I allegedly have a mess of kids out there in this world. Sadly, I never got to be a dad to any of them. I think I would've been a good one. An ex girlfriend's daughter used to occasionally call me daddy...and let me tell ya, that kid grew up into an amazing young lady! I can only hope that the limited time we spent together had some miniscule cause & effect relationship that led to her awesomeness. (Her mom's genes probably helped too)
My dad is an amazing guy. He can be a grump and a SOB at times (like father, like son) but having spent 50+ years as a cardiologist, working 6-7 day weeks, 12-18 hours a day, can do that to a man. Anyone that I know who has met the man, always speaks highly of him.
When I was in a coma back in 2002, I suffered some brain damage and lost a lot of early memories. My childhood is a mass of random memories and second hand stories. One thing I do remember is my dad always working and saving lives. That's a tough act to follow! I knew by age 5 that I wanted nothing to do with being a doctor. That said, dad's career cast a long shadow over my life. I knew that my work should be centered on helping people. For 25 years, that's what I did. I chose the MH/MR field instead of medicine...and it was a good fit. Along the way, I also became an ordained minister...just another way of helping.
My dad & I aren't too close. It's just not in our nature. He was raised by stoic Germans and that rubbed off on me. Also, we see in each other all of the things we can't handle in ourselves. In me, my dad sees his dreams of being a writer and musician. In him, I see my need for order and discipline. Don't get me wrong, dad & I love each other and actually have grown to like each other...but it took some time.
On this Father's Day, I'd like to also give a nod to a guy who has been father-like to me. My buddy Al. He's a songwriter and musician. He's been in the Rock & Roll biz almost as long as there has been a Rock & Roll business. He's a great singer and writer. I think he gets too political at times...but that's his bag...and he's good at it.
Al & I hit it off pretty much from day one...but I suspect that he was initially more interested in the fact that I played guitar & bass and would do studio session work pretty much for the experience! He paid me in music. He would make me boxes of tapes of old 50s rock & roll, rockabilly, doo wop, blues, country, gospel, you name it. In the late 80s alone, I bet I recorded nearly 100 songs with him...some on guitar, most on bass. We can fight like Ali & Foreman (surprise surprise, we're both opinionated SOBs) but we do work well together.
He taught me most of what I know about songwriting, being a musician ("Dammit Metzger! Don't play over my vocals!"), and how to record and how not to record. He recorded the 1st Tremblers' record. He taught me to archive as much of my career as possible. That was his mistake in his own career. Not enough saved photos, posters, magazine articles, reviews, etc. Somewhere, in one of his many drawers and boxes of cassettes are tapes of me with The Swingin' Caddilacs, David Loy & The Ramrods, The Rowdy Bovines, and more studio stuff than I remember recording.
I've always considered him one of my best friends...but he's more than that. He really is like a 2nd dad to me. He's lived a truly unique life and God bless his wife Clara for putting up with him all these years. That woman is a saint!
I finally realized what our relationship was when I had my heart attack. Al got ahold of me and said "Parents aren't supposed to outlive their kids. You scared me." That was a real mindblower for me. Al ain't exactly one to wear his heart on his sleeve. He leaves that to his music. For him to say that, well, it meant a LOT to me.
So, for Father's Day, I called my birth dad. We had a nice talk. I spent the rest of the day listening to Al's music and reminsicing about songs we've recorded together. If my laptop wasn't on the fritz, I would've hooked up my VCR to it and watched some of the old studio videos. We can be like a bad comedy duo in the studio! I have no home movies of my family. The studio videos are my home movies. I see those and think back to how young, stupid and arrogant I was (yes...I was even worse back then!). I learned a lot from that grumpy old SOB (both of them).
So, Happy Father's Day Dad...and Happy Father's Day to you Al! Take care of my quilt!
M
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
The Wrath of the Night of the Dead Baby Joke
Soooooooooooooooooo...........an old friend defriended me on Facebooger tonight because of a dead baby joke. Really? Really!
I was informed that I have neither soul nor class. Personally, I think I have both in abundance. What I may lack is a boring, overly-sensitive sense of humor.
My friend was offended (for personal reasons). I understand her reasons. However, to explode and become vitriolic with me over a joke denotes that the problem isn't with me, my sense of humor, or the joke in question. Sure...the joke was gross and perhaps tasteless...but most jokes (that I find humorous) are. Most of my friends share the same sense of humor.
