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to Question of the Week For the week of January 15, 2012 I just came from a Southside & The Poor Fools concert last night in Titusville, NJ, and what an excellent time and fun performance! Thank You! Although I've always been a big fan of the horns the harmonica and return to the R&B roots made it something quite different and special. I was wondering if there is a plan to release an album... whoops showing my age... CD of the Poor Fools and some of the old Jukes classics re-made Poor Fools style?
Mickey, listen to me. Let's talk terminology. An "album" is a collection of things like pictures, stamps and, yes, songs. Feel free to use album whenever you want. And if anyone gives you any shit about it, tell 'em to come and see me. I'll straighten their asses out right quick. My nom de guerre is The King Pin. Just ask for him... er... me and tell them to do their worst! Grrrrrr. For the week of January 8, 2012 I'm guessing this has been asked a million times already but are there any plans to release the Men Without Women show on CD?
Yes. For the week of January 1, 2012 On New Year's Eve we heard you vow to "not Play the Fool". Any other resolutions you care to share? Thanks for another fantastic year of music and memories with friends! Looking forward to more in 2012!
Me? Not play the fool? Shirley you jest. If there's one thing I love about my audience, it's that they never want me to be a rock star, just the goofball I truly am. But since I are such a goofball, I don't have to make any New Year's resolutions. If you lower the ethical, moral, spiritual and behavioral bar low enough, you never disappoint yourself or others. I learned from Captain Seaweed, one of the town's crazies when I was a kid, that if you establish yourself as a nut, nobody expects you to be or do anything to the contrary. I have lived my life under that credo. Even the cops left me alone. Welll, most of the time.
But I have made my plans for three releases in the next 2 years, and to work many many shows in that time span also too. Because you deserve it. Take that any way you want. For the week of December 25, 2011 My lovely wife gave me a turntable for my birthday last summer, and I have just gone crazy listening to all my old vinyl albums, and buying new ones too. I bought this album cleaning kit called Spin Clean, and now more than 98% of my old vinyl collection is very playable and listenable. The neighbors come over on Friday nights for Friday Night Vinyl, and vinyl is usually the soundtrack for NFL football on Sundays. I have all your early studio albums on vinyl from when they were originally released, starting with "I Don't Want To Go Home", through "Love Is A Sacrifice", as well as your first live album, "Live - Reach Up And Touch The Sky". I just realized that "Messin' with the Blues" was available on vinyl on your web site, and received my copy today. It sounds great. On the back cover of the album, I see a quote from you that says: "Vinyl records sound SO MUCH better than CDs that there should be a peasant uprising to overthrow the record company oligarchy. Lynch the execs! So says me - Southside Johnny." So here is my question, will you please, please, release "Better Days", "Going To Jukesville", "Into The Harbour", "Grapefruit Moon", and "Pills and Ammo" on vinyl?
Some wife. Now your life is RUINED! Next thing you know you'll be slouching around flea markets at 5AM, looking for a "fix"." Hey, buddy. Got any vinyl?" And The King Pin and I will see you at yard sales pawing thru a box of Wayne Newton and Steve and Edie LPs looking for that tattered copy of Tonto's Expanding Headband. Yeah, yer hooked. Just stay away from them goddam 45s. They'll drag you into Hell itself. Take it from one who's been there. For the week of December 18, 2011 So boychick how did a goy from Jersey pick up so much Yiddish?? Knowing of your penchant for serious and possibly annoying fiction perhaps you've been reading Isaac Beshevis Singer. All the good band names were taken long ago. I'm calling my band The Errant Dreidels. If we're asked how we came up with the name do you
want credit or not? 2012 looks busy. You seem to be speeding up when everyone else is slowing down or at least thinking about it. As the saying goes - "whats up with that?" Nice to have stuff to look forward to - thanks.
O Bubbalah! From vere da Yiddish? S. J. Perleman, Isaac (The Mensch) Singer, Lenny Bruce, da brudders Marx, and ,of course, Mel Brooks. Plus the fella what wrote the Yiddish funny book whose name I'm supposed to remember? At my age? Wit' my tzoris? Please. After the assassination of Tsar Alexander II of Russia, a government official in Ukraine menacingly addressed the local rabbi, "I suppose you know in full detail who was behind it." A Catholic priest is called away by a family emergency one day, while on duty attending confession. Not wanting to leave the confessional unattended, he asks his friend, a rabbi from the synagogue across the street, if he can fill in for him. For the week of December 11, 2011 Greetings from your biggest and oldest fan in Colorado (come back and play the Blue Bird Theater like you did in August of 2002!). Two questions, actually, for the price of one, if I may. First, with the holidays rapidly upon us, it occurred to me that you've never done a Christmas album. Have you ever considered doing one with both covers and originals, maybe inviting some of the other Jersey musical luminaries to jam with you? You've done a few Christmas songs over the years and I'd reckon there's enough material to lay down some tracks. Being out west here, we don't get as much Jersey sound as we should and Jersey expatriates like myself would probably do just about anything for some Christmas Jukes. The second one is what ever happened to the Jukes "Garden State Parkway" logo from the "Going to Jukesville" album? Man, I miss that logo (and the shirts they go on) as it just about sums up the righteousness of you and the Jukes.
Oh Jim. Christmas songs? Me? If I were to attempt such a blasphemic thing, God hisself would come down from heaven and give me a facheem slap on the back of my head. Remember what he did to poor Lot's wife? Well he'd prolly turn me into a pillar of desiccated horse dung. And they frown on that sort of behavior where I live. No doubt I would be carted away and spread on some farmer's land and the poor man would end up growing marinated tomatoes. It's a miracle! But I do get hounded... er... requests for an Xmas CD every year. Maybe, if you're Reeeeal good and say your prayers at night and stop stealing your Mommy's Marlboros to smoke behind the schoolyard, Santa will bring you what you want. Maybe. Don't hold your breath. As for the Parkway logo; we still use it. You just can't have one. See what you get for bothering Uncle Southside? For the week of December 4, 2011 So this past summer when we saw you at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, you kept saying you thought you would have to do an all acoustic show just because of the name of the place. Did that gig lead to the idea to develop the Poor Fools or was there some other inspiration like oh, forgetting to pay the electric bill or something like that?
I have wanted to go out with an acoustic-ish band for a long time. It brings out a different style of singing and I can explore songs that may not work with the Jukes. I hurt my left hand years ago and can't play gee-tar all that well, but I'm determined to do it anyway. That's why ya get a great player like Tommy Byrnes and surround yourself with cool musos like Soozie and John and Jeff. There will be a rotating cast of characters in the future as people leave for other gigs, but that's a plus as it will force us to adapt musically. The only real drag is, like, I have to lug that damn guitar around. Not like the Jukes where I can just walk on stage and be beautiful. Thanks to all who showed up for the Poor Fools nights. You can't imagine how much we appreciate it. It ain't no fun alone. For the week of November 27, 2011 I recently attended a performance of King Lear and one of the characters is the Fool (ironically named as he is actually quite wise). At one point, Lear refers to the character as "the poor fool." That line made me wonder if this play was the inspiration behind the name of your new acoustic-ish venture? If so, does that make you Lear, a leader who had a swift -- yet very entertaining -- descent into madness?
Good reference. Willie the Shake. Wish I could claim it, but the name just came to me from out o' da ether. Maybe subconsciously? But me Father used to say "Those poor fools" occasionally. As for me being a crazed ruler, like, ask the band(s). But I have no daughters. I I have been known to rave in the teeth of a storm and tear my shirt, but that's just when I'm feeling good. I think I'm more like Timon of Athens; reclusive and grouchy. Or Falstaff. Kazee is definitely Puck. Now over to youse guys: Who are the rest of the Jukes in Shakespearean characters? For the week of November 20, 2011 With the holidays upon us, please share your favorite recipe for a good time.
My recipe for the holidays is always cooking, a very good bottle of wine and a great book. Simple and effective. I don't socialize as much as I used to, and I spend so much time on the road that I cherish my alone-at-home time. Of course, being with the one you love only enhances things, but it can't always be for me. Still, I'm used to being alone. One of my favorite Xmas's was spent in a little hotel on the Blue Ridge Parkway with a nice take-out meal of pork loin in gravy ,yams, and collard greens washed down by a good California Pinot and a bottle of Jack and Mark Twain. The next morning all the trees and bushes were covered with crystalline ice and the sun made the landscape a dream of light and shadow. Magic. Hope you all have great holidays and lots of good food and music. For the week of November 6, 2011 I'm originally from the NYC area and my wife and I have seen the Jukes numerous times dating back to the Schaefer Music Fest, in the 1970's. We've been living in North Carolina for the past 20 years and we don't get to see you and the band as often as we'd like. When we visit up north we catch shows as we can. Is there a reason you don't travel further south than the Birchmere, where we saw a smoking show a couple of years ago complete with the Miami Horns? Is there a
warrant out for you in North Carolina? We would like to see you more often.
Hey-ho Steverino. We were s'possed to play N.Carolina this summer, but a storm happened and, like, we didn't. But there are plans to play there next year, as Carol is my witness. Also, the acoustic nightmare that I have unleashed upon myself may get down there in the months to come. No horns, but a lot of bad guitar from yours truly. Trust me, that's a nice tradeoff. By the By; the very best BBQ pork I ever have had was in N.C. The King Pin and I were on a road/record trip and ended up in Nowheresville, when we stumbled on a shack with a long line of gourmands shuffling slowly forward. We promptly ditched the rental and joined that there line and were mightily rewarded. I couldn't find it again with G-d's GPS. But I WILL expect some fine victuals when we get down there. Fair warning. For the week of October 30, 2011 Unbelievably sad to say that I only just got turned on and tuned in to your music. Makin' me happy to say the least! It seems your tour schedule is for all points east. Have you ever played in Hawaii? If so, or even if not, would you check in to coming out here to the island of Oahu - Honolulu/Waikiki? We've got plenty of military guys and gals from all over the nation who I believe would be lining up to listen. A nice winter solstice would be in order for you all, for sure. If you are of the mind to, please check into heading to the far west.
Mahalo.
Hawaii! In Winter! Oh, my friend, you don't quite get how it is in the Jukes. We are currently in England in October. Cold and rain. We have been in Germany in December when it was 20 degrees below freezing and in Texas for a week during a heat wave. Just a few months ago we drove thru a hurricane to get home from a gig. Ice on the stage, tornado winds ripping the top off the stage, a dust storm in Las Vegas that dried up my throat for a week. A snow storm in Chicago wherein the tour bus lost a tire. Playing in the rain more times than I care to remember. And, of course that time at Monmouth Park race course when lightning hit the stage and blew out the sound system. And you think we would EVER get the chance to be in Hawaii in the dead of winter? Ha! It is to laugh. But... maybe... Nah! But thanks for giving me something to dream on. For the week of October 23, 2011 Who sang and what is the song on Southside's web page? It says "I'm happy as can be... I'm happy being me". It is addicting.
Hi Dennis, For the week of October 16, 2011 I am apparently having a mid-life crisis and have decided to get a tattoo! My choice is, of course, Jukes related. (your fault, I hope you can live with that...) Since there are a number of emblems, images, logos, etc. I was wondering what your favorite is? I was thinking about the neon "The Jukes" or
maybe the softball jersey script "Asbury Jukes" or maybe even the block emblem "Jukes" with your silouette in the U. Any suggestions?
I myownself, have no tattoos, piercings, ritual scars or cosmetic burns... yes, there is such a thing... and wear no jewelry. Because I'm dull. The only tattoo I ever contemplated was a small skull-on-book memento mori in the style of Durer. I would have it done on my upper left hand between the thumb and forefinger to remind me to relax and enjoy life. But I never found a tattoo artiste that could do old Albrecht justice. Besides, it would look like an ink smudge to everyone else. For the week of October 9, 2011 You spend a lot of time on your feet during a show. How much time do you spend deciding on what shoes to wear? Have you ever considered getting a pair of those toning shoes like Shape Ups by Sketchers? You'd get a great workout from bouncing and running around.
Bubba, I have a photo of me at 11 years old wearing a t-shirt, blue jeans and a pair of sneakers. I'm still here. If I ain't broke, don't fix me. Besides; what am I gonna do with all these Chucks? For the week of October 2, 2011 Greetings from the land of Peru. As the son of the Kingpin or to myself father, pops, or in the simplest terms my dad. I am without frequent contact with my favorite bald headed mustache sporting human being. My father is not without both high praise and high ball busting for you personally. I was hoping you could do me the favor of giving a brief description of my father from your eyes during your days of youth running the boards in Asbury with your fellow pin balling gang of cronies. Everyone has a role and life takes us down different roads and into different roles but I wonder about you two in your pre middle aged state and play some old school doo-wop and tell him his son loves him.
Yes it's true; the ineffable KINGPIN has progeny, offspring, issue. Oh, does he have issues. But that's for another day. A looooong day. For the week of September 25, 2011 This month marks ten years since the September 11th attacks. Milestones like this, no matter how horrific or painful, always make me reflect back on that particular day. I was wondering how that day unfolded for you -- how did you first hear the news, where were you and what was your reaction as the reality of what was happening sunk in.
Oy, what a terrible day. I was living in Nashville and my wife was working in Manhattan for Border's Books. They had a store in the World Trade Center... building 2, if I remember right. I was fast asleep after jamming all night with some friends when someone called and said "Turn on the TV". I was groggy and disoriented when I saw the second plane hit. Then I remembered that Tuesday was the day Jill visited the World Trade Center store... in the morning. I snapped into adrenal overdrive and started frantically calling, but of course all the phone lines were down. I spent the next 6 hours emailing, phoning and sweating. At last I reached a friend in NJ who told me Jill was alright. She had been delayed by a water pipe break in her Park Avenue store and didn't go downtown. In one small bit of luck that most unmerciful day, all the Border's people got out, but many workers they knew from the World Trade Center were lost. I still get a tightening in my chest when I drive into Manhattan and don't see the towers. How anyone can do that sort of thing is a bafflement to me. Such pain and misery and for what? For the week of September 18, 2011 Every once in a while the Dude plays the acoustic guitar. Don't know if he can play it, or even if it is plugged in, but he seems to enjoy himself. With the upcoming acoustic album/tour, any chance that he will make an appearance?
I will be playing the acrostic gui-tar on the acroopstic tour. But the Dude is always welcome to come and bring his sparkling personality and trombone to any gig I'm at or near. He is a great Juke and I hope he's not insulated by that statementing. What? More Jack? Ok. But only if you insist. For the week of September 11, 2011 Hi Southside, you say your life is a 7, what would make it a 10?
World peace and an end to hunger. No Kidding. I don't need any more than I have, and it hurts me to my soul to see people suffer. Except the Jukes. They deserve it... Me, too... Hope your life is a 7, too. For the week of September 4, 2011 After experiencing a random, monsoon inspired flash flood that trashed our yard, I can't help but wonder how your house and your lemon trees fared with Irene. Of course the news is full of New Jersey's flooding but I hope you managed to dodge the worst of it.
