White Wedding - Junction 46 8/3/12 Ledgewood, New Jersey

Nestled inside the lobby of a Quality Inn hotel is the Junction 46 hotel bar (not the butter), a dining room and banquet hall, we played the banquet hall. Junction 46 has an in-house audio engineer and stage monitors so everyone and my Bass Drum was very happy and could hear everything, always a plus. Everyone loved us and a few new doors opened, incidentally we listened to The Doors in the car on the way up.

During the Michael Jackson segment Rob had me in stitches as Michael introduced Cyndi Lauper on stage and his third number "Beat It" by exclaiming "Me and Cyndi worked together before, We Were The World, This is a song either about getting the crap kicked out of you or enjoying some time with yourself, I dont know"

The band performed very well tonight and I thank Dave for mentioning it because it made me play with that much more confidence and as we know confidence equals conviction.



Entrance to the parking lot.



It's Alive, ALIVE I TELL YOU !!!

After many outdoor gigs where you are in fear of your set list blowing away and many indoor gigs where you have to reach down to ground level quickly to check the set list between songs only to find it has slid under an amplifier or behind the stage I finally put my invention into use.

Now if we can only give it a name.



Between sets Diana munched on some Sweet Potato Wedges and sipped White Wine.



We were making very good time zipping our car to the show so we stopped off at a local Whole Foods at first to use the restroom but then the product variety and savory goodness took hold of four sixths of the helpless White Wedding clan and we stopped over for a bite to eat, I Mean How Could You Not !!!

First Off it's Diana (the band's foodie) favorite place and as soon as I set eye on the Edamane Succotash I became completely transfixed. Diana and Rob got Sushi (my very close first choice) which from my seating angle at dinner looked like Sugar Cookies, Eric chose the most promising Turkey Bacon Panini only to find it too dry to really enjoy so he got some Mustard packets and made the best of it. I saw some Indian Food at the Salad Bar and my mind was made up!!! Pictured above was my Dinner in a box which is (clockwise from 3 o' clock) Vegetable Pakora, Dirty Rice (they did'nt have Basmati or Saffron). Chicken Tikka Masala, Vegetable Samosa, Curry Chicken.

Delicious and the Chicken was "Pulled" or "Shredded" which is a very nice touch.



Fizzy Lizzy Yakima Grape!!!! Amongst the Hundreds,... maybe Thousands of beverage choices at Whole Foods how could I resist a Fizzy Lizzy ? and she me.



Rob also chanced upon a product he endorses, namely Singer's Saving Grace. Gleaning the ingredients list I was surprised to see "Jack in the pulpit root" amidst the compound as he used to be my local parson.



I met Brenda and her friends who had just gotten back from a Fuckaware party with some goodies.
Take a look at the F&%King Chocolate.



On The Way To Ledgewood and Victory.

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And Now, a rare glimpse into the mysterious world of "Soundchecks" as captured on my iPhone from behind the drum kit.



Rob referencing the Greatest Rock Film Of All Time "This Is Spinal Tap" as he often does at soundcheck to my delight.



Latina Diana befuddles our sound technician for a moment but all is well in the outcome.



Eric tells us "Hello" and sings it too.



This man has an endearing smile (5 second mark).

This Is Show # 183

White Wedding - Brooklyn Bowl 7/13/12 Brooklyn, New York

I arrived fourth at the Brooklyn Bowl and a close second to Diana who had pulled up just 30 seconds before me (Dave and J.C. precluded us) once we got inside it was not the usual procedure for soundcheck as the other band were finishing theirs but we got a quick mic check and ran through "Heaven is a place on earth" for house vocal levels and band monitor preferences (I requested more vocals but I always request more vocals) and then retired to the green room above stage for dinner and costume changes. Tonight we were filmed by Monika for our next Promo Video and the Brooklyn Bowl for a nominal fee provided us with a WAV (Waveform Audio file format) file so we can sync up some tasty close mic'ed audio with the pictures. 

Confident and well rehearsed but also itching to do our best we hit the stage at precisely 8 p.m. for our 75 minute packed and paced set. I was sitting behind the kit listening to the full band mic'ed through the monitor wedge and as always I love to hear the kick drum thumping a bit in my chest, this "monitor mix" thingy helps the band as well because we can hear everything. J.C.s keyboard monitor was unplugged by accident but the audience P..A. heard him clearly. 

Amplification Rules The World.

Premiered tonight was "Beat It", Do I really have to tell you who's song that is ?