Most importantly, if you don't like it...don't read it! Don't tell me, or imply in any way whatsoever, what I can and cannot say. My Facebooger page is private...between me and my friends and family. If someone who has known me for almost 18 years hasn't figured out yet that I am who I am, then perhaps they've been too busy to pay attention to anything outside of their own manor.
Humor is a tool. Humor lightens my load, so to speak. I wouldn't wish the shit I've experienced on anyone. I am, by nature, a very happy person. I've had lots of bad things happen in my life...including what my friend was so offended by. Everyone has experienced good and bad in their life. No one person's pain is greater than another's nor is any one person's joy greater than another's.
All of that said, I've also experienced much joy in life. And I like a good joke. And lots of off-color jokes. And lots of really bad, corny jokes. I derive joy from humor. Humor helps ease the pain that we all experience. Humor can, and I say this from much experience, disarm an otherwise explosive moment. Humor can save the day!
I really pity those who can't enjoy a crude or gross joke. It shows lack of creativity, for starters. To think that everyone should share the exact same sense of humor (or style, or taste in music, art, food, etc.) is narrow-minded, boring, and positively fascistic.
Sadder are those who simply lack any sense of humor. I've known some of these folks. Heck, I have one or two in my family (they are, however, in a 12 step humor recovery program and doing nicely, thanks for asking). The thought of being serious ALL OF THE DAMNED TIME is my own personal idea of H-E- DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS!
To my now-defriended friend: it's OK. Your words didn't hurt me. They confused me a bit and perhaps left me sad for you but I don't hold grudges so easily. On the off chance that you read this, get ahold of me. We can talk it out like grown ups. If you were so seriously upset, I apologize. That was never my intention. Most of my friends are mature enough to recognize a joke...regardless of it's content.
To the rest of my friends: Q: Why did the dead baby cross the road? A: It was stapled to the chicken.
I was informed that I have neither soul nor class. Personally, I think I have both in abundance. What I may lack is a boring, overly-sensitive sense of humor.
My friend was offended (for personal reasons). I understand her reasons. However, to explode and become vitriolic with me over a joke denotes that the problem isn't with me, my sense of humor, or the joke in question. Sure...the joke was gross and perhaps tasteless...but most jokes (that I find humorous) are. Most of my friends share the same sense of humor.
Most importantly, if you don't like it...don't read it! Don't tell me, or imply in any way whatsoever, what I can and cannot say. My Facebooger page is private...between me and my friends and family. If someone who has known me for almost 18 years hasn't figured out yet that I am who I am, then perhaps they've been too busy to pay attention to anything outside of their own manor.
Humor is a tool. Humor lightens my load, so to speak. I wouldn't wish the shit I've experienced on anyone. I am, by nature, a very happy person. I've had lots of bad things happen in my life...including what my friend was so offended by. Everyone has experienced good and bad in their life. No one person's pain is greater than another's nor is any one person's joy greater than another's.
All of that said, I've also experienced much joy in life. And I like a good joke. And lots of off-color jokes. And lots of really bad, corny jokes. I derive joy from humor. Humor helps ease the pain that we all experience. Humor can, and I say this from much experience, disarm an otherwise explosive moment. Humor can save the day!
I really pity those who can't enjoy a crude or gross joke. It shows lack of creativity, for starters. To think that everyone should share the exact same sense of humor (or style, or taste in music, art, food, etc.) is narrow-minded, boring, and positively fascistic.
Sadder are those who simply lack any sense of humor. I've known some of these folks. Heck, I have one or two in my family (they are, however, in a 12 step humor recovery program and doing nicely, thanks for asking). The thought of being serious ALL OF THE DAMNED TIME is my own personal idea of H-E- DOUBLE HOCKEY STICKS!
To my now-defriended friend: it's OK. Your words didn't hurt me. They confused me a bit and perhaps left me sad for you but I don't hold grudges so easily. On the off chance that you read this, get ahold of me. We can talk it out like grown ups. If you were so seriously upset, I apologize. That was never my intention. Most of my friends are mature enough to recognize a joke...regardless of it's content.