My lemons and roses are fine, my tomatoes are eaten but new ones are ripening. We got little damage here in the Asbury area. But northern NJ got flooded and Vermont got way flooded. The Yukes were in New Hampsha on Saturday and John Conte and I had the joy of driving home thru Irene on Sunday. Many trees down and much wind buffeting the car along with torrents of rain and curses from the driver... me. We stopped in to check on John's Mom, who was fine and then slogged our way to his joint in Monmouth Beach via the Turnpike, side roads, a shunted side trip into Newark thanks to the cops and eventually ended up on Rte 1-9. All experienced Jerseyans know to avoid 1-9 like it's a wounded water buffalo, but we had no choice. After many hours, I washed up in Ocean Grove safe and unsound. I was lucky. So many folks had a very tough time of it. Now I'm being dragged off to the wilds of Vancouver Island to be eaten by either a killer whale or an angry grizzly. My life is a 7. For the week of August 28, 2011 The passing of Kevin Kavanaugh, an original Juke, segued into the passing of Clarence Clemons, an original E Streeter, got me thinking about what these two Aha! That show I remember. It WAS freezing. The U Penn football team had a game either that day or the next and they said, "Come on Southside... let's watch the game". Like a dummy I said OK and off we went. I had a big coat, a blanket and a flask of Jack and still felt like I was gonna die from the cold. After the first quarter spend shuddering, I left. How do people do it? For the week of August 21, 2011 My favorite album was "Sacrifice". Why don't you do "Why Is Love Such A Sacrifice?" in any of your sets? FABULOUS tune and it suits you perfectly! Any chance of hearing it at Martell's in Jersey??
We DO do Sacrifice! You jus' ain't dere when we does it. And we have a real sacrifice to go along with it. I think Carol this time, as she has not gived me no tomatoes from her garden what I gived her seeds for and like that. How sharper than a serpent's tooth is de ungrateful chile. Waiter! Another drink and some more napkins. Seems I have made a mess o meself. For the week of August 14, 2011 Kay Starr recorded "The Hucklebuck", which was used in the show The Honeymooners. Do you have a copy of it? I can't find that thing anywhere! More importantly, assuming you watched the show, would you have made Ed Norton a Juke?
Norton! Ed would have been a great Juke. I say let's make him an honorary Juke introducere post mortis, as it where. Any other candidates? As for the Hucklebuck, no, my dear, I have not a copy. That was also a tune recorded by a number of jazz and r&b saxaphonistes. You might find a 45 on Ebay. I'm sure a best of Kay Starr CD would have it. But then you're stuck with 32 other Kay Starr yodels, and who wants that? But the image of Ralph and Ed doing the hucklebuck fills my withered heart with joy. Thank you. For the week of August 7, 2011 I will be coming to see you up at Hampton Beach for like the zillionth time in August... anyway... I will be coming with my sisters, daughter and a few friends to celebrate my 60th birthday and I was hoping you'd do the cha-cha with me to "Without Love" or "Love on the Wrong Side of Town". Just a few steps... not like dancing with the stars... it would certainly make my birthday even more special!! Thank You!!! Love You!!
Cha-cha? Moi? Sacre bleu! You must be The Mad Woman from Challot... or where-ever. I have been tole many time in no uncertain terms that I can't dance. I do the cha-cha like Peter Boyle tap danced in Young Frankenstein. And he got run outta town by a angry mob for that, so who knows what them crazy New Hampshirians might do. I mean, they call that a beach! Talk about nutso. Besides, when I get caught up in a show, I don't even know what universe I'm stuck in. But if you yell at me loud enough, maybe I'll remember and give it a whirl. In any event, have a great birthday, and guzzle down a sarsaparilla... Hey, that's the way spellcheck say's it's spelled. Looks fishy to me... on me. For the week of July 31, 2011 My mom and I are really big fans of your music. She has been listening to you
for years and recently introduced me to your music, since then, I've been
grabbing every vinyl LP I can find. Her birthday is coming up in two weeks and I
was wondering if you'd be so kind as to wish her a happy birthday? It would
definitely mean a lot!
I would be mucho happy to send yer Maw birthday good wishes etc etc etc. Do she have a email address? If so, send it to the Web Site Dude where you sent this here qwestion o da week and I will surprize her. But she already has the gift she wants; a thoughtful, loving son. Good on ya, Jon. For the week of July 24, 2011 As a fan I'm old enough to appreciate the nice small theaters you play a little
more frequently these days... as long as I can bring my beer to my seat. If I
wanted to raise as much of a ruckus as we did in years past I wonder if the
theaters would be as much fun. How does it work for you? If you don't have time
constraints are shows in the theaters and shows in bars, bars with decent sound
systems and stages, more or less the same? Stendhal is easy; comedy's hard. For the week of July 17, 2011 Your love of books and literature is well known. Have you read the Harry Potter series, or is it too commercial for you?
I must fess up to having neglected young Master Potter. I have no chilluns to teach to read, otherwise I prolly woulda used Harry. I have heard rave reviews from the fathers in the band as to their kids taking to the Potter books and learning to love to read from them. Good on Jo Rowling. Currently, I am slogging thru Stendhal's "The Red and the Black", thoroughly enjoying Jhumpa Lahiri's "The Namesake" and some old issues of Biblical Archaeology Review that I stole from a dentist's office. Next up: Christopher Hitchens bio and and an old Ross McDonald paperback. Summer is fun. For the week of July 10, 2011 Hey, Uncle South. Did you see Derek Jeter get his 3000th hit?
Why, yes indeed I did, young fellow. It was a grand and emotional moment for all us dusty old duffers who have watched this youth from his, well...youth. Why, I remember saying to Hood on Derek's first day in pinstripes, "Can you loan me 20 dollars?". Once again, my prognostications have all come true, except for that "Enron; the GE of the future" thing. But never mind. If has been a pleasure to watch Mr. Jeter all these years. He has comported himself with elan... and Elaine and Eileen and I don't know how many others, the lucky bast... deserving chap. I was in a sports bar in Costa Rica when he hit his 2000th, and I said to the barman, "Uno otro rhum, por favour." Oh, how the natives laughed at my broken spanish, then proceeded to toss me gently into the street. Such wonderful memories! For the week of July 3, 2011 A poster on one of the Springsteen message boards pointed out that the Men Without Women show on July 2, 2011, took place on the 50th anniversary of Hemingway's death on July 2, 1961. Was that intentional? (The scheduling of the show on that date, not Hemingway's death.)
Well, in truth, Hemingway's death WAS intentional. He took his own life. But, no I didn't know it was that anniversary. Johnny don't think that deep. He jus sing and drink and play pinball. Yowsah. We (the Jukes and Me... I... myownself... oh, forget it.) spent many hours and much effort learning them songs. Thanks, guys; you were great, and Thanks to Lisa, Soozie, Elaine, La Bamba, Mark "The Loveman", Stan Harrison and the cats from Outside The Box for all the help. And also thanks to Danny and Justin and all the rest of the stage crew for a long day of work. And yeah, thanks to Hood and the King Pin and Karen and the Kazee girls and everyone at the Pony and every one else and no wonder I don't gots no money. Damn! Oh... many thanks to Carol for all she does for the Jukes. And If I left anyone out, like it was on porpoise. I was nervous to begin with, but then Steven called me and said he was coming, so my blood pressure made my forehead essplode. But I thought the band did a great job, and I coulda done better, but it is what it was. Thanks to all for coming. Now on to other things. For the week of June 26, 2011 Greetings from the UK, John. You were kind enough to answer my last question (about the BBC TV concert in the 70s). Recently I was at a Blues Band concert
and Paul Jones mentioned that you recorded the lead vocals on one of the tracks from their forthcoming album. Can you offer some additional details, please?
Yes, I can. Paul Jones is a cat who sang with Manfredd Mann on songs like Do Wah Diddy, Sha La La and the classic Pretty Flamingo. He has a radio show on the Beeb that plays rhythm and blues and has featured the Jukes on a number of occasions. We met a long time ago and have been friends ever since. Recently, while the Jukes were sacking Britain, he asked me to sing and wheeze some harp on his latest CD. I was glad to oblige, and a fun time was had by all. Don't know when it's gonna be paroled... er... released or what it's called, but I will try to find out. Sounded good to me, Bluesy and cool. Oh, by the way; he was rumoured to have been asked to join a band that Keith Richards and Brian Jones were starting in the early 60s, but he turned them down. Sounds like someone with whom I would be friends, no? For the week of June 12, 2011 At the Chestnut Cabaret, in 1988, shortly after the release of Slow Dance, you instructed the band to play the horn section of Little Calcutta and the rhythm section of another song (simultaneously). That didn't work. So, then you instructed them to play the rhythm section of Little Calcutta and the horn section of that other same song... simultaneously, of course. Two questions: What was that other song? I keep thinking it's "I Played the Fool". And would you please consider doing this again the next time you play the Birchmere? Every time I listen to Little Calcutta, I rack my brain trying to figure out the other half, and my buddy won't stop asking me when you are going to play like Frank Zappa again.
Sir, I advise you to get some professional help. It is blatantly obvious to any Juke fan that I, the consummate professional, would never attempt such hi-jinks on stage. Why, we are known far and wide for our serious demeanor and strict adherence to the laws of Rock and Roll performance; stick to the set list, proper attire; hair-flailing in synchronization; and out-sized codpieces. Why, to even think that I would do such an outrageous act smacks of slander and libel and... and... whatever else my lawyers can dream up. And rest assured, my good man, you will be hearing from them. What? Oh...you have it on tape? Hey man. That's art! For the week of June 5, 2011 RIP Kevin Kavanaugh. An original Juke. Great guy to hang with and full of stories. Love and condolences to his daughter and all the many, many friends he had. Can't say much... just... phoooey. Raise a glass.
For the week of May 29, 2011 You recently name checked like 25 great singers in a question of the week without mentioning one Sam Cooke. He was before my time but I was lucky enough to listen to a recent "Sam Cooke orgy" on a public radio station here in Boston, including a bunch of his early gospel stuff, and I say he was the best ever (effortless soul). Yes, I know one can't really pick the "best" singer. Still, Sam Cooke. There I said it. What say you?
I have been 'buked and scorned! Sam Cooke! Well, ya can't name 'em all. I remember the night Sam was killed. My friend Dougie's father was driving him up to a gig with Sonny and the Starfires in New Brunswick and I tagged along. We weren't old enough to drive, I guess, but anyway...we had the radio on and the deejay said Sam Cooke was dead. Shocking! Shot at some cheap hotel in his jockey shorts. Of course, we didn't get those details until much later, but it was a strange moment for me to think that one of the nebulous voices I heard and loved could actually die. I suppose he was the first singer/hero that I ever... lost. Needless to say, he was a big influence on me. Sorry to have neglected him, Bill. For the week of May 22, 2011 A poll in Rolling Stone magazine disgracefully left you out of the top 100 singers of all time: I reckon you should be in the top ten at least. On the other hand Aretha came out as greatest all time vocalist and I have to agree with that. What do you think?
I could name you 200 singers who are better than most of the ones who get named every year to these lists. Just for starters, pick up a compilation CD of gospel groups from the 1940s to the 60s and you will hear some of the most urgent compelling voices on record. Then there are the blues singers like Elmore James and Skip James (no relation...that I know of anyway) and Bukka White. What about Jimmy Rushing and Wynonie Harris and all the blues shouters? Or Johnny Hartman, Billy Eckstein, Carmen McCrea, etc etc etc.; the jazz artistes? Oh... Rock and Roll. Linda Thomson, Johnny Carroll, Chris Youlden, Paul Jones, and all the new guys whom I don't know. Like I said, I could go on and on. Me? I'm way down on the list. But I have great fans who cut me a lot of slack. Thanks, everyone. I'll try to do better. For the week of May 8, 2011 On the UK tour I've seen you listed as Southside Johnny and the Asbury Dukes, Southside Jonny and the Asbury Jukes and Southside Johnny and the Ashbury Jukes. Is this immensely irritating? or is it some sort of clever tax break?
Ah-ha! You've stumbled onto one of the many arcane Jukes secrets. Now Eddie has to kill you. But, OK, since you've already spilt da beans. Sometimes we do dates under cleverly disguised names to fool the Tax man and the promoters and hopefully, Jeff Kazee into not showing up. No, that's not true. In reality, those are the actual names of the band. Ya see, I couldn't decide early on what to call us, so I used all them there names and others and now I can't remember the one I settled on. So, it depends on the day when the marquee dudes ask me as to what gets put up. No, No; that's not it. I remember once in Texas we were billed as Suicide Johnny and the Raspberry Juice. Good show, too. I toyed with the idea of keeping that name, but found out some other band was already using it. Bastids. Then there was the time in the seafood market when someone yelled out "Soft-shell Johnny" and I said "What?" It ain't easy being me. Especially when I'm not sure who that is. For the week of May 1, 2011 I have been a fan forever and was wondering if you ever thought of doing "I Do", as in J. Giles? I don't know who did it first but I know you guys could do a hell of a version.
"I do" For the week of April 24, 2011 Been a fan since your days at the Channel in Boston. Thanks for the good times. Who would I contact to start a movement to induct you and the band into the Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame? They did that with Bob Seger and it worked. Although, he wasn't as shunned by the media as youse guys are, or as good. Any direction would be appreciated.
I'm not ready for museum-hood, thank you very much. Besides, I would rather be in the Museum of Natural History in New York. Maybe my old bones strewn around the towering skeleton of T. Rex? Or me skinned and stuffed with straw and stuck in a diorama depicting early Jersey Rock Man, there to gather dust and frighten herds of school children. Perhaps one of my mangled lyric recitals could be typed and framed and hung in the Museum of Modern Art as found poetry. And of course, my liver and kidneys will be on permanent display at the John Hopkins School as a medical phenomenon, gazed at in wonder by interns and medicos emeritus alike. But I don't belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Groucho; " I wouldn't care to join any club that would have me as a member". For the week of April 17, 2011 Please don't be offended, but I've always wondered how often you guys practice. I would imagine it changes depending upon whether you are playing new material or not. Also, is it hard to get such a large group of musicians together?