"What You Talkin' Bout Willis ?"



D To The Iana,



Madonna & Michael.



Purple Reign indeed. Thanks to the sympathetic lighting crew at the Brooklyn Bowl.

It was a joy to see original members of The Airwaves and founding members of White Wedding Nancy (Blue Jean/Billie Jean),Tawni (Darling Nikki) and Mike (Doc Brown) come support us and the show they helped create whom I almost thought didn't make it down, I nearly kissed Mike (and told him so). We retired to the green room and actually just chatted about things, not just old band stories (some of course) which was a delight and after touting Tawni for two years to Jamie she finally got to meet Tawni. Say That ten times fast.

Jamie and myself had Dinner after the show sent up to the green room, Brooklyn Brisket with Mashed Potatoes & Corn on the Cob is what Jamie had along with a Chocolate Malted that she rated 5 stars. I was so busy loving my Fish (see below) that I didn't even ask for a taste.



I have had this before and had to have it again!!!

Cajun Catfish over Mashed Potatoes with Collared Greens and Bacon. Compact Placing but BIG Flavor.

FLICKR

This Is Show # 179

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.

FLICKR

This Is Show # 174

White Wedding - O' Flanagans 5/11/12 New York City

It's Bisque A Long Time Coming,... The Lobster Hats.

It has been an aspiration of Dave's for some time (over a year) that we include the B-52s song "Rock Lobster" into our repertoire just for the props alone!!! Tonight this has come to fruition and I had a Blast performing it. White Wedding's rendition (see video below) premiered in our third set. incidentally "Rock Lobster" is also one of my favorite 80s songs recorded in 1979 and one of the greatest Warner Brothers singles of All Time.

The band played well tonight however not flawlessly and I had an effortless (comfortable limbs) drumming experience aside from my "extra" quarter note after the end of Joan Jett's "I Love Rock & Roll" to which Eric replied "Good Job".

I Love this guy.

While trying to "hail" a cab tonight for our trip home (Drum Kit and Guitar/Amp in tow) and after a tiring night (it was after 3 a.m. now) I said at one point within earshot "If It All Works Out..." to which Jamie and Eric clearly heard "Do You Wanna Go Work Out ?" that perplexed and humored all concerned or so I was informed.

Four new songs were Premiered tonight, "Keep Your Hands To Yourself" by the Georgia Satellites, "Relax" by Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Billy Joel's "You May Be Right" and "Rock Lobster" by the B-52's. Exciting, YES.



A fan gives the band the Mollochio, It Didn't work.




"NO!!!, Its pronounced Beef Wel-LING-ton you silly person"



"NO!!!, Its pronounced JOAN JETT!!!"



I Love to Singah about the Moonah Innah Juneah and a Springah, I Love to Singah.



"Bond,..... James Bond."



Snap It Pal.



After the first set I needed a shave and craved an 80s Orange Soda but not just ANY 80s Orange Soda!!!

Had To Be A Sunkist. It's been well over a year I had me a Sunkist and Orange is still the Most Evil Soft drink flavor out there, Talk about making you want to keep drinking More & More Soda !!!



Jamie was our camerawoman not only for all the pictures (of people) seen in this entry but also for our Live video feed to Ustream.com via J.C.'s iPhone via the World Wide Web via the Internet.



A Most Delicious Bacon Cheeseburger with (dare I say almost too much Bacon) Tasty Steak Fries garnished with Dill Pickle Slices, Bermuda Onion Patty, Tomato Slices and Romaine Lettuce Leaves.



Jamie had the Teriyaki Chicken and while she felt it was a bit heavy on the Teriyaki Sauce the "inner asian" in me thought it was just right.



Premiere Performance of "Rock Lobster"

FLICKR

This Is Show # 170

White Wedding - Resorts World Casino/Bar 360 4/19/12 Queens, New York

Probably the coolest stage we have played on so far Bar 360 at Aqueduct in the Resorts World Casino is definitely an experience and great exposure for a band like ours as the people traffic is pretty constant for those who watch a number or two, Quite a few onlookers really enjoyed the Michael Jackson segment especially well. Then there were those who stayed the entire 3 sets which we very much appreciate. It was a blast to play and have a return engagement and we hope to be back real soon.



Diana Ciccone.



J.C. giving the Malocchio to evildoers everywhere.



I was not able to hear Eric at tonights show so missed out on all the guitar solos I enjoy so much.



