Happy Birthday to Darian

It's Darian's 18th Birthday today. Happy Birthday D, I love you!

Alice In Chains Listening Party

I haven't even recapped the Rocklahoma event and I'm already going to new events in LA. Monday night I got a text from a friend inviting me out to a listening party for Alice In Chains' new album, Black Gives Way To Blue, scheduled for a September release.

I landed back in LA Tuesday morning and then that night 4 of us went out to the listening party. The set up was nice, free open bar, free In 'N Out Burgers, and was set up in what looked like a modern multimedia theater. Two small screens flanking both sides of the stage and a very large screen in the middle.

I had never been to a listening party so I didn't know what to expect. As we walked in they had the video for "A Looking In View" playing on the big screen over and over again. One of either the marketing or label people got up and stage, welcomed everybody and then they played the CD with accompanying still visuals on the large screen.

The artwork accompanying the songs was distorted views of reality. My favorite was of an eclipse of the Moon covering the Sun, however the Moon was much larger than the Sun which is not a perspective you can see from Earth. Other distortions included two people sitting around a table with a child standing on the table that looked to be only 10" tall. Very fitting artwork for this band.

The CD is fairly steady consisting of heavy, dark material and material that started in the acoustic world. You would never notice that Layne Staley isn't on this material. Will DuVall, their new singer blends perfectly with Jerry Cantrell, and this material is fidelity wise an evolution of the band although the songs may not be.

After the CD the screen lifted and revealed Alice In Chains on stage in an acoustic setting. They were a five piece featuring Derek Sherinian, from Dream Theater fame, on keyboards. They ran through three songs and then left the stage. One classic, and the performance premiere of two of their new tracks.

Alice In Chains
July 14, 2009
The Ricardo Montalban Theater
CD Listening Party

Down In A Whole
Your Decision
Black Gives Way To Blue

They took our phones at the door so unfortunately I don't have any pictures from the event itself, although I was able to get a poster promoting the album, and a guitar pick.

Rocklahoma 2009 - Day 1

Terry and I made it to Rocklahoma 2009 yesterday. Nothing quite like coming back to the show and seeing familiar faces, and meeting up with friends we've made through the years at the event.

We arrived to the event around 3pm and once we got our wristbands
1. Age verification for drinking (check)
2. 4 day pass for event (check)
3. VIP Seat assignment (check)

As we walked into the venue Metal Church was wrapping up their set. We only saw one full song which ended up being a cover of Deep Purple's Highway Star. This also marked Metal Church's final performance as a band. It seemed a non event.

Next up was Anvil. I had seen their movie and although their music isn't the best I was looking forward to their set. Shortly before their show I bought their newest CD "This Is 13". The recording of this CD was featured prominently in their movie.

Sadly the Spinal Tap moments haven't ended for this group. Let's count.

1. They had no roadies and were loading their own gear onto the stage prior to their set. Spinal Tap moment #1.

2. Lips is their frontman and ran right out onto stage at the start of their set and then immediately tripped on a stair and fell on his face. Spinal Tap moment #2.

3. Lips is fairly chatty between songs, and he'd tell these stories that were a bit awkward. It's like the guy that tells a joke or story and the delivery is poor. Fortunately Lips is charming so although the stories were awkward you found yourself laughing anyway. Spinal Tap moment #3.

4. Near the end of their set Lips trips on the stage again, making for a total of 2 falls. Spinal Tap moment #4.


Anvil

Soundcheck - This Is Thirteen

Set
This Is Thirteen
666
School Love
Winged Assassins
Jack Hammer
Race Against Time
White Rhino -> Drum Solo
Metal On Metal

They were fun to watch and although their music isn't all that memorable I had a good time. However, I don't think Anvil did much for Terry.

Next up was Overkill, but we didn't see them. We were off to meet Saxon and Nigel their drummer. Out in LA one of the bands I'm in is called Spidersuit and features Pete on guitar. His sister married the drummer of Saxon a couple of years back so as we were driving up to the event and listening to music I noticed Terry had some Saxon on his iPod. A couple of emails and phone calls later we found ourselves backstage getting autographs and pictures with Saxon. A lot of fun and completely unexpected.