Why would I be offended? Oh, I get it: you think we NEED more rehearsal. Nice. We don''t rehearse a lot because of the logistics, but we use sound check and like that to go over new or old tunes. We will be getting together to perfect the Men Wifout Wimmins stuff before July. The hard part is when a new Juke emerges. Then we have to go over songs we know by heart. Boring. But this band is so good that things fall into place quite rapidly. And then there are the songs that the new member doesn't know that we do live anyway. Like last Night in Goteborg. Someone called out "I Remember Last Night" and Tom the Drummist said he didn't know it but if I walked him thru it, he was game. So we did and I did and he did and it was fine. Not perfect, but mucho fun and the crowd loved it. That's my story anyway. And I'm stickin' to it. For the week of April 10, 2011 Have you considered releasing one or more of the recorded concerts of you guys Oy. You ask a tough question. I don't know what we have and what quality the recordings are. There is also the question of approval from many peoples, including Steverino. I'll get my myrmidons on that right away... I mean after we get back from Scandalnavia. I'm not a big fan of live recordings but anything for you, Tom. Ya pushy bastid. For the week of April 3, 2011 Would you ever consider adding to The Jukes' seemingly endless repertoire a Tommy Castro song? Perhaps "A Good Fool is Hard to Find," or my favorite by I occasionally get asked to cover other folk's songs, but I find it somewhat confusing. Now that I am writing more, there's not much room for outside stuff. I wanted to do a Wood Brothers tune on Pills and Ammo, but Kazee fought me off by writing better songs... the swine. He makes me work too hard. But I'm always glad to be pointed to good material. I'll check Tommy's songs out. I know him but my head is crammed with other crap these days. Mostly "Men Without Wimmins" songs. Steven wrote a lotta words for that record, and I gotta learn 'em all. Everybody hates me... On a side note; thanks to all the people who came to the seminar and show in Asbury Park Saturday. You make things so much easier with your enthusiasm. And I was tired of talking to myself anyway. Cheers and go Yanks/Mets. Sorry, Hood. For the week of March 27, 2011 It would be a super idea, to "dub" Little Steven's "Men Without Women". In the end, it was almost all written for you, no? Looking forward to a remake of these Never trust a Belgian's advice. I have learned the hard way. Besides; this band is better, even tho the singer is long past his bury by date. I am looking mucho forward to playing these great songs. And if I get one word or melody wrong, Sylvio will kill me and that will be that. Basta. End of report. For the week of March 20, 2011 Given your (and Bobby's) very obvious love of the Rolling Stones, and in particular, "Exile on Main Street", it surprises me that you have never attempted the awesome "Rocks Off". The sound is pure Jukes and given that Happy has become almost a staple of the live set, wouldn't "Rocks" be a welcome change and show-stopper?
Shoot, bro. We been stealin' from da Stones for years. If we do one a dere songs, like, we gotta pay the bastards. I bought Keef's bloody book, ain't that enough? For the week of March 13, 2011 In your travels around the world or even Europe, do people "get it" when they hear you're from New Jersey? The disdain, the armpit jokes, inferior complex compared to New York? Or do they think all of America is like Jersey?
Good question, RichformerlyofFords. In most of the countries we hit, they think New Jersey is one long boardwalk with a Sprinsteen in every bar. Either that, or you have to ess-plain that NJ is the state right below New York. And they think New York is one big city with a mugging on every corner. Many europeans still believe that indians roam the west and the south is a vast steamy swamp with white plantations and red necks. Then you get to the hinterlands in some foreign country and they say "Wha....??" when you tell them you're from New Jersey. But the best is when you are in California and you state your state. They shy away from you as if you were ebolic. Works for me. For the week of March 6, 2011 You have a well deserved rep as a gentleman who likes to have a good time. St. Patrick's Day and Fat Tuesday are fast approaching. What is your favorite party holiday?
Oh Michael, wif me, everyday is a holiday. Just ask my ex-wives. But more to the point. Even though me Mudder was Irish, I never was a big St. Patrick's celebrant. Something about green beer and pig's knuckles just doesn't stir my loins. Or is it pig's loins and my knuckles. But I digress. I must say they do St. Pat's Day up right here in Monmouth County, New Jersey. The local firefighters and cops and assorted other miscreants have a bicycle pub crawl that stretches from Atlantic Highlands down to Belmar. Or should I say... wobbles and occasionally skids and sometimes scrapes and often crashes from north to south. A good time is had by all, even the EMT dudes who also are bike-ridden and end up in their own ambulances. Unfortunately, Mardi Gras has become a commercial enterprise. I would have loved to have been there in the 1920's when Louis Armstrong and all the great N'awlens musicians made it a day to truly remember, but I would be glad to be there with the Nevilles and Mac, et all. Maybe next year. As for me, being a more contemplative fellow, I prefer St Martin's Day. Look it up. Raise a glass. For the week of February 27, 2011 I have been following the Jukes since 1976 and am excited that now I get to see Fortunately for us, Jana, the Jukes have an audience that is open minded and wants to have some fun. They realize that circumstances can overtake an evening and the band has to either make the best of it, or cancel the show. I hate canceling as I know how much effort people put into going out these days. But Jukesters are usually ready for the wacky side of life and when we did the Ram's Head without a drummer, they got into it and helped us find the heart of the night. It could have gone the other way, with anger and disappointment, and I'm sure there were those who felt that way, but what else could we do? We have had a few nights over the years where I couldn't make the show and the band went on anyway and a good time was had by all. Of course, we offer everyone their money back if they want to leave, but we will do our damndest to put on the best concert we can. And that's a Juke promise. You've been warned. For the week of February 20, 2011 I read a lot of biographies and the auto-type, too. Some are great and some are I am currently working on a tell-all biography that will tear the lid off of the Asbury Park sound! No! No! No! I swear I'm not, Bruce, Steve, Garry, Clarence! I know nothing... nothing! As if, after all the Jack Daniels over the dam, I could remember a single detail. But maybe some day when ole Soufside needs ready cash to bribe his nurse for a martini and a... he'll start to recall a few incidents that will... Tear the lid off of the Asbury Park sound! More to come... For the week of February 13, 2011 The Aretha Franklin version of Without Love came on my iPod and got me to wondering. It's a great Pop R&B sounding song by Aretha but certainly not one that screams out for an Asbury Jukes cover version. What did you and Steven hear that made you want to cover that song and how did your very different arrangement come about?
You are correct, sir, that was an unusual pick for a cover tune. Steven and I were listening to some of Aretha's later stuff and marveling at the arrangments of songs like "I Say A Little Prayer" and "Spirit In the Dark". When "Without Love" came on, we both knew it was a potential Juke song. We never thought about anyone's reaction; as was our methodology, we just tried to please ourselves. Of course, Steven did all the work; I just sipped a little bourbon and sang. He would play me some arrangement ideas, and my job was to nod and say 'Sounds great." Then he would write the arrangenmets with LaBamba, or just sing the horn parts to the band and then rehearse and then book the studio and get the band in and, when everything was ready, I'd stroll in and warble. Life is hard. It was an exciting time, and I would love to make another Jukes record with Steve, but...he's so crazy. Not like me. Mr. Steady. Yesirree-bob. For the week of February 6, 2011 About a year ago I wrote to say that I'd just moved from CA to NJ and to tell you how great your fans had been to me. The thing I didn't mention was that, due to a strange series of events, I spent my first four months in Jersey living in my Jeep and I wrote that letter to you about halfway through that time. Being able to have the Jukes as common ground with people while I was in that situation made such a big difference. That alone meant so much to me. You offering to let me sing "Havin' A Party" with you would've put me over the moon on any day. To have you be that kind to me when I needed it the most means more than I can ever say. I might still occasionally kick myself for not having gotten to actually sing but that's ok. I just really wanted to say thank you. Anyhow, seeing that in leaving CA I really did run off with my husband's dog and his truck (don't feel sorry for him -- he thinks Metallica is music) I figured Nashville was the obvious next destination. Now that I'm here my head is just spinning with all the things to see and do. I was hoping maybe you'd let me in on one or two of your favorite things from your time here so I'd have somewhere to start. I'm easily entertained so just point me in a direction and shove, please?
Hey Shauna. Hope yer not still living in the Jeep. Nashville is a great city. Easily navigated, friendly and of course, lots of music. When I first moved there, I didn't want to play anymore so I holed up in a rented house and brooded on my fate. Garry Tallent, who lived there at the time, got sick of hearing me moan and dragged me out to see some bands. I met Bob and Mike Delavante and Kevin Gordon and a host of other great songwriters and ended up playing harp and eventually singing with them in these tiny clubs. Maybe 50 people. It was a rejuvenation for me. I was reminded why I loved music. But I haven't been out and about down there for a few years, so some of the places I mention may not exist. But you should get the local hippie paper, the Nashvillian(?) or whatever its called. You can pick it up in most stores in Green Hills and elsewhere. There is always so much to see and hear there. I loved the Exit Inn, where the bigger bands play. It's a relaxed place and a lot of good music is made there. For singer/songwriter nights I prefer Douglas Corner over the famous Bluebird, where I got thrown out for talking... twice. 12th and Porter is another good club and there are a couple more joints right near it, but I don't remember their names. There's lots of good Barbeque places, but try Hog Heaven and that funky dive across from the Holiday Inn on 8th ave that is only open when the owner feels like it. There are many neighborhoods in Nashville, and they all have interesting places to hang out and eat or hear music. Ya just gotta explore. Have fun and if you see Kevin Gordon or Bob Delavante, tell 'em I said howdy. For the week of January 30, 2011 In a previous question you talked about your brushes with Keith Richards leaving Keith at the Beacon. OK, here 'tis:
I was asked to perform at a Green Earth concert in NYC and asked Bobby to come and we would do two songs. Also at this show was Dr. John "The Night Trippah", and I think Jackson Brown and... Keith Richards! Well, a course the Bobster and I were tres excited about that. Soooo, back stage we hanged and Keith came in looking like... Keith., and he came over to me and gave me a hug and asked me what we were going to play. I stammered out uh..uh..."Happy"? And he said Great. I was amazed that he remembered me from the times we opened for the Stones. Very egobuilding. Anywho, Bobby and I went out with the rhythm section and did our tunes and Dr. John and Keith and Jackson were so impressed with Bobby's playing that they all came over and asked me who he was. I said I didn't know; just some guy the musician's union sent over. Didn't do any good. Jon Bon Jovi stole him anyway. But the real thrill of the night was that we got to play with Keith and If ANYONE has a picture of Bobby and Keith together on stage, please please get in touch with Carol Gerber. I'll buy a copy from ya. For the week of January 23, 2011 Your loyal Montclair fans are ready for next month's show at the Wellmont. You may recall us (or not) - we are generally in or near the front row of every show damn show within 150 miles of NYC, and we were the group in the front row at last year's show from whom you kindly relieved a tray-full of drinks halfway
through the first set. Our question: as pay back, can we please be allowed in
for the sound check, or, if your answer to that is a big NO (we appreciate that
it is "the" question of the week but beg your indulgence for two questions),
then how about you buy us dinner at Fitzgeralds (down the street in Glen Ridge)
between the sound check and the show? We promise not to order filet, and will
commit to again purchasing copious numbers of cardboard trays of drinks during
the show.
You...you...you...DOGS! Putting the arm on an old broken-down vocaliste. Did I drink all the drinks? I guess I did since I don't remember the..ahem...incident. I can't let you in for sound check cause it ain't my building, but I will buy dinner for all you bums... but you have to buy yer own alcohol. I know you and wine lists. And no triple lobster specials, either. Just bring the receipt to Hood and a copy of this missive and I'm sure he'll take care of you. Hehehehehe. For the week of January 16, 2011 My burning question is about a song you played at the paradiso in 2008: "Claudine". Bobby sang this song. I try to find something out about it, but nothing. There is a Claudine on the Rolling Stones "Tattoo You" outtakes but it is a different song. Maybe you can give me some information about it?
This is a burning qwestyon? Which part of you is burning? Ah...it's about Bobby. I know which part. The song you remember is Bobby Banderiner's own composition. It's on one of his CD's . The message board can tell you which one, and I believe you can purchase said CD from our web site. Bobby is currently on tour with Jon and the Bon Jovi's, a klezmer troup from Wisconsin. If he ever returns to the Jukes and we play the Paradiso with him, you may request it. It is a great rock and roll song and he does it the way it should be done. We don't do it because I never knew a girl named Claudine. Unless that was my 3rd wife... no, no her name was, uh... starts with a G... um... For the week of January 9, 2011 I have recently picked up the new Keith Richards autobiography, and let's just say, if you're a fan of the blues, and of course Rock n Roll, it's required reading. Have you come across this book yet? And has Keef had the pleasure of meeting SSJ? and if so, was it a memorable one?
When I was a wee lad listening to the blues, I never dreamt of singing them myself. Then came The Rolling Stones and John Hammond and Paul Butterfield and suddenly it was OK for a blonde (and I was blonde years ago before all my woes turned my hair to... brown), white kid to sing the music he loved. So Keith is as much of a hero as I let myself have. Yes, I am reading his bio and loving it. Especially the early years after the war and the early playing days. I had heard stories about the flat they all shared and the crazy nights, so to get the true gen for one who was there is a treat. I think he's a bit harsh on the lead singer, but being one myownself... For the week of January 2, 2011 Been listening to "Missing Pieces" lately and really digging some of the tunes. My favorites are "Drawn to the Flame", "Trick", and "Working Girl". So, why haven't we
heard some of these songs in concert?
Dag, Rich; I have a hard enough time remembering the lyrics to the ones we do play. But you're right. We need to delve into some a them past goodies. Although "Working Girl"? I don't remember that one even a little. Sigh. They do say that the first thing to go is memory. Then the knees. And I can already hear small arms fire every time I stand up. Take my advice; don't age. For the week of December 26, 2010 Many, many years ago, around the mid 70s, you played the BBC Television Centre, Well, ole Brian, as you may have surmised, I have no control over the BBC... nor has anyone else these days, it seems. No, no John; don't get into English politics... they're way too convoluted for you. I remember doing that show and how excited I was to appear on a music show that had had so many great artistes appear. I also remember the host telling me that only 7 musicians would be allowed on stage due to English union regulations. I said no, we all go or none of us do, and whom would I leave out anyway? He whispered " Just run out there with the whole crew and there will be nothing they can do about it. Sod 'em!" I always respected him for that as I knew he caught a lot flak for it. Anyway, you might email the folks at the Beeb or whomever controls the rights to the show. Maybe Dave the Druid or Mike the Chronicler can help. Well, guys? As far as playing Plymouth, like where the *^%* is that? Heck, if we can play Holmefirth, we can play Plymouth. I would think. But then, I'm usually wrong about these things. That's why I'm just the lead singer. For the week of December 12, 2010 Having been to many, many gigs all over the world the one thing that dismays me is when singers are so clearly bored with singing their most popular songs that Man, what is you doin' in Abu Dhabi? Catching a ferocious tan? Building some serious skyscrapers? Or just looking for some surf? Yes. mon ami, there are times I get tired of songs. But you know what? Then I just stop doing them for a while. But even when I think I can't do some tune no more, the band starts it and the crowd responds and away we go. Ya see; a large part of a Jukes show is the audience. Sounds corny, but when we get great feedback from you peoples, we immediately perk up and want to play and enjoy. We never go thru the motions. Even when the crowd is not with us, we get angry and try to kick ass to prove ourselves. That's what makes a Juke. Me included. It's cause our parents hated us and beat us and... no... we just like to play. You know, like real musicians. That's us. For the week of December 5, 2010 "Upstairs a band was playin', the singer was singin' something about goin'
home." This line from "Incident on 57th Street" by Bruce has always intrigued me.
