NEVER AGAIN

Never again will I use the words “hiatus” or “break” ever again! HA!

Aside from one weekend in August, I’ve gigged EVERY weekend since July 31st. Pretty staggering for someone like me. Might not be a big deal to some of you but lest you forgot, I used to gig a lot between 2015-2019 with my own band, as well as the cover band I was in, and helping a punk band. When I stepped away back in May 2019, I convinced myself “You’re done, just stop!”

Little did I know…

I eased back into performing very tentatively back in 2021. A gig here and there. Getting home anywhere between 1-3am some nights was going to cause havoc on my physical and mental health, right? Did I really want to do this all over again? Once I started getting more sub gigs, the feelings of “Yeah this could be good again” crept in.

But for those who may recall, the one Facebook message from Supernova singer Mike McCormick altered my path: “Feel like filling your dance card for the rest of the year?”

I thought “Yeah why not!” Plenty of Supernova gigs await me. And then other bands suddenly asked for my skills, namely Rubber Duckie Riot and Evolution. “Hey can you fill in this weekend?” and “Are you available in two weeks?” filled my inbox and it was a wonderful feeling.

Being in-demand is pretty damn cool.

I did another fill-in gig last night with Evolution, this time at River Grille in Chatham, NJ. Small room as to be expected but I make the most of it. I brought both the Behemoth and the Fly boards, in case space was limited. The Behemoth won again! I was told “When this place gets packed, watch your pedals, someone might trip over them.” Thankfully that didn’t happen but some people enjoy brushing up against the microphone stands. Do they not see them?!

The night started off mellow, and we were entertained by a cute couple who were dancing and singing alone. Turns it out was their very first date! And they are both Black Sabbath fans, so doubly cool! Towards the second set, a wave of people showed up, dressed to the nines. Gowns?! SUITS?! Did they come from a high school reunion? No, they came from a wedding! I guess that party ended early so we were treated to everyone dancing up a storm and singing at the top of their lungs. One woman tried to put a cigarette in my mouth?! That’s a first. I backed up and said “Sorry, not my thing” and she apologized. Still the night turned out to be a great success!

But my September is growing more and more…

Louie from Evolution asked if I was around to fill in for a gig on Saturday September 26th at Pompton Lakes VFW. I said I have a gig the night before with Supernova at Thirsty Farmer, and he told me that the event goes from 4-8. So I can live with an early gig! We’re done, right? Nope…

Bob from RDR sent me a text asking if I was free on Wednesday (!) September 23rd for a car show gig at Blue Arrow Farms in Warwick, NY. I normally teach but since my private students are in marching band, and their rehearsals are Wednesday nights, I have free time. Decently early show from 6-9pm. And I get outta NJ for the first time a year.

THE FAKE TOUR EXPANDS!

This is the busiest I’ve been and will continue to be for quite a while. Yes I pace myself, know when to rest up, am up on my gear, making sure things are still working and in tune. Who knows how long this train will run? I am just going along, picking up gigs as they come, and finally having the life that I wished for.

Wait til you see the list for October though.

Not bad for someone who thought he was done.

**Seven dates have been confirmed so far in 2027 for Supernova. I can’t say anything yet but when the band posts things, you know I will too.