To the rest of my friends: Q: Why did the dead baby cross the road? A: It was stapled to the chicken.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
I sold a guitar...
I sold a guitar today. This, in and of itself, is nothing unusual. I've sold dozens of guitars over the years. Some I bought for no reason other than to sell. Some, I sold to upgrade my gear. This one, I sold because I desperately needed money. Luckily, I sold it to a dear friend. I know that she and her husband will take great care of it and show it love. It will be played. It will be enjoyed and hopefully give joy to those who play it as well as those who hear it being played.
This guitar is special. It's not the fanciest guitar in the world nor is it the most expensive. It's just a guitar...but it holds within it's wooden body much magic. In the years that it's been in my possession, it's been played by some well-known musicians and by some amazing players...as well as by unknowns and rudimentary players. I'll never tell who all has played it. That would risk the guitar being placed in it's case and not being played. This particular instrument was meant to be played. It has absorbed the love of music of many musicians. It has it's own mojo.
I bought the guitar, used, at a time when I couldn't really afford to. Circumstances presented themself which enabled me to buy it. Within a few days, I was offered a solo show that more than paid for the guitar. I have done a number of such shows with it.
I went through one of my deep depressions and had barely touched a guitar for months. When this one came along, that switch inside of my brain clicked on and I would play it for sometimes 10-12 hours per day. I started to teach myself different styles on this guitar. I played ragtime on it. I played country blues on it. It was on this guitar that I finally unlocked my own personal mystery...slide guitar. It was this guitar that led me to my deep and undying love of open tunings. As a friend pointed out to me at the time, "Open tunings give it the moan".
I hadn't planned to sell this guitar. I was trying to sell another one. My friend asked if I had one 'like this' to sell. I told her I would sell it to her. I did so because she is my friend. Sure, I needed the money...but knowing that it would be going to someone like her made it much easier to do.
I polished up the guitar for her. I cleaned the case. I played it one last time. When she came over, she brought with her a case of beer. I showed her the guitar, told her all she needed to know about it, showed off the case, and put the guitar in her hands. We spent a few hours, catching up, checking out one of my ukuleles (she too understands the joy of the uke!), having pizza and beers and talking about life in general. I definitely knew that selling the guitar to her was the right thing to do.
She has said numerous times that should the time come that I want to buy it back, she would happily sell it back to me. What she doesn't realize yet is this guitar has found a new home. It's time with me is finished. It's a tool and it has finished it's job here. It has magic to share with her and her family. It will be there, waiting to be played and waiting to share it's own special mojo.
It's a special guitar. While I will miss playing it and hearing it's sound, I will forever carry the magic it shared with me. It renewed my love of playing. It taught me so many new things...new sounds, new riffs.
I sold a guitar today...and I'm happy that I did.
This guitar is special. It's not the fanciest guitar in the world nor is it the most expensive. It's just a guitar...but it holds within it's wooden body much magic. In the years that it's been in my possession, it's been played by some well-known musicians and by some amazing players...as well as by unknowns and rudimentary players. I'll never tell who all has played it. That would risk the guitar being placed in it's case and not being played. This particular instrument was meant to be played. It has absorbed the love of music of many musicians. It has it's own mojo.
I bought the guitar, used, at a time when I couldn't really afford to. Circumstances presented themself which enabled me to buy it. Within a few days, I was offered a solo show that more than paid for the guitar. I have done a number of such shows with it.
I went through one of my deep depressions and had barely touched a guitar for months. When this one came along, that switch inside of my brain clicked on and I would play it for sometimes 10-12 hours per day. I started to teach myself different styles on this guitar. I played ragtime on it. I played country blues on it. It was on this guitar that I finally unlocked my own personal mystery...slide guitar. It was this guitar that led me to my deep and undying love of open tunings. As a friend pointed out to me at the time, "Open tunings give it the moan".
I hadn't planned to sell this guitar. I was trying to sell another one. My friend asked if I had one 'like this' to sell. I told her I would sell it to her. I did so because she is my friend. Sure, I needed the money...but knowing that it would be going to someone like her made it much easier to do.
I polished up the guitar for her. I cleaned the case. I played it one last time. When she came over, she brought with her a case of beer. I showed her the guitar, told her all she needed to know about it, showed off the case, and put the guitar in her hands. We spent a few hours, catching up, checking out one of my ukuleles (she too understands the joy of the uke!), having pizza and beers and talking about life in general. I definitely knew that selling the guitar to her was the right thing to do.