Yes, I know that song has a copyright year of 1973 and "I Don't Want To Go Home" has a 1976 copyright. But still, could you have been the inspiration for that line? Could "I Don't Want To Go Home" have been written much earlier than it was copyrighted? Or could Steven have been inspired by that line to write a song about going home? Um. Could Bruce have channeled Madam Marie and predicted a singer would be singing something about going home? Oh, and there's the whole Spanish Johnny thing.
Well, Mike, like, ya got me. I would venture a guess that he was talking about the upstairs at the Upstage club where the bands played, but he may have been thinking about some band doing a cover of "Goin' Home" , a tune that was very popular about that time from the Woodstock movie. Alvin Lee plays this frenetic guitar all thru the song, and all the budding Claptons in the area wanted to jam on it. Sometimes I was roped into singing, other times somebody else. But it's all grist for this fantasy world we live in. Steven didn't write" I Don't Want to Go Home" till much later. But that Madame Marie....ya just don't know. Keep dreaming, tho. Lord knows I do. For the week of November 28, 2010 Dear Mr. Oncle Southside. Yes dear, the world is truly flat. In musicalian terms, there is either flat or sharp, and if the world were sharp you would cut your feet when you walked on it. And you wouldn't want that would you? No. So ferme ta bouche and eat yer gams ou les toads. And for all youse peoples eating turkey this Thanksgiving; leave a little on yer plate or the Turks will have no place to call home. Thank you and good night. For the week of November 21, 2010 "Lord Have Mercy" is used all the time. Who was the first to use it, and why do you think it works so well with rock and roll? Also, if you play the Sands
again, can I get in through the back door? My wife lost too much at the slots after the show.
I believe that the phrase "Lord have Mercy" predates the Old Testament, prolly first uttered by some poor fool Cro-magnon dude who was sneaking back to his home cave after dallying with a lithesome Neanderthaler chick and ran into a thunder and lightning storm. That stuff will make you repent right quick. Specially iffen you don't know the Law of Thermodynamics and like that. The locutional device in question was first recorded on wax in an early gospel tune by the Dinwiddie Quartet back in aught-two. Since then it has repeatedly reappeared on gospel, blues, rockandroll, R+B and even bluegrass records innumerable. But you mostly hear it from the same poor dopes who get caught doin' bad things and begging for mercy. Hence the connection to rock singers. Take it from one who knows...you rarely get it. And no, you can't sneak in. Tell yer wife to win next time. For the week of November 14, 2010 Brother Solomon Burke has passed away. I was wondering if you ever shared a stage with him and how much of an influence he had on you.
Ah yessss. Solomon Burke. One of the greatest soul voices. When I was a young teen, my brother and I used to listen to WNJR from Newark, and they played Solomon a lot. He was such a presence on that little plastic box. We used to look for his 45s in the cut-out bins in John's Bargain Store on Cookman Ave. in Asbury Goddam Park. I never did get to see him live. He died at Schipol Airport a few days before I flew into the same place. Sad. But his music will live on. Along with his 90 grandchildren. Damn, Solomon....no wonder you passed. For the week of November 7, 2010 Thank you much for the great show in Amsterdam. Paradiso is always great and thank you for the hug, but why was the show without keyboards??? I hope Joey is doin' better. When will you play Vienna?
Hmmmmm. I don't usually hug guys from Austria. You must have kind eyes. Yes, the Paradiso is a great, great venue with a wild audience. One of my, and every rocker I've ever talked to's, favorite dives. And the town ain't bad either. Ann and I went to the Anne Frank house. I had been there years ago, but it's better now. Of course, terrible and moving and anger-making. Sigh. As for Jeff the keyman, he had a family matter come up and had to miss the first three shows. But the band stepped up and did a fabbo job. I was especially pleased with our dual guitaristes, Glenn "Brandy" Alexander and Billy Walnuts. They played their respective asses off. Now they have to buy new ones and guess who picks up the tab. As for Joey; he was a little hors-de-combat, but is doing great now. Thanks for asking. I'm ok, too... even though no-one ever asks. Poor me. As an aside, we have a spring date or two in Sweden, so there may be another Paradiso gig added then also. I hope so. I think I left my Chucks backstage. Hope nobody ate them. For the week of October 31, 2010 Over the years you have sung a lot of different Christmas songs. Have you ever Well, Thomas, you're timing couldn't be worse. I am sitting home sick with the flu on Hallowe'en (my favorite holiday) and can't give out candy to the brats...er...wonderful little children without infecting them. Not that I wouldn't MIND infecting some a the little bast... but I digress.The very last thing on my mind is Xmas and Xmas songs. Plusalsotoo; my stinkin' manager Bill "The Whip" Durburow has been on my back for years to make a Christmas CD, and frankly, I'm sick of hearing about it. My idea of a perfect Xmas is holing up in some cheap motel far from home with a bottle and a book. Ya hear that Santa, ya fat ....ah the hell with it. Like the Jets are about to say; "Maybe next year" For the week of October 24, 2010 Hey Southside have you checked out the iPad? It has internet, e-mail,
endless books, music, solitaire, word games and joke-noise apps.
Perfect for the bread truck. You can only read the top one or two
messages from the board/forum however so you would have to find a computer
to keep up with the wit and wisdom of the message board freaks. Or not.
As you would imagine, the modern world is a horror for an old misanthrope such as I. How-some-ever, I do have a computer and a cell phone and it just may be that the bookreader device is the one gadget that I will embrace. Problem is; not many books I want appear to be available yet. And there is the age old Amurcan consumer question.... which one do I get? Any tales about readers from the message boarders? I need help! For the week of October 17, 2010 Are you married? Do you have a girlfriend? Do you want a girlfriend?
I am married and I have a girlfriend. No mistress, though. I'm not trying hard enough. Letting down the lead singer image. And I don't do drugs or sleep around. Damn! What a loser. Sorry, Mick. For the week of October 10, 2010 Still growing roses?
Sorry for the delay on the QOW, but I have been traveling in the hinterlands and out of computer range. I tried to send one by smoke signal, but just got busted by the DEA and some bear with a ranger hat. What's up wit dat? For the week of October 3, 2010 Dear Mr. Lyon, (I'm hoping that a sincere, reverential tone to this message will Oh me droogy bruvver, if only it were up to me, we would play everywhere in Great Britain and the world, but time and economics are the enemies of joy. We are playing Leischestershirebrughfirthton, or however it's spelt. And Liverpool (what a lovely name!). I realize they is some distance from Cardiff, but you need a day trip anyway. Or you could buck up your courage and brave the mean streets of London. I wish we were closer, but what's a poor boy to do? In any event, I hope you get to a show, and I'll whip Jeff till he learns Precious Love. It'll be my pleasure. For the week of September 26, 2010 I love the slow songs on P&A. But in addition to the new "geezer" songs
I hope we will still hear "Into the Mystic," "Shiver Me Timbers" and
the slow romantic "girly" songs once in awhile. Does Bobby being with JBJ mean no "Walk You All the Way Home?" "Rosa" etc?
Oh Tishi Tashi Tushie...of course we can do those songs. But Ole Uncle South doesn't remember EVERY song we've ever played. I mean, really. You need a younger man to stir your soul. I hear this Justa Bibber is a very young stud, as in, cradle-robbing young. Go for it Tyeeshia; you know you want him. He prolly needs your gentle hand to guide him into the joys of...adulthood. Not that Hood is an adult, but that's another issue, Tissue. Go forth and conquer! We got bail money. For the week of September 19, 2010 So why is the new CD called "Pills and Ammo"? Yes, I know it's in the lyrics
of "Cross That Line", but then why that lyric and not another?
Because. Is that enough answer for ya? The truth is, I was casting about for a title, and although a number of the song titles would have been fine, then you and everyone else would have been asking me if that was the important song on the record. Is that the "theme"... Journalists love that question. So... one day I was woolgathering in my reading chair and the thought came unbidden; "Pills and Ammo". Who knows; maybe it was a voice from above. Hey; if God speaks to Jimmy Swaggart, why wouldn't he speak to me? Although it's true I don't understand ancient Hebrew or Aramaic. But I can learn. Does any of this help? I didn't think so. Oh well. For the week of September 12, 2010 Who do you root for? Jets? Giants? Maybe go Titans from your time in Tennessee? Maybe some California team (Go Raiders?) from your lost years there?
My father told me about the time he went to professional football game when he got home from the war in the 1940s and there were only 700 people in the stadium. Now you can't get tickets for love or money. Well....money, yes. I always root for the home team. I like to see folks having a good time. We once played in Pittsburgh after they won the Super Bowl. We walked out on stage and they gave us a standing ovation. We could have done waltzes all night long and they wouldn't have cared. But we only knew 5 waltzes. Sports is the opiate of the people. I love opiates. Go NEW JERSEY GIANTS! For the week of September 5, 2010 For years I was a fan, even went to one of the New Years Eve shows in New Jersey, but then I married a jazz musician - well, you know the rest or can guess. Recently I randomly looked up your website and got reenlightened. Love the Grapefruit Moon cd and thought so much of your vocals on it that I was sure even the most hostile of your exes would have a kind word (or deed) to offer you for it! I have read as many questions of the week and jive that my computer
weary eyes can stand so as not to ask a question that you have already answered,
but I wonder if you do any so. california gigs anymore? I'd like to catch up
and would like to know if you have anything planned for the west coast. If the
idea makes you wretch - sorry! Where the hell is El Centro, you may ask (many
do)? 125 miles east of San Diego and below the Salton Sea (great birdwatching
area, just not this time of year!)
"I married a jazz musician...."
WHY WHY WHY??????!!!!!!
Sob. For the week of August 22, 2010 I recently came across this poster advertising two shows the Jukes did
in 1979 and the lineup is mind-blowing: The New Barbarians (with Keith
Richards, Ron Wood, Stanley Clarke, Bobby Keyes, Ian McLaglen and Joseph
Modeliste); Todd Rundgren, Marshall Tucker Band, Fairport Convention,
Chas and Dave and headlining - in what apparently was their last
performance in England with John Bonham - Led Zeppelin. Wow! I'm sure
there must be some great stories or memories of these gigs!
To answer your question, Phyllis; Yes, there are. For the week of August 15, 2010 Congratulations on your new record! Just got my tickets for this year's shows in Thanks, Martin. I'm glad you like the new stuff. We will be doing a number of those songs in EU. I don't think we will do the entire CD, but who knows?....I sure don't. We like to just let things happen on stage. Right now, I believe Glenn Alexander will be with us, but I've been tole that Billy Walton will be opening for us on some dates. If so, we will drag him up and have two gui-tars on stage, just as on the album. Now..... For the week of August 8, 2010 In recognition of our anniversary, I thought I'd ask one question for each decade. It's been 30 years since I first saw the Jukes in the prerecorded concert played on PBS when I was living in Dayton, OH. I've been in love ever since I saw you sing HOS. One of those moments that is etched in my memory. "Broke Down Piece of Man". Interestingly enough, I have sung that song with both Sam AND Dave. Dave came to a show many years ago, and I had to sing the high voice part. Ouch. But a big thrill for me. Then, at one of Bruce's Xmas extavaganzas, Sam was gracious enough to sing with me. He is a great guy. Dave was gruff but friendly and a great showman. These things happen in a career and still you can't believe your good fortune. For the week of August 1, 2010 Great concert last night in Coney Island! Thorogood - I mean , thoroughly enjoyed it and wished you played all night. I was a big fan in the early days but lost my way in your Nashville days - it was like seeing an old friend and spending some time. I have one question and sorry if its a dumb one, but no "We're having a party" last night? Why??
I remember once in California playing for over three hours) because we were having such a great time...well, I was anyway), and when we came offstage a woman asked me why I hadn't done "Anxious". Over 35 songs and she was not satisfied. When we play gigs like Brooklyn, we only get an hour to play and I have to make decisions as to what songs fit the night. I would have done "Party" as an encore maybe, but they said we were out of time. After 20 albums and with so many covers to choose from, it's hard to please everybody. I try, but it's impossible. We'll get it next time, Kevin...or maybe the time after...or the time after that. It's the Jukes; you just never know what might happen. For the week of July 25, 2010 "The New Book of Rock Lists", published in the 90's, has you at #11 on the
list of "The 20 Best Harmonica Players". You are listed behind Sonny Boy
Williamson, Little Walter, Big Walter Horton, Charlie McCoy, Tony Glover,
Jazz Gillum, Magic Dick, P.T. Gazell, Jimmy Riddle and James Cotton. You
are listed ahead of Jimmy Reed, Sonny Terry, Paul Butterfield, Don Van
Vliet, Lee Oskar, John Sebastian, Delbert McClinton, Neil Young and Bob
Dylan. How do you like being in this company? Would you say that any of
these players in particular inspired you?
Foist of all, any fool who thinks I play better than Butter or Jimmy Reed Or Lee or, for God's sake, John Sebastian ,who is a chromatic whiz like his Father, is not worth your time and attention. I am a wheezer and honker who enjoys playing but can't hold a candle to the fellers mentioned. Delbert is a pure happiness player, as he is a singer. You could learn a lot from the old Texas boy. Dylan and Young have pioneered and perfected the soulful folk style of harmonica. Sonny Terry was a master of the old-time Hammie Nix country blues chirping. Don Van Vliet? Genius has it's own category. I'm lucky the band lets me blow a few bars during a show. But then, they're lucky I don't KILL THE WHOLE LOT A THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! For the week of July 18, 2010 I've been a big fan of blues harp forever and love all the legendary blues
players. For the last bunch of years, you, Kim Wilson, Sugar Ray Norcia, and
Delbert McClinton have been my favorites. However, my question comes out of left
field and involves Stevie Wonder. Although totally different sounding than blues
harp, I really love the tone and sound he gets from his harmonica, especially
'For Once In My Life' (a guilty pleasure, I know). Is it just a different type
of harmonica or is it also technique or something else that he uses to get that
sound?
Stevie Wonder is a master of the chromatic harmonica. It is a complicated instrument with a button that switches the reeds up a half step into another key. If you like that sound, check out Toots Theilman. He is another great player and is still playing in his 80s or even 90s. Poor ole Uncle South has to admit that that instrument is beyond his pathetic harmonica playing capabilities. I stick with Hohner Marine Bands and Blues Harps, but there are nice ones made by Paul Oscher, who worked with Muddy Waters. They are expensive, but last a lot longer. I abuse my harps so much that it don't pay to get gooder ones. Plus, if we got an expensive one and I threw it in the audience, Hood would go diving in after it, and you don't want that, trust me... For the week of July 4, 2010 Now that you have those big record company days "behind" you, I have an
accounting question. It is well known that big record companies have (how do I say) "very loose" practices when it comes to the accounting of how many
units (albums) sold. It is my understanding that this is a very sore spot and leads
to many a law suit between record label and artist. The artist basically
accusing the label of skimming profits by not reporting all units sold which
amounts to stealing royalties from the artist. That said, now that you have control over your empire and, it seems, a hit with P &
A how do you keep track of the finances? Do you get out your abacus and move a
bead over every time an internet order comes in? or is it one for me, one for
Jeff......................... two for me, one for Jeff..................... three
for me, one for Jeff etc. Just wondering how an unsophisticated singer and harp player from Jersey stays
on top of this daunting job that corporations can't seem to keep straight.
