Music
I grew up around music in a time when there were lots of interesting things afoot in the music world. Much of the best that western pop culture had to offer happened in this time and influences were plentiful. Being the youngest of 17 children, these influences were readily available. Many of my siblings played and there were band rehearsals in my basement. Radio was actually good at this time. Studios and artists were experimenting with sounds and recording techniques and my ears could not help being enchanted with my favorite art form.
One of my older brothers is particularly talented and had a massive record collection. He plays guitar and the sounds of electric guitar fascinated me. It was to be my main instrument and I have always stretched myself artistically with it.
As a teenager I played in a couple of cover bands but quickly became bored with it. Arena acts started to get passe and there was a new branch of music I found exciting and fresh - Punk Rock! Punk offered a creative outlet that was necessary and its influence can still be felt. I moved to New York in 1983 and soon found myself working in night clubs culminating with my position as assistant manager of CBGB, arguably the most important club in modern music. I lucked into quirky experimental bands such as Cafe Scum and ICU. Most notably was Dean and the Weenies which was fronted by my dear friend, Dean Johnson, a 6′6″ bald drag queen.
Dean passed away in September 2007. His bands, the Weenies and the Velvet Mafia put on quite a memorial show on May 30, 2008. It was one of the best nights of my life! Meeting with old friends and band mates to pay tribute to this legend of New York night life and wonderful person was a high point in my existence. Long live Dean Johnson!
Here are some links to Dean and his music:
Dean and the Weenies MySpace page- Put together by a fan of the Weenies. Nice intro to this eclectic band. There are links to my first recording which was a 12″ single with the songs “Chicken” and the underground night club hit “Fuck You”. The Uptown Horns appeared on Chicken.
Press notices about Dean’s death from New York Magazine, The Washington Post, New York Press, The Daily News, Go Magazine and The Village Voice.