Life, Thought and Opinion

Live For Today
Robert Kennedy

I like to think that I’m a healthy guy. Oh sure, I’m someone who likes to partake in a slice of pizza (or 3) at times and make pit-stops at the drive thru on occasion.

The truth is, I’ve been lucky to have always been in somewhat reasonable shape. But shortly after I graduated high school it was a much different story. I weighed a measly 157 lbs soaking wet. I didn’t like how I looked and remember being obsessed with the guys I saw in the muscle magazines.

It wasn’t so much because they were these huge meat heads who did nothing all day but pick things up and put them down. My obsession with them was based on the notion that I wanted to look like them but on a much smaller scale.

I read “Robert Kennedy’s MuscleMag International” magazine religiously and learned that the only real way to get the body I wanted was to always eat “clean” (meaning absolutely no junk food) and exercising until I puked every day. The sound advice coming from guys who had ripped abs and tanned bodies sure was convincing.

Drinking weight gainer/protein shakes, eating only the freshest (and most expensive) organic foods and exercising ad nauseam worked well for me in the short run. But I always felt as if I was missing something. The strict regimen imposed by these chiseled abbed Adonis’ was something I just couldn’t stick with. I needed my carbs, particularly those of the bread and alcohol varieties. At least in moderation. As far as I was concerned, life was too short to deprive myself of such things.

I’ve since learned that using the advice in the magazine is important but the truth is, I’m never going to compete in bodybuilding. So although my weight had fluctuated over the years, by using modifications of what I had read, I was finally able to bring it under control. I am now in a regular exercise routine and eat good for the most part. (Bacon and Count Chocula aside of course).

So what’s my point?

Yesterday while standing in the Barnes and Noble bookstore I picked up the latest copy of “MuscleMag International”. With the alluring call of coffee and fatty pastries just a few feet from the magazine rack I read a letter written by Robert Kennedy. I had just discovered, by reading the letter, that Mr. Kennedy had passed away from an aggressive form of lung cancer back in April. Robert was the publisher of the magazine and is considered a titan in the world of bodybuilding and ironically, someone who before I picked up the periodical had absolutely no idea had died (bad news travels slow in these parts).

What was odd was that Mr. Kennedy had known since January that he was going to die and decided to write a final column to his beloved readers. I tried to imagine myself knowing that I had only a few months to live and writing a similar letter. What would I say?

Mr. Kennedy used his final column, with the knowledge of his impending demise wearing on him, to alert readers of the importance of regular checkups and avoiding excessive sun. You see, Robert Kennedy was an avid sunbather in his prime and had developed cancer. A cancer that, had it been caught earlier, been easily treated.

Rather than write out his entire letter, I took a picture of it. Even if you’re not a bodybuilding fan please take a moment to read his final words. (Click on the picture to expand).

Although regular medical checkups and limited exposure to tanning is sound advice, the real message I took from his last letter is this: no matter how much we exercise or how clean we eat eventually we all have to face our own mortality.

That’s not to say we shouldn’t take care of ourselves. On the contrary, we should always strive to be the best we can be both physically and mentally. The fact is, not one of us knows if we have five years left or fifty so lets live every one of them to the fullest.

But if I had to write a final letter like Mr. Kennedy someday, I hope I’m able to sum it all up in just four words: “I lived for today”.

RIP Robert Kennedy.

A Conversation With, Interview

A Conversation With Actress Gabrielle Stone
Gabrielle Stone

Gabrielle Stone has acting in her genes.

Her mother is none other than the amazing Dee Wallace (“The Hills Have Eyes”, “E.T”, “Cujo” among many other great films) and her father is the late Christopher Stone who also appeared in a multitude of films and TV shows as well.

2012 will be a breakout year for Gabrielle. She has no less than four film projects scheduled for release and is currently working alongside her legendary Mom in another.

And then there’s the one in which she plays a role she knows very well.

Gabrielle will be portraying herself in the upcoming movie “CUT!”, a story which indirectly pays homage to the classic horror film “The Hills Have Eyes” and co-stars Suze Lanier-Bramlett, another amazing actress who starred alongside Gabrielle’s Mom in the original film.

“CUT!” also features the talents of David Rountree, William McNamara, David Banks and Dahlia Salem.

Here is a quick synopsis of “CUT!” from the film’s website:

Nothing is as it seems as an ex-con and aspirant filmmaker set out to manufacture a horror film by scaring real people; however, when it goes too far and someone actually dies, the pair decide that killing for real on film is the way to make a truly terrifying movie.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Gabrielle and discussing “CUT!” as well as some of her other upcoming projects! She also tells me what it was like growing up in an acting family.

goJimmygo (gJg): Gabrielle, it’s so great to speak with you!

Gabrielle Stone (GS): It’s great to speak with you too!

gJg: Tell me a little bit about “CUT!”

GS: “CUT!” was so much fun because I actually got to play myself. David Rountree is such a great director. I loved working with him and everyone else in cast as well.  They’re all fantastic!

gJg: David (Rountree) wears several hats in this movie. He wrote, directed and stars in it as well.

GS:  That’s right! It’s really his “baby”. I haven’t seen any of the final footage myself but from the people I’ve spoken with who have, it’s REALLY good!

gJg: What was it like working with Suze Lanier-Bramlett?

GS: Suze is awesome. She’s so full of life and is absolutely wonderful. We had a great time together. In a way it was kind of like coming full circle because she did the original “The Hills Have Eyes” with my Mom. It was very cool to be on set with her.

gJg: What’s your role in “CUT!”?

GS: Without saying too much to give it away: I play myself and am supposed to be starring in a new movie that Suze is writing and directing. She plays herself as well.

I end up getting into some trouble with David Bank’s character and there are plenty of pretty intense moments!

gJg: Since there are references to “The Hills Have Eyes”,  are there references to your Mom in the movie as well?

GS: Yes. Although my Mom doesn’t appear in the movie they do reference her. At one point it’s even mentioned that I’m “E.T.’s Mom’s kid.” <laughs>

gJg: How was the chemistry with the cast?

GS: It was awesome!  It was actually hard to be mean to each other in character at times because we were laughing and having so much fun with it!

gJg: Your Mom and Dad were both in the industry. What was it like for you growing up in such a great acting environment?

GS: It was fantastic! If my Mom knew she would be gone for more than a week she’d take me on set with her. So I was able to travel all over. I traveled to New Zealand with her when she filmed “The Frighteners” with Peter Jackson and I also got to go to South Africa when she was filming over there. I was really lucky.

gJg: Is that what motivated you to start acting yourself?

GS: I think in a way it did. I grew up around it and had always said that I would do it. But it wasn’t until I was 18 and did my first film where I walked off the set and said: “Oh my God, I don’t ever want to do anything else!” <laughs>

gJg: What’s your favorite movie that your Mom was in?

GS: “Cujo”! After I saw her in that movie I was never worried about being at home alone because I knew my Mom could kick ass with a shotgun! <laughs>

Seriously though, that was such an intense role for her. She was actually treated for exhaustion for three weeks when it was over. I still to this day think she should have gotten an Academy Award for it.

So, on the day that I get mine I will be dedicating it to her. <laughs>

gJg: You also have another movie in post production right now: “869”. What’s the premise of that movie?

GS: “869” was a film I shot last August. It’s kind of like a combination of “Big Brother Reality TV” meets “Paranormal Activity”. There’s definitely a lot of hot girls and a lot of blood. <laughs>

gJg: What do you like to do when you’re not acting?

