White Wedding - O' Flanagan's 6/30/12 New York City

Of all the shows we have played at O' Flanagans I seriously thought "this is going to be the rehearsal one". There was a couple having dinner and one of Diana's friends in the dining area where the stage is located and a decent amount of patrons at the bar in the other room but not the usual amount of people possibly due to the fact that earlier in the day it was nearly 100 degrees outside in this second mini heatwave New York was having, Turned out I need not worry and you can also see in the photos that we drew some people into the bar and the bar into the dining area to check out our performance.

Premiered tonight was the Full version (non-medleyed) of Twisted Sister's anthem "We're Not Gonna Take It"



99 Red Balloons on the wall
99 Red Balloons
If one of those Balloons should happen to fall
98 Red Balloons on the wall.



Jamie got a real Rock Star pic of Rob here entertaining the crowd.



It was a late night for all of us (O' Flanagan shows end at 2:30 a.m.) but the next morning around 10 my iPhone started going off with texts concerning whereabouts of the Wig Bag, I took this photo and proceeded to send an "We have the Wigbag for Ransom" text but due to Apples Fancy Pants spell check it went through twice as "We have the Wigbag for Random" thus killing my joke and ruining the ruse.



The menu states clearly "ALL burgers served with French Fries" but the Mexican Burger comes with Nacho Chips and Salsa (I wanted all of this plus Fries) instead, Luckily Jamie's Chicken Fingers came with Fries.

Last time I had a Burger here it was Delicious, this time the bread was a tad stale. The Mexican Burger comes topped with Cheddar Cheese, Salsa, Scallions and fresh Jalapeño that have a real kick.



O' Flanagans Website ad.

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This Is Show # 177

White Wedding - Peggy O' Neill's/Mermaid Parade 6/23/12 Coney Island, New York

It would be hard pressed to make me believe that White Wedding was not cut out to be the band most suited perfectly for Peggy O' Neill's Mermaid Parade 2012 after party. We reached a whole new crowd of people today and this is what I was most excited about, by the end of the evening band had won over audience and got our name out to the festive Mermaiding crowd. The parade was most interesting as well and aside from catching a fleeting glimpse of Jackie "Jokeman" Martling I also saw Underdog Woman's back. We performed outdoors and fortunately someone in management decided to put a canopy over the talented and dynamic drummer (lest they pass out from the heat) that at one point buckled a bit during a gust of wind leaving me a little fearful that it would collapse on top of me. I didn't want to become the invisible drummer but was prepared to be if duty called. Also unique to this show due to the canopy was my view of the band and crowd, I only saw my bandmates from the shoulders down but being pro as they are no one forgot to give me any visual cues as they arose.

Diana Does Debbie.

Jamie came up with some witty subtitles of her own and here are some of them.




My pisano JC - an Italian feast for the K-eyes and my favorite eyetalian.




GlenGlarey Glen Rob.



HA!



Dave is Groovin' on a Saturday afternoon.



Yeah Baby- Tap that sh-t



Rob is so fierce that he can even balance the light/antenna thingy on his microphone.

Facebook ad.



Pulled Pork Sliders, How bad could they be ?



The Journey block ended our second set with "Dont Stop Believing".



There were quite a few colorful people in the crowd as can be seen in this video clip. I found this by googling "White Wedding Mermaid Parade" and I am glad an audience member captured this for posterity.



Set One "Footloose", We are warming up but energetic.

O.K. I speak for the band, Looks like Rob is already there.


Apologies for the weird font problems, this posting gave me more problems then I care to think of.


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This Is Show # 176

White Wedding - Private Party 6/22/12 New York City

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".

Sandwich Planet site

Avellinos Pizza site

This Is show # 175

Sal's Pizza - Brooklyn, New York

I found myself off the train early enough before rehearsal to afford me the time for a slice at Sal's Pizzeria as I have been meaning to for some weeks now. Five years ago I had eaten here and the distant memory lingered that I particularly enjoyed it which is quite rare considering the time passed and the amount of Pizza places I have been to in the interim.

I ordered a "square" (Sicilian Slice) and sat down to bite into its gooey Cheesiness and immediately knew that this was the New York slice of yore that maybe one in ten places get right these days and Sal's Pizza gets it even righter but this does not surprise me as they have been in business since 1967. a Truly Monumental Square with just the right Sauce to Cheese ratio, Flavorful Dough and this being a "side" piece there was just the right amount of Oil complimenting the tasteful & crunchy crust to top off this culinary experience.

After rehearsal the thought crossed my mind of stopping in again but I was with bandmates on their way home, Next Wednesday I will be back for a "Round" Slice and am very much looking forward to it.