Simple. I have an accountant, and HE does the skimming. That way I cut out the middle man and go broke more efficiently. But at least this way, my money goes to a friend. You're welcome, Paul... For the week of June 27, 2010 Went to the show at the Birchmere last night and did my part for the SSJ retirement fund by dropping a buck and a half on stuff. I figured you will need the money to pay JBJ's dinner tab at Blossom. Did not see any of the stuff in vinyl. Any chance we will see the Leroy label on some vinyl anytime soon? Thanks to the band for signing my stuff and noticing my green Jukes baseball jersey.
Thank you, my friend, for supporting Kazee's sock fetish. And thanks to all who braved the incompetence of the food fair shows in Meadowlands Stadium and Foxboro. Much appreciated. It was a clustersnog, but Hood and Joe P. and Pete got it done. And Father Bill D. came up and read the promoter a sermon from the Book of Revelation and hopefully the lad got the message and hopefully we will get paid. But we played anyway because we knew someone wanted us to. As far as vinyl, not as yet, I'm afraid. maybe in the future. I love vinyl. I sleep on vinyl sheets. And have a plastic girlfriend. But you don't need to know that. For the week of June 20, 2010 Hey Johnny, I'm sure you've been asked this many times, but I haven't heard
your answer: What's the story behind the cover photo of you on Hearts of
Stone? One of the great album covers (for one of the great albums). Were you
in real anguish? Emotional? Psychological? Physical? All of the above?
Ah,yes...the HoS cover. A nightmare from start to finish. It was taken near Umberto's Clam House in Little Italy, which is where the back cover was taken. As you can see (if you have the record) the back was taken in the daytime and the front at night. Many, many long hours on the streets of Little Italy. By the time we got the cover shot, I was shot, too. So what you see is exhaustion and the realization that this would be the last collaboration with Steven for who knew how long. But we were so proud of the damn album and of the stand we had taken with the record company to scrap our first set of tunes and start all over. A long, grueling ride from start to finish. Sooooo, we hand in the artwork and are informed that the Epic art department would need SIX MONTHS to do whatever they were going to do. I couldn't wait that long, so we went on the road to promote an album that hadn't come out yet. Relations were already strained between the company and me, and when the dust settled, I asked to be released from my contract. They grudgingly let me go, and that was that. Is it any wonder that I'm much happier without a big record company "behind" me? For the week of June 13, 2010 Thanks for yet another track from "Pills and Ammo". I WILL buy the CD from your esteemed merchandising department when you guys visit these shores later in the year - honest! I know how much you need the beer money. "One More Night to Rock" is a great track, the best so far in my 'umble opinion. A question for you however - got any slow ones? Some of your more mature fans (me for example) might not be able to keep up with the pace at concerts, and need to go away and lie down, if there is no break for the odd ballad now and again.
Odd Ballad? How do you mean that? As it happens there are two slowish songs for us oldsters. Both very personal. But it is midnight after a show and I will have to ask YOU to critique them two geezer tunes. I'm a goin' ta bed. Thanks for the kind words. See you in Blighty. For the week of June 6, 2010 Do you still believe in love?
Of Course! Love makes the world go round. Love is all you need. Love can make you happy. Love is a many splendored thing. Love conquers all. Love will find a way. Love is all around. Without Love , you're not really you. Everybody Loves a Lover. Love is all there is. Love Love Love For the week of May 30, 2010 I have seen the bread truck you travel in when in Europe and I am amazed that there are not Jukes carcasses littering the side of those picturesque British roads. Who is the peacemaker and who is the troublemaker on those long rides from Frome to Holmfirth? Have you ever thought about getting a tour bus for the US? If you could custom build one what amenities would you include?
We few, we stalwart, we brave, we....JUKES! The bread truck is a rite of passage for new Jukes and an old friend to the vets. Many many card games and movies and naps and pee stops and lunches on the M1. But we try to keep the trips short. If we could afford a big, shiny tour bus, we would all be spoiled like the Bon Jovians and demand bee pollen and Remy Martin backstage, and where would that get us? Happy? Content? Well rested? No No No; such is not the stuff of Jukedom. We must have angst and anger and fatigue to take on stage and fuel our mission. Would the Crusaders have taken Jerusalem if they crossed Europe on a tour bus? Would Hannibal have gotten over the Alps? (Maybe, but I doubt them elly-phumps woulda fit into a busbunk. And who's gonna shovel? Eddy? I don't think so.) No, Tash, riches and luxury are not our fate. We are the warriors of the road, and take pride in our bruises from the bounces and scars from the sharp edges that Swinnie, our fearsome and fearless tour-mismanager refuses to file smooth on our beloved bread truck. For the week of May 23, 2010 While us hard-core fans are excited and anxiously awaiting the new album, how do you balance the songs played at live shows between old and new as not to turn away the casual fan? Also, do you change the make-up of the show of old vs. new material based on the audience reaction as you go, from show to show, or do you stick to the infamous set-list?
I too am anxiously awaiting the release of the new CD. The new songs are working great on stage for us. They are up and sharp and a blast to play. As for the older material, it gets easier to do now that there is new stuff to mix in. The hard part is not letting a song get pushed aside that you peoples want to hear. So let me know. We started to do Long Distance and Sacrifice again after I got harangued on the message board. So keep it up, you little......darlings. Oh, and Rose, the new CD isn't available in the store because we don't have them yet. But you do have a new CD coming, a new Jive, and new web site design (thanks, Vin) songs to download, and shows coming up. We're dancing as fast as we can. Want me to wash yer car, too? For the week of May 16, 2010 Since last you brought your merry band of Jukes to the west coast in 2006, I've had to hit the road to see you live. Over the years, I've been to New York, New Jersey, London, Cleveland, and places I can't even remember. I see that the 2010 calendar is filling up and there are no west coast dates. Once again, it is I, John, not you who has to make the cross-country trip. Here is my dilemma... If I travel east this year to see some shows and I buy a pills and ammo t-shirt to wear home, will I be stopped and searched by the TSA at JFK?
I wouldn't worry about airport security; I'd be very careful the King Pin doesn't get his paws on ya. Sometimes he tries the ole "Let me make sure this shirt fits" as he reaches across the table. THAT'S when the pepper spray should come out. For the week of May 9, 2010 What is the most politically involved you've been, both on record and in life?
Noah. Hey you ain't responsible for all dis rain we be havin' lately, is ya? Nah, dat's dat udder guy. For the week of May 2, 2010 Dolly Parton, one of my fav female singers, once quipped that she must have had some good coffee during the week she wrote both of her big hits, “I Will Always Love You” and “Jolene”. So, I was wondering Cousin South, what inspires you to create a new album? Do you realize you have some songs just hanging around and piece them together to form a cohesive musical narrative? Or might you feel compelled by boredom, inspiration or an Epiphany to work on a project? Or is it something else altogether like the rent is coming up soon? Bruce says he keeps notebooks of his songs and then works from them. Do you have an organized system of note taking? Do you have a Secretary that takes dictation? Which producer would you have most liked to work with and why? And lastly, what inspired this new album/CD/recording? P.S. Have you ever been to DollyWood?
Well, Pifalina, I only drink one cuppa cawfee a day so that can't be it. I do have a desk drawer full of lyrics and song ideas and cover songs I want to tackle, but organized? No. I generally start a new record for one of two reasons; I want to or need to. There are times when inspiration takes over and the momentum carries me thru, and then , when I think too much time has passed, I slog along until something starts to take shape. But I am a collaborative writer. I need someone to bounce ideas off and who can translate my grunts and moans into actual music with chords and notes and stuff. I did it with Steven and Billy Rush, then Bobby and now since Bobby has taken on other things and doesn't have the time or inclination, Jeff has stepped mightily into the breach. He is a great songwriting partner, full of ideas and energy and a full recording studio in his daughter's basement playroom...all the things I don't have. We chose a direction after listening to some music and talking and the effort took off seemingly on it's own. And when I started to flag, he and Joe Prinzo picked up the slack and drove me and took care of the scutwork, like keeping track of the paperwork that goes into recording and collating the songs and lyrics and finding people like Andy York and Niko Bolas, who mixed the damn thing so well and like that. Jon BonJovi and Bruce use many people too, but I need them. So thanks to Jeff, Joe P. the Jukes , Andy, Sean Pelton, Mike Rew Niko, And Ricard Dood for pulling another record out of me. For the week of April 25, 2010 Good friends of mine just gave my wife and I two kayaks. Being a novice to this whole kayak thing, I was wondering if you had any advice? What kind of kayak do you prefer for you expeditions? A sit in or sit on kayak? As I do get up to the Jersey shore from time to time do you know of any good kayaking spots in the Point Pleasant/Bay Head area?
Ah my friend, a new adventure awaits. Man, are you gonna get wet. I am by no means a kayaking expert, but I do love the damn things. For the week of April 18, 2010 Hey, you stupid ole man! Like, when are you going to put out a new record so we can get some work and pay the bills. We hate you, you lazy bum!
Well boys and girls, Ole Southside and the Jukes have done it again. Against the wishes of the establishment and to the chagrin of music lovers everywhere, we have made another throbbing slab of churning, R&B influenced rockandroll, and devil take the hindmost. Or, to put it in laymen's terms, another Juke CD is about to esssplode into the public consciousness, such as it is. I tried to stop myself, but jesss couldn’t rein in my febrile, wild-eyed creative self. And besides, they made me do it. 12 songs and a million tears. Or something. Maybe laughs. I don’t know. But whatever; I like it. We had some great help from Andy York and Sean Pelton, and Mike Rew, the Irish
Rover (as in “dog) did the engineering. I wrote all the songs myself, with Jeff Kazee, and played all the instruments except for the ones I didn’t. Man, I sound great. But I’ll let you decide just how great. After all you are the audience, such as it is. For the week of April 11, 2010 Dear Uncle Southside. When, oh when will the new CD, which I've heard is faboo, be made available to us slavering minions? I am tired of replaying the Lady Gaga CD over and over again. Backwards. Did you know she says "Music is Dead!" when you do that? Scary.
Dear Ez. I am happy and relieved to tell you that the Latest Jukes opus will be finished and ready for this Summer. I am thinking about a release party at the Stone Pony around July 4th, but we may have it available at some earlier gigs. It is a stupendous work of art right up there with Pablo's Guernica and Big Mike's statue of David (but without the genitalia, of course...this is a family band, after all).
In style it's somewhat of a cross between Wagner's Götterdämmerung and The Best of the Carpenters. But you can dance to it.
Hope you enjoy the damn thing For the week of April 4, 2010 John, I've been hacking up a lung for the past three weeks after being infested by some kind of evil bacteria that finally TKOd me with pneumonia. Bored out of my skull as I fruitlessly try to get better (well, not really fruitlessly...I like fruit...) I started wondering if you'd ever been laid low enough by something that you had to cancel a gig or two...or does the show always go on?
One would hope, Miss Nancy, that you were brought up in a refined and disciplined manner, but your use of the phrase "...hacking up a lung." throws considerable doubt upon that assumption. Please try and comport yourself with the dignity and decorum that all Jukeians expect. Ok, Toots? For the week of March 28, 2010 hi johnny. i'm back home now. in london. STILL IN SHOCK!!!!!!!!! saturday night me and my friend mick was outside the STONE PONY on saturday night jan 23rd 2010. the doormen in the blue came up to me and my mate and said that europeans. bruce was playing a benefit and by chance we were in the right place. they said that you will let europeans in and true to the doormen's word you busted open the fire exit door and awesome experience seeing you guys on stone pony stage. SORRY for kissing you on cheek just away saying thank you. JOHNNY YOUR A STAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"What are you, Chinese people"? W.C. Fields For the week of March 21, 2010 So, have you been to The Birchmere a lot? What's it like? I've never been so thought I'd ask you... Do you usually play in the Bandstand area or the Music Hall? This concert of yours coming up on June 4th might (regrettably) be my first Southside Johnny show, if I can get my parents to take me, that
is, ha ha... I have to say I started liking your music ever since I saw that performance on YouTube that you and Bobby did in Hamburg back in 2001, with Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora. So, you got any stuff I can tell my parents to convince them to let me go? (Other than your music is really great, of
course!) Come on, help me out!! :)
Ah...If April be near, can sweet Summer be far behind? Listen, toots. You jes tell yer parents that a Jukes extravaganza is a LEARNING EXPERIENCE! No child should have to grow up in the grim, miserable darkness of a world without JUKES! I have spoken. Yea, verily. For the week of March 7 & 15, 2010 Other than Jukes and Bruce, name a song that moved you to either tears or shouts of joy?
answeroftheweek@southsidejohnny.com Well, damn. I have read only about a third of the Shout/Cry song answers, and after a few tears and some great laffs, I must say I am mucho impressed. What wonderful stories and exquisite, eclectic taste you people have! I will savor all the replies and pick some "winners", but, after a very down couple of weeks, I know who the real winner is....me. Update for the week of March 22nd Hey Y'all. Brother Southside here, bringing you the Gospel according to...well... you. Here are some responses to the Shout/Cry question that, while not winners, made me feel good. Hope you feel the same. BOSGRP wrote: No. And I tole you you couldn't vote for yerself, Kazee. Speaking of Jeff, the lucky guy actually got to play at one of the Rambles with Levon Helm. We love us our Levon. Glad he's feeling better. See below. That's easy. Two weeks ago I went to my second Ramble up at Levon Helm's place in Woodstock, NY. (If you haven't done it it's a must.) We weren't expecting much in the way of vocal output from Levon, oweing to his recent throat problems. So we were overjoyed, to say the least, when he sang lead on almost every one of "his" songs- the songs he'd normally sing lead on. He added backup vocals on a bunch of others, and it was such a joy, and a relief, to see this man, who I think the world of, enjoying himself so much. You may now sniffle. Thanks, Ilky. Wish they'd invite me to one a them there Rambles. By the by, you dopes might want to include yer names on yer responses. Or not. Dear Uncle South, Biff Rose website Another composition which has deeply shaken me down to my core is entitled Georgia Rose, from the musical production, King Mackerel & the Blues Are Running. This song is yet another example of relationships with interesting twists of fate. Perhaps due to the fact that I did indeed have a Georgia Rose-like figure in my life, the similarities hit me too close to home. The result...Niagara Falls. King Mackerel & the Blues Are Running website As for those other "tear-jerkers" I'd rather not discuss them for fear of getting my computer soaking wet with "raindrops... falling from my eye,eyes..." Dig it. Not only an interesting selection, but extra points for providing links to the songs. Way to go, Ric. More to come...