GS: My other “day job” that I love is teaching dance. I teach eleven classes a week. I was actually doing this before I started acting.

gJg: What’s your favorite horror movie?

GS: That’s a tough one. Off the top of my head one of the scariest movies I’ve ever seen is “The Strangers” just because it’s so creepy and realistic.

The ones that scare me the most are the ones that I think can actually happen. The ones with ghosts don’t really affect me as much as the ones with psychotic people who want to kill you – those are the ones that really get to me. <laughs>

gJg: Another project you have coming up is “Unhallowed”. Will this be the first time you’ll be acting alongside your Mom?

GS: Actually, no. I did a film with her called “Beyond” that we filmed in Roswell, New Mexico last Summer. That’s also in post production right now.

gJg: What’s “Unhallowed” about?

GS:” Unhallowed” is a psychological thriller but with a religious twist. It’s about a young kid who goes to Peru for a graduation trip, gets into trouble and goes missing.

My character’s husband gets hired to go to the family’s house to do some religious work for them and the intensity ensues from there. It’s a cool, different kind of script and I’m really excited to begin working on it!

Article first published as A Conversation with Actress Gabrielle Stone on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview, Music

A Conversation With Skye Stevens
Skye Stevens

Set to become the first-ever Armenian pop star, 18-year-old Skye Stevens has dominated the internet with his first-ever music video “Takes All Night”. The catchy “boy meets girl” dance video has become a YouTube hit and so far has raked in over 1 million views.

With his boyish good looks, fresh sound and alluring persona, the singer, dancer and songwriter is gaining attention from pop music lovers everywhere.

I had the chance to speak with Skye as he begins preparations for a club tour that will take him nationwide to cities all across the US.

In this interview Skye discusses his musical journey, what his vision was for the “Takes All Night” video, his plans for touring, pre-show ritual and who he’d like to collaborate with in the future.

goJimmygo: How are you Skye?

Skye Stevens (SS): I’m doing great! It’s good to talk to you!

gJg: Did you ever expect to get this kind of reaction from your very first single?

SS: In my head I’ve always believed every day that good things were going to happen. Then it becomes real. It’s a lot to take in but I’m so appreciative of the fans, the DJs and the radio stations that have all embraced the song. It’s amazing!

gJg: Was music something you’ve been into all of your life?

SS: I started at a very young age. When I was five my Mom enrolled me in all kinds of activities: sports, dancing classes, singing classes. All of the activities parents put their kids into to see what kind of things they tap into.

For me, as soon as I had my first dance class at five it just became a part of me. From that it escalated into singing and then theatrical shows. I really got fascinated with music and recording.

gJg: Who are some of your musical influences?

SS: Growing up, I was a huge Michael Jackson fan. His music was my very first record. I would listen to his music and in my head wonder what it “looked” like.  I remember just being obsessed with videos like “Smooth Criminal”. That really propelled me because I said: “I want to do that!”

Today, artists like Usher and Ne-Yo both influence me. They inspire me. I really respect them.

gJg: “Takes All Night” is your first single. Are there plans for an album?

SS: Definitely! We have more songs but right now we’re focusing on this single. “Takes All Night” is my introduction to the music scene. We started in the clubs and on dance radio. From there, we landed in the Top 20 of the Billboard Dance Chart which is extraordinary!

gJg: Amazing when you consider it’s your debut single!

SS: It really is! We also landed in the Top 5 of several dance radio stations across the country which is big especially when you consider how hard it is for a male to break into the dance market. It’s primarily a female dominated market so as a new act succeeding in a market you’re working against means a lot!

But so many people believed in this record, including one really famous DJ and Remixer I admire a lot: Dave Aude. He’s had over 100 Billboard Dance Chart hits and made my single his “Record of The Week”. For someone of his caliber to do that was very flattering.

gJg: What’s the inspiration for the “Takes All Night” video?

SS: The record is based on a club/electric/dance type setting. For most people you’d imagine the video might be in the club. For me though, I really wanted to take a risk and create something completely different. I wanted to make a short film, a  movie almost. A love story. That’s where the heart of the song is when you really listen.

The video is a love story and I wanted to show that side of me as well. As I mentioned before I’m also very inspired by Michael Jackson and wanted to pay tribute to him in the video.

So when I dance you see the lights following my feet. That’s my take on the Billie Jean music video. It’s my spin on it and tribute to him.

gJg: Do you have plans to tour?

SS: Absolutely. I’m actually trying to get myself together today. I had a late rehearsal last night and we have another one today. We’re working on the show performance, then it’s off for a session with the dancers, then wardrobe. Every hour of the day is 100 mph. I love it!

gJg: Do you have any pre-show rituals you do prior to a performance?

SS: Yes! Even before a rehearsal. I usually get to the stage about 30 minutes beforehand. What I do is change into my stage clothes and then spend about twenty minutes or so listening to a variety of hip hop records. Just to feel the urban sound that’s the undertone for my own music.

I’ll listen to everything from Diddy to Timberland to Lil’ Wayne and Drake and just absorb it all. That and I also have a sugar-free Red Bull to wake up! <laughs>

gJg: Do you have any hobbies when you’re not recording of performing?

SS: If you want a real honest answer, this is my life. I could make something up but this really is everything to me.

gJg: Where do you foresee yourself a few years down the road?

SS: In my mind I know where I’ll be in five years. I think any artist starting out sees that. It’s success. But right now everything is moving so fast and evolving.

Realistically, we worked really hard to create something this unique. It took a lot of time to develop a sound that was different.

Right now we’re preparing to tour in clubs across the country. You start with club shows then radio shows. Then hopefully you open for an artist, then collaborate with an artist. Then you do your own tour. It’s a process. I like to think of it as the “Law of Attraction”.  If you believe in your dream and work hard, it will happen.

gJg: Tell me something not too many people know about you.

SS: My celebrity crush is Kendall Jenner. I think she’s cute! But I feel like if I ever do actually meet her I wouldn’t even know what I would say. <laughs>

gJg: Are there any artists you’d like to collaborate with?

SS: I really admire what Chris Brown is doing right now. I think the sound that we have would blend nicely together. He has an urban pop thing going as well and anything we do together would be explosive.

As far as a rapper goes, I’d love to collaborate with Drake or Lil’ Wayne. I think both of those artists are very driven and know what they want. I can definitely relate to that.

Then there’s Alexandra Stan. She’s a Romanian artist who released an album called “Saxobeats”. I think her sound is so different and so unique. It would be interesting to see what the two of us could create together.

Article first published as A Conversation With Skye Stevens on Technorati.

1980's, Life

The Graduate: 25 Years Later
Me, June 1987

Who would have thought how much could change in a quarter century? To think that at the time I received my high school diploma in June of 1987 the world was a much different place for me.

I’ll be honest, when this picture was taken I figured it would probably be about a year before I’d be on the cover of “Rolling Stone” magazine talking about my band’s debut album and world tour with Def Leppard. I had high hopes and wasn’t going to let anything stand in my way.

Twenty-five years ago the only thing I wanted to do was rock. I’m serious. I mean that’s ALL I wanted to do. I really didn’t want to go to college and I sure as hell had no interest in doing anything that resembled actual work.

On the contrary, my days were usually spent sleeping til around noon, practicing my guitar and mooching money off of my parents and grandmother for such things as gas for my car and coffee and cheese fries at Perkins. After all, a man’s gotta eat!

