Back To Basics

Well hello everybody,

This is the first post on my blog in quite some time. I've now officially launched my website joeykellyallstars.com and in the process linked my blog page to the site as well.

  There's been so much that's happened since I last checked in here. I've since played and shared the stage with some of the most talented & dynamic musicians around, Gene Cornish of The Rascals, Vince Martell of Vanilla Fudge, Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame Inductee Ricky Byrd, the incredible Jon Paris, Kenny Aaronson of The Yardbirds, Mark Bosch Of The Ian Hunter band, the list goes on and on. I'm also featured on the Peppy Castro (Blues Magoos)/Steve Leber soundtrack, "Rockin' The Bible" as the singing voice of Moses, soon to be produced as a Broadway play.

  I'll also be fronting/singing with both Dive Bar Romeos & The Magic Tramps at The Max's Kansas City ,76 LP/CD party at The Bowery Electric in NYC:  May 25th through May 27th. On the official Jungle Records CD release will be the Joey Kelly / Peter Crowley composition, "AMANDA" which you can pre-order through Amazon Prime. Meanwhile enjoy this live recording from the summer 2016. The Staten Island All-Stars featuring Joey Kelly, Ricky Byrd, Kasim Sulton, Marge Raymond, Dee Meyer & Tony Provosti.

Talk Soon,
Joey Kelly

Six Months Time & A World Away....

Well I finally get around to adding another chapter to a day in the life. It only took me six months to do so. At this point I can hardly remember what happened yesterday let alone the beginning of the year. If I recall correctly "All Mobbed Up" played what appears to have been their final show at The Gecko Lounge on Staten Island last December. The Holiday Christmas Bash was with some special talent that evening. Peter Baron, long time friend and musician graced us with his rendition of "Little Drummer Boy" and it rocked. John "JD" DeServio from "Black Label Society" jammed with the Mob on the Rolling Stones classic "Sympathy For The Devil" and besides John being a fantastic bass man, he's one Kool Kat!  Last but not least Natasha Adonzio put on one of the best fashion shows to come out of New York City in a long time. "The Mob" will continue to do specialty gigs around the NYC area in the future. The band will be in Coney Island every Saturday night during July and August this summer to send off Cha Cha's Of Coney Island in Style. The reputation of the band and the crowds they continue to draw cannot be denied. Never let it be said "All Mobbed Up" doesn't do things in style. They Always Do!

What I do know is that the long awaited Buddy Love CD was finally released a couple of months ago and has been hailed as one of this years best Power Pop albums to date. Looks like me & the boys will sign a deal with the new CD Project as well followed by a summer & fall tour. The band also continues to pitch songs and soundtracks to major movie and film outlets across the globe. The 2011 highlight for me was on Valentines Day when Buddy Love was asked to appear on "All Night with Joey Reynolds" show on the NBC television network. It thought that was pretty cool, you know Valentines Day/Buddy Love and the whole bit. Let me say it was quite the gig playing our songs for millions of people across the world. It's hard to explain how that really feels, you're somewhat nervous, excited, anxious and "Ready To Rock" all rolled up into one emotion. We decided to open the show with our new single "Crying Town" and close the show with our first chart single from 1980 "Sheila". When you get involved with NBC doors open, connections are made and deals are drafted. A special thanks goes out to Joey Reynolds and the NBC staff for making that all possible. You can find the band performance from NBC on You Tube.

                                                     I would be remiss if I was not to mention my excitement in singing with some of the best female vocalists around. Imagine Joy Ryder, Donna Destri, Dina Regine & Yours Truly involved in a project that we call "Girls Night Out", a perfect blend of harmony & melody that resembles some of the best pop vocals ever recorded or live. "Girls Night Out" has been featured at The Chelsea Hotel (with Walter Stedding) for Jayne County's Art Opening last month. We also got together at The P&G uptown for another go. Originally Joy, Donna and Myself did our first show At Killmeyers on Staten Island a few months ago and we knew right away, we should do this more often. And that's exactly what we've been doing. Singing with these lovely ladies is a labour of love that I just can't put down. Besides I get a chance to sing with all these beautiful female creatures of Rock and Roll. It ain't easy being me.