Update for Monday, March 15th, 2010 For the week of February 28, 2010 Thanks for the "track tip". um, I think. I do have a Part II to that
question and I promise I won't bother you again. Steve Van Zandt made two
more comments during the interview that I'd love to hear your take on. (1)
He takes pride that The Jukes made it cool to be labeled a "bar band" when
that term used to be derogatory, paving the way for the likes of Graham
Parker, Willy Deville and even Elvis Costello. And (2) there is no such
thing as democracy in rock and roll. It does not work in a band.
Well... we still play in bars and have always done, so I guess that's what we is. I never minded the tag. It seemed to me to speak to an honest, open approach to playing music for the peoples. And, too, all the guys and gals I looked up to played in bars; Muddy Waters, Joe Turner, Billy Holiday, etc.etc.etc. I've never had any pretensions about being a genius-class art rock band; nor have I ever taken myself so seriously that I needed the critics approval. Only you jamokes' opinions matter...and mine. And Hood's. As long as everyone is having a good time and will let me do what I want, I'm cool. But, no; a band can't really be a democracy. Just ask 9 musos where they want to eat and you will see why somebody has to make the decisions. Plus, I'm louder than any a them knuckleheads. It's called rule by decibel. I win. So there. Nyaaa For the week of February 21, 2010 I'd like your take on some answers that Steve Van Zandt gave during his interview at the 92nd Street Y in NYC. He said that your dad would play
Louis Armstrong records LOUD in Ocean Grove which was practically illegal
and that you both learned your math from your dad at the track. He also said
that I Don't Want To Go Home was financed from winnings from the track. BTW,
I'm currently unemployed and can use some money, got any tips I can use
there?
Ahhhhyessssss. Ya know, some stories sound too good to be true. A couple a mugs from New Jersey win enough money at Monmouth Park race track to finance their first recording, and ...they're off! In this case, I am happy to say, it is true. Steven and I went to the track a bunch that year and the year before, and under the tutelage of me fadder (and thanks to some timely tips from a friend who knew a friend), we made a pot of money. This was right before Steve was going into the E Street band and just as the Jukes and I got a deal for an album from Epic Records, so we sunk that ill-gotten loot into some rehearsal/studio time and hired a horn section from Philly to play on the record and voila!, a number of lives were sent screeching off the tracks and into the weeds for 30 some years. Proving once again the old adage; You can't beat the horses. For the week of February 14, 2010 So, what's up with The Dude? He always looks so happy. I'm not sure I can
trust a guy who doesn't seem to have the blues, ya know?
The Dude was born In the Midlands of England, a dark and dreeeeeary region full of coal mines, smokey huts and dank, fisticuff bars. His father was a miner who got permanently laid off by Maggie Thatcher, and his mother had to take the only work she could find; a pedicurist in a mortuary. Our young Neal, for that is his name, tried to help, but as a wee lad there was little he could do. He sold newspapers on the fetid streets of Sheffield, but soon found that only 15% of the populous could read. Then he tried mowing lawns as he heard the youngsters in America did, but, alas, nothing green would grow in such a forsaken clime. Only moss and fungus, and you can't make much money mowing moss. The fungus was the only thing that got the wretched family through; it was very good with mustard. As the boy grew, his hands became more agile and he looked for some manual trade. One sunny day, (the only one that year), his Auntie Gwendolyn gave him her spare pair of knitting needles and he was on his way. For, lo, it transpired that the little man had an absolute wizardry for the craft. At first, he stuck with sock and scarves, but soon he found these pedestrian efforts less than challenging, and started producing sweaters and hats. But what sweaters and hats! Somehow, some miraculous way, the drabbest, dullest grey wool ran thru his fingers and was transformed into all the most amazing, glorious, eye-pleasing hues of the rainbow. Pulsating reds, mouth-watering oranges, soothing greens, sensual yellows, and blues to make you weep with joy and nostalgia. Yes, people would exclaim; I remember when the sky shown thus and the yellow is that thing my great-grandparents called 'Sun". Well, need it be said that the demand for his creations was overwhelming? The poor boy could hardly keep up, but he strove mightily and soon the little family was back on it's little feet and eating fungus with proper utensils and from proper plates. There were even minutes, some say hours, when it stopped raining, but that may be just one of the many myths that grew up around our hero. Yes, it was a happy time. But it couldn't last. For the week of February 7, 2010 One of my favorite girl groups is Ronni Spector and the Ronettes. And of course, I love the duet you did with her. What was it like recording You Mean So Much to Me with Ronni? How was it touring with her?
So....Steve Van Zandt, Bruce Springsteen and I are in the Record Plant (recording studio in New York City) after-hours on bootlegged time thanks to the head engineer there, Jimmy Iovine. He would sneak Steve and I in for free because, like, we had no money. This was during the making of the first record. Bruce had stopped by and we were working on a song. No Jukes; just us three and Jimmy and Dave Thorner, the assistant enginner( who did all the actual work..thanks, Dave.) It musta been around midnight and Jimmy was, as usual, on the phone. A great schmoozeer, our James. Anyway, he hangs up and Steve asks "Who was that?" "Oh. That was Ronnie Spector. She's in town and we're gonna have dinner." Well, both Steven and Bruce grabbed him and told him he had to call her back and "tell her to come to the studio the next day to sing with Southside!". Many teenage sexual fantasies were being mentally acted out while he dialed the phone. She said yes, and we stayed up all night reworking the song into a duet. She breezed in the next day, looking just like she should, and we knocked the song out in about a 1/2 an hour. Much too quickly for our two geniuses. Needless to say the rest of the day's session was a wash as they both sat and talked to her for a coupla hours. A few weeks later, when the guy who signed us to Epic Records, Steve Popovich, heard the duet he said " Ya gotta take Ronnie on the road!" I did and mayhem ensued. But... that's another story. For the week of January 31, 2010 Now that Conan has decided to take a long vacation, will Labamba & Pender be coming back to the east to occasionally join the Jukes, or do they have to serve some kind of punishment for moving to California?
I have no idea what will transpire re: Conan and Ritchie and Mark. I have heard that Conan may go to Fox, which means he may stay in Cali. And since it's 24 degrees F here and it may snow again, I don't see SoCal as any form of punishment. But they are always welcome to come and destroy my hard-won equilibrium. Sigh. Just when I thought it was safe to go on stage again. For the week of January 24, 2010 How much control do you have in deciding which support act opens for you, and how important do you think a good warm-up is? I've seen some
great people support you, and sometimes no-one has - you guys always deliver regardless. Do you ever get the chance to watch the warm-up, and if so, who has impressed you, and have there been any acts who've really bombed?
I don't try to control the opening act slot too much. Some promoters have a better idea of what is hot in their territory. The only time I step in is if I see and act that I think youse guys would enjoy, like the teenager who opened one New Years Eve. We saw him in some dumpy seaside town in England and he was so good and so personable that I thought "Hey; let's drag him over to another dumpy seaside burg and show him the Jukians". Kinda like the Montauk Monster; ya stumble acrost this oddity and ya just gotta show it to yer friends. Also like the KingPin. We did the same thing with Outside The Box, a band I saw back up Bobby one time. They were soooo enthusiastic. And Black47, who were soooo drunk. And Highway 9 who were great. We once had a duo named...um...oh yeah.... Hall and Oates open for us a coupla times. Wonder what ever happened to them? But, as I say, I'm just here for the popcorn. Let other, more stable folks make the decisions. What? Oh, time to go back to the room? Ok. Bye. For the week of January 17, 2010 After ringing in the new year with you for the umpteenth time, it got me to thinking - do you approach each new year as a new start, set goals and make resolutions? What are your hopes and dreams for 2010? Wishing you a rockin' new year - and hoping that tour date page fills up soon!
New Year's resolutions... Jeff Kazee was talking to his eldest daughter Vas and asked her if she made any. She said no. Why Not? "Because I think I'm doing pretty well as it is." Love it. I'm with her. If I haven't killed anyone or myself by now, I'm way ahead of the game. But I do love to see the folks let loose at the Basie on NYE. Thanks again all Jukians for a great year. New record this year, I promise. We have all the songs recorded and just have to add sonme things and mix it and voila; new Jukes CD. Life is so easy when you are pure at heart. Right, Vas? For the week of January 10, 2010 I've heard it happen to other bands. Just wondering if the band's instruments and equipment were ever stolen. If so, were they ever recovered?
Yes, Rich, over the years some of the Jukes instruments have been stolen, and some have been lost and some broken...but not enough. Keep a good thought. For the week of December 27, 2009 I heard that you hurt your foot while across the pond. What happened? Were you chasin' girls around again? Have you not learned your lesson about us crafty creatures? Or maybe you were running AWAY from them?
I ain't afraid a no dam wimmins! They can chase me all they want...they just can't catch me. What? Oh, coming, dear. Right away, dear... For the week of December 20, 2009 If the Christmas Fairy could grant you a seat at a gig anywhere in time or at any venue (excluding a Jukes show, of course)...who would you choose to see? (Mine would be Elvis when he returned to Vegas in 69). Merry Christmas and a Rockin' New Year to you and your wonderful band.
The Christmas Fairy? That's one I've never heard. Is that what they say in Abu Dhabi? How IS it in Abu Dhabi, by the way? Are there religious police on the streets as in Saudi Arabia? I hear they can be pretty rough. If I could hear one singer, it would be Billy Holiday at a small club in Manhattan with Teddy Wilson on Piano. The band would be the Count Basie orchestra, 1930s, Kansas City. Musician would be Django Reinhardt. Blues...either Robert Johnson or Little Walter or Elmore James or... Oh and the premier of Bolero and Rites of Spring and Glenn Gould in a small music room and Maria Callas having a hissy fit on stage... And Bruce and the E streeters again at the Bottom Line or Main Point and Elvis in Shreveport and The Johnny Burnett Trio anywhere. But what I would really love is to hear my Mom sing along with an old Louis Armstrong 78 while my Father plays his upright bass. Merry Christmas For the week of December 13, 2009 I have recently seen on TV, on a new Jeep commercial, one of my favorites - Dennis Wilson of the Beach Boys. I know that you guys once opened for them on some tours. What was your experience like with them and did you ever get to meet and go a few rounds with Dennis (who was the heart and soul of that group and they never were the same once he passed away)? I always thought he was a very underrated drummer and performer. Any recollections you can share?
We played with the Beach Boys on two different occasions. Once in California, and Bobby was so excited because he is such a Beach Boys fan. We were a little nervous, but Bruce Johnston and Carl Wilson came to our dressing room and were so friendly that we felt very welcome. So we did our show and the crowd was enthusiastic and we said thanks and left the stage. The Boys came on and Bobby and I stood on the side of the stage and watched. Then Dennis waved his arm to us to come and sing and Bruce Johnston and Carl made room on their microphone and we sang backup and Bobby was thrilled. It was a great moment. Then we were asked to open up in New Jersey and the whole thing went to shit. The audience hated us; Dennis was dead, and Mike Love treated us like dirt. Never meet your heroes. Merry X-mas. For the week of December 6, 2009 Why, is love such a sacrifice?
Because otherwise you would take it for granted and fail to truly appreciate it. Besides, you deserve to suffer, ya rat. For the week of November 29, 2009 Southside!!! I just moved from CA to NJ and have been having a total blast meeting your fans! It seems like I can't go anywhere without someone pointing at my Asbury Jukes tshirt/sweatshirt/bumper sticker and telling me when and where they last saw you. Everybody loves you guys! The super sweet FDNY guys I met at Brucie's Meadowlands show last month, rich guys walking their dogs down in Spring Lake, hilarious doormen in Asbury Park, a tiny little old lady with Joe Cocker's voice in Piscataway... everyone wants to talk Jukes. I'm in heaven! My favorite was the cute dude behind the counter in Howell's Wawa. I ran in there in the middle of tropical storm Ida so of course I was wearing my sweatshirt and right after telling me he'd seen you in the early '80s at Six Flags, he reached up and touched the sky with the register still open. I'm glad there weren't any policemen around because it totally looked like I thought a dark and stormy night was the perfect chance to rob the place. Heehee. Oops! (I promise not to promote the Jukes while committing any crimes!) I'm inclined to be rather shy around people I don't know (which would be the entire state at this point) so I'm considering wearing all Jukeswear from here on out because you guys are the best icebreaker ever. It's got me thinking though, if a brat from San Diego has this much fun meeting your fans, I can't imagine what it must be like for you. So my question to you is this: What's it like for you to meet your fans?
Shauna Baaaaaby! Welcome to the Garden State. Your enthusiasm and joy are most welcome. And you are correct, Jukes fans are like no other. They have a great time with each other and don't even care if I show up at all. It's the music and the camaraderie and the simple idea that people can enjoy themselves together without a lotta crap about who's who and what's what that makes a Jukes show so much fun. There is a lyric on the new CD that I HOPE to have finished by Spring that says "So what if I forget the words. You all know 'em anyhow". OK; so it ain't great English...it gets the point across. I always felt that there was too much of a wall between the artist and the audience, and I hated that. I have tried in my stumbling, fumbling way to break down that wall and just be another goofball that wants to have a good time. The very last thing I ever wanted to be was a "rock stah!". Tell you what, girlie; come to a Jersey show and tell Hood I said to let you sing Havin' A Party wit' us. You earned it. Thanks for the great question. Oh...that wasn't a little old lady with Joe Cocker's voice in Piscataway, that was me. Hey what can I say. I like wearing old lady's clothes. For the week of November 22, 2009 I have a dream. I would like to see an evening of friendship. With you all, and all the others players of the “New York sound” like Bruce Springsteen, Steve Van Zandt, Willie Nile, John Bon Jovi, Joe Grushecky, Joe D’Urso and many others exponente of that way of making music. In Italy it would be wonderful. Maybe for charity. Maybe only one concert in Europe, so it would be a very very big event, with people coming from all Europe. The all day concert. Many different singers and players but one way to make music only. Do you think I’m asking too much?
No, Filippo, you're not asking too much...you're asking THE IMPOSSIBLE! Getting all those goofballs together at the same time in New Jersey would be difficult. Doing it in Italy, with all the, ahem, complications one runs into traveling there, is a crazy idea. Still; you do have that great food...and all them beeyoutiful wimmins, and the wine, and the countryside, and the museums, and the warm sun and cool nights, and the fantastic sports cars, and Juventus and Inter, and all that history, the clothes......Hmmmmmmm. Well, OK. I'll get right on it. For the week of November 15, 2009 I see that Billy Walton is playing with Southside on most of the UK dates.
Why now, and have they played together before?
The revolving door that has trapped so many unlucky musicians in Jukeworld has now engulfed Billy Walton; guitarist extraordinaire and lost soul. Poor bugger. Bobby Bandiera is out with Jon Bon Jovi and also doing his own shows at the Count Basie and other venues, so we had to find another victim. The first part of our little sojourn over here was covered most ably by Glen Alexander, who has helped us and hurt his own sorry self and reputation by playing with us in the past. Now it is Billy's turn on the rack. He has done two shows so far and is still breathing, so he may make it thru. He is a fine fellow if a tad young to be punish-ed so, but I am most grateful for his presence and ability. He plays his ass off and is enthusiastic, which is a breath of fresh air for us old road dogs. Of course, we will break him eventually and he will leave this world weeping and wondering why he was so foolish as to think he could survive a Juke tour. Say a prayer for the poor, doomed boy. For the week of November 8, 2009 I saw some of the song writing credits to a couple of my favorite Jukes songs were credited to Billy Rush. Is he or was he in the band? What's his connection?