7/5/12 - I finally got back to Sal's two weeks later for the "round" Slice (asked for at warm not hot temperature) and while Delicious it was no comparison to the "square" of a few weeks back, the Slice was Excellent with a thin enough crust and that meaty tasting slightly chunky sauce and just the right amount of Mozzarella Cheese stretchy and warm over the top. Not to worry I certainly haven't given up on this place, more posts to come.


Sal's Pizzeria is located at 544 Lorimer street, Brooklyn, New York.



The facade of Sal's Pizza that I still remembered years later.



Inside Sal's hangs a photo of the place from days of pizza passed.

Sals Pizza Site

White Wedding - JC Cove 6/5/12 Freeport, Long Island

One of the most appreciative audiences we have played for this summer made this a memorable show for the band and the staff at JC Cove loved us up as well. Rob made quite a few tactical maneuvers in the Zipcar to get us to Freeport promptly and safely but there was lots of traffic (in Brooklyn !!!) to contend with. Upon arrival we set up quickly and started the show a little early as per managements request and tripled the crowd size by shows end, the seventh member of the band Ed (see below) provided shaker and tambourine throughout the evening and while not every song calls for additional percussion Ed was having a good time and is a very nice fellow.



80s Factoid - Prince provided Stevie Nicks with Synthesizer on "Stand Back" (1983).



"There goes a Snapperhead, Nope Really, Look Over There !!!"



Eric and Diana rocking the crowd with an enigmatic nautical structure in the left foreground.



(L to R) - Ed (tambourine and shaker), His Purpleness (being him), Dave (Bass Guitar, cell phone), Diana (being Stevie Nicks), J.C. (Keys, backing vox)



Early in our set and Bono had the crowd on our side with Truth, Justice and the can of Guinness way.



Perhaps in reverence and respect to their recently departed and eaten brethren just a few feet away in the JC Cove restaurant not one Lobster hat flew off even in these windy conditions.



Set One - Edge of Seventeen/Stand Back



Last song, Third Set prior to encore was SUGAR sweet.
Dave finally got to read his texts once we were through as well.
Dave endorses the Samsung Fascinate.

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This Is Show # 174

R

The 20th record "Clockwork Angels" is one of the finest in the catalog. Repeated listenings are needed to soak it all in as it were and get to know the songs which is always the fact with Rush in my book but today I received my Compact Disc in the mail and got to read along with the lyric book that amusingly were preceded song by song with exact segments or situations that will most likely be elaborated upon in the upcoming cyberpunk novelization of Clockwork Angels giving the records "concept" more definitive detail and returning to the manifesto of individual in the face of the dystopian powers that govern over us which permeates much of Neil Peart's lyrics. We were first introduced this viewpoint in "Anthem" the lead off track from "Fly By Night" Neil's first record with the band and this viewpoint brought to the fore in the title track from the classic "2112", "Red Barchetta" also comes to mind.

5 of the 12 songs on this are directly tied into the story lyrically so a brief synopsis before each track came as a revelation of sorts not that I had much time to ponder them but the proper way to hear this record is to read the libretto along with listening just like we did in Days of Old.

White Wedding - Hudson & McCoy 6/14/12 Freeport, Long Island

It must be summer because we are in Freeport, Long Island for a weekend of two (almost) back to back shows on the nautical mile under the sky and out in the breeze. White Wedding began their show to an almost empty bar but the crowd grew to about 50 or more people that the music drew in who stayed for our entire performance.

Dave continues to find things to leap off of during song finale and this time it was a bench again but we love it and it was nice to see our sometimes lighting & sound techs Sean and Ginger come support us.

Incidentally,.... This is also "Rock Of Ages - The Motion Picture" opening weekend so we made the most of that in our third set as well (see below).

Premiered tonight was Madonna's "Open Your Heart" and Poison's "Nothin' But A Good Time".

At this stage of the game about 95% of the shows I play are live rooms with acoustic drums which are not mic'ed up nor amplified so the room plays every part in the sound aside from ring and dampening preferences and my drums (Ludwig) sounded really good tonight and this at an outdoor performance. I had concrete walls on three sides of me so that just might do it. Lets just say I could really hear the Bass Drum.



The view from my vantage point approaching 9 p.m. just as it was getting dusky darky.



Eric exudes confidence, quality and a never ending thirst for cosmic consciousness as long as the coleslaw is fresh and the riffs be tasty.



The drummer brings the Cheetos and is also taking a picture of himself without a viewfinder.



Sean may look like Jack the Ripper in this photo but he's really a capable engineer and drummer, You can find him here at Boardwalk Entertainment.



ROCK OF AGES !!!

The Stacee Jaxx costume which we are currently testing & finalizing.



Hudson & McCoys online event calendar.



uhh,........ Yeah !!!!

(6:30-10 p.m.)