“Borrowing” money from them soon began to get old and my options were starting to run out. I was worried that I might be completely broke before fame came knocking at the door. What to do?

It wasn’t until I discovered that student loans were readily available that I began to have second thoughts about going to college. I mean, who wouldn’t want some free money? Money you wouldn’t have to pay back until after you graduated college!! Hell, that could take YEARS!! I quickly signed any promissory type note I could find and still recall running down to the bursar’s office every day at Penn State Allentown to see if there was a check for me.

And what did I do with this windfall of cash – the money I was supposed to use for tuition and school supplies? I bought a guitar and wound up dropping out.

This cycle was repeated over the next few years as I applied to community college and eventually West Chester University. I discovered that as long as I was enrolled in school I was “off the hook” for paying back the money. At least in the short-term.

It wasn’t until I woke up one morning, dug into my pockets and realized I had $1.37 to my name that I had an epiphany. I couldn’t keep doing what I was doing. I needed to contribute.

Here I was, twenty years old with $1.37 to my name and nothing more. The friends I had graduated with were now halfway done with college and were well on their way to bigger and better things. It was my wake up call. Rock and Roll would have to wait.

FullSizeRender(3)I started working full time on the 4-12:30 am shift as the head garbage man at Easton Hospital. That’s right, I literally started at the bottom. Any gum wrapper, cigarette butt or operating room bio hazardous waste was handled by me. I hated it with a passion but something inside of me kept me going. I knew better days were ahead.

A year later a position opened up in the pharmacy. It was a 2:30-11pm shift but was the perfect chance for me to get out of garbage. I worked that position for eight years.

Eventually, I made the decision to go back to school and get my degree in computers, married my high school sweetheart, bought a home and have a beautiful daughter. Although it might have taken me fifteen years, I even paid back all of my student loans.

Perhaps the best thing of all was that my own rock star dream didn’t die. I made it work. The point being, we can do anything we want to do. Be anything we want to be. We just need to realize our limitations and do what it takes to get there.

As I look back on this picture a quarter century after it was taken I see someone who had big dreams. And someone who twenty-five years later, in some round about way has achieved them.

Childhood Memories

It Won’t Be Long Now

I strolled downstairs this morning with a huge decision to make.

My eyes slowly adjusted to the light now beginning to break through the kitchen windows and I began rubbing the last bit of sleep out of them. A bit of a distraction but the need for a decision continued to weigh heavily on my mind.

What kind of coffee was I going to have?

After deciding I needed a little Ginseng mixed in with my K-Cup I felt the pressure leave my shoulders. I smiled and let out a sigh. Yes sir, today was going to be a good day.

As the Keuring brewed I decided to peer out my kitchen window and that’s when I saw it…my blueberry bush. The one that I had painstakingly planted last year. The one that almost didn’t survive the onslaught of two Boston Terriers rough housing around it. The one that was now at last beginning to bear fruit, albeit still hard and green. It wouldn’t be long now before hints of blue began to show on the small orbs that adorned the bush. I believed it was only a matter of time before I could enjoy the fruits of my labor.

Another smile came across my face. Only this time it was because I was about to once again take a trip down memory lane:

My family and I had spent my childhood living with my grandparents in their small turn of the century home on the south side. My grandfather had owned several acres of land where he had planted dozens of trees and shrubs. All of which he meticulously cared for himself.

Since he couldn’t afford one of those “luxury” gas-powered lawn mowers, my grandfather would mow all of the yard with one of those old school hand-held contraptions. It’s still hard for me to imagine that after spending an entire week working in a sweaty silk mill he’d spend one of his only days off every weekend doing yard work. His yard was his baby.

For a typical kid, summer mornings usually meant sleeping in but not for me. I’m not typical. I was always up early because I could not wait for breakfast. Now, those of you who frequently read my blog know of my affection for the chocolatey goodness of Count Chocula so what I’m about to say may sound like blasphemy so forgive me:

Summer time was perhaps the only time that I did not eat Count Chocula or some other sugary cereal for breakfast.

One of the things I really loved about summer while growing up was getting up early and pouring myself a large bowl of Corn Flakes. You heard me right: regular old Corn Flakes. But before a single drop of milk was added I would first grab a small bowl from the cupboard and head down into the yard.

For down there, in between the clothes lines my grandmother would hang socks and linen out to dry in the warm summer breeze stood a trio of blueberry bushes my grandfather had planted many years ago.

Every morning in late June there were always berries galore. Bushes that over flowed with the sweetest blueberries I had ever tasted. Blueberries that not one other member of my family even cared about. Blueberries that were literally, all mine.

I remember laughing to myself as I filled up my bowl with the bushes’ wonderful creation. I’d pick handfuls off at a time and eat them right there. I was convinced that the combination of warm summer sun, the smell of clean, wet clothes drying on the line and the taste of this fruit was what heaven must be like. Childhood was wonderful.

With my bowl now filled I would literally run back to the house with bounty in hand. I rinsed off the berries and added them to my cornflakes. While my parents and siblings still slept I was about to partake in the best breakfast ever!

On certain days when the morning harvest was exceptionally high it was like I was having corn flakes with my blueberries instead of the other way around. I OD’d on antioxidants but it was so worth it.

And now here I stood, still gazing out the window thirty years later looking at my own blueberry bush. One that is not hidden behind hanging sheets or tube socks. One whose fruit will now be the cause of countless battles between me and my daughter, a blueberry lover herself.

But I look at the bright side: I get up earlier than she does.

It won’t be long now.

A Conversation With, Books

Steve Guttenberg: A Sermon On The Guttenberg Bible

Steve Guttenberg’s book, “The Guttenberg Bible” reads more like a novel. A story of one man’s quest to overcome all obstacles and become something more.

Steve had always dreamed about becoming an actor but faced adversity right from the start. In fact, the book begins with one of his very first agents telling him he’d never amount to anything in the business.

He was told everything from not looking “Hollywood” enough to having an odd last name. But rather than give up on his dream Steve decided to take a chance.

After graduating high school he put off starting college and made an exodus to Hollywood with the intention of staying for only a few weeks. His plan was to come back home if things didn’t work out. But instead, he wound up staying and becoming one of the most successful and sought after actors of the 1980’s.

With nothing to lose Steve snuck onto the lot at Paramount Studios lot and set up his own office. From there he would eventually go from driving a Pacer to driving a Ferrari. From sleeping on a sofa to hosting parties in lavish homes. From bit parts in commercials to starring in major motion pictures.

Along the way he kept journals documenting his experiences if for no other reason than for his own personal keepsake. These experiences became the genesis for “The Guttenberg Bible”.

In “The Guttenberg Bible” Steve chronicles the journey through the first ten years of his illustrious career and tells amazing stories along the way. From becoming buds with Colonel Sanders in an early Kentucky Fried Chicken commercial through his own personal encounters with acting kings Gregory Peck and Tom Selleck as well as young up and coming actresses Kim Cattrall and Sharon Stone.

Steve also tells tales from some of his biggest movies: “Miracle on Ice”, “Diner”, “Police Academy”, “Cocoon”, “Short Circuit” and “Three Men and A Baby”.

The Guttenberg Bible is much more than just a memoir. It’s also a story about family, a journey of self discovery and a how-to book for success. To never allow anything to stand in the way of reaching your goals.  To me, its gospel.

I had the pleasure of speaking with Steve and getting more details about the creation of The Bible. Along the way, he even tells another story that didn’t make the book.

