Wednesday, March 30, 2011

The Right Side of the Tracks

March 31st, 1980 – 31 years ago, today; I had the most terrifying experience of my life – when I found myself falling between the cars of a moving NYC subway train. Though people knew of this, only a few have ever heard the full story of how I survived the impossible. It’s a story that’ll either change the way you think about everything, or confirm what you’ve already believed. Then, there are those who will still choose to continue as they are, living in negativity.


I’ve withheld telling this… knowing that most who read this would’ve deemed me insane… until I felt the time was right. Seeing the current state of world affairs… natural disasters, outbursts of violence and political upheaval worldwide, a Presidential Limo – mockingly named THE BEAST, as well as an EU main computer bearing the same monicker and people already voluntarily having chips implanted in their right wrist- which will eventually link them directly to – THE BEAST – allowing them to make purchases by merely waving their chip in front of a transponder. We’re seeing the armies of the world amassing against Israel – watching as the ‘Book of Revelations’ unfolds around us… I believe this is the time that people will listen.


I’ve relived this event in late night flashbacks, to where I can just close my eyes and see the event unfolding as it did that day.


I was heading back home from my girlfriend’s apartment, and went to take the Local from Union Square. One of the things about Union Square Station is that the 4/5/6 trains come in on a curved track – which leaves a wide gap between the cars of the train, and the station platform. Once the train has stopped at the platform, metal grates slide out to meet the train.


I was at the top of the stairs that led down to the 4/5/6 platform, and saw that my train had just arrived and passengers were boarding. So, I bounded down the stairs and reached the platform just as the last of the passengers was getting on. I looked, and just to my left… and no more than six-feet away… was the conductor looking out in my direction. I went to enter the open door that was directly in front of me now, and just as I was about to step inside, the doors closed in my face. Before I could react, the train began to move, and the grate that I was standing on began to retract – throwing me off balance. I tried to regain my balance to no avail.


I found myself falling between the, now quickly moving, cars. Time seemed to stand still, and what could only have been a second or two seemed endless. I panicked! I grasped, and then I saw it – like one of those filmstrips that you’d sit through in Health, or Drivers Ed, class back in those days – I saw images… my life flashing in front of me. I knew it was over.


Then, a lifetime of “ Religious indoctrination” took over. God… my last resort! I remember saying “I’m in your hands, now”. I felt a rush of warmth, and total peace. I was engulfed in a bright light. I felt myself being lifted, and I was happy to be going by now –all my fear had subsided.


The next thing I knew, I was standing back on the platform. It was empty, except for me and the ‘man’ who’d lifted me to safety. “Who are you?” I didn’t want to thank him namelessly. He was old, possibly in his 60s; gaunt with a cold stare. He was wearing a gray suit. He didn’t respond, and I reached for him; to shake him and ask him his name again… but… and this was the part that it took me about six years to realize… he put out his hand as if ordering me to ‘Halt’, and vanished.


Was this just my ‘imaginary friend’, as my ‘more educated’ associates would call Him ? The man on the platform was clearly not physically strong enough to have lifted me, judging by his appearance and build, and there was no way he could’ve reached out and grabbed me while maintaining his own balance, or have been able to react in a split-second.


In time, I came to realize that he must’ve been my Guardian Angel.


It’s funny, how when I’ve told this story – in detail to Progressives, the immediate response has been to block me from any further communication. I believe this is a necessary reaction for Progressives, since my story confirms the existence of God… and of a Supreme Being… while Progressives believe that there is none greater than themselves, and to hear a story that so clearly confirms God would mean that they would have to admit to being wrong – something no Progressive can ever do.


But, you can take this any way you want – though I wouldn’t personally advise dismissing it. This isn’t some second, or third-hand ‘tale’ – it’s the experience of someone who many of you have known for as long as 30 years. It’s documented, and no one can tell me that I imagined it.

Saturday, January 22, 2011

The 30th Un-niversary on the 30th

I hope some of you had the opportunity to catch THE UNDEAD’s live performance on WBAR.ORG this past Friday. We’ve been hard at work getting things together for the 30th UN-niversary Sunday January 30th at The Studio at Webster Hall.

Don’t forget – this coming Friday – January 28 – I’ll be Live, on the air at EastVillageRadio EVR.COM from 2-4PM Eastern Time… playing plenty of vintage A7-era Hardcore and Punk, along with other personal favorites.

