The beginning of 2012 was an interesting one. I had just parted ways with the Chubby Checker band that I had been with for the previous 4 years. At this point I had not had a real job for the last 6 years. I’ve been playing music for a living and never considered that work.
The Chubby Checker band was the only working band I had ever been in. Working band because I made money. Before that I was strictly in original bands.
I needed to find another gig. I got used to touring around the country, playing music, making money with my guitar. I didn’t want to have to get a real job.
So I went online looking for auditions. The Village Voice, and Craigs List were two websites I searched. I stumbled upon an ad that looked very interesting. 90’s band looking for 2nd guitarist / back round vocalist. Ok. I’m gonna give this one a shot.
I set up an audition, and got to work learning a hand full of songs. The audition went very well. These guys were great. They really took the music serious and wanted to be a tight band. They also wanted to have fun because that’s what its all about.
I tried my hardest to get the back up vocals down because after all it appeared they wanted more of a back up singer than a 2nd guitarist. I think that once they heard me play they realized that most of the music had two guitar parts anyway.
The band was fronted by Vocalist James Mantione, Bassist Dennis Donaldson, Guitarist Billy Fredrich, Drummer Steve Purcell, and myself on guitar.
Beside Steve Purcell who I got into the band shortly after I joined, these guys had all ready been established and playing around for a while.
We played gigs all over Long Island. Places like The Brickhouse Brewery, 89 North, Declan Quinns, and Napper Tandys. One thing you can say about Long Island is that they love their live music. I don’t care if it’s Rock, Disco, Metal, or Rockabilly, Long Island loves it’s music and knows how to party.
It’s interesting because during the 90’s I wasn’t really a fan of the music. I did love bands like Alice in Chains, Radio Head, Depeche Mode, and especially The Verve. Growing up in the 80’s as a rock guitarist I felt the 90’s music didn’t have the same level of guitar playing that I was used to hearing in the 80’s.
Joining No Excused really gave me a new appreciation for 90’s music. As I look back now on the 90’s I see it as the last great decade of rock music. So many great bands, and songs.
We had a great time in No Excuses. I really loved working with these guys. They were all so talented. We had some intense shows. That kind of music was so raw and emotional you couldn’t help but feel it. The energy of the crowds with their great fans, and friends made these shows great, and memorable.
I’m grateful that they took me into their band and showed me the ropes entering the cover band scene in the great Long Island, New York.