Judging from my own experience reading “The Guttenberg Bible” and speaking with the man himself I can only hope there will eventually be a “New Testament”.

goJimmygo (gJg):  Steve, the thing I like the most about your book is that it doesn’t read like a typical memoir. It reads more like a story.

Steve Guttenberg (SG): Thanks. I loved writing it.

gJg: Why did you decide to write a book at this point of your career?

SG: You know, I’ve actually been telling these stories to a lot of friends for a long time and a friend of mine told me that they would be a great idea for a book. So what I did was write about forty or so pages, shopped it around and before I knew it I wound up having a deal.

gJg: You said before that you kept a whole bunch of meticulous journals from your experiences that you were able to draw from.

SG: Yeah I did. I kept a lot of journals. I really wanted to be good about chronicling that trip because I really didn’t know where it was going to take me or what was going to happen. So I just decided to just write it all down so that one day even if didn’t work out I could say look back and say: “See? look where you were!”

gJg: What was the writing process like for you?

SG: In the beginning I would go to my office every day and pretty much write from nine to five.  At one point I actually had around 600 pages. I sent them to my editor and he said “Uh oh! And this is only the first ten years of your career?” After I explained to him that it was he said: “I think we’re done. We can’t do the whole career right now.” <laughs>

So we whittled it down to 300 pages and it worked out great!

gJg: Did you have any moments of self discovery while you were re-living all of these moments again?

SG: Absolutely. When you start really examining your life it takes you to whole other place that you don’t go to during your normal work day. It can be wonderful but then there are times you don’t really want to re-live as well. There’s a certain amount of uncomfortableness involved with it too.

I’ve been lucky. I’ve had a great career so far and a great personal life. I’m one of the luckiest guys in the world and I never forget that.

gJg: I love the way the book ended where you’re back where you started from again. You mention your parents quite a bit in this book. How are they doing?

SG: They’re well! Everyone is good. Thanks for asking.

gJg: How about your Red Ferrari?

SG: Ah, I wound up selling it. You know, it was just SUCH a bother to have. <laughs>

gJg: One of the stories I enjoyed was about the stalker you had.

SG: Yeah, you haven’t really lived until you’ve had a stalker… <laughs>

gJg: You’ve worked with some really great actors over the course of your career. What was it like to work with Gregory Peck and Colonel Sanders? <laughs>

SG: You’d be surprised, Sanders was a lot more dedicated to the material than Peck was. Harlan was a stickler for the written word. <laughs>

gJg: As a guy here’s a question I absolutely have to ask: What was it like to kiss Sharon Stone?

SG: Nice.VeryNice.VeryLovely.LovelyGirl.NiceLips.VeryGood! <laughs>

gJg: I’ve heard rumors about there being another “Police Academy” and “Three Men and A Baby”. Any truth to that?

SG: Oh absolutely. “Three Men and A Bride” is being developed as is “Police Academy” and even another “Short Circuit” as well.

gJg: Would they be bringing back all of the original characters from Police Academy?

For Police Academy I think it would be wise to bring back all of the original characters. Kim Cattrall, David Spade, Sharon Stone. Audiences always like to see familiar characters and what’s happened with them.

gJg: Any regrets over the course of your career?

SG: I really don’t have many regrets. I’ve been very lucky. I’m living my life the way I want to live it. I’ve been fortunate to have a big backbone that my parents gave me. It’s all about character. Your character is what’s going to make everything work.

gJg; Were there any films that you turned down that went on to become hits?

SG: Not really. I have a pretty good nose for these things. The ones that were successful I had a feeling would be at the time. I remember I enjoyed the script and then as we started filming I would begin to envision myself being part of the audience and knowing that it’s going to be a great film to watch.

I put myself into a “movie” mindset. Movie makers don’t really think the way “normal” people do. That’s why we’re all oddballs. <laughs>

gJg: Weren’t you afraid at all about the repercussions of sneaking onto the Paramount lot and creating an office?

SG:  I wasn’t afraid of anything. I didn’t have anything to lose. I feel the same way today.  Everything that I value I will never lose. The people who love me. The people I love. I’ll never lose the ability to sit in a park and watch the wind blow or play ball in Central Park.

We have great liberties in this country. I can go anywhere I want to go in this country and I don’t need a lot of money to do it. You don’t need to have a fancy car. As Cee Lo Green might say: “I may not be able to afford a Ferrari but I can get you there!”

That’s what everybody wants… to just get there.

gJg: Are there any good stories not in the book that you can tell?

SG: I tried to put as much as I could into the book but here’s one for you:

One night my friend Epstein had invited twenty of the Oakland Raider cheerleaders (The Raiderettes) over to my house for this party. Woody Harrelson had helped set it up with him.

So the party was really rockin’ but I am a real stickler about my place. So they were passing around potato chips getting crumbs everywhere and one of them was having sex in the bathroom with one of my friends and somebody else was in my bed….

But the last straw came when one of the Raiderettes said to me: “You don’t have any food? You just have chips?” At that point I just had enough and said:

“All of the Raiderettes… OUT!!!”

My friends just couldn’t believe that I wanted them out. But I said “Look, I don’t know who these people are and they’re making a mess”. I said: “That’s it I want them all out!”

Woody laughs about this now but back then I remember he just got on his knees and started crying. He kept saying: “You CAN’T!! You CAN’T make these girls go!!”

I said “Woody, you’ve got to help me get them out of the house. I’m uncomfortable with them here.”

It was the only time I ever saw a grown man cry. The day I threw out the Raiderettes… <laughs>.

gJg: Since your memoir reads just like a story I’m curious: have you ever considered writing a novel?

SG: I would love to write a novel. The next one will probably be one. I love writing, it’s really fun.

gJg: What’s next for you now?

SG: I’ve just got done completing a run of the Woody Allen play “Relatively Speaking” in New York and we’re planning to take it now to LA. I also have a few other projects that I’m setting up around town.

Other than that, I’m just enjoying life. I’ve got a wonderful family and I’m really taking advantage of the time I have to spend with them. Life is too short, you know?

gJg: What message do you want people to take after reading your book?

SG: That you can be anything you want to be in this great country of ours. This is the only country in the world that everyone wants to come to and live in. The freedom and liberty we have in this country makes it possible for a guy who’s failing in school to become a doctor and a guy who has a funny last name and an odd look to become a leading man.

It’s the greatest country in the world.. and I sure do love it!

Article first published as Steve Guttenberg: A Sermon On The Guttenberg Bible on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Album Reviews, Interview

Lita Ford: Living Like A Runaway

There’s something to be said about royalty. Especially when it comes to music.

Elvis Presley is known as “The King of Rock And Roll”, Michael Jackson is the “King of Pop” and Ozzy Osbourne is considered to be the “Prince of Darkness” in musical circles.

But for metal-heads like me there is only one Queen that we pay homage to:

Lita Ford

Picture this: It’s a hot summer day in June of 1985 and I’m walking downtown to guitar lesson with a black electric guitar strapped over my shoulder.

My guitar case had broken the night before and my parents had no means of getting me to lesson but I wouldn’t let anything stand in my way. So I footed it the two miles to guitar lesson in the searing heat with literally a six string on my back.

With sweat dripping down my face and obnoxious truck drivers honking their horns and poking fun at me all I remember thinking was: “It doesn’t get more rock and roll than this!!” I was a metal head in the making.

For more than the heat, the cat calls or the long walk to lesson the thing that sticks out more than anything else for me that day was listening to the song that blared from my Sony Walkman cassette player. The song that I had spent countless hours listening to over and over and loved. The song that I was now finally about to start learning how to play at lesson that day: “Gotta Let Go” by Lita Ford!