Most of all – what’s important about this gig is that I’m trying to rescue the near-dead underground music scene here, and so far – the powers that be at Webster Hall have expressed ANGER that I want this to be as big a success as possible. If I could, I’d change the venue immediately… Being in a Recession, I pressed for the lowest possible door price they’d allow. I asked for $5, but they’d only go down to $10/$12… but, if we can pack this night it just may be enough to convince the powers at Webster Hall to give us a night… in the spirit of the Ritz’s ‘Depression Night’ events of 1982 – where they charged only $2… and packed the main ballroom… where we can charge $5. Hell – the less you pay at the door, the more you can spend at the bar, too. Bottom line – they don’t give a fuck about you or any scene. So, let’s get a big turnout and wake them the fuck up.

Don’t forget – LIVING THE AMERICAN NIGHTMARE comes out the following day, and if we can get some cooperation from The Studio – we’ll have some clips from this movie, to show on the 30th.

Thursday, January 13, 2011

Yeah… 2010 is OVER!

And what a year it was. As much as I’m looking forward to 2011, I have to say there were a lot of great moments in 2010 that I won’t forget for some time to come.

As we moved into spring – I was a celebrity guest at CHILLER CON, where I shared a room with Lita Ford, and got to spend some time with my teenage hero, Alice Cooper, as well as his original bandmates, Mike Bruce, Dennis Dunaway, and Neil Smith. For those guys – an Induction into the RnR Hall Of Fame surely made 2010 a banner year for the now reunited 4… Damn… ‘Hey, Alice… don’t forget what ya said about the two of us LOOKING like we should be in a band together, in case Steve Hunter doesn’t work out – or if Lou Reed decides on a RocknRoll Animal reunion…’

It was also where I met THE MOTHER CHICK – Jill Kethel… the future “BARBIE STEELE”; and where I was presented with a medal and plaque from the U.S. ARMY for my support to the troops in Iraq. Later this year, at a Christmas party - they presented me with a flag.

May, 2010, brought on the release of I WANT YOU DEAD… after a 29 year wait – we finally released our first ‘demo’ recordings, packaged as I originally conceived of it… and in 6 different colors vinyl, too.

And then… the ongoing frustration of scheduling conflicts that kept us from accepting so many good gig offers out of town – came to an end, as Billy Gotta (Drums) and Alex [just Alex] (Bass) “joined” THE UNDEAD – as in they’re not part of any other band, and are fully dedicated to this project. They’re both great guys, and it’s not easy getting used to having members who actually want to do more than walk on stage for the glory, but actually want to WORK at the behind the scenes, un-glorious bullshit, too. After 30 years of being stuck with nearly all the work – I’m still trying to figure out how to DELEGATE. Expect a lot now that they’re in – I do.

We’re preparing to go into the studio soon to record a song for Dave Street’s upcoming film project – ‘Ghost Train a-Go-Go’ is a split from our usual style, with more of a Bauhaus/Goth feel. From there, we’ll start cracking the whip on more new material…

I’ve made some good advances on the project involving restoration and completion of the Lost Tracks from 1981/82, but while some equipment is back at the shop – this is back on hold til after January 30th.

Of course, if you’ve been following closely – you’re also aware that I’ve made a few appearances over the summer… at the Times Square broadcasts of THE REAL RADIO SHOW with Host Frankie D; both as a solo performer, and with THE UNDEAD. The show is broadcast every Monday from 7 to 9 PM on WGBB on Long Island, and also on their webcast at http://www.therealradioshow.com has been great fun, and Frankie is always loaded with surprises – putting artists on the spot, to do an impromptu collaboration. This led to a performance of Neil Diamond’s ‘Sweet Caroline’ backed by Twisted Sister’s AJ Pero on drums – and The Sugarhill Gang on backing vocals; as well as having me guest on guitar for RAPPERS DELIGHT.

Then, we got around to October, Halloween… and CHILLER CON. And, this time I was invited to do THE TIME WARP with Patricia Quinn – the original Magenta from ROCKY HORROR. And it just seems to keep getting better.

Now, as we enter 2011 – we’ll be celebrating 30 Years of THE UNDEAD…or… our “30th UN-niversary” at THE STUDIO at WEBSTER HALL. http://www.websterhall.com/thestudio This will happen on Sunday January 30th… Exactly 30 years to the day from when we made our debut at the A7 CLUB. In an effort to mix the old with the new, we’ve brought in PURE HELL – heroes of the early 1970s punk scene, who also made appearances at A7, next is RAPID DEPLOYMENT FORCE – another early A7 band that’s reunited for this night (feat ex-Undead, Phil Cadaver [also of NEW ROSE, and THE BLAME]). To represent the latest of NYC Punk Rock – we have BAXX SiSi’s (with ex-Undead, Hiromu Nakagaya). Topping the event off is a Friday, January 28 appearance on East Village Radio http://www.eastvillageradio.com from 2 – 4 PM. I’ll be hosting and Deejaying this special show; with plenty of vintage East Village Hardcore and Punk, plus record/Cd giveaways. Come drop in at their storefront studio on First Ave, between 2nd & 3rd Sts, and maybe I’ll have something for ya.

from Along with EVR, there will also be a LIVE performance by THE UNDEAD on Columbia Univ’s WBAR FM at 10PM on Friday, January 21 (www.WBAR.org)… Interview on PunkRadioCast.com’s BLAQART RADIO on Tuesday, January 18 from 7-9 EST.