She has said numerous times that should the time come that I want to buy it back, she would happily sell it back to me. What she doesn't realize yet is this guitar has found a new home. It's time with me is finished. It's a tool and it has finished it's job here. It has magic to share with her and her family. It will be there, waiting to be played and waiting to share it's own special mojo.
It's a special guitar. While I will miss playing it and hearing it's sound, I will forever carry the magic it shared with me. It renewed my love of playing. It taught me so many new things...new sounds, new riffs.
I sold a guitar today...and I'm happy that I did.
I'm Offended!
Do you want to know what offends me? People who are offended by almost anything! If you see something on TV that offends you, change the channel or switch the damned thing off. If someone says something that offends you...IGNORE THEM! Something offensive in a book/magazine/newspaper? Don't read it! Something offends you on the goddamned internet? Leave the site!
Seriously...people today are so fucking hypersensitive about everything. I wish could blame social media...but I can't. It started long before Facebook or Twitter or even MySpace. It all started with the term "political correctness".
I first heard that ridiculous term back in the 1980s. Before that, people just attempted to be polite and use some common sense. Certain things weren't said in polite company or in mixed company (meaning you didn't say FUCK in front of the minister's missus). There was an unwritten code among people of any given society that certain things were said/written/implied only among the company of like-minded individuals (aka friends & family).
My father and uncle often said things that I found offensive. Did I call them on it? Hell no! They were grown men and could, by law, say pretty much whatever the bloodyfuckinghellinahandbasket they wished to. But something started happening in the 80s...certain words, phrases and actions were called "politcally incorrect".
I'm not sure who started it. Probably a Democrat. I seem to recall that it came about at the same time as Tipper Gore (Al Gore's missus) started demanding that records started displaying warning labels about the content. That, by the way, backfired. Pretty much anything that didn't have a warning label...didn't sell.
I bitched a blue streak about political correctness then and still do. All it ever was (and continues to be) is a clever method to control our speech and inevitably our thoughts. Orwell's Thought Police come to mind.
Why control this? To create a society of mindless drones. Good little worker bees. Just what the corporations, who truly run things, want. If they can create a docile, mindless society, then they can control things much easier. They've since figured out how to make folks feel fucking self-righteous when calling people out for being insensitve.
Guess what. There are black people, white people, yellow people, brown people, red people, and a whole bunch in between. There are tall people, short people, fat people, skinny people, rich people, poor people, average people, straight people, gay people, open minded people, closed minded people and just about any sort of people you can think of. The only thing we all have in common is that we're people.
When I was a kid, jokes about different people were passed around. Polish jokes. Italian jokes. Black jokes...even white jokes. No particular group was safe! Just living in the state of West Virginia could make one an easy target for a joke. To my knowledge, no one ever died as a direct result of a joke. When I moved back to Pittsburgh after years of living in Ohio, I was the object of many jokes. The point was...they were JOKES! HA HA! Jokes! Funny! Some were corny, some were dirty, some were a bit cruel...but the humor was a simple way for people to deal with other people that were assumed to be different. Luckily, we are ALL different.
In America, we're now expected to be offended by the most minor infraction made by our fellow humans. Someone says a bad word? BE OFFENDED! Someone wears something that to some could be considered questionable? BE OFFENDED! Janet Jackson's boob pops out on national TV? Be not only offended but OUTRAGED!!!! Personally, I'm surprised no one suggested she have her boobs cut off for that one. I was most offended because I thought her boobs were nowhere near as attractive as I thought they'd be....but I digress.
In America, and now thanks to our supreme ability to sell our crappy TV shows and movies to every other country on the planet, violence and gore is considered OK...as long as it's on TV or in a movie or a song or a video. Again, it's a way to dull our senses and keep us under control. While I enjoy seeing a good explosion on TV or seeing a rotting zombie's intestines dragging behind him/her in a movie...do I feel this is appropriate for everyone? No...but who am I to make that decision? I can only make up my own mind. If you're a parent and don't feel that your kid is able to process this information correctly (meaning to understand that TV & movies aren't real), then you do what ya gotta do! Don't rely on anyone else to make that decision.