To me, Lita was (and still is) more than just a beautiful woman. She is one of the best rock guitarists ever! So for me to be able to learn some of her guitar licks was a dream come true.

I know Lita must have faced plenty of adversity for being a female guitarist but it never bothered me one bit that she was of the opposite sex. All I knew was, she ROCKED! It was the thick of the metal years and her music was universal. We stood together and I felt a kinship with her.

Back when I was learning how to play guitar I faced my own adversity. There were plenty of times where I was berated by siblings and friends for making them endure the sounds of me practicing the same riff, scale or song countless times until I got it right. Or maybe it was my parents bitching up a storm because I brought the guitar to the dinner table. I imagine Lita went through similar situations while trying to make her mark in what was always considered a “male dominated” instrument.

But Lita persevered and continued to tear down walls with her phenomenal playing and songwriting skills. She became my beacon of light. So much so that a few years later I really brought the metal to school. One of my high school music theory projects was to transpose any song of my choosing into an orchestral piece for jazz band.

I recall the assignment was to rewrite the music from the song and change it into something that could be played for everything from trumpets to saxophones. Guess which song I chose?

“Gotta Let Go” by Lita Ford.

Over the years I’ve been an avid follower of Lita Ford. From the songs “Kiss Me Deadly” and “Close My Eyes Forever” (her duet with Ozzy Osbourne) to the guilty pleasure of “Shot of Poison” her music and guitar work never ceases to amaze. Although that grueling summer of 1985 may be a distant memory to many I’ll never forget the day Lita became the Queen to me.

And now, the Queen has returned with a vengeance.

On June 19th Lita Ford will release her latest album: “Living Like A Runaway” (SPV/Steamhammer). Produced by Lita Ford and Gary Hoey (another amazing guitarist) “Living Like A Runaway” is quite honestly one of the best rock albums of the 21st century.  To me, it simply is Lita’s BEST record to date.

Whereas most albums usually contain one “hit” song buried within eight or nine other tracks of filler, “Living Like A Runaway” is a true album experience from start to finish.

With contributions by lyricist Michael Dan Ehmig, Nikki Sixx (Mötley Crüe) and Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake) Lita has brought out some “big guns” for this project.

There’s even a bonus track containing a killer rendition of the Elton John classic: “The Bitch Is Back” which features The Uptown Horns.

Lita and Gary Hoey’s guitar work on this album is genuine and nothing short of bad ass. The record contains enough killer riffs, solos and guitar harmony to make even an army of male metal-heads bow in reverence.

In addition to the killer grooves from songs like “Branded”, “Hate” and “The Devil in My Head” the album also takes you on the musical journey of Lita’s life. From her days carrying her own guitar on her back on the title track to the personal song for her children in “Mother”.

Then there’s my personal favorite, “Relentless”; a song that best sums up the will of Lita to not let anything stand in her way and a message we can all take to heart when the odds are against us.

To support the new record,  Lita will embark on a tour this summer with Def Leppard and Poison as well as doing select headlining shows in between.

I had the honor of holding court with the Queen and discussing the genesis of “Living Like A Runaway”.

In this amazing interview, Lita discusses the long distance songwriting process she and Gary took creating this new music. We’ll also talk about her early years playing guitar, The Runaways, the origin of her big hit with the Prince of Darkness himself and one of the best “rock and roll” stories ever!

Before I begin, you must understand how much this woman’s music has influenced me. So if this interview comes across to you as a bit biased I make no apologies for it. Lita Ford is one of the greatest guitarists (male or female) of all time.

Interestingly, while I was waiting on hold for Lita I had to listen to some really interesting “elevator music” playing in the backgroundwhich started the conversation off nicely:

goJimmygo (gJg): Lita! It’s Jim. How are you?

Lita Ford (LF): Hi! I’m doing great! How are you?

gJg: I’m great too. It’s so awesome to be able to speak with you! WOW!

LF: Same here!

gJg: I was listening to some funky on-hold music while I was waiting for you and all I kept thinking was: “Man, this is the TOTAL opposite of your new record!” <laughs>

LF: I know, isn’t that funny? I don’t know why they put that music on there. <laughs>

gJg: “Living Like A Runaway” is the BEST record I’ve heard in years!

LF: Awesome! Thank you!

gJg: It’s one of those rare records where every track on it is killer. You listen to the first song and it’s great. Then the next song is just as good and so on. The entire album is an experience!

LF: I am so happy about it!

gJg: For me: It’s like the return of Lita… and a punch in the face thrown in for good measure! <laughs>

LF: You know it! <laughs>

gJg: It’s reliving the metal years again. Everything from the riffs, the lyrics, the way you deliver the vocal. My weakness has always been harmony guitar and this album is filled with it.

LF: So cool. Thank you! I miss those days too and am so glad to bring it back! It’s what I think people want. People miss those times and the heavy guitar riffs. They miss what used to be called “Hair Metal”. Hair has nothing to do with how music sounds. People long for the metal years again and this record gives it to them.

gJg: How is everything going?

LF: It’s going great. I’m just getting prepared for this tour.

gJg; How does it feel to being going out on the road with Def Leppard and Poison this summer?

LF: It’s awesome! The record actually comes out the day before the tour starts so it literally is perfect timing. The whole thing is a Godsend. The new record is just so good and now we have this tour on top of it. So we get to give it a good kick in the ass and hopefully people will respond to it!

gJg: You also have some solo headline dates mixed in with that tour as well right?

LF: Yeah, we’ll be filling in some of the days off in between with shows. It will be busy but that’s rock n roll! <laughs>

gJg: What are you looking forward to the most on this tour?

LF: Well, we’re the opener and it’s a tough slot to have. It’s at a time when people are still stuck in traffic getting there. We have a 30 minute set and don’t get to play much so we really have to make a statement in thirty minutes. It’s a challenge but I’m up for it.

Fortunately, we have the headliner shows in between and at those shows we really get to go nuts! I can’t wait! <laughs>

gJg: What’s it like when you walk out on stage and you see a sea of humanity there to see and support you?

LF: It’s the best. I honestly just want to take everyone in my arms and give them all a big hug. But since that isn’t possible instead what I do is throw my fist in the air and say: “YEAH… RIGHT ON!” and get the response that way. It’s just as good as a hug.

The Genesis of “Living Like A Runaway”

gJg: The guitar work on this new album is phenomenal.

LF: Thank you! Gary Hoey and I do the guitars on this record.

gJg: What’s the genesis of this new album and what was your songwriting process like for it?

LF: It all started when Gary called and invited me up to his studio in New Hampshire to record. I thought about it for a while and decided to take him up on the offer.

So I got on a plane, flew up and the very first song we wrote together was “Love 2 Hate U” which was a duet!

I know love’s a sacrifice – no doubt
It’s something we can’t live without
Yeah, I think I’ve worked it out
Why “I Love 2 Hate U”

We came out of that session and on the way home I was thinking: “Wow, this is a really GREAT song! We need to do another one!” So I booked another flight, flew back to Gary’s and we wrote “Branded”.

From that point on we just kept writing together. We didn’t have a record deal at the time so what we did was put together four tracks plus our version of “The Bitch is Back”. Through that we got the deal with SPV; who have been so supportive and wonderful with this project.