This Is Show # 173

The Good Yeggs - Three Jolly Pigeons 6/9/12 Brooklyn, New York

The Yeggs got to play on the same bill as Black Death and Baby Daddy Project "Let It Be That" (The Let It Be album in its entirety) at Bay Ridge's Three Jolly Pigeons and I got to see some old friends of mine as well, Sweethook was in attendance too. We played a tight set loosely and Jazelyn helped us out with backing vocals on "Another Brooklyn". Premiered tonight was the Stevie Ray Vaughan classic "Texas Flood" to which afterwards John the Bass Player yelled to Thomas "Your saving that for the Yeggs !!!" referring to the tasty 16 bar Blues guitar solo Thomas took.

 

One of the things our rehearsal space is known for is the authentic railroad tie which we use to keep the bass drum sedentary and that is also quite heavy. Thomas forgot to bring the dumbbells along (the metal "weight" kind) so we transported the "tie" on the roof of Thomas' car, Fortunately and Luckily no one got hurt and I am referring to the other cars and innocent bystanders.



Bloggers Banquet.

Note the Good Yeggs flyer above urinal 2.



Previous to the gig Joe, Marco and myself stopped off a few doors down at Panchos for some authentic mexican food. I chose from the extensive menu and after asking Joe what a "Carnita" was (spanish for Pork) decided on Tostadas (2 for $6.00) one Carnitas (Pork), one Tinga (Spicy chicken) and a Lime Jarritos Soda. I Absolutely Loved the first Tostada (we think it was the Tinga but not sure) which had just the right hint of Cilantro and was piled high with ingredients atop a most durable and crunchy Tostada but there was something I didn't care about in the meat on the second one, it was kind of sticky and that reminds me a little of Pork Chops so I am assuming that was the Carnita. Either way I could eat here every day of the week.

Photo Funnies - White Wedding

Rob: Look its no big deal one of us did not get Pepperoni on our sandwich, there was still Ham & Salami

Eric: But Dude, Im the one gypped out of the Pepperoni.

Diana: Whoa, Wait,... I'm a vegetarian, you guys had me eat Pepperoni ?!!!

Photo - Zeppelinhall Biergarten upstairs dressing room - 5/18/12.

Squackett

Made the mistake of reading a few online reviews but fortunately after I had been listening to the "Life In A Day" recording for the second time. Perhaps this is not the second coming of --- (mind you I have only heard the first sixty seconds of Thick As A Brick part 2) but the Squackett project has certainly perked my ears up in a prog morsel way for the first time in (dare i say) over a year. 

White Wedding - Rippers 6/2/12 Rockaway Beach/Queens, New York

Tonight Rob was dancing on the tables which is not an uncommon sight during our shows but we also had Dave leaping off the seating for "finale/Townshend" effect and an audience member up on the table just friggin' dancing on their own volition.

The crowd was into it and so was the band during this windyish outdoor performance. I also enjoyed the onlookers/non-bar patrons outside the perimeter myself who were just enjoying the novelty of amplified music along 86 Shorefront Parkway. so it was a nice outdoors show overlooking the beach that leads into the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean Real Vast Like.

Premiered tonight was "Rockaway Beach" (full band version*) which we wuz learned for this occasion.



Diana whipping the crowd into a Nix frenzy.



a few days after this show I was in the subway refilling my Metrocard and this conversation took place between the token booth clerk and myself.

me: 10 dollars on this card please.
token booth clerk: hey man I've seen you around, are you part of the rock scene ?
me: yes, I'm in a few bands, maybe White Wedding the 80s tribute band
token booth clerk: nah man not that far back

I give him the thumbs up and on my way.



Eric The Brave brandishes his Ibanez (sounds like a dirty limerick doesn't it ?)



Rob raises baby squid & sea monkeys as a hobby and would like to help the world to sing in perfect harmony.



After-show Diana asked us to watch her shoes and went sauntering onto the beach as Jamie, Eric and myself enjoyed the view & refreshments from the boardwalk (a few stiff Rum & Coke's) whilst conversing about everything from grapefruit's to gorgonzola.

Eric searched for Diana amongst the moonlit horizon that the deep blue jeweled beach offered him.

Diana returned after a spell with a few balloons that she had adopted, mind you we (or even Rod Serling) have not a clue where they came from but they are friendly, cuddly, housebroken and spayed.



Smokin' in the boys room.



Online Promotion Poster, a Virtual Poster as it were.



We ended the show with a medley of Ramones tunes consisting of "Rockaway Beach/Blitzkrieg Bop/I Wanna Be Sedated" and encored our encore with Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar On Me"

* - White Wedding did play an improv version of "Rockaway Beach" at Thai Rock but it was only half the band improvising (Rob, Spike and Paul Little on guitar)

This Is Show # 172