask him.
Dave and Rob remain disturbed by the incidents, Fab fellow was he though.
There was a Mariachi band serenading the guests during cocktail hour and into the dining hall where we shared performance duties with DJ Lane of All Around Sound DJ's.
The band played exceptionally well providing an 11 Song opening set of songs including Eric's (unplanned and impressive) vocal debut of "Your Love" by the Outfield and a last minute request of "Billie Jean", an 8 Song dinner set of quieter music (which I love to play) and a 11 Song Dancey Dance Party set that had the room grooving and up on the dance floor for our entire performance. A Great reception and fun crowd for White Wedding.
Over the bridge and through the woods to grandmother's house we go.
I was very much looking forward to the appetizer friendly cocktail hour and to compliment my glass of Cabernet Sauvingmignon I procured an accompanying plate of (from 9 o' clock) Eggplant Rollatini, Swiss & Cheddar Cheese, Chicken Francaise, Prosciutto & Gourmet Seeded Cracker's (probably of the water kind) which was followed by an irresistible plate of Fried Calamari (I Blame J.C.) and then for Dinner appetizers Fresh Mozzarella, Tomato, Basil Antipasto and a Delicious Salad with a Sesame (Peanutty tasting) Vinaigrette followed by Stuffed Chicken with Squash and Roasted Potatoes in a Lemon Sauce (She DID say Mashed, She DID!!!) with Red Velvet Cake A La Mode for Dessert.
But more about the SALAD.
Dave (to Spike) - "What's the crunchy stuff in the salad ?"
Spike (to Dave) - "Croutons, Wait!,... I think its Captain Crunch."
J.C. (to Spike & Dave) - "Are You F**king kidding me, I said it wuz Walnuts"
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
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.
One of the best private parties that we have had the privilege to perform at done up in true 80s style with an 80s costume contest and the attendees truly in the spirit of things.
Earlier that afternoon I picked up a pound of Prosciutto Balls at Landi's Pork Store of Brooklyn.
