FAKE TOUR OFF TO A GOOD START

The start of my fake tour of New Jersey began last night at Sam’s Bar & Grill (Ringwood, NJ) as sub for Rubber Duckie Riot.

Ibuprofen is my friend now.

Upon entering the place, and I’ve been there before, I saw a small space cleared for the band. Bands used to be set up in the other bigger room but I can see why they moved them to be closer to the bar. Despite the smaller space, we made it work.

Once we got set up, plugged in, and levels set, we were off and running! With songs ranging from 60s to early 2000s, the set list was flowing. People were dancing all night, and a young band even got up in between sets to play live for the first time and it was very cool. Their one guitarist used my gear and had his own guitar, even said to me, “Um, I’m not used to playing a loud amp.” I replied, “Welcome to the big time!”

And I must have a face that evokes various questions such as “Weren’t you in an Ozzy tribute band?”, “Didn’t I see you in the early 90s playing Mike’s Tavern?” and “Aren’t you Steve Brown of Trixter?” The answer for all three was no! And some people were convinced that I was playing in cover bands in the 90s, which I never did. But people have fuzzy memories, and while I do at times too, I am fully aware of who I did and didn’t play with.

But all told, I had a blast and it was a great way to start off my pretend tour. One down, 16 more shows to go. Fifteen with Supernova, and another with RDR on Halloween at Mason Jar (7 minutes from my house!)

I need to get back in shape though.

Was I ever in shape?