Stories of Playing Music on the Road

Well with so much negativity on the planet, bombings, threats, etc. I want to take some time to recall some fine memories playing music on the road. Everyone has great memories in their life that they cherish but mine were a little distorted being it was ROCKIN’ on the road. Most people who I tell these stories to say I should write a book…I’d rather be playing piano. But here are some glimpses for now and if I ever write a book with the details, I’ll let you know. Tell me what you think.

It started back in NY, Long Island to be exact and the Tri-State area. The band was Spartacus back then and playing was great. We ended up playing the same circuit with Cyndi Lauper, Twisted Sister, Zebra and other upcoming bands. Tiny, our bass player (who was one of the major vocalists) died in a car crash coming home from a gig, so we fell apart but there are still some very fond memories and some funny stories.

For example; we had a food fight with Cyndi Lauper in the dressing room. What you see on stage about her is what you get off the stage. With her reality show now, you can see that. Back then, she was with Blue Angel (if I recall correctly) and we did a New Year’s Eve gig together and her bass player was drinking booze out of an enema bag. That’s bold and creative!!!! Back then nothing was sacred or off limits. We also stayed in the same hotels as Twisted Sister and some other rockers back then and they usually looked crazier than us but I think we were a bit more nuts after the gig. We were banned from staying at every hotel in the Hamptons. I’m not proud of that now but I must admit I was back then. Stuff was always hitting the fan. If it wasn’t the hotels it was club owners. Once we had a conflict with Twisted Sister over the stages but we both agreed it was a dishonorable club owner. So, we parted friends. Dee is a great front man and JJ French a true gentleman.

Back then, Eddie was the bass player with Foreigner and used to come see us.  Even some of the people constructing Beatle Mania (The Broadway Show) came to see us to see what Beatle songs local bands could pull off live. Sounds impressive but to us, we were playing, partying and having fun. NOW, they are great memories, but back then it was just part of it all. We played some of the same clubs that the Police, Pretenders, and others were playing as they were coming thru. We’d play one week they would come in another. Great Times…Great music!

Then, to focus on originals, the band lived in the Birds Eye estate out in Orient point (the other leg on Long Island from the Hamptons). We kept it secret at first from our fans because we would have never got anything done. However, when we were moving out, we had a week long party. Nothing else needs to be said.

Then Joe Greco & I hit the road to keep playing and ran into ‘U2’. They are truly great guys and real gentleman. We were doing the song “We are the World” on stage and Bono came up to sing it with us. If you recall, he did a similar song in England “Do they know it’s Christmas” and so he related and was inspired. It was a great, great moment. I got to hang with Bono and his wife on the beach which was great. There is a certain kindred spirit and connection amongst musicians. That was great! We also ran into Richie Blackmore from ‘Deep Purple’, when he broke up with his girlfriend and so we shared some heavy thoughts and a drink. We also met Matt Frenette, the drummer from ‘Loverboy’, a real party animal! Fun, fun, fun!!!!

Well there is a small glimpse of Rockin’ on the road. I met some great people on the road including my wife Bebe, who is a professional singer and is the featured voice as the Nereida character in ‘The Tribulation’ Rock “Operalet”. I must admit, I’m always way more comfortable around musicians and “”bar people” then Corporate America…go figure. These are truly great memories. So, please comment on this and tell me some of you fond memories…. but keep it clean!

Boston Marathon????

 We are all in horror and praying for the victims and families of the Marathon bombing. No words are sufficient. It touches everyone, which is what the terrorist were hoping for. Yes, I said terrorist. Bringing terror to humankind or any living & breathing entity, is in my book…terrorism. So why does the main stream or LS media and politicians have such a problem with that? Are they really looking out for us?