Also, since the following day... January 31… is the opening of the film LIVING THE AMERICAN NIGHTMARE, I’m working on arrangements with Director, Pawl Basile to show Trailers, and possibly some excerpts from the film between sets.

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Axl Rose


It looks like Axl Rose is getting more undeserved bad press.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100902/ap_en_mu/eu_ireland_guns_n__roses

This article makes it out to be that Axl is the bad guy, for not being 'tolerant' of people throwing shit at him. I'd like to see how this author would react to being pelted with bottles. FYI - Axl is a human being, and concerts are not Gladiator events.

I met Axl after a GnR concert in 1992. During 'Live and Let Die', someone threw a lighter at him. It freaked him out, and he walked offstage, out of Giants Stadium... and stood in the middle of Rte 3 until he calmed down enough to go back onstage. What I saw as we talked, was someone with one of the worst cases of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder I'd ever seen. If you're familiar with his background - it's a miracle he hasn't committed suicide.

Everyone knows the story of his outburst in St Louis - where 'Axl provoked a riot', according to reports. Except the stories left out the most crucial facts to the incident. GnR contracts specify that, under U.S. and International Copyright laws - no recording devices are permitted to be used, and the honus is put on the promoter to provide security. Part of the duty of security personel is to protect the artist, as well as to confiscate any recording devices being used illegally. When someone in the audience violated Axl's Rights, Axl first pointed the offender out ot security - who ignored Axl's demand to comply with the Contract. After a few failed attempts, Axl ' lost it', and took the law into his own hands.

It just makes for better press to demonize the star.

What I've observed since meeting Axl in 1992 is a man who is being handled by people who are only looking at dollar signs, and not the best interest of Axl. If they cared at all, they advise him that he is not mentally capable of handling stardom - that he's plenty rich as he is, and he should just retire, and start enjoying his life for once.

In the early 1970s, it wasn't unusual for an act to go on much later than scheduled. Sly And The Family Stone once showed up at Madison Square Garden well after midnight, and then refused to go on until the promoter bought them all new gear. They had to call Manny's and get somone to open the store in the middle of the night. I heard a few stories of Sly and Co pulling prima dona acts from the father of my girlfriend, back when I was a Misfit. He was Sly's manager.

So... AXL... if you read this - retire. You've made your mark. Get rid of those parasites who've been driving you to produce. Enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Friday, August 6, 2010

Before I get started - you gotta check out this video on where the early Rock'nroll songwriting legends honed their craft. I'd actually always thought these were BRILL BLDG songwriters... now I know better.

www.ny1.com/content/123014/ny1-online---the-walls-of-sound-

If you've been to our Facebook, you've probably already seen the pics from this past weekend's ROCK-CON. I was only able to attend on Sunday, but from what I saw it was a very succesful event. I had the opportunity to meet fans, as well as some of my Rock'nRoll heroes. Imagine members of everything from the Beach Boys and Supremes to Misftis - all in the same room. I met Sid Bernstein - the legendary promoter who brought the Beatles and Stones to America; and Marty Kupermann of Jay & The Americans... Marty's still writing great punk rock songs. He wrote Joan Jett's BAD REPUTATION. No wonder I've always loved that band. I also had a talk with Supreme, Mary Wilson, and the Village People's 'cowboy'. They've been involved in a campaign to inform musicians of our Rights, and to rally for better treatment all around. I learned that, if you had a recording, composition, or publishing deal in existence before 1978, there's a facility in the Copyright Act of 1976 that gives you the Right to take back your Copyrights. This is a major thing, because it means justice for all of those artists who got royally fucked in the past. On Tuesday, I had another meeting with Congressional Candidate, Roger Blank http://www.RogerBlankforCongress.com and we've arranged to have THE UNDEAD play a fund-raiser for his campaign at RED SKY 47 East 29 St, NYC. Tickets for this fundraiser are $100 for standard admission, and $150 for VIP admission which includes a 'meet and greet' after party on the roof of RED SKY. In coming weeks, I'll be taking Roger on a tour of the East Village - to expose him to the side of things that our representatives are generally out of touch on.

I'll be doing a solo set, this Friday, August 6 - at The Record Collector, 358 FARNSWORTH AVE, Bordentown, NJ For tickets or more info: http://www.the-record-collector.com

And THE UNDEAD are at The Delancey next Friday, August 13...