After the meet and greet we headed to the VIP tent and ate dinner and refreshed our beverages. Next up was Saxon!

I had maybe heard only 2 Saxon songs prior to the show, and I must say they put on a hell of a show. They gave the best performance out of all the bands on Day 1. Lots of double bass which was nice for me to see as a drummer and considering we had just met Nigel backstage, and since I'm connected via a couple of degrees of separation it was great to see them bring such a great show to the event.

Saxon

Battalions Of Steel
Heavy Metal Thunder
Demon Sweeney Todd
Strong Arm Of The Law
Valley of The Kings
This Town Knows How To Rock
Dallas 1pm (Last minute addition to set list requested by Anvil)
Wheels Of Steel
Crusader

Encore
Denim And Leather
Princess Of The Night

After the set Nigel texted me, and asked me how I liked the show. It was the surprise of the day for me and I had a great time. He said it was nice to meet me and Friday morning he heads back to England.

The final show of the day was Anthrax. Terry is a big fan but had never seen these guys live. I'd seen them a few times through the years so I knew they can bring a great show and this was the event I was looking forward to all day.

Anthrax's new singer is Dan Nelson and as the guys walked onto the stage Dan looked considerably different from the last time I saw him. He had a beard and looked a little more sinister, which is appropriate for metal. And Scott Ian had a full beard as well.

Their set had a slow start, the crowd interaction was poor and the guys in the band weren't hitting their stride. About 3-4 songs into the set they were getting into the rhythm of the show and Dan was working his best to get the crowd that had been out in the sun for as many as 12 hours to give some energy back to the band.

Anthrax

Indians
Got The Time
Madhouse
Antisocial
Fight 'Em (new song)
Caught In A Mosh
Safe Home
Room For One More
Only
What Doesn't Die
(Birthday celebration for Frankie Bello. The brought out a cake and had the crowd sing happy birthday to him.)
I Am The Law

Encore
Whole Lotta Rosie (AC/DC cover)

I was standing by some guys we had met last year and starting with Caught In A Mosh we started some very light moshing and banging into one another. Only 3 of us doing it but fun nonetheless.

After the set I was able to get a Frankie Bello guitar pic, a Scott Ian guitar pic, and Rob's setlist. Considering the drought of after show freebies through the day it was nice to get some Anthrax after concert swag. Terry walked up after the set and was as hoarse as could be. Nothing like singing at the top of your lungs for 90 minutes.

Once Anthrax's set was over they showed the Anvil movie on the big screens. Terry hadn't seen it before so we stayed for the movie and were on the road back to our hotel shortly shortly before 3am. After a quick shower, and the after concert wind down we were asleep by 3:30am. Approximately 13 solid hours of rocking. Not bad for day 1.

Moving day for Darian

Moving D into her first apartment of her own in Santa Barbara. A big
day for all of us. Here is a quick pic of the front door.

She is what they call one of the Gillespie Cottages. A very fancy
name for a mult-unit four-plex.

Change

So they say you should not fear change. In the upcoming weeks we will be going through a series of life changes. Darian moves off to school on Tuesday, and by the end of July we will be moving out of our house in Santa Monica. A little downsizing, and time for us to start on our new journey, collectively and individually.

I can't say I'm looking forward to all of this change, but in life I've never been afraid of change. A couple of decisions through the years have significantly changed our lives and now 10 years later we find ourselves living in Los Angeles, having successfully raised Darian through school, and now we will send her off to experience life on her own. And in many ways we will be going through this new beginning and embracing new experiences, on our own, as she will do by herself.

Over the next 4-6 weeks I'll be moving from Santa Monica and will relocate into the Hollywood area. Only a short 9 miles, yet a world away.

Although this posting doesn't say everything, it represents one of those key turning points in my life.

Michael Jackson RIP

There really isn't anything to say about this icon that hasn't already been said.