I think one of the most memorable undertakings this year so far was assisting Billy Rath (Johnny Thunders & The Heartbreakers, Iggy Pop) launch his debut show in over 20 years as he begins his comeback onto the Rock and Roll stage. Both Johnny Rao (David Johansen, Sylvain Sylvain, Michael Monroe) & myself knew going into this project we would not be able to commit long term to The Street Pirates due to our ongoing obligations elsewhere, Billy also knew this. A true rock icon in his own right, Billy was on his game as we proceeded to put together a fine show that Mr. Rath could now take on the road with confidence.  Johnny Rao along with yours truly assited Billy with time, availabilty, rehearsals and a whole bunch of positive energy and encouragement that will help him launch what we're certain to be a successful run.  Good Luck Billy!

Just last night I received a call from a singer that I have admired from my early days in Brooklyn, Marge Raymond. She asked me if I would be available for some vocal work this summer.  Now it really doesn't matter what I may have planned this summer because it all will be put on the back burner when it comes to working with Marge. It's hard to explain but when you have the chance to grace the same stage as Marge in any capacity it's absolute magic. From one vocalist to another, to exchange melodies back and forth, to be able to know a vocalist so well you know when to take center or backstage, these things can't be taught. It's Magic with Marge!

Last but not least July is the month "Joey Kelly's All Stars" will debut at The Bowery Electric for the "Johnny Thunders Birthday Tribute" put together by my good friend Steve Krebs. This will be a who's who of  Lower East Side Royalty finishing up the night with Walter Lure & Jeff Magnum. All my Rock and Roll buddies will be on this bill. The All Stars will consist of some long time friends and gifted musicians that I try and play with whenever I can.  Johnny Eggz (from The Mighty Pragmatics) on guitar and vocals, Johnny Rao (David Johansen, Syl Sylvain & Michael Monroe) on guitar and vocals, Joe Vasta (Mink DeVille & Billy Idol) on bass & the Drummer TBA.  We decided to do some classic NY Dolls & Johnny Thunders songs people will remember.

I have put together a wonderful research team to assist me with the "Treatment" for my book. I can't talk about this in detail for I have been slapped with a Management gag order, so to speak. But I will say this, I had no idea my yesterdays would impact my today's as much as they have. I look forward to working with my newly developed team and begin the process of writing a book.

Joey Kelly, Author. I Like That!

Ciao For Now & Keep Rockin'

   

The End To A Great Year

Finally I get the chance to sit down and type away my friends. What can I say?  I feel alive and well enjoying my family, friends and music. I've decided to write about the past two months or so where I left off on my last blog. 
Shortly after the Cha' Cha's "All Mobbed Up" summer at Coney Island this year I received a call from the one and only Marge Raymond.  Marge and I had just finished a night together with All Mobbed Up at Coney Island and that night was one of the best singing duets I have ever been a part of.  Shortly after Marge called me and asked if I would like to sing a song with her at the 18th Avenue Feast in Brooklyn, I nearly dropped the phone and proceeded to say yes, of course.  We both decided on the standard  "Stand By Me."  All my good friends attended and they said it was great. I don't quite remember too much that night, the whole evening was such a musical high for me, but I'll take their word for it. (lol)  http://www.margeraymond.com/

What else, let's see... Oh yeah, I finally got to perform on the Southpaw stage in Brooklyn where Buddy Love supported the band Sorrows.  I'd seen Paul Collins there with my friend Dave. The sound and lighting was just surpeb.  Seeing Arthur Alexander and Joey Cola from Sorrows after 30 years was alot of fun for me.  Joey, myself and Frank Infante hung out back in the Mudd Club daze quite a bit.  Joey was quick to point out he was already signed w/ Sorrows by that time.  Although Joey didn't recall too much of Mudd Club or our escapades back then, that just made me think once again I should write a book or something.  Although I did as much partying back then as everyone else (probably a bit more to be honest) my memory still serves me well.  I can't seem to remember where I leave my car keys or if I paid my bills on time but thirty years ago seems like last night.

I met one Sari Schorr that night.  She fronts a band called Bertha.  Liberty Devitto played drums with her at the Southpaw gig that night and let me tell you, this chick can sing!  Totally blew me away with her Janis Joplin style and delivery.  Pitch perfect and looks great!  If you get the chance go see her, Sari is something else. Little did I know we would be running into each other again shortly thereafter.
facebook.com/saribethschorr

