Hello friends and neighbors! I know it has been a while since I last posted anything but if I don't have anything to say then I don't try to make up crap just to stay current. I would rather wait until I have something to say.
So, here I am, thinking about the last 20 plus years and realizing that I have become a bit of a hermit. I shut myself off from the world and people that I love. Those of you who know me also know my history but there are those of you who don't and in order for this to make sense to the latter I need to share a bit of that history with them. To those in the know, your patience is appreciated.
Prior to coming to L.A. I lived just north of Philly for a few years after getting out of the military. While there I began meeting people with similar interests in music , Tara, Bob, Chrissy, Brian, Anne, Monica, Betsy, Brett, Jen, to name just a few and started going to Philly to see bands and party. For those of you who remember Cinderella( band..not movie) I saw them in clubs and then they got signed. That was when I decided that I wanted to not just watch the music scene...but to become a part of it.
I came to Los Angeles with $150.00, a suitcase and a dream. I wanted to be involved in the music industry. I rented a room in a really bad hotel on Hollywood Blvd for a week at a cost of $99.00. I figured I would give myself a week to try and find some work and make some connections. I can't say that I was totally successful but I did make it. I went to The Rainbow, The Roxy, Whiskey a Go Go, Gazzarris ( yup, that long ago ), Troubadour, Cat House, etc, and I made some friends along the way. Some of these people have gone on to become legends and stars in the rock scene and some ended up like me, working a day job. But I wasn't always working a day job and sometimes I miss my old life.
Back then I was broke much of the time but I believe I was most definitely happier than I am today, even though I have a great job and am not broke( a good argument for money not making a person happy ). Back then I spent every weekend on the strip and most weekdays too, hanging with friends, always meeting new and interesting people and just having good times. I met some great people along the way, Happenin Harry, Joe Sutton, Jamie Bone, Carlos Cavazo, Tony Cavazo, Pat Ashby, Bobbi Rondinelli, Doug Ensbury, Andrea Tutone, Amit and Oren Bustan, Stan Smith,...the list goes on but these are the ones that I have kept in touch with over the years. I went to Trebas Institute for Recording Arts, worked at Guitar Center in Hollywood, did some tech work for Tokyo Rose, Tony Cavazo while he was in Gang of Thieves and eventually got a gig with Quiet Riot as Carlos Cavazos' guitar tech. The gig didn't pay much but it was definitely good times and I would work for any of the aforementioned musicians again. All were great to work for.
After touring I guess one could say that I settled down. I got a regular job and made a new group of friends. In the process I left the world of music behind ...but never the music....the music has been and and always will be in my soul. What I call " The After Life" has been good and the friends I have made are all top shelf. Tim and Angela and the girls are like an adopted family and have always been there for me....especially in some of the hardest times....love doesn't do justice for what I feel for them! Also a shout to the rest of that group....love you all!
I guess what I am trying to say is that over the last 15 years I have kind of lost myself. I have lost what I love and those who I love. I forgot what was important to a healthy life and I have begun the process of reconnecting with those people and places that made me laugh, always put a smile on my face or made me feel at home in their establishment or home. In the process I am sure to meet new people who will become great friends and add more laughter and memories to my life.
To those of you that have been there this whole time....THANK YOU for always being my friend. To those of you who I have recently reconnected with or have recently met....THANK YOU for adding me to your life and allowing me to be a part of it.
Now......can we just TURN IT UP!!!!!!!!