I work in Westwood and my office window looks over the UCLA Medical Center which is where Michael was taken. Upon the news of him being rushed to the hospital and then later his death I was able to see helicopter after helicopter circle the medical center. At one point there were 6 different helicopters in my view from my office window, and traffic had backed up considerably. No matter what you think about this icon you can't deny his impact on society.

With that said I do remember watching the Motown 25th anniversary special and seeing the Moonwalk. The was a time before Tivo and DVRs, and we didn't even have a VCR. However to this day that was a performance that I'll never forget. I became one of the kids in elementary school that perfected the Moonwalk. That was a piece of joy and an unforgettable memory from childhood that Michael Jackson left with me.

D's Graduating

Today is the big graduation day. It's hard to believe we've come this far and now she is getting ready for her big celebration and in less than 3 weeks she will be moving to Santa Barbara to go to college.

I'm very proud of her and hope nothing but the best for her as she starts the next part of her journey.

Spidersuit books multiple shows!

Spidersuit has booked a couple of shows. Here is a quote from Pete when I asked when was the last time Spidersuit booked multiple shows?

"The first time since '79. Remember opening for UFO in Odessa? We rocked!"

We are in the final stages of wrapping up our CD so with a little work, and a little luck one of these shows may be used as a CD release party.

These shows have been booked with other bands that are friends of the 'suit so these will be good full nights of music. And Tom, our bassist, will be doing double duty for our October show playing both with Spidersuit and Brainspoon.

Monday June 29th
Venue: El Cid - Los Angeles, CA
Featuring Spidersuit and Broken Ocean

Saturday October 3rd
Venue: The Puka Bar - Long Beach, CA
Featuring Spidersuit and Brainspoon

Scream for me Long Beach!

Back On Nutrisystem

After nearly 3 years I've decided to get back on to Nutrisystem for a bit. When we first moved to LA I lost nearly 35 pounds on Nutrisystem and I was able to maintain my weight for nearly 2 1/2 years.

The build up of stress, a job with a new company, and lots of traveling have quickly taken its toll. Although I haven't gained all of the weight back, I have gained more back than I was comfortable gaining. Today was my first full day on the program, and all I can say is I'm hungry!

On the plus side the food is much better than it was when I weaned myself off of the program back in mid 2006. I'm looking forward to seeing how much I can lose this time around. When I'm in town I've been working out with Jacki's trainer and I know that a combination of diet and exercise will yield even better results than when I did this back in 2005/2006.

At my first Yankees game

I'm stuck in NJ but at least I'm getting to enjoy a game at the brand
new Yankee Stadium.

Lakers Victory

This was taken during the final minutes of the Lakers victory over
Utah. LA now moves on to the next round of the playoffs.

Goodbye Alberta

Jacki's mom, Alberta Weaver, passed away yesterday. Thankfully we had spent our spring break based with her a few weeks back and it was with a heavy heart that we return so soon.

Jacki and Darian left for Port Lavaca yesterday and I'll be flying out Tuesday morning.

Here are a couple of pictures of Jacki and her Mom taken on April 11.

17 Again

Last night we went to see 17 Again the movie where Darian was an extra. She filmed her parts during the winter break nearly a year and half ago, and the move opened this weekend.

Shortly into the movie after Zac Efron's character turned 17 Again, we were able to see Darian, blue hair and all, run into Zac and she made a great disgusted face as he nearly ran into her. Total screen time was only about 2 seconds but it was great to see her up on the big screen.

A significant portion of the movie was filmed at Darian's highschool, however all of the Santa Monica highschool references were removed and replaced with Hayden High.

If you are looking for a light comedy geared around a 37 year old turning 17 again then go and see 17 Again, starring Darian :-)

KISS is coming to the US

But the trick is you have to vote on your city for them to come to it. The cities with the greatest amount of votes will get the show. So if you are in LA vote so I can see them!

View all Los Angeles events on Eventful

Spider Gig

Spidersuit will be playing at Juanita's in LA next Monday. Check out the killer flyer made by our bass player Tom Underhill. We've been working on our new CD and will be debuting some of the new material.

Spidersuit
Monday March 3, 2009
Juanita's
5930 York Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90042

See you at the gig.

