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'!