Jamie snuck a few rare overhead shots before security asked her to desist.



the view from the bar.



I gave myself extra time to get to the casino but still found no time to get Jamie and myself some dinner, after the first set I passed by to say hello to Steve and Richard and Steve offered me one of his Fish Taco's, Now normally I say "thanks very much but no thanks" but I have been wanting to try the recently trendish Fish Taco for some time so I accepted. Served on a soft Corn Tortilla and quite tasty save for the spicy hot seasoning that I had in the last bite and right before returning to stage. Thanks for the Taco Steve.



"Lets Go Crazy" as seen from beneath the floor tom.



The wheels on the bus they go round and round.

This Is Show # 166

FLICKR

White Wedding - Petes Saloon 4/13/12 Elmsford,New York

Our first show with Collette on vocals and she rose to the 80s occasion LIKE TOTALLY. Singing, talking to the crowd and performing with a finely honed finesse that comes with practice, perseverance and professionalism (The 3 P's) it was fun for me to see the "stage" Collette as the musician's in the band only play Loud, Soft, Slow or Fast at rehearsal whereas you don't get to see a front person really performing without a stage and a crowd.

Singing? Yes.
Performing? No.
Not even Marc Bolan or Bowie would,..... o.k. those are very special cases.

it builds a better beast.



With trepidation did I return to Pete's Saloon as they feature a stage perfect for a duo but NOT a Full band (6 of us there are). My previous experience onstage was so cramped that I broke a glass trying to get behind my own drum kit, Tonight went much much better after deciding that removing my Hi-Hat Cymbals from their spindle and stepping over the Hi-Hat and Cymbal stand was preferable to climbing behind my floor tom just to get the F**K in & out from behind the drum kit!!!

We received lots of compliments from the crowd which is always very nice and there were a few Hotties* dancing on the chairs protesting shows end.

After packing our gear up Collette handed me a mysterious weighty backpack that I thought might be J.C.'s but J.C. had left by the time I seeked out his vehicle so I checked the backpack's content's to find various camera's, cable's, boxes' and camera equipment,... not any of our's after which I returned it to the bar.

Then Collette double checked for her left behind Apple Laptop power cord which she found but also returned with a wayward guitar strap that belonged to the club we surmised and returned it to the bar.

Rob was waiting for the Printer/Scanner to come out the back on her return so we decided that Collette is the official innocent "Clepto" of the band, we will be visiting Guitar Center very soon en masse and in disguise.



"Who would cross the bridge of death must answer me these questions three, ere' the other side be seen"



Rob took a sharp turn on the highway and I unwittingly caught this scene in my camera's viewfinder.

This Is Show # 165

White Wedding - Zeppelin Hall 3/23/12 Jersey City,New Jersey

As can be seen I popped my Bass Drum head which only lasted me 17 shows !!! fortunately for me it broke during the third set. I think its because I have settled for the Remo Ambassador head as opposed to my preferred Remo Powerstroke head (store out of stock) or maybe its just time to try out an Evans Bass Drum Head, she is working nicely on the Snare Drum.

While not quite as crowded as Zeppelin Hall on St. Patty's Day there was still a turnout of appreciative onlookers and quite a few people taking photos of us without the help of Michael Jackson as Rob and Diana carried the main stage while the band held the rear down. Eric and myself are building a little camaraderie wherein I gawk at his little guitar tricks (L.G.C.) mid-song and he plays them while I speed up tempo (NONONO!!!). Being Zeppelin Hall we took a car service SUV back into the city and tonight's cargo was Jamie, Diana, Collette, Eric, Rob and myself so the car ride could be called anything but boring. We learned that Eric's fingertips have an upward turn and that Rob is double-jointed (the medical term not the other kind of joint). Premiered tonight was the Def Leppard anthem "Pour Some Sugar On Me"



I Love Rock & Roll !!!



Consigliere Amadeus Deniro.



Diana on Vocals and Guitar.



Diamond Dave sideways (until Photobucket fixes it)
addendumb - photobucket fixed it (5 hours later)



The Charming, Talented and Vivacious Eric Bair (he must be the new guy in the band what with me being so nice and all)



From the looks of this photo Rob is channeling his Kundalini into blue light.



Shiny Drums and cartoon "SESSION" drummer.



Jamie Girl & Eric.



.J.C., Uber-fan Giseli & Spike.



Philly Cheese Steak with Cheesy Sauce.

This Is Show # 161