News From The Road

I can’t believe it! The leg is over and it’s 1 more to go. The west coast was a blast. LA was insane like it always is. A bunch of Celebs were in the crowd. Slash was over my shoulder during the show. He then met up with Joe at the New York Dolls show at Avalon. Steven and Brad took part in Jay Leno’s annual bike ride the next day. I woke up to the roar of Steven and his posse riding toward Sunset Blvd with more horsepower than a Clydesdale stable. I headed out early to grab a Starbucks when I spotted Joey’s buddy and movie star Kevin Chapman driving towards me. He stopped to say hello and to show me his hog, I mean bike. When he got off of it the bike tumbled over. I jumped out of my car to help him. Damn! Those things are heavy. I was a little worried ole Chappy wouldn’t be able to finish the ride but he did with flying colors. Next up was classy San Diego. Ok crowd. That’s all I have to say about San Diego. I think the Devore show was the best show I have seen in the last 5 years. The crowd was great and the band was running on all cylinders. Joey played his ass off and it was so cold that Superman froze his “S” off. Sorry folks these are the jokes I don’t dance. The guys plowed through Phoenix, Dallas (my favorite stop so far) and San Antonio. Houston kicked major butt and then it was onto Tampa. It was the night before Thanksgiving and as everyone knows John Travolta came as Steven’s guest. The guy couldn’t have been nicer. He stopped and talked to the crew and their guests and even sang a few Grease songs for my daughter who came down for Thanksgiving. He was a classy guy!

What Time Do We Go On?   Photo: John Bionelli


After turkey day the guys played in West Palm Beach. As you all know the guys have strong ties to this area. Joey and Joe have or had houses here and Steven might as well for all the time he spends in Florida. Steven spent his Thanksgiving at a soup kitchen passing out food for the homeless. This didn’t surprise me at all because every holiday he gives back to the community in someway. I tip my hat to him for that. Brad spent the day after West Palm getting married to his longtime girlfriend Kim. These two are great people and I hope they have a great life together.

Stalker or Super Fan? You be the Judge   Photo: John Bionelli


New England Patriots owner Bob Kraft came to the WPB show with his wife Myra. He is a god in New England and spent time with each of the band members as well as Joey’s drum tech MaGee. He flew back to Foxboro the next day.
The guys played in Puerto Rico for the first time since the Get a Grip tour. It was great playing there. The vibe was unbelievable. While Joe was attacking his guitar with his silk red shirt his tech Jim Survis came over to me and said that this is the first time that these people have seen this.

Joey Kramer Gets Steamed After the Show!    Photo: John Bionelli


On the way back to Florida the guys worked on the set list for the Beacon. This show is starting to shape up to something really special. The MTV unplugged show keeps coming to mind with all the possibilities of songs. It will be a little like storytellers with the guys giving little antidotes to some of the songs. They are working on the backdrops and curtains and video. If it’s a success who knows, maybe they could do a whole tour like that of theatres. I can dream can’t I?
Tom will be making an appearance at Mohegan Sun to film his part for the NASCAR shoot. I’m sure once he straps on his 4 string (or 5) you won’t be able to get that piece of lumber off him.
The Refugee All Stars will also be there opening the show. Get there early to check them out. The guys will be spending Tuesday and Thursday with the SLRAS working on a couple of tracks for some upcoming tribute albums.

Danger Willie Cole       Photo: John Bionelli


Employee of the Week goes to Young Willie Cole. Willie is the go to guy. You can see him right in front of Steven during the show. He get’s in early and is the last one to leave. He goes by several nicknames, Steamboat, Box Car and Wilson. He’s 24 but looks 18. Make sure you go up to him and say Hi!

See you on the Road!

John B.