We all know the obvious story but there are many other underlying lessons to be learned. The thing that hit me in the face and of course many commentators commented on, was why we were focused on skin color? Why was the mainstream media rooting for a white person to have committed the crime? Has the media lost its soul? I believe it has. I’ve been involved with media and it’s not what it used to be. Can anyone trust the media? What about their inaccurate info, agenda driven stories just about fringing on propaganda? It’s sad to watch this unraveling of what the US Constitution felt necessary to protect…THE PRESS!

It’s insane that anyone is rooting for a group, skin color or culture to have planted the bombs so that it advances an agenda. Think about that, it’s sad. Is that where society is at this point? We are better than this. So let’s focus on the heroes that comforted the victims, the professionals who are working on a resolution. But we know government cannot protect us completely all the time and everywhere. The proof is that the FBI is asking for help from the public. That’s how it should be. Freedom and strength from the INDIVIDUAL!

One of my favorite keyboard heroes (Keith Emerson from ELP) tweeted some kind words about the Boston Marathon bombing and sent his wishes. He is a marathon runner and could obviously relate to the situation. But, I venture to say he could relate regardless because he is a class act and could feel the pain. He’s in the UK and felt compelled to reach out. I responded to him and he was kind enough to re-tweet my message which was nice. If he’s willing to reach out in support, how in the hell can we be focused on skin color of the perpetrators and/or an agenda? America, we are losing our soul…don’t let it happen. The planet needs us.

If you found your way to this website and blog you know my music adventure is focused on spreading the word about helping humankind in any way you can. This is a powerful start. Pray for the victims, protect yourself and neighbors, wish they capture the evil doers and don’t ever, ever wish for someone or group to have done evil to promote your agenda. That is definitely not helping the planet. There is no way you can feel good about doing evil unless you are dead inside. There are still more good people then bad which some people have pointed out. As I always say in my music…go do something good!        

 

Was I on to something with ‘The Tribulation’

If you look around with the tension in Korea, the possible nukes in Iran (and other countries), the financial problems worldwide, the riots, the religious conflicts…..was I on to something with ‘The Tribulation’ Rock “Operalet” and my vision of where we’re possibly headed? I think more people than are willing to admit are becoming afraid. Where do you put your money? Will I have the chance to go to a good school? Will my children have a better life than me? What agendas am I unknowingly being fed via media, education, etc.? What am I doing about it? What are you doing about it?

As you may know from my website and/or other channels, I was inspired to write a story and music for the possible vision of the future of humankind. It came to me in many ways over the years and haunted me till it was completed (well at least the music part) with the release of the music CD at the end of last year. As grim as the title sounds, it ends well in my story but it’s a bumpy road. It is not much different than writings and/or predictions from many other writers, cultures, religions, etc. However, I felt my purpose was to help encourage better behavior and helping the planet in any way we can, regardless of where you live, what you believe or whatever. Of course, for me, it was best delivered through music.

So, where did it start for me and I’m sure for many of you. I was introduced as a child to the teachings of the Bible.  Of course, there were good and bad times in man’s journey and I enjoyed the Parables. The recent Bible TV movie was a great compact rendition. Obviously, the Tribulation is in the Bible.

I then went to philosophy classes with Hilda Charlton who touched on the Bible as well as many other topics. She would bring in different speakers from all walks of life to talk about pursuing heaven and happiness. There is much out there that talks about getting prepared and/or visions of the future.  There are the books by Hilda Charlton, Maurice Cooke’s Hilarion Series, Edgar Cayce, Nostradamus…..I’m sure you have heard of many others. Today there are even people like Glenn Beck and countless commercials for gold, food and so on. So, was I on to something with ‘The Tribulation’ Rock “Operalet”

So, it’s not far-fetched that I would be inspired to write about this subject. I always felt a strong connection to spirituality and music. To me they go hand and hand. I believe the creative process is giving you a taste of heaven on earth.  

So, I’m interested in your comments of what you believe is happening on the planet. Who are some of your guides? What are you doing to make it better? There are so many people in the world and we each have unique skills and abilities. I’m curious what people are doing at the grass roots. Now go do something good!