News From The Road

Adam Roth, Denis Leary and Joe                          Photo courtesy of Brandon Barrett, Replay Sports

The last show of the leg was in Raleigh. After the show the guys all headed in different directions but all ended up in Boston eventually. Steven spent a few days at home before heading west for a little R&R. Brad came up north to get some cars and headed back to his new digs in North Carolina. Joe and Joey stayed put in Beantown. With 2 travel days it figures to be about a 7-day break.

I have been going to the Comics Come Home show in Boston for a while now. It is in its 12th year and it benefits Boston Bruins great Cam Neely’s Foundation for Cancer Care in Boston. Cam and his brother Scott started the foundation in 1995 after their parents Marlene and Michael died from Cancer. Please check out camneelyfoundation.org for more info.

Steven Wright, Steve Sweeney, Terry and Tom Hamilton         Photo:John Bionelli                            

Denis and Joe after the show                                                                              Photo:John Bionelli 


For the second year in a row Comics Come Home was held at Agganis Arena on the campus of Boston University. Denis Leary is the host and he always brings out the best comics in Boston and in the country. This year he had Bill Burr, Steve Sweeney, Patrice O’Neil, Bob Marley, Steven Wright and Don Gaven to name a few. The band are always invited and their schedule doesn’t always allow them to go but this year Joe Perry and Tom Hamilton attended. I got to say it was great seeing Tom. I haven’t seen him since the Tweeter show in Boston a month earlier. He looked great and was real antsy to come back on the road. He just has to wait for the doctors to give him a thumbs up and he will be there. He is hoping to make the Mohegan Sun show at the end of November so keep your fingers crossed. Tom hasn’t made very many public appearances since last May but when his buddy Steve Sweeney told him about this show he jumped at the chance to introduce his friend last Saturday night. Tom has also been friends with Cam and Denis for years and he helps out with their causes whenever he can. I got to say I got chills when Denis introduced Tom to the 6000 or so people in the audience that night. He didn’t have to say a word when he walked out there. He is used to getting a standing O at the beginning of Sweet Emotion but this was something totally different and you could tell it kind of rattled him and he doesn’t get rattled easy. The Perry’s were the first one’s on their feet. Next up was Joe’s turn as he joined Denis for his signature song “I’m an Asshole”. He took a few solos and blew the roof off the joint. You may remember he cranked up his new Marshall’s at the Guitar Center a few doors down last summer so he is determined to split eardrums on Comm Ave. this year. It’s always a great time at these shows but last Saturday night was kicked up a notch by the boys in Aerosmith. I can’t wait until next year!

Billie and Joe with Cam Neely                        Photo courtesy of Brandon Barrett, Replay Sports


Joe with the A-Hole band featuring Adam Roth                                                  Photo:John Bionelli 


The guys will begin the West Coast portion of the Route of All Evil Tour on Thursday. San Fran and Vegas are the first ones up. In Vegas the guys will be shooting Back in the Saddle for NASCAR. They will be a major part of NASCAR in 2007. If you are going to the show be sure to go nuts because millions and millions of people may see you.

John B. and Joe Sagara                                 Photo: Melissa Mahoney


Employee of the week goes to Joe Sagara. This guy is a workhorse. He takes care of all the behind the scenes stuff. I couldn’t begin to tell you what he does because it is top secret. He lives in the San Francisco area and I’m sure will have a ton of friends at the show. Make sure you go up to him and say “Mahalo”.

See You on the Road!

John B.

Read John B's previous reports