THINK FAST!

First time playing The Beacon in Lake Hopatcong and while some things change, some things still stay the same.

What did I walk into?

To start, this was more of a restaurant with a bar than being a bar that served food. Okay fine with me. For some reason, it reminded me of when I played the Ramsey Country Club years ago with another cover band. Polo shirts, khaki shorts, very collegiate-looking to my eyes. Okay this is going to be something. It’s a nice place for sure, and like most rooms, there’s a lakefront that pleasing to the eyes.

And I stroll in looking like a Metallica roadie!

But I wouldn’t be me if I looked all spit-shined and perfectly manicured. I always said I have dirt under my fingernails and my hair will be slightly askew. Some of the looks I got from the patrons, well, that’s to be expected. I’m not judging, not my style, but am always quietly observing.

What about the show itself?

We didn’t get much of a soundcheck as there’s a rule that no noise can be made until 9pm by the band. How un-rock and roll is THAT? Still, we totally flew by the seat of our pants, did a quick level check, agreed that we’d tweak things as the night progressed. But what happened to my guitar sound?! It was not as punchy or creamy-sounding. It was thinner and less ballsy. The laminated floors and the high ceilings didn’t help. “Think fast!” was what went through my mind. In the past I would have freaked out and let it consume me for the rest of the night, and a few days after.

Not anymore!

My first thought was change the EQ settings on the amp. Then futz with knobs the boost pedals. Fix the delay so it doesn’t wash things out. Did my best for sure. I felt like my tone was too bright in that room. But the most important thing was that THE BAND sounded good. Everything blended well, and the people were dancing all night. My legs were tired watching them!

The first set was more dance/pop/country, with songs like “Footloose”, “Can’t Stop The Feeling” (yes I did a Justin Timberlake song), and a song I totally forgot about, “Honey I’m Good”. Music really has become more disposable, hasn’t it? Anyway, the second set was more on the harder side, with songs by Bon Jovi, Poison, AC/DC and of course “Cult Of Personality” by Living Colour. That to me is where I shine the brightest. And people took notice…boy they did!! I got the respect of the crowd, even if most weren’t there to hear ear-melting solos.

I do those quite well 😉

BTW: Mike announced to the crowd that I am a member of Supernova, so it’s official. People raised their drinks, cheered me on, and some friends said things like “About fuckin’ time!” I have to say, in my many years of playing in bands (including my own), this is the first time I am truly accepted and appreciated. Long may this last.

No Supernova gigs until July 31 when we’re back at Charley’s Tavern. So either I’m going to have a two-week break or if another band needs my assistance, I will heed the call.

And if I ever wear polos and khakis, please smack me.