Billy Rush was an important part of Jukes history. He took over guitar duties when Steve Van Zandt left, and started writing songs with me. He was not to everyone's taste, but I learned a lot from him, and he did push me to record. The last I heard he was in Florida selling real estate and writing children's music. The Jukes are in England as I write this and the shows have been good. We played three in Eu and now are wending our way through the British countryside. Glasgow last night, and now into Sherwood Forest! I've never been, so I'm excited. Maybe Robin Hood will take pity on us poor musos and give us a roasted pig and some poison arrows. For the week of November 1, 2009 A few weeks ago you recounted meeting Jerry Lee and Chuck Berry in 1973 and concluded with, "never meet your heroes". However, my guess is that you've had dozens of other encounters both pleasant and miserable. Who stands out? Have you ever met Van Morrison?
This will have to be short as I am on Eddie Manion's computer and he hates me. We are in Den Hague playing at the Paardvantroge Club. No, I don't know what it means. A free CD to the first person who figures it out and posts the answer on the Message Board. Yes I have met Van Morrison three times. My old friend and ex-juke David Hayes played and sometimes still plays in his band. The first time I met him I was backstage in Los Angleles and David introduced me and Van just grunted. The second time was in David's house in Marin county. I was staying there for a few days and Van was coming over to talk to Dave about music arrangements. In walks Morrison; "This is Southside, Van. You met him once before." Van just grunted. The third and hopefully last time was backstage at the Beacon Theater in NYC. I was there with Tom Waits and he said, "let's go back." I knew better but went along. David introduced Tom to Van and Van grunted and said "Ya. Ya wrote tha song wif Waltzing Matilda in it." Then he turned away and started talking to someone else. A real charmer, our Van. Next time I'll say something nice about someone. For the week of October 25, 2009 Howard Johnson's has 28 flavors, Baskin-Robins has 31 flavors, but there is only one Southside. Why is that?
Because once you go Southside, you never go back. One a me is all this here pitiful planet can handle. Sui generis, are my middle name (Huh?). And you fergot Heinz 57 flavours. Ten demerits. Besides, no one else could bear all the trials and tribulations that plague my poor old soul. Nobody knows the trouble I see... Oh shut up and eat yer chocolate, John. For the week of October 18, 2009 Who do you consider to be the best living Harp player today? Would you consider doing a record with someone like John Popper [Blues Traveler] or Kim Wilson [Fab T-Birds]? Would a blues based kick-ass Harp record sell?
I like my man Dennis Gruenling. He's a local Jersey boy and can blow his brains out. He's jammed with us a few times, and I've even taken a lesson or two from him. I'm not a big fan of John Popper's style... too busy for my tastes, but I like him as a person. Kim is great. We've played a few times together. But as far as a harp CD...like I'm just not in the same league as some a these here guys. I'll sing; they can play. Better for all concerned. For the week of October 11, 2009 As you well know, the throes of us fans wait anxiously each week for a response to the "QOW" and the occasional "Jive" that seems to follow the "Equinox's". I was curious as to your thoughts on an even deeper literary feat, A "wrapped in brown paper For your privacy". "Drafted in Crayola" ."Im So Anxious"..Migraine causing project called a BOOK! This literature could easily be on Barnes and Nobles Top 10 list instantly. And think off all the Jives you wouldn't have to write while you were creating this "From the Depths of your Soul" Project. A couple of hints..Maybe start In the womb and project it out to say, Where you'll be in 2025? Good Luck with this if you do..it will make great summer reading "On The Beach" in 2010.
I don' has to show jou no stinkin' books, gringo. I will write a book AFTER I finish making music. If you would like me to start on my literary opus now, I will shelve the new Jukes CD I am working on. Of course, the rest of the Jukes will seek you out and punish you in the same fashion that the Greek women used to punish the Trojans warriors who were captured and turned over to them. Is that what you really want? I don't thin' so, amigo. I will write a new jive soon and always answer the question of the week...in time, but let's leave it at that for now...for your sake; OK, hombre? For the week of October 4, 2009 You have been clear and consistent in your disdain for Christmas celebrations. Is there a holiday you do enjoy?
Ho-Ho-Holy Mackerel, Tasha; in truth, I don't hate Xmas. I do despise the forced jollity and the incessant playing of songs that everyone is heartily sick of, and of course, the jamming of the latest must-have-can't-get toy down parents throats by atheistic marketing fascists who's children should all get drum kits as presents. But any thing that makes folks happy is jake wit' me. As for a holiday I myownself personally like, me; I enjoy Hallow'een. I love to see the dressed-up kids and the old monster movies on TV and the CANDY. Now if they could only figure a way to combine it with the Feast of San Gennaro so's there would be sausage and peppers involved... For the week of September 27, 2009 WAY back in 1973, Bruce Springsteen was the opening act for Chuck Berry
and Jerry Lee Lewis at a concert at the University of Maryland. He and
his band then provided the backing band for Chuck Berry's set, a story
recounted in the movie "Hail, Hail Rock and Roll". I was perusing a
Dave Marsh book last night that said that you were part of Bruce's band
that night. Is this true? If so, what do you recall from that night?
If not, make something up (points for originality, humour, insight, but
not penmanship).
Ah; a most memorable evening,indeed. Here's the skinny: For the week of September 20, 2009 I was hanging outside af Martell's trying to impress a pretty girl with my
dazzling personality and witty repartee and talking to The Kingpin (hard to
do both at the same time while trying to scam some discounted merch to no
avail) anyway the subject was of elderly records and such, and I sez, the
very first record I ever remember hearing (and playing) was at age 2 or 3,
the Achoo-Cha-Cha by the McGuire Sisters (so my parents were squares, but I
overcame that challenge.) Later that night, you sang Do-Wha-Diddy, the very
first record I ever bought on my own (The Manfred Mann version on the Ascot
label) What's my question!? Fercryinoutloud, get on with it!...So, what is
the first record YOU ever paid cash money for and do you still have it?
Mr. Snafu, you are scratching at the fundamentals, and they gonna arrest ya if ya don't watch out. The first record I ever "owned" was a picture sleeve 45 of "Jailhouse Rock" by Elvis. Me mudder bought it for me cause SHE wanted it. I was...10?...and she couldn't admit to me Fahdah that she dug Ol' Swivel Hips. So I got the record on Xmas morning. But it was cool as I was already listening to rock and roll on the late night radio shows. A neat moment between my mother and me. She gave me a wink and I said "Neat! Thanks, Mom!" I can't really recall the first record I bought myownselfme, reason being that we kids used to buy packets of 5 records in plastic and you could only see the first and last labels. I think it might have been an old copy of Speedo by the Cadillacs, which was an oldie by then; the early 60s, but it could have been High Heeled Sneakers, by Tommy Tucker on the Chess label, a greasy slice of R&B /Blues that was a hit in 1964. That is one of the first 45s I paid full price for cause I just had ta have it. Before that, my older brother Tom bought all the records and I just listened to his. Doo-wop, R&B, some blues. This was before he got into the Folk thang around 1960/61. Dylan, Baez, Ian and Sylvia, Dave Van Ronk...all good in their way, but I needed that late-night moan music, so I started to buy my own stuff. I still do collect old 45s and 78s. Blues and vocal groups and jumping rhythm and blues. Anything I like. It's a great thrill to find something I don't have. Keeps me on the streets and into trouble. Oh, Mother; what have you started? For the week of September 13, 2009 I saw Los Lobos Saturday night and they mentioned that they are releasing a
kids album. I started thinking about all the adult rockers who have recently
become "kiddie rockers"; Dan Zanes, They Might be Giants, Lisa Loeb, etc. and
wondered if you ever considered a kids record? My five year old loves your
music (but not Trash it Up), his first concert was to see you when he was 3
months old and I'm sure he would join the street team to help promote it.
What do you say?
A "Kiddie" record? You are NOT PAYING ATTENTION! The only Kiddie project I would get involved in is a cook book; "Recipes for Serving Children, with Wine and Accompaniments." For the week of September 6, 2009 When on the road do you order from the a la carte menu, price fixed menu, or do you go to the all you can eat Buffets?
Road food. The bane of all bands. I remember being hungry on the road and the bus stopping for fuel at 4AM at a 76 truck stop. Out we poured, a passel of ravenous Jukes, and the comestible of choice? a chili cheese dog and coffee. Yes, I had it too, fool that I am. Needless to say, it was a long ride from then on. Many ill winds and groaning musicians. I have learned over the years to bring things I like with me, fruit, trail mix, bread and honey, and a lot of water. And dark chocoIates. I don't eat before a show, so I am hungry after, and having small edibles in the hotel room makes things easier and healthier. Those rare nights off I try to find a decent restaurant. No buffets; that's the King Pin's purview. And thank God for Subway. They will make a fairly healthy sandwich you can take with you. I don't eat in fast food places as a rule, and enjoy a glass of wine with my meal, so restaurants are my choice. Not family joints. I don't wanna dine with a bunch of urchins screaming and spewing chewn french fries around the room. No. Just give my a nice piece fish and some white Bordeaux and peace and quiet. And Belgian chocolate. And a book. And some whiskey or rhum. And three hard boiled eggs. For the week of August 30, 2009 This week marks the 40th Anniversary of Woodstock, as you may have heard. I am wondering what you were up to on August 15, 16 and 17 of 1969. Was that the time that you were living in the Village, per chance? Did that type of music interest you? Jefferson Airplane, Jimi Hendrix, etc.? Do you have a Mr. Natural tattoo? When all them hippies were practicing free love and freaking out, sometimes simultaneously, I was in El Paso Texas living with my best friend's wife in an apartment on Fred Wilson Boulevard waiting for him to get out of the Army stockade so we could all drive to California and ...what? I didn't know. But it sounded good. When Dougie finally was released from the army, we were broke, so he and I tried to hitch-hike to a place he had heard of in New Mexico where we could sell our bodies for $800.00. The scientists there would tattoo a message on your foot that would tell the cops where to ship your body after you died; a medical complex where they would do whatever they do with dead bodies. Doug and I got about 3 miles out of town before the cops stopped us and made us take off our shoes for some reason and then, once we had explained what we were doing, laughed their asses off and let us go. Sorely discouraged, we limped back to the apartment and did some drugs and then, the next day, read in the El Paso Times all about the goings on at Woodstock. Oh well. At least I lived through it. I think. I later played in a band that stood on the sidewalk in Asbury Park as the folks lined up to see the movie "Woodstock". Even more humiliating than the cops/shoes in Texas. Sigh. My life and hard times. Don't take the brown acid. For the week of August 23, 2009 Hey Southside any chance of some Irish gigs? Belfast would seriously welcome some New Jersey rockin!
I would love to play Ireland. I've always loved Irish Lit; Joyce, O'Casey, Yeats, Beckett, great stuff. And them crazy Irish rockers. Man, what a country. I've only gotten to walk around Dublin. Someday I would like to spend a few weeks exploring. So, yeah; we're coming over for a month of club dates. Book'em, Barry. Someday, someday. For the week of August 16, 2009 Long time Jukes fans that my wife and I are, we've snatched a few set lists from recent shows. My question is: From what I've seen, the set lists are not followed, by any means, as a song-by-song plan. Who thinks up the set list for any given night and (since the handwriting seems identical on the ones I have), who physically writes out the list? Is that an understood assignment of somebody in the crew, or, is that you Southside, just trying to keep the band on their toes?
Oh, my innocent child, I am the author of the set list that is ignored night after night. Yes, little one, it is old, feeble Uncle Southside that toils over a hot yellow pad night after night, trying to find some way, some path to illumination and joy for us all. An hour or so before each show, Hood comes into whatever dank cell we have been given as a dressing room lugging a 50 pound suitcase full of old Juke set lists dating back the reign of Pippin the Goofy, ca. 1135-1137, that he (Hood) refuses to get rid of for whatever dark reason his addled mind has concocted, and announces; "It's time". That means I must sit and fret and stew and moan until I come up with a hand-written treasure map to the night's journey. All that whilst others in the band revel and riot and laugh and laze about me. Then, when the evening's festivities begin, all my mind breaking work goes out the window and chaos ensues. Sigh. No, acolyte, my lot is not an easy one. But don't cry for me, Hoboken; I, and I alone, must walk this road and bear it's miseries and pain. Unless I just say to Hell with it and we use an old set list. For the week of August 9, 2009 Hey SS did you ever in your illustrious career do a purely strictly Southside Johnny show sans Jukes and any backup? You know maybe in some down time you went out and did something like "Live @ Hojo`s Its Southside? You know maybe a desperate time when a few platefuls of those wonderful fried clams would have sufficed? While we all know you as Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes-many people I know recall connect Southside Johnny... but not necessarily "The Jukes" - that's their problem - not ours. I was wondering what if it ever happened and what that show was like? Where? When? How? Maybe never...
No, Gary, I've never played with myself....on stage. I don't play enough guitar to risk it. Bobby and I have done numerous evenings of song and hilarity together, and I did have a 5 piece blues combo out in Cal. when I lived there for 3 three years, but, ya see, I made the irreversible error of wanting and getting a horn section, lo, these many decades ago, and they have become the albatross around my neck. But, boy they sure do sound good, don't they? And anyway, who would I play cards with on the bread truck in England if I was out by myself? For the week of August 2, 2009 I've been wondering...does the little surfer-gnome in the hat have a name? And no, I'm NOT referring to Jeff!
Nice one, Kathleen. Zinger deluxe. I don't know about the g-nome except that it appeared one day and that was that. I think it's the illegitimate child of Bobby and Hood. Hobby? Boody? Let's have a contest. Best worst name wins the song of their choice....from Bobby. I am sooo outa that sh&t. All my gnomes are in my head. Dancing. Watch out. For the week of July 26, 2009 Does your record label accept demos from unknown artists such as myself? I'm a singer-songwriter, guitar, vocals, sort of country folkish stuff.
I don't suck, I was signed and published before - smalltime stuff, but it was fun to have a song I wrote get a bit of notoriety in Europe.
Anyway, please let me know. I'm 50 and I'm trying to get back to...something!
Thanks so much!