So every two weeks or so I’d hop on a plane to Gary’s and we’d hang out, jam and write. If we ever got stuck we would call up our third songwriting partner, Michael Dan Ehmig. His specialty is lyrics. Michael had a broken back at the time and was in some serious pain. So he was laid up writing all of these really deep, deep lyrics. At the time I had just gone through a divorce so I was in a dark place myself. So tie all of that in with Gary’s arrangements and ideas and we were able to come with this brilliant record.

gJg: I noticed that Doug Aldrich contributes to this record as well.

LF: Yes, “Bad Neighborhood” is a song I wrote with Doug Aldrich.

gJg: Doug is amazing. His playing is like a freak of nature!

LF: Doug is awesome! “Bad Neighborhood” was the very last song we wrote for the album and I remember at the time we were in need of some guitar riffs. So I called up Doug and asked him if he had any riffs up his sleeve. Something that was really “ass-kicking” and “up-tempo”.

Next thing you know he comes back with the riff for “Bad Neighborhood”. It has a “Drop-D” tuning and is the most “attitudinal” (if that’s a word) song off of the album. It’s real cocky.

gJg: Where did the idea for the song come from?

LF: It’s a saying that came from a friend of mine who used to run Narcotics Anonymous. He used to always say: “Get Out Of Your Head, It’s A Bad Neighborhood”… <laughs>

gJg: My favorite song from the album is “Relentless”. I love the guitar work and the message of tearing down walls.

LF: That’s Gary Hoey. He’s playing the solo. I love the solo on that song.

gJg: The song “Asylum” is really deep. Is that about an actual place you stayed at?

LF: Yeah, that’s a pretty heavy-duty song.

We had lived in a house in the Caribbean for ten years and it was like my asylum. When you live on a deserted island for decade you start to go a little bit crazy. I suppose a lot of people have their own “asylum”. Maybe a day at the office is your asylum or maybe going to school. Everyone has their own “asylum” to deal with. At one point in time we all run into something like that we have to deal with.

gJg: Then the album ends with “A Song to Slit Your Wrist By” a Nikki Sixx contribution.

LF: Yeah, he actually wrote that song about his ex-wife 15 years ago. <laughs>

It’s definitely not to be taken seriously though. In fact, I actually have the lyrics for all the songs printed on the album and in my own handwriting I put right next to that one:

“Please Do Not Try This At Home – Or Anywhere Else For That Matter!” – I put the “Lita Advisory” sticker on it.

Growing Up

gJg: Where did you grow up?

LF: I was born in Britain and moved to the US when I was 4. I worked my way from Boston to Dallas and then to Long Beach, California.

I’ve always considered myself a California girl though. You know, growing up on the streets of Hollywood. Just like the song: “Living Like A Runaway”.

gJg: When I listen to that song I actually feel like I’m right there with you. It’s awesome when a song takes you some place and infects you.

LF: I agree. I listen to it sometimes and cry and think: “Why am I crying?”.. Then I realize it’s because it’s so “real”!

One day I left town with just the shirt on my back
And a guitar on my shoulder yeah I wasn’t comin’ back
I had to break the spell my heart was under
So I rode out-of-town on wheels of thunder
…. “Living Like A Runaway”

gJg: Who were some of your influences when you were growing up playing?

LF: Richie Blackmore was one of my biggest. I think he’s one of the best guitar players I’ve ever heard. Especially the way he would double-pick everything like on “Highway Star”. It was so brilliant. He also used to play the cello. He’s such a brilliant musician.

I was also a big fan of Black Sabbath because their riffs were just so heavy!

gJg: Did you have a hard time growing up being a girl and playing guitar?

LF: I did and I never really understood that. People would see me play and they’d say “But… you’re a GIRL!”.  And I’d say: “Yeah, AND??” Truthfully though, that would just make me want to play more!

I love a door slammed in my face
Told me a girl needs to know her place
I never listened,  I proved ’em all wrong
I rocked their asses from here to Hong Kong

I’m not invited but I’m comin’ anyway…. “Relentless”

gJg: How did you practice?

LF: I would never put the guitar down. I would walk around with it. I’d sit and watch TV and play. If I went out on a date with a guy I’d go over to his house and I’d sit and jam with him. Of course, he wasn’t too happy about that but that’s what I wanted to do. <laughs>

My whole life pretty much revolved around playing guitar.

gJg: Can you tell me one of your best “rock and roll” stories?

LF: I have so many… Hmmm? Here’s a good one. And this one actually involves my Mother:

One year I was invited to an awards show in New York City for all of these huge celebrities like Keith Richards, Tina Turner and David Bowie. You know, all of these huge stars. I decided to take my Mom along with me because she really loved rock and roll. She also knew everyone and was a great person to have around and help me.

I was having my hair and make-up done and it was taking quite some time. After a while, my Mother got bored just standing there so she decided to go off and start talking to people.

So after a few hours I went looking for her and I found her… Sitting on a sofa next to David Bowie!!

I remember walking up to her and excitedly yelling so loudly that my voice cracked. I said: “MOM?!! What are you DOING?? Do you realize who you are sitting next to?”

She says (in this thick Italian accent): “Oh, Lita! I was just talking to Dave!” So I thought: “Oh this is great! My Mom’s hanging out with David Bowie!”

David looks me over from head to toe then looks back at my Mother and says (in his thick British accent): “Is this your daughter?”

And my Mother says: “Yah Dave, that’s Lita!” And David says to my Mom:”Do you always let her dress like that?”

My Mother replies: “Yah Dave, THAT’S rock and roll!” <laughs>

gJg: That IS rock and roll! <laughs>

LF: It sure is! <laughs>

gJg: What is one of the strangest things a fan has ever asked?

LF: A few weekends ago someone actually asked me to sign their neck. So I autographed his neck and within an hour he came back and showed me it had been tattooed.

Then the guy asked me if I would kiss a napkin for him. When I asked him why he said it was because he wanted to use the lip prints and have them tattooed on his neck right next to my name. He did all of this within a couple of hours. It was pretty unbelievable. <laughs>

gJg:Would you ever consider doing a Runaways reunion?

LF: I would love to. The girls know that I want to and I think now would be a good time to do it. I’m all for it and told Cherie (Currie) and Joan (Jett). Unfortunately, we don’t have Sandy with us anymore. We’ll see.

In the meantime though… I’ve got “Living Like A Runaway”! <laughs>

gJg: What’s your relationship with BC Rich guitars now?

LF: It’s great! I’ve actually got a BC Rich Signature Model coming out soon: “The Black Widow Warlock”.  I’m very excited about it!

gJg: I hear you’re also working on a book now. What’s the status of that?

LF: I’m looking for publishers right now. It’s going to take some time because I want this to be a very visual book;  just like the songs are on the new CD. They’re visual. You can actually “see” the picture I’m trying to paint. That’s what I want this book to be.

gJg: I have to ask you: what was the origin of “Close My Eyes Forever”?

LF: That song was kind of an accident really. Ozzy and Sharon came over to the recording studio one night while we were working on the “Lita” record. They had brought me over a house-warming gift for my new home.

So we opened a bottle of wine and were playing pool and after a while Ozzy and I decided to go into a side room where we had a guitar and amp set up. We just started playing and singing and wound up writing “Close My Eyes Forever”.

What’s interesting was at the time I was voted Best Female Rock Vocalist and he was voted Best Male Rock Vocalist.

gJg: How has the reception been for the new album?

LF: It’s been absolutely insane. We’ve actually gotten some really good quotes. One of the best was from a guy in Germany who put it this way:

I fall to my knees and I say: Thank you God for this wonderful album!!