Later that week everyone from the NYC area and the world for that matter was getting ready for the event of events, The Mudd Club Reunion. The event was held at The Delancey Lounge on the lower east side of New York City.  It was almost sureal as this was one of the best get togethers in a long time. All my co workers, friends and alike were there along with a who's who of celebrity.  Richard Boch, Anita Sarko, Joey Arias, Richard Lloyd and so many more freinds I couldn't keep up. Tish and Snooky, Animal X, The Bush Tetras, Dave Street, Michael Musto, Ann Magunson, Maxi, Marcia Resnick and Curt Weiss just to name a few. The place was packed with an ongoing wait line of over one hundred or more people. Occasionally Richard & I would go outside making sure no one who's someone was left on line for too long, just like the old days. I just wished my other co workers and friends could have attended, namely David Azarch and Colter Rule. Well maybe next time....
www.twitter.com/muddclubreunion

The International Pop Overthow then came to town the following week.  All the bands are rehearsing and brushing up for what is the pop event of the year. This would be the fourth year that Buddy Love was personally asked to play the festival by David Bash, founder & CEO of the IPO. The third year Buddy Love would be on the IPO compilation CD's distributed by Not Lame Records.  Sorrows would play the Friday night slot and Buddy Love would close the event that Sunday early evening.  So I get a call from my friend Bobby "Dee" Waxman that week, tells me he will be special guest with Sorrows at the IPO.  Bobby and Arthur were in a band together prior to Sorrows, The Poppees. A power pop sensation back in the day. I was happy for Bobby. When Bobby first decided to come back in the fold (actually he never left) he played a Freddie Katz production, "Twisted Kicks 1" at Kenny's Castaways with his band The Boyfriends.  This was the first time Bobby and I ever worked together.  Although we both grew up in Brooklyn, had the same friends and attended the same affairs we never played together all those years. I had the honor to sing a song Bobby sold to The Ramones that night, "I Need Your Love".  Imagine this was to be my first homework assignment with Mr.Waxman. That was exciting for me, Bobby's a good friend, great musician and songwriter. So I decided to make the scene that night and go see Bobby with Sorrows.  I shot some pretty good video and pictures of the evening. Enter Sari Schorr with Sorrows as she proceeds to sing her rendition of  "I'd Rather Go Blind". I became an instant fan. I proceeded to trim it and post some footage on my You Tube site. Check it out, it's actually pretty good. I also posted some Richard Lloyd video from the Mudd Club Reunion as well.  www.youtube.com/joeymuddclub

I couldn't think of a better way to end the year than Buddy Love closing out The International Pop Overthrow Festival that Sunday Night in New York City. January the band will begin rehearsals for the 2011 season with brand new songs, performances and business opportunites.  It's really been a great year for the band as we continue to play, record, perform and sell songs in the music business. I consider myself lucky to be able to do what I like to do and make money doing it.  I'm truly blessed, but that's not the half of it. At the end of the day for me it's about family and friends. I've seen many friends this past couple of months and have made many more. It's good to be alive and well.   www.twitter.com/buddylovemusic

 Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays And A Joyous New Year From Me To You! Keep Rockin'!

A September To Remember

                                                  

Wow, what a roller coaster ride the month of September turned out to be for Buddy Love. September has shaped up to be one of our best months yet. But as one strives to be the best they can, there must come a time in every rock and roll band's existence when you must step up to the plate, get better as a unit or come to the realization that things will more than likely remain the same. The call to greatness started for the band with the collaboration of Buddy Love and Tommy Byrnes (Billy Joel) in the studio for the production of our new single “Crying Town”, followed up with Buddy Love supporting “Wang Chung” on Long Island. This certainly pushed the envelope for us and tested our skills as a legitimate unit and profitable franchise. But as it turned out for Buddy Love this was just another test in our slow climb to perfection. After collaborating with Tommy on “Crying Town” we realized the bar had been raised and markers set regardless if we wanted it that way or not. We weren’t sure what to expect or how to proceed. Then we received the call, it was confirmed Buddy Love would be supporting one of the most successful pop bands in the world. The road was clear and our sights were set high.  Wang Chung, here we come...

Buddy Love was superb, held their own and gave Wang Chung a run for their money. Not that Rock and Roll is some sort of competitive sport, but if you want to keep up with the big boys you better damn well hold your own. We did and I’m both happy and relieved about that.  