Cotton Candy

Jacki and I had just a "little" cotton candy today at the saddle ranch
after our lunch.

RIP BMG Music Service

You know those 12 CDs for a penny ads in magazines and newspapers? I just received notice that effective June 30th the service will be no more. Signs of death of the traditional music industry continue.

I've been an active member for over 20 years. I joined their CD program in January of 1989 when I was in high school and was so proud that I was able to build my original CD library on a budget.

This service also has the unique distinction of being a club that I've been a member of longer than any other. I originally joined in the mid 80s as part of their tape/album service and switched over to CDs in 1989.

If you are a member look for continued sales emails as they look to deplete their inventory.

Seven Seraphim

Wednesday night was a great success. We had a great turnout and filled the Key Club. After our show the attendance thinned through the night. Not great for the bands after us, but a sense of accomplishment that we brought our own crowd to the show.

For those that don't know the Key Club was called Gazarri's back in the 70s and 80s. Many of the hard rock acts from that period got their start at this club including Van Halen, Motley Crue and the club was prominently featured in a movie that documented the 80s metal scence called The Decline Of Western Civilization Part II. So with all of that said this was a big deal for me to play at this particular venue. Lots of history for my favorite type of music and some of the best shows I've seen since moving out to LA have been at this club including Great White, W.A.S.P., The Wildhearts and Bob Schneider.

I got to the club shortly before 5pm and had plenty of time to do load in. Around 5:30 they had mic'd up most of my drums and we were able to do a full band sound check running through the first half of Anastasia.

We had an hour and a half until show time so I met up with Jacki and Darian and we went over the Rainbow and met up with friends from my work. To an outsider it was an odd collection of people from rockers, to IT people, to some of the old guard from IBM and polished consultants from Deloitte. I know the Key Club was wondering who invaded their club once we went on, considering the atypical audience crowd.

Going into the show I was worried about the lack of rehearsal with our new bassist, but it all worked out. Only a couple of minor flubs here and there which no one seemed to notice. After the show I heard nothing but good things about the performance, and I even got props from some of the Key Club staff as I was loading out my gear.

After making the rounds and saying hi to friends from work and friends from the past it was time to move on. I wasn't able to check out the headliners Powerman 5000 since they were going on so late, so instead a group of us made it to a Karaoke bar down the street that had a live backing band dubbed "Corey"-oke, since the band members are all named Corey. We closed at the night there.

I work with quite a few musicians and they were teasing me about my after show glow which lasted well into Thursday. This was a great night and a show I'll never forget.

Seven Seraphim
February 18, 2009
Key Club
Los Angeles, CA

Anastasia
Lady Jade
Song Blaque
Dance In The Red
The Discordant
The Hand That Feeds

Debut performance of Seven Seraphim.
Guitar - Andrew Szucs
Vocals - Sam Terceman
Drums - David Howard
Bass - Rufus Philpot (Guest Bassist)

Seven Seraphim Tonight!

Tonight my band, Seven Seraphim, plays our debut concert at the Key Club on Sunset in Hollywood at 7:30pm. We are the first band of the night and will be opening for Powerman 5000.

Hope to see everyone at the show!

Styx at HOB

After getting back to LA late on Tuesday night, canceled flights, rerouting, bad weather, etc... it was back to the normal routine.

I got through the first day back in the office and I took an immediate diversion to see Styx at the House Of Blues with Brian, a friend from work. We spent a little too much time at his place before hand and missed the first few songs of Styx's set but were able to see nearly an hour and a half of their 2 hour set.

Styx has the distinction of being my first concert when I was 10 years old. Through the years I haven't followed Styx closely but I have managed to see them a few times, the last time being in Atlanta with Jacki and my other band mates from The Superlatives.

All I can really say about last night's show is Tommy Shaw is the man. I could not believe how strong his voice sounded after all of these years. He was signing songs that were recorded some 30+ years ago and he sounds better on them now than on the original recordings.

Fooling Yourself, Renegade and Come Sail Away were the definite highlights, with a cover of The Beatles I Am The Walrus being a pleasant surprise.

And after the show I was even able to get a Styx guitar pick.