Okay, here is a not so brief recap of our 3 date run on the East Coast. Day 1 – The trepidation started about 6 weeks prior, when we were notified by American Airlines that our non-stop LA to New York flight had been changed to a Chicago layover… exactly what we were trying to avoid. Numerous phone calls, questions, and the assurance by AA that we would be fine… I reminded them that they would be on the hook for any costs accrued if we missed our first show. They ALMOST had to pay up. The combined delays in LA and Chicago totaled about 5.5 hours. But, off the plane in Newark, onto NJ Transit down to New Brunswick… off the train walking one block with all of our gear and luggage INTO THE VENUE (Court Tavern) with about 20 minutes to spare. I should mention that this was the only setback in our trip. Now on the ground and playing – ALL SYSTEMS GO! The Court Tavern date went well. We played with a couple of bands - Condition Critical (Philadelphia), who were great guys and a damn good band. Strong songs. Also, we played with Crypter from Massachusetts (both nights in the NYC region with Crypter). We appreciate them letting us use their backline, and will return the favor when they get to Los Angeles. We played to a crowd full of people who, quite simply… got it. There were smart-asses in the crowd who played along with the attitude – this made me realize that maybe I am an east-coaster in spirit. My outlook and attitude fit right in. But a great set, moved plenty of merch… Special thanks on this day go to Dee Neess, Vinny Bocchichio, Chris (sound) at CT, and the above mentioned bands. Everyone pulled together and made this show a success. Off to the VERY NICE hotel for a well deserved night’s rest, before hopping a train back to the city. Day 2 – Up early to pound a few gallons of coffee… then a train ride back to NYC to explore… and eat Pizza! We met up with Rob and Dee (who were staying in Times Square) at Penn Station, and began a series of subway rides, photo sessions, window shopping, etc. before finally sitting down at John’s Pizza for a slice or 2 of pure bliss! Amazing! (my personal opinion – thin crust NY style is the ONLY WAY! Forget deep dish, or thick crust! You need to fold the slice over, and the grease run down your hand). We needed to get to our hotel for the night, so back to where Rob and Dee were staying to either take a train, or a cab. The doorman at the Radisson Times Square (classic NY doorman… did anyone get his name?) called in a favor from a friend, and got us a stretch limo (with booze and disco lights!!!) for the ride to our Hotel by JFK… DIRT CHEAP! A quick lounge, shower, and then off to the gig at the Acheron in Brooklyn! Typical of tours, day 2 was an even better show. Vinny (who booked both shows) was here also, and we have come to see Vinny as family! The bands? Crypter played again, as well an AMAZING band called Eternal Kahn. Hard to describe them, but something very special there… and I look forward to hearing and seeing more from them. By the time we got onstage, the crowd was into it! Quite simply, we killed (hope that doesn’t sound arrogant). Rounding out the night were Bestial Evil, from Baltimore! Killer band. Brooklyn metal rules, and we cannot wait to get back to the NYC market. I need to mention – this evening I finally met a lifelong friend face to face – Mike Catricola. Another person who was already family, but now immediate family. Everyone loved him immediately. And… Mike brought us some Italian pastries that were out of this world – along with an Italian bread loaf with chunks of Prosciutto! Holy crap. No need to look for a meal this evening… we grubbed in the hotel room all night. A sleepless night, as we ha d a very early flight the following morning from JFK to San Juan. What a great day, though! Day 3 – Up early, and at JFK by sunrise. Delta Airlines to Puerto Rico. I gotta say, after what we experienced with American Airlines, Delta (not exactly known for customer service) was a welcome experience. Also welcome was the change of temperature – going from about 25 degrees and dry, to about 90 degrees and humid! One of the happiest experiences was at the San Juan airport waiting for our shuttle to the San Juan Beach hotel. Just standing in the heat and the rain… nice to be somewhere we could thaw out. In the van was Ray Lopez (Thrash Corner Records, and Metal Expo organizer), and also Ed Farshtey… another person I had known forever, but finally put a face with the name. What great people. Part of the magic of doing this music is meeting extended family. And these guys? Yes. This was a day off for us. But we were picked up by another family member Rafael Bracero (saw his wife, and newborn baby this evening) and driven to Club 77 – where we were finally able to witness our brothers ZAFAKON in concert. If you have heard their album ‘War as a drug’ – you have no idea how much more powerful they are live. Great to hang out with Weslie Pagan (more FAMILY) and the guys. (off topic – we are looking for a way to host them and do dates here in the LA area this summer). After show, a late grub session with Rafa, Ed, and the Hellwitch guys at El Hamburger! I love the expression when about 10 metalheads walk into a restaurant! Of course, the trouble makers were the disco dance bunny douche bags! Not us. (It was also on this evening where we heard that the LA area was being shaken by earthquakes. So happy to hear that everyone at home was okay. But scary to be helpless on the other side of the world. Not to be left out, Puerto Rico also experienced 2 quakes – but , typical Angelenos - we didn’t feel them, or didn’t care!) Day 4 – Day one of Metal Expo. This may read a bit long, but I gotta try to get it all written. When we arrive at venue, Rafa is onstage giving a seminar on how small independent bands should market themselves. Interesting, in that EVERY band, regardless of stature, benefits by these points he was giving. He brought me onstage to add a little expertise, and I did just that – added VERY little. The only advice I could really give was ‘do it because you enjoy it. If you don’t enjoy it, stop.’ This was followed by drummer extraordinaire Alex Marquez, who gave a seminar/performance. After his finish, it was our time. While walking across stage, I met Alex… who asked if our drummer wanted to use his cymbals. I reply yes. He says ‘maybe I should speak with your drummer directly. What is his name? ‘ “Rob Alaniz”. To which Alex replies ‘What? ROB is your drummer?’ He runs off and finds him. Turns out they have known (or known of) each other since forever. Rob is given whatever he needs (which also means he had to check a bag on the airline that was unnecessary! LOL) Onstage… we were introduced by Erico La Bestia Dantesco, and launch into our opening song… INSTANT PIT! The energy level in La Respuesta was so much higher than when we appeared there in 2012. Everyone knew the songs, and the interaction was obvious! Of course, it was obvious to all that we had a new member since the previous show, so I introduced Eric – and when mentioning his appearance in Metal – A Headbanger’s Journey, the crowd collectively looked at him and said ‘THAT WAS YOU?’ Unforgettable moment. The show was killer. We finished the night with a couple of Abattoir classics to a rousing response. Then, off! Followed up by our pals Solstice. They brought the angry thrash also… and again, we found more family members in them. Thye were followed up by the one and only… mighty RAVEN. They quite simply ‘owned it’. What a powerful set from John, Mark and Joe. I actually had a tear in my eye, as it reminded me of my youth, growing up a metal fan in a world that doesn’t understand metal. Made those years worthwhile… because we are all still here. (I need to say what genuine, sweet nice guys they all are. Maybe or maybe not fair to compare, but working with them reminded me of working with Saxon a couple of years ago. NWOBHM – and worthy of their respect) The night closed out with our local brothers Warbringer! So great to see them at the top of their game. Day 5 – Last day… and a day off. Our driver Jose Ramos (more family!) took us on a tour out to Pinones… fresh seafood for BREAKFAST!!!! Then back across the north side of the island to Old San Juan, where he dropped us to walk the city. (Dan and I had made this tour before… but with Moni, Eve and Eric with us we got to be tour guides) we walked El Morro, then back through the old city. Stopped at Nono’s for ‘refreshments’ – then to the highlight of the day… lunch at ‘El Jibarito’. If you have been there, you know. If not, you missed out. IMHO, the finest Puerto Rican food on earth! (ask any local… they will say ‘THE BEST!’). Back to hotel, and prepare for the 2nd day of the festival. This day was a little more humbling. Since we did not perform, we had more interaction with people… lots of autographs, photos, video, and interviews. We did a big interview with Rafa for his webpage (will link ASAP). We also got to spend a lot of time with the Gallagher brothers from Raven. Hellwitch was awesome… then the night closed out with Six Feet Under. But we needed to get back to the hotel, so when Jose came back with the van, it turns out that John and Mark joined Rob, Eric and myself on the ride back. This is where I happened to turn on my video camera just as the Gallagher Bros launched into verses of Mentors songs as only they could. I cannot recall the last time I laughed so hard. So great to extend the family all over the world. Back to hotel, pack, sleep, then wake up. Jose drives us early Monday morning to the San Juan airport – then aboard JetBlue (who accommodated us greatly, and lived up to their reputation of excellent customer service), and back in Los Angeles too quickly. *** one other thing. On this road trip, Eric brought along his girlfriend Eve. All good and well, but I had a suspicion that Eric had something on his mind, which he DID. After our set at Metal Expo, Eric was somewhat insistent on walking on the beach with Eve…. Nothing too strange, but it caught my attention. They were gone for a couple of hours. Well, it turns out that the following morning Eric says to us “I wanted you guys to know that I asked Eve to marry me last night.” Of course, she said yes. We treat Anger As Art as family. Even the former members know that they are still part of the family. So, this was not only a big deal for the 2 of them, but for us as well. Interestingly, Eric is now the 3rd bassist to get engaged and married as a member of the band. Join us in congratulating the 2 of them as they embark on the journey of a lifetime. Plenty of videos and photos to follow. See you later this month in Las Vegas!
Posted on: Wed, 02 Apr 2014 22:38:05 +0000
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