*****

As far as I’m concerned, truer words have never been spoken. Welcome back Lita!!

Article first published as Lita Ford: Living Like A Runaway on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Movies and TV, Music

Tell It To My Heart: A Conversation With Taylor Dayne

1987 is a year I’ll always remember. It was the year I graduated high school and said goodbye to old friends. The year of my coming of age and the start of new beginnings.

A time when the future was wide open and the sky was indeed the limit.

I remember I was stocking shelves at a local supermarket one night dreaming about starting college in time for the spring semester. That’s when I heard that incredible voice for the very first time coming from the radio playing on the overhead speakers:

I feel the night explode when we’re together…
Emotion overload in the heat of pleasure…

As the song played on I remember just standing there among boxes of Lucky Charms cereal thinking to myself:

“WOW!”

That was the only word to describe what I was hearing. Although I was a diehard metal-head music fan from the very beginning there was something about the music I was listening to that appealed to me. Her voice was infectious. It was the beginning of something very special.

For little did I know that 1987 was also the year that a singer from New York named Leslie Wunderman was about to set the floor, and the music world for that matter, on fire for the very first time.

Leslie had just transformed herself into Taylor Dayne and together with producer Ric Wake released “Tell It To My Heart”, a song that would eventually reach #7 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart and usher in a sound that would take the world by storm.

A few weeks later, Taylor’s debut album of the same name would be released on Arista, produce three more top-ten singles and achieve double-platinum success in the United States.

One of those two million albums belonged to me.

Taylor’s first tour was as the opening act for none other than Michael Jackson and it was there where she would meet Frank Dileo, Jackson’s long time manager and the man who would go on to represent her for many years.

Her follow up album, “Can’t Fight Fate” would yield four more hit singles including her first number one: “Love Will Lead You Back”.  Her journey had begun.

Over the last twenty-five years Taylor Dayne has sold more than 75 million records worldwide, garnered three Grammy nominations and has branched out into the film, television and stage world including her most recent film project: “Telling of the Shoes”. She is one of the industry’s most dynamic artists.

In addition to her own songs Taylor’s also flexed her muscle on some other artists’ biggest hits and made them her own. From her awesome cover of the Barry White smash “Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love” to her version of The Red Hot Chili Peppers’ “Under the Bridge” from her most recent album “Satisfied”; Taylor makes it all look so easy.

She’s also ventured into reality television as well, having recently appeared as part of Team Rachel on the show “Rachel Vs. Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off” where she competed for the Cambodian Children’s Fund Charity.

Last summer, Taylor released the single “Floor On Fire” which broke into the Billboard Top Ten further proving that this vocal powerhouse has no intention of slowing down.

I had the pleasure of speaking with this amazing woman and getting her thoughts on everything from how she became Taylor Dayne to her songwriting process.

We also discuss her upcoming greatest hits package and her admiration for young up and coming singers competing on reality television.

If the past is any indication, I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Taylor Dayne.

goJimmygo (gJg): It’s so great to speak with you Taylor. How are you doing?

Taylor Dayne (TD): I’m doing great! Thanks for asking. I’m keeping busy by making appointments and getting on planes. <laughs>

gJg: When you look back on your career thus far what’s the first thing that comes to your mind?

TD: It’s actually difficult to put into words. When I think about everything I’ve been through all I can say is “Wow!”  I really can’t believe it”. <laughs>

gJg: For me, as far as 80’s female vocalists are concerned, you complete the trifecta. First there was Madonna, then Whitney and then there’s you!

TD: Thank you! I was actually a label mate with Whitney’s on Arista. I signed in 1987 when the single came out and then the “Tell It To My Heart” album dropped in 1988.

I think Whitney’s first album was released somewhere around 1985. She was more into pop where as I was more into the dance genre.

gJg: You’ve had so many hits over the course of your career and just last year had yet another one with “Floor on Fire”. How did that single come about?

TD:  I remember at the time I wanted to do a Techno/Electronica dance single. So I searched for a producer and found Niclas Kings and Ivar Lisinski who are both absolutely amazing.

One of the other writers on the song is Tania Doko who is a big artist in Australia. They sent me the track and Tania and I went through melody and lyrics. We all just collaborated on it.

gJg: What is your process like for writing songs?

TD: For me, songwriting is a building process. I like to compare it to filling in the spots of a puzzle. Sometimes pieces fit and sometimes they don’t. The trick is you just have to keep building. That’s the art of songwriting.

gJg: What inspires you to write?

TD: It’s moment to moment. Experience to experience. For me it’s actually living in the moment. When I write something and feel inspired by it what you see is a picture window of what’s going on in my life at the time. It’s generally done in that way. You always have to stay true to yourself.

Although, I’m not going to say that “Floor on Fire” was done that way.. <laughs>

Sometimes songs are easy to write and sometimes they’re not. That’s why I like to collaborate. 

gJg: I have to tell you that  “I’ll Be Your Shelter” is one of my all-time favorite songs.

TD: Thank you! One of the things I like to look for when I’m writing or looking for songs to use is how they’ll feel when I perform them live. “Shelter” is one of my favorite songs to perform.

gJg: I also loved your take on The Chili Peppers’ “Under The Bridge” from the “Satisfied” album.  That was incredible!

TD: Thanks. That is such an amazing song!

gJg: What’s the story about your transformation from Leslie Wunderman to Taylor Dayne?

TD: That’s an interesting story: It was when I was recording “Tell it To My Heart” with my production partner, Ric Wake. Coincidentally, Ric also happened to be working with Dee Snider (Twisted Sister) around that same time. Dee and I were both ‘Long Island” kids.

Ric was in session with Dee and they were becoming friendly. So Ric begins to tell Dee about my deal to do a single with “Tell it To My Heart” and how he was now looking for a new name for me. So someone had mentioned the name “Taylor”. That seemed to stick but we needed a last name to go with it.

So later that night a bunch of us all went out together and literally got out the baby book and went through it line by line:

“Taylor Dann?… No….”, Taylor Dunn?…Nah!…”…Hmmmm? Taylor “DAYNE!”

That was it!

gJg: What are some of your best memories from being on the road?

TD: Meeting a lot of my own inspirational artists tops the list. I was able to meet a lot of people who really inspire me. Artists like Prince, Bo Diddley and Robert Plant. I got to meet a lot of the biggest blues artists in the world.

gJg: Prince is such a genius.

TD: He really is. Prince is an incredible musician and artist. He used to play these “after hours” shows in small clubs and a bunch of us would all go. Before long he’d call to me and the next thing you know I’m right up there on stage with him. He liked to do that for all of the breaking artists at the time. It was amazing.

gJg: You also had the opportunity to open for Michael Jackson on the BAD Tour. What do you remember most about that experience?

TD: For me, the best part about the Michael Jackson tour was getting to meet Frank Dileo who ended up becoming my manager. Frank was a long time manager of Michael and really helped facilitate a lot of the success of his record sales.

gJg; What do you like to do when you’re not in the studio, on the road or on TV?

TD: I love being outdoors. I’m a real nature buff.  It’s a big touchstone for me and really connects me to the Earth. Prayer time is especially strong for me. I’m passionate about it and it really helps keep me grounded.

gJg: Is there anyone you’d like to work with?

TD: There’s a lot of really great talent out there I’d love to work with. People like Justin Timberlake, Dr. Luke and Stanley Clarke are just a few that immediately come to mind.

gJg: I was watching you showcase your cooking prowess on “Rachel Vs Guy: Celebrity Cook Off”.  I wanted you to win it so badly.