Before you decide to be offended by anything, ask yourself this: How does this ___________ affect me and/or society as a whole? Is it really something to be offended by or is it merely another distraction? Ask youself if your need to be self-important and noticed by others is more important than another's right to live life as they see fit. If you don't like what someone does...ignore it. Unless that someone is in a position to alter your life or society as a whole by their actions. (you know...like a politician or a corporation)
Do I sound paranoid? If you think I do...that doesn't offend me. It takes a lot more than that to offend me. I base my thoughts on facts as I understand them. Could I be wrong? Until someone proves me wrong, I consider myself right.
As a Christian, I experience things on a daily basis that offend me. Do I whine and cry about it? No. I have my faith and my way of dealing with it. You know...live and let live. Acts of violence and cruelty offend me. Calling me a name does not. Words, with or without context, are just words. My mother raised me to be stronger than mere words. If yours didn't, I pity you. And guess what...I don't give a flying fuck if you're offended by that.
Stop and take a long look around you. Look at our country and the mess it's in. Look at the world and see the mess it's in. Then ask yourself who's truly to blame. Then you'll find something to be truly offended by.
Seriously...people today are so fucking hypersensitive about everything. I wish could blame social media...but I can't. It started long before Facebook or Twitter or even MySpace. It all started with the term "political correctness".
I first heard that ridiculous term back in the 1980s. Before that, people just attempted to be polite and use some common sense. Certain things weren't said in polite company or in mixed company (meaning you didn't say FUCK in front of the minister's missus). There was an unwritten code among people of any given society that certain things were said/written/implied only among the company of like-minded individuals (aka friends & family).
My father and uncle often said things that I found offensive. Did I call them on it? Hell no! They were grown men and could, by law, say pretty much whatever the bloodyfuckinghellinahandbasket they wished to. But something started happening in the 80s...certain words, phrases and actions were called "politcally incorrect".
I'm not sure who started it. Probably a Democrat. I seem to recall that it came about at the same time as Tipper Gore (Al Gore's missus) started demanding that records started displaying warning labels about the content. That, by the way, backfired. Pretty much anything that didn't have a warning label...didn't sell.
I bitched a blue streak about political correctness then and still do. All it ever was (and continues to be) is a clever method to control our speech and inevitably our thoughts. Orwell's Thought Police come to mind.
Why control this? To create a society of mindless drones. Good little worker bees. Just what the corporations, who truly run things, want. If they can create a docile, mindless society, then they can control things much easier. They've since figured out how to make folks feel fucking self-righteous when calling people out for being insensitve.
Guess what. There are black people, white people, yellow people, brown people, red people, and a whole bunch in between. There are tall people, short people, fat people, skinny people, rich people, poor people, average people, straight people, gay people, open minded people, closed minded people and just about any sort of people you can think of. The only thing we all have in common is that we're people.
When I was a kid, jokes about different people were passed around. Polish jokes. Italian jokes. Black jokes...even white jokes. No particular group was safe! Just living in the state of West Virginia could make one an easy target for a joke. To my knowledge, no one ever died as a direct result of a joke. When I moved back to Pittsburgh after years of living in Ohio, I was the object of many jokes. The point was...they were JOKES! HA HA! Jokes! Funny! Some were corny, some were dirty, some were a bit cruel...but the humor was a simple way for people to deal with other people that were assumed to be different. Luckily, we are ALL different.
In America, we're now expected to be offended by the most minor infraction made by our fellow humans. Someone says a bad word? BE OFFENDED! Someone wears something that to some could be considered questionable? BE OFFENDED! Janet Jackson's boob pops out on national TV? Be not only offended but OUTRAGED!!!! Personally, I'm surprised no one suggested she have her boobs cut off for that one. I was most offended because I thought her boobs were nowhere near as attractive as I thought they'd be....but I digress.
In America, and now thanks to our supreme ability to sell our crappy TV shows and movies to every other country on the planet, violence and gore is considered OK...as long as it's on TV or in a movie or a song or a video. Again, it's a way to dull our senses and keep us under control. While I enjoy seeing a good explosion on TV or seeing a rotting zombie's intestines dragging behind him/her in a movie...do I feel this is appropriate for everyone? No...but who am I to make that decision? I can only make up my own mind. If you're a parent and don't feel that your kid is able to process this information correctly (meaning to understand that TV & movies aren't real), then you do what ya gotta do! Don't rely on anyone else to make that decision.