Then came the band’s second hurdle of the month, acceptance and renewal. You know being the doorman at both Mudd Club and Max’s Kansas City in the late 70's/early 80’s by today’s standards makes you kind of a big deal. I didn’t ask for it. It just happened that way. There are interviews and video chats you’re involved with while the people listening or reading the articles are trying to capture the moment, your moment in words and stories. Editors of publications trying to find that one twist to a story no one else is aware of or a particular memory you may have of some celebrity or another that no one has ever heard before.  I’m sure when the Mudd Club reunion takes place this October @ The Delancey in New York City with all the original personnel manning their respected posts, the paparazzi will be running a muck once again. Hence rock and roll history is made for the generations. It’s just like when Buddy Love played Max’s the first few times in the 80’s, we didn’t realize the bands and clubs at that time were to be part of rock and roll history.  We all were just going through the motions unaware of anything more than wanting to play music. We were just kids, full of piss and vinegar, but now that I've performed at both Max’s Reunions, once in 2008 with what was to become ”All Mobbed Up” (thanks Peter Crowley) then again in 2010 with “Buddy Love”, it begins to dawn on me why I'm here, because I was there, renewal. My dear friend Nancy Cataldi would always say to me "Joey, either you were there or you weren't". Simple enough,right?  When Buddy Love was asked to play The Max’s Kansas City Reunion 2010, I must admit I wasn’t sure if the band would be a good fit. Max’s was the breeding ground for some of the best artists, punk & glam bands in the world. Buddy Love was actually post punk and not quite Nu Wave. We were stuck somewhere in the middle. What I learned about music from hanging out on the New York City Underground Scene was that you needed conviction in anything you do. When Buddy Love played New York City back in the 80’s, we had no conviction. We had alot of drive and determination, but no conviction. Today I feel that we have it well within our sites and then some. We performed at Otto’s to what was one of our best performances to date. With video clips posted on “Punk Cast”,reviews positive and upbeat, radio stations and magazines asking for the release date of the new album, there seems to be no limit as to what we can do these days. 

Then came the icing on the cake for me. One of New York City’s most respected and accomplished singer-songwriters from the early formative years of New York City Rock and Roll, Jon Montgomery invites the band to be part of his concert and film production to be held at Kenny’s Castaways, a weekend long event. Jon has been producing and writing plays and songs for his Off Broadway success stories for years. “The Roots of New York City Rock” as the event was called turned out to be an unbelievable shot in the arm for the band. Playing on the same stage with the likes of The Shirts,The Brats, Street Punk, Lisa Burns, Sturgis Nikides and so many other talented acts, we now felt as if we were part of the New York City music scene, finally. Remember the original band, Buddy Love was only together for a brief seven months or so before the record "Sheila" broke. I then left because of inside pressure and to persue other avenues. Ever since the band got back together in early 2007, some 27 years later I have this feeling as if I'm trying to make up for lost time, unfinished business if you will. I would speak with Doug trying to explain how I saw our place on the New York City music scene. I would often say when it's right, you'll know it. Our fans felt betrayed and angry when we broke up after the success of "Shelia" and they quickly abandoned us as they often do. Today it feels as if all has been forgiven, it feels almost right again. I think we're now on the way to regaining the respect from New York City and our fans once again. It feels good to be back home. 
This November 14th, Buddy Love will play "The International Pop Overthrow" Festival, our third consecutive appearance since we regrouped in 2007. We go back in the recording studio soon to work on our new songs that just seem to get better and better as time marches on. There's alot to be thankful for these days. It sure feels good to be back home again. Yeah, this has been a September to remember. Keep Rockin' 

Welcome To My Blog

Hi everybody and welcome to the launch of my very own blogspot. As most of you already know I am the lead vocalist & frontman for Buddy Love, All Mobbed Up and Other Various Acts around the New York City area. I like keeping busy with music so I'm constantly writing, recording, rehearsing or performing. As it turns out this is a pretty good month for my band Buddy Love. We have been asked to share the stage with Wang Chung on Friday, September 10th @ The Vibe Lounge in Rockville Centre, L.I. & the band is pretty excited about that. Wang Chung is a band from the 80's that we came up with so it's a bit nostalgic for us. The following Sunday Night on September 12th, Buddy Love will be playing The Max's Kansas City Reunion In New York City. This weekend long music festival will be lots of fun for me personally. Not only did Buddy Love grace the Max's stage several times but I also worked there shortly after I left The Mudd Club. Then on September 24th, Buddy Love will be part of a weekend long Concert and Film Documentary being filmed and hosted at Kenny's Castaways in NYC.  "The Roots Of Rock" concert and film was put together by veteran rocker and friend Jon Montgomery. Bands that will be on hand for this event we have known and played with over the years. Street Punk, The Brats, The Shirts, Lisa Burns, Michael Zuko and many other fantastic artists. That's about it for now. Thanks for subscribing to my blog and keep rockin'!