TD:  As far as I’m concerned we did win. Joey (Fatone) and I were just thrilled to wind up where we did. Anything more than that would have been insane. It was such a great experience. <laughs>

gJg: What are your thoughts about the new wave of singers coming from shows like “American Idol” and “X-Factor”?

TD: Amazing. I think they’re awesome!

gJg: Your voice is so instantly recognizable. Do you think these kids spend too much time trying to sound like someone else?

TD: I think that the kids on those shows are just now starting to find their own voice. 

There’s this whole way of singing: the use of syllables, expressing the melodies, feeling the song and making it your own. That’s what they’re doing now.  Finding their way through the wilderness.

Most of them have never been in a recording studio or performed on that kind of a level before. Then all of a sudden they’re pushed into this big beast and the next thing you know, they’re developing. They actually develop right before our eyes. It’s pretty cool.

gJg: What projects are you working on right now?

TD: Right now I’m working on several different projects one of them being a new Greatest Hits package. This new album will include re-records of all of my big hits as well as some new material. I’m very excited about it.

Article first published as Tell It to My Heart: A Conversation with Taylor Dayne on Technorati.




Music

The Death of Queensrÿche

Whenever a band that I admire breaks up it’s always sad. Usually the problems arise from drama within the group amongst members. Some problems we hear about and some are kept from the public.

Steve Perry and Dennis DeYoung both left Journey and Styx respectively due to medical issues (although there were plenty of underlying drama within the band as well).

Sometimes drugs and alcohol are to blame as was sadly the case with Janie Lane in the band Warrant.

I’ve seen my fair share of favorite bands undergo massive line-up changes or break up altogether over the years but I don’t think I can ever remember witnessing the one event that’s the nail in the coffin. That is until today.

As far as I’m concerned there are only two unwritten rule for every band. This goes for your local band just starting out right up to U2 and The Rolling Stones:

First, ALWAYS give your best every night. Whatever your “best” is then bring it. Leave the stage (or club) knowing that you didn’t just phone it in.

Second (and more important): NEVER under any circumstances berate or come across negatively to your audience.

As evidenced by this video clip of Queensrÿche from their Rocklahoma performance a few days ago – you’ll see lead singer Geoff Tate break Rule #2.

“You guys suck!” …. that’s all that kept replaying in an endless loop in my head…. “You guys suck!”

How dare you say that to a crowd of people who paid MONEY to see you?

I don’t care if there are thirty thousand people or just three: If the crowd isn’t into the show then Dude, its your ‘effing JOB to make them get into it.

Let me say that I’m a fan of Queensrÿche from the “Operation Mindcrime” and “Empire” days. I know that the years since have probably not been as kind to them but that’s no excuse for Geoff to tell a crowd of people they suck.

Not surprisingly, members of the band (sans Geoff Tate) have announced a “side project” called Rising West which will make their live debut next weekend in Seattle. There are also plans to record a full length album.

A band that has been around for thirty years and sold over 20 million records is essentially finished. But even if they do somehow manage to come back all of their accolades will forever be overshadowed by these three words: “You Guys Suck!”

Ironically, Geoff would have been better off taking his own advice from the band’s magnum opus “Silent Lucidity”

Life

My Memorial Day

I usually can’t remember what I do specifically during Memorial Day each year although I believe it typically starts the week prior to the actual day itself.

I’m usually reading the stories from World War II veterans in the newspaper all week. Stories about the Greatest Generation and how they spent time “over there” fighting Nazi Germany. Most often the stories seem to reflect their accounts of the D-Day Invasion. True heroism and sacrifice that I will never be worthy enough to accept.

The Memorial Day weekend itself is usually quiet around my house. One day is typically set aside for the annual visit to some relative’s home for a cookout (or in my case a birthday party since many coincide with this time of year). Making merry, partaking of adult beverages and eating so much food someone has to wheelbarrow me to the car for the drive home since I can’t move. Good times indeed.

The actual Memorial “Day” is normally spent quietly for me. I’ll try to sleep late (something I don’t normally do) and lounge around on what feels like Sunday.

But this year was a bit different.

My daughter, who has an obsession with all things swimming, decided bright and early she wanted to visit the Palmer Pool today. I had thought she would have had her fill of aqua related activities yesterday in my cousin’s pool. A large in ground one she had all to herself for several hours. But she was bound and determined to drag her old man to the community pool.

I’ve only been to the Palmer Pool a few times. I grew up on the south side Easton which is quite a ways away. During my tenure there I was considered riff-raff by the township hoi polloi when ever I went. But now that I am a full-fledged card carrying member of the Palmer community, at least as far as taxes are concerned, I decided to partake of the opportunity once again.

When we arrived I noticed the flags were flying at half mast and I reminded my daughter as to why they are so. Mouthing the same old lines that countless other parents and teachers have spewn to young ears. Hoping that the meaning might somehow get across and that this day isn’t really “the start of summer”.

As we swam I noticed a few things that jarred my memory: The part of the patio that was reserved to the Dip and Dance crowd. The long lines to get funnel cake and french fries. And of course, the diving boards where children would line up to jump into rather chilly water.

What else did I notice you ask? Ladies that should be in bikinis and those that most definitely should not. Shirtless men’s bellies hanging over their shorts so far they probably could not see their toes. Then there were the ones who had their guts sucked in (most likely to impress the ladies who looked good in the bikinis).

I swore I even saw a guy there not wearing a shirt who looked like Magilla Gorilla. The guy’s back was covered with layers of hair. I’m talking werewolf here, not a good look. Although I ‘m not really sure what part of the lunar cycle we’re in this week.

I had an encounter with my old high school classmates too. Well, at least I thought I did. I believe I saw Jim Prendergast there with his children waiting in line. I haven’t seen Jim in well over twenty years and wasn’t 100% sure it was him. I believe his nickname in high school was “Stickman” or something like that. I was tempted to walk up to him and call him that but I was afraid that if it wasn’t him my nickname might have been met with a fist. So that meeting never happened.

Later on, while sitting pool side, I noticed a young girl throwing a hakee sack (do they still make those things?) with her Dad. I kept going over and over in my head that I had seen them before and finally I realized that it was Michelle Eck’s husband and daughter. I know this only because of Michelle’s Facebook updates. She and I had also graduated together but she was nowhere to be seen. Her husband and daughter I have never met and they would have absolutely no idea who I was so I let that encounter go by as well.

But the most important thing happened as I waited outside for my daughter to go in and change to go home. Out of the locker room came a woman who was rolling a wheel chair. I watched her wheel the boy who rode upon it to a grassy area where upon he slowly got up.

I’m not sure if he had cerebal palsy or some other condition that made him so frail but I watched him struggle to move independently down towards the pool. Time seemed to stop for me as I watched the woman (who I assume to be his Mother) catch up to him and meet him at the steps. They held hands together and walked towards the water.

I kept thinking about how difficult it must be for both of them in their day-to-day lives. Simple things like dressing, eating and getting around must be a chore. But come hell or high water they were going swimming today. And damnit, they did. It also looked like it was something they do quite often together. Meanwhile, I spend most of my time taking so much for granted.

So this Memorial Day was a good reminder for me. I enjoyed every minute I got to spend with my daughter but for the first time in quite a long time I’m also remembering why we are all able to enjoy the things we do.

I hope yours is special too.