Before you decide to be offended by anything, ask yourself this: How does this ___________ affect me and/or society as a whole? Is it really something to be offended by or is it merely another distraction? Ask youself if your need to be self-important and noticed by others is more important than another's right to live life as they see fit. If you don't like what someone does...ignore it. Unless that someone is in a position to alter your life or society as a whole by their actions. (you know...like a politician or a corporation)
Do I sound paranoid? If you think I do...that doesn't offend me. It takes a lot more than that to offend me. I base my thoughts on facts as I understand them. Could I be wrong? Until someone proves me wrong, I consider myself right.
As a Christian, I experience things on a daily basis that offend me. Do I whine and cry about it? No. I have my faith and my way of dealing with it. You know...live and let live. Acts of violence and cruelty offend me. Calling me a name does not. Words, with or without context, are just words. My mother raised me to be stronger than mere words. If yours didn't, I pity you. And guess what...I don't give a flying fuck if you're offended by that.
Stop and take a long look around you. Look at our country and the mess it's in. Look at the world and see the mess it's in. Then ask yourself who's truly to blame. Then you'll find something to be truly offended by.
Saturday, June 1, 2013
What's Next???
Many of you have asked why I'm planning a long break from performing. First off, thanks for the concern. This decision has been a while coming. As most of you know, the past few years have been harder than they should've been. I finally made a conscious decision that, for at least the foreseeable future, I need to concentrate on work, family, and home...mostly work.
I was unemployed for all of 2012. While I got by OK, a lot of bills didn't get the attention they craved. I had to park my HoopDeVille and start taking the bus. I've been OK with all of that. But...after being laid off a few weeks ago with no chance of unemployment benefits, I've been forced to take drastic measures.
On the positive side, I now have a job again. While neither glamorous nor particularly challenging, it's a job. The pay is decent and offers lots of overtime. 6-7 day work weeks will not be unusual. Factor in that I'll be working the afternoon shift (2:30p - 10:30p), all the way out there in Crambleberry, and you can see that gigging probably won't be possible.
So, does this mean I'm retiring from music? In short, the answer is an emphatic NO!!!!!!!!
I'll still be doing shows when possible. I have a few already lined up. I've let my new employers know that on these certain days, I will not be available. I'm sure they'll survive.
I also plan to continue to record. I have one CD finished that I've been sitting on for a while. It's just not been the right time to release it (I also couldn't afford to release it on my own...and I don't trust record companies)...and who knows, it could be out soon. I have another disc that I'd like to have out by fall. That one will be early Tremblers stuff...including a lot of alternate mixes, a couple of new songs with the old lineup and a few unreleased tracks. I'm also still working on the next studio album...which I think is going to be the best I've ever done. I already have confirmation from a couple of "guests" who are going to make the record just explode (musicially). I think you'll all be surprised when you find out who they are.
So, I'm OK. Life is good. Just having to make some grown up decisions. The young'un is being very supportive of my choice. She knows I'll never stop making music. That, for me, is simply an impossibility.
For the time being, I need to be content with a "normal" life. Job, bills, fixing up the house...the usual. I'm a very lucky and blessed man to have someone like the young'un to share it all with...the good AND the bad. We've weathered some storms in our 5+ years together and we keep getting stronger.
I'm also looking into going back to school (again). As I'll have mornings open, I might as well utilize that time for something positive. Once I finally have that elusive sheepskin, I probably won't have to worry about some of the issues I contend with these days. Who knows...we'll see.
Regardless, I'd like to see YOU at one of the next few gigs. It could be your last chance for a long time...and really, you know what my shows are like....LOUD, FAST, & FUN!!!!!!!! Here's where I'll be:
July 20: The Ralley in the Valley (Connellsville, PA) - This will be my 6th (I think) year at the Ralley. ALWAYS a fun time! If ya like hot rods, street rods, rat rods, R&R and pinups...this is the place to be! PLUS...I'll be playing with both bands! The Bessemers around 1pm and The Legendary Tremblers around 3:30 (as always, we'll be providing the tunes for the pin up competition...and we'll have the best view possible! LOL)
July 27: Howler's Coyote Cafe (Pittsburgh, PA) - This is gonna be a rare kinda night! It's our bass player Rob's 60th birthday! We're gonna show ya that old farts can outrock the kids any day of the week! Also on the bill will be legendary Pittsburgh rockers ATS! There's rumor that The Armadillos will be onboard too...but their bass player's wife is close to having a kid...so we'll see how that unfolds. Regardless, it's gonna be a night to remember!!!
The Bessemers may be playing at some vintage bike ralley in the afternoon...but that's not been confirmed yet.
October 11: We're doing a set at our bass player's daughter's wedding. Sorry kids...this is a private event.
In the inimitable words of Porky Pig, "Beebadabeedababee...That's All Folks!"
Stick around...ya never know what could happen next!
I was unemployed for all of 2012. While I got by OK, a lot of bills didn't get the attention they craved. I had to park my HoopDeVille and start taking the bus. I've been OK with all of that. But...after being laid off a few weeks ago with no chance of unemployment benefits, I've been forced to take drastic measures.
On the positive side, I now have a job again. While neither glamorous nor particularly challenging, it's a job. The pay is decent and offers lots of overtime. 6-7 day work weeks will not be unusual. Factor in that I'll be working the afternoon shift (2:30p - 10:30p), all the way out there in Crambleberry, and you can see that gigging probably won't be possible.
So, does this mean I'm retiring from music? In short, the answer is an emphatic NO!!!!!!!!
I'll still be doing shows when possible. I have a few already lined up. I've let my new employers know that on these certain days, I will not be available. I'm sure they'll survive.
I also plan to continue to record. I have one CD finished that I've been sitting on for a while. It's just not been the right time to release it (I also couldn't afford to release it on my own...and I don't trust record companies)...and who knows, it could be out soon. I have another disc that I'd like to have out by fall. That one will be early Tremblers stuff...including a lot of alternate mixes, a couple of new songs with the old lineup and a few unreleased tracks. I'm also still working on the next studio album...which I think is going to be the best I've ever done. I already have confirmation from a couple of "guests" who are going to make the record just explode (musicially). I think you'll all be surprised when you find out who they are.
So, I'm OK. Life is good. Just having to make some grown up decisions. The young'un is being very supportive of my choice. She knows I'll never stop making music. That, for me, is simply an impossibility.
For the time being, I need to be content with a "normal" life. Job, bills, fixing up the house...the usual. I'm a very lucky and blessed man to have someone like the young'un to share it all with...the good AND the bad. We've weathered some storms in our 5+ years together and we keep getting stronger.
I'm also looking into going back to school (again). As I'll have mornings open, I might as well utilize that time for something positive. Once I finally have that elusive sheepskin, I probably won't have to worry about some of the issues I contend with these days. Who knows...we'll see.
Regardless, I'd like to see YOU at one of the next few gigs. It could be your last chance for a long time...and really, you know what my shows are like....LOUD, FAST, & FUN!!!!!!!! Here's where I'll be:
July 20: The Ralley in the Valley (Connellsville, PA) - This will be my 6th (I think) year at the Ralley. ALWAYS a fun time! If ya like hot rods, street rods, rat rods, R&R and pinups...this is the place to be! PLUS...I'll be playing with both bands! The Bessemers around 1pm and The Legendary Tremblers around 3:30 (as always, we'll be providing the tunes for the pin up competition...and we'll have the best view possible! LOL)
July 27: Howler's Coyote Cafe (Pittsburgh, PA) - This is gonna be a rare kinda night! It's our bass player Rob's 60th birthday! We're gonna show ya that old farts can outrock the kids any day of the week! Also on the bill will be legendary Pittsburgh rockers ATS! There's rumor that The Armadillos will be onboard too...but their bass player's wife is close to having a kid...so we'll see how that unfolds. Regardless, it's gonna be a night to remember!!!
The Bessemers may be playing at some vintage bike ralley in the afternoon...but that's not been confirmed yet.
October 11: We're doing a set at our bass player's daughter's wedding. Sorry kids...this is a private event.
In the inimitable words of Porky Pig, "Beebadabeedababee...That's All Folks!"
Stick around...ya never know what could happen next!
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