Hey, Kevin. I can only wish you the best of luck in a tough business. My little label is only for Jukes and solo projects. I don't have the distribution or publicity facilities to do justice to anyone else's music. If I did, I'd put Bobby and Jeff and all the other Jukes CD's on my label. The best I can do is link them and make their efforts available in the webstore and sell them at the gigs. It's a do-it-yourself world these days, which makes it harder to get any attention, but easier to feel free to make whatever music you wish. I'd say; make your own CD, spend some money getting it the way you want, then let people hear it on the Internet. You already know this, but it bears repeating. I made my reputation playing live and still think that's the way to go. It means playing every dump and dive in Christendom, but at least you will be making music. Bon chance, ami, and keep yer chin up. For the week of July 19, 2009 The night you gave free cassette copies of "Slow Dance" out at The Chestnut Cabaret gig in 1988, me and my buddy witnessed Rusty Cloud stuffing his giant keyboard into the back of a Volkswagon Beetle in the parking lot after the show. Prior to that night, I thought that Rusty was a huge rock star, with groupies. My image of the band was crushed that night. Please tell me that Rusty normally had a roadie do that for him, or was that a common occurrence? And how come you used to make fun of Rusty onstage all the time at his expense? Sure, it got a laugh out of us all the time, but poor Rusty...
Oh Steve, we will have to call you Steve Naive from now on. We are not
rock stars; we's musicians. No limos or mansions or drug habits.
Sorry to burst your bubble. I prefer it that way, much to the band's
dismay. I've traveled with big-shot stars, and they all get bored so For the week of July 12, 2009 I imagine you get several requests to do some benefit shows.
How do you decide which ones to play? Are there some no brainers that
you readily accept?
We do get asked to play a number of charity events every year, and we try to do as many as we can. The Hope Concerts at the Basie in Red Bank and Bruce's Xmas shows and anything where the band members are involved are pretty much no-brainers, but there are some things that we can't do without shooting ourselves in the foot financially. Hey, if I had my way, we'd always play for free. That takes the "business" crap out of my life , and I can just enjoy the music. But I grew up in bands in the 60s, so what do you expect. Playing charity shows is an easy way for me to pay my humanistic freight, and I love the feel of doing good. But I have to draw the line somewhere. A fer instance; I got a call a number of years ago from a yacht club in one of the wealthier New Jersey towns. Seems they had some hurricane damage to their wharf, and wanted to know if I would play a fund-raiser to help get it fixed. For free, natch. I jus' had ta say no. Call me hard-hearted, but I couldn't see asking the guys to work for nothing but the satisfaction of seeing some rich guy sail into the sunset on his yacht with his trophy second-wife on his arm and a Cuban cigar in his mouth, waving thanks and seeya. And you KNOW the Jukes would never be invited on the damn thing. So fcuk that. But we will continue to spread good cheer to the little peoples... like you, Rich. Hey...wait a minute "Rich?" You bastard! For the week of July 5, 2009 I just read that Barry Beckett passed away. Besides being one of the
founders of the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section & Muscle Shoals Studio, he
produced The Jukes LP. Any anecdotes about those sessions and working with
him?
It was a learning experience, working with an old pro like Barry Becket. We Jukes stayed in the same house and ate meals together and spend almost all of our time in the studio. Bob Dylan had been in the week before and had left some Raisin Bran, so I ate his cereal every morning and felt like a big shot. By the way, this was "The Jukes" green cover LP. Barry had great stories, but we kinda stumbled around a bit in the studio because he wasn't sure what we were all about. The mix of Rock and Soul and R&B and Blues was difficult for him to get a hold of. He was such a traditional soul man, and the more raucous songs get a little smoothed over. I liked Punk, and he didn't, oh well. He taught me a lot and was a good guy. It just irked me a little when, at the release party/concert in NYC, he said, "Damn. I wish I had seen you guys live before we did the record." And that my friend, is the story of my life. Never mind. Back to the drawing board. For the week of June 28, 2009 Ciao Johnny, Davide, bambino, I never go anywhere without a horn section. Yes, the whole damn band will be in Belgium. Plus, we are bringing over the PIN for the edification of the Belgiques. He'll straighten their butts out. Even if we only play an hour...and we'll see about that...it will be a high-energy show because we are fans of Jeff Beck and want to be at our best. And blow him off the stage. That's the Jersey way. If you come, try to get backstage and say hi. If I can, I'll put you on the guest list. Let me know on the web site and I'll try to help. But you know me; lost in the clouds and forget everything. Hope you can come and have a ball. For the week of June 21, 2009 It was May 17, 1981. I was 17. I went to see The Jukes at the Dick Clark/Westchester Theater in Tarrytown. The poster for the show said something to the effect of "come be a part of the filming of Eddie & The Cruisers." I had 2nd row seats. As I recall, after the Jukes set, it was explained to the crowd that the band would be doing a few songs for the movie that we obviously won't have ever heard before. We were asked to go nuts to make it look good for the movie. During that segment, Southside reached to slap hands of the people up front, of which I was one. I start thinking I'm gonna be seen in a movie! Someone came out and explained that they had to re-do it and asked that we get all crazy again like the first take. It was a great show and a great experience. Months and months went by, and I kept anxiously waiting to hear about the movie, but nothing. Not until what, two years later maybe, did I finally see a commercial for the new movie, EDDIE & THE CRUISERS. However, there was Michael Pare playing the lead and Beaver Brown as the soundtrack band. To this day, I have no idea what happened to Southside, what the purpose was of the filming during the Tarrytown show, and -- most curiously -- whether the "unknown" song the Jukes played might have been "On The Dark Side." It remains a mystery, but boy what a memorable Jukes show that was. So, I guess my question for Southside, or anyone who would know, is: What exactly was Southside's involvement in Eddie & The Cruisers and what exactly was the intent and outcome of that particular show?
Ah Yes. Once again my past returns to bite me on the fetlock. The concert you saw was indeed a part of a scene for Eddie and the Cruisers that, of course, ended up on the cutting room floor along with my movie career. The Jukes and I were supposed to be paying tribute to Eddie, the visionary rocker who disappeared, by playing one of his songs. The song in question was, "On The Dark Side" and the audience was directed to swoon in ecstasy at our covering such a timeless ditty. We did the damn tune a number of times and then finished the show. In truth, the whole thing was a monumental pain in the withers. I was "technical director' on the flick, which consisted of teaching the actors how to look like they were playing, cueing up the music, and being a general burr in the director's saddle. Them Hollywood folks don't know horse shit from horse feed when it comes to Rock and Roll. But I must say it was an interesting few weeks and I learned a lot, like how boring making movies is and how goofy ALL actors are. Oh; and if a producer ever shakes your hand, make sure your other hand is on your wallet. Th-th-th-that's all, folks. For the week of June 14, 2009 What are the benefits, if any, of being a Juke? Why in the world would one leave the band?
Being a Juke means you get to play without having someone tell you every note and beat. It also means you can feel free on stage to kid around and be part of a fun group. It's not just a back-up band situation. You can wear what you want, and make fun of the lead singer. It don't pay as much as some, but it's more enjoyable and it takes you to places you wouldn't normally go, like Milton Keynes, England and Rosehayen, NJ. (sp?) Plusalsotoo, you get to hear all my funny raps night after night. Why would anyone leave the band? See above. For the week of June 7, 2009 Any plans to tour Australia?
We have been booked in Oz three times in the past and something has always come up to thwart those plans. It is one of my top five places in the world to see...Alaska, Tierra Del Fuego, Madagascar, and Camden being the other 4. I hope some day to play there. I KNOW the psycho Aussie audience would love us. Beer, backbeat and horns; how could we miss? Dudes on the barbie for everyone! Is that a blue-ringed octupus in yer shorts, or are ya jus' glad ta see me? For the week of May 31, 2009 It's great to see that you have an extensive tour of the UK lined up for later this year, including the beautiful and historic cities of York and Lincoln. Apart from the excellent beer and great weather in November what do you look forward to most about touring in the UK - and, dare I ask, the least?
"Now is this dinner in a discotheque made glorious supper by this pub (gastro) of York". As you can discern, I am a great student of the Bard. As a ma-er of fack, I live two towns north of Avon-By-The-Sea, where Willie-the-Shake had a summer home. Little known bit of history, that. For the week of May 24, 2009 As a musician, I am my worst critic, but once in a while I hear myself and say, "Now that was pretty good." After all of your years of recording, what I hate everything after we record it. I love the process, and being in the studio is usually fun, but as soon as the CD is released, I hear all the things I did wrong and hate the songs and my vocals. It's been like that for 35 years. It's only after some time has passed that I can stand to listen to our records. This new CD is coming along really well, and I am excited about the rock and roll feel of the whole thing, but I know when it's done, I will go back in my shell and hide from it. I can only hope you goofballs don't run and hide, too. But I love doing the songs live. Go figure. I'm nuts. But you knew that. For the week of May 17, 2009 Dear Mr. Southside or any of the Ghosts of Jukes Past or Current, Well, young man, you seem to know whereof you speak. All of the particulars you mention can affect a musician's perspective. If the sound on stage is lousy, it makes it very difficult to enjoy a performance. You soldier on despite bad conditions because you know the audience doesn't hear what you are hearing...you HOPE they don't anyway. For me it is a combination of sound on stage, band chemistry, voice, and audience reaction. No one element is really that much more important than another, but for me to love a show, all those things have to be right and there has to be a special moment or two where something just happens out of the blue that lifts the band musically. It might be trying out a song we've never rehearsed or indeed that most of the band has never even heard, and having said song work and really go over. The Jukes can do that because they are attuned to the Juke ethic; be ready for anything. My mood before a show is not really key, because even if I'm down or angry, the music can raise my spirits. Sometimes anger helps because it raises the energy level. But even if everything is not right on stage; if the audience...that's you.... is having fun, than all is jake. For the week of May 10, 2009 Dear Sir Southside. Heaven's no, little buddy. When the going gets tough, the Jukes go touring. We plan on bringing hope and cheer and
funky dance moves and backbeats and horn soli and mellifluous singing to the all and sundry. Well, maybe not Omaha, but not for lack of desire to play there. When you need yer Jukes fix, we will be there with a full compliment of Horns and rhythm, and a plethora of strange and wonderful songs that we never intended to play, or even know. And we do it all for you. Cause we love you. Ya dope. For the week of May 3, 2009 Did you ever play at Villanova University (maybe in the Field House) sometime between 1979 and 1982?
Oh yes, Debra, YES!!!!! I remember you and me and the moonlight and the ballfield and crab grass and the sprinklers and....OH GOD!!! YES!!!!!!!!!! No. For the week of April 26, 2009 I was listening to Little Steven's channel the other day and he was talking about some of his favorite Beatles songs. So it got me wondering, what are your favorites from them? I never recall you ever doing covers of the Beatles either. And have you ever had any encounters with any of the Fab Four in your travels across the universe?
As we used to say in Neptune High School back in 1964, "The Beatles? Shiiiiit!" We were Motown and Stax/Volt fans. Dance music. Otis and Smokey, The Temps and Tops. No English wimp music. Of course, if a Beatles song came on the radio whilst we were cruisin' on Kingsley, we all sang along. It was even worse for me as I was deep into my Chicago Blues phase; Muddy, Walter, Elmore, Wolf... like that, man. Later, I came to admire and even enjoy John and Paul's output, and now I really like their stuff. I have never met a Beatle, but I think Bobby has conversed with Ringo. I have met Yoko a coupla times. Sorry. If I had to pick one Fab 4 tune, it would be "Helter Skelter". Mad crazy rockabilly psycho fuzz. Just my speed. I suppose you like "Yesterday". Wimp. For the week of April 19, 2009 I was recently re-watching your early-1980s appearance on "SCTV" - and
it gets funnier every time I see it. How did this come about? What was
it like working with such seasoned comedy pros as John Candy, Andrea
Martin and Eugene Levy? I'm sure you must have some hilarious stories
about this...
Ah yes, I remember it well...
We flew up to Canada on a summer day, checked into the hotel, and the sun refused to set. I think it was daylight until 11 PM, so Uncle Southside didn't get much sleep. We dragged into the television studio around 8 the next morning and met the director and some of the actors; Gene Levy, Dave Thomas, Catherine O' Hara and Andrea Martin were all there. They were bright, funny people and couldn't be more welcoming. Gene delighted in telling me that the week before they had Dr.John dress up in a hula skirt for a skit. I thought "Uh-oh. What am I in for". We rehearsed a number of bits and had a small sound check, and, around 10:30, in walked John Candy. He was a BIG man. Everyone said hi and he was introduced to me. For the week of April 12, 2009 I've read and heard reference to "The Asbury Park Sound."
Do you think there is such a thing?
No, I don't. The idea that there was a homogeneous sound coming out of A.P. back then is silly. It's the same thing that was said about the San Francisco sound in the 60s. As if bands like Jefferson Airplane, Moby Grape, Sly and the Family Stone and Creedence Clear Water all sounded like the Grateful Dead. The link there was the experimental aspect of the music. The link in the Asbury scene was the love of early rock and roll and R&B and the fervent desire to please an audience by making music that moved people. There were few area bands back then who were indifferent to the audience or who acted aloof. Most of us were just happy to be making music and glad we had somebody to play it to. I guess it was that blue-collar thing or maybe the influence of New York radio, but none of us took ourselves too seriously, although we took our music very seriously. That's why us Jersey rockers work so hard on stage; you demand and deserve it. Slave drivers. Give an old man a break, will ya! For the week of April 5, 2009 Why did you shave off your goatee? It looked great. Hilarious show Saturday night at the Scottish Rite. Hope you weren't attacked by invisible squeaking mice since then.
Uh, my friend, it's time to see either a shrink or an eye-doctor. Or cut down on the adult-libation uptake. I haven't shaved anything but my...oh right, I'm not supposed to talk about that. Bad for the image. I am going grey on my face, but not on my head. I wonder why? But yes we had a faboo time at the Scottish Rites Cathedral. I think the squeaking was from a coupla disgruntled Masonite ghosts. No, not that kinda Masonite, you goofball; the cultish kind that rule the world and wear aprons and like that. Man, you do need a doctor. "Now say the secret Mason's password, and a duck will come down and give you 50 dallahs" For the week of March 29, 2009 Hey, Southside. When are you gonna get off yer lazy ass and make another Jukes record?
Hey Bo. When are YOU gonna get yer criminal ass out of prison up there in Rahway? Uh...I mean...Hi and thanks for your question. Let me say this about that. We are currently in the studio working on the next CD and everything is hunky dory so far. There is more of a rockandroll slant to this one; not so much r&b as the last. It's early stages yet, so who knows where it will go, but it's very up and loud,and I hope it's a small antidote to the down times we are all going thru. But Spring will be here soon, and then Summer. The Jukes will be on tour and, I hope, the new stuff will be available to all and sundry by then. Who knows; maybe in time for your parole party? For the week of March 22, 2009 On March 7 at BB Kings, Jeff sang a song, center stage, that completely rocked, after which he stated that "Southside's dead". It was killer, I was wondering what the name of that song is and if it's been recorded by Jeff or Southside?
Ahem. I am not dead, no matter what Jeff Kazee says or wishes. And to think I bought a Wii game for his lovely chill-rens. Maybe Mr. Kazee will tell you about THAT next week. If he has the onions. The song which I so graciously ALLOWED Mr. Kazee to butcher...er...sing was "I'm Looking For a Love". It's a tune written by the great Bobby Womack and, I think recorded by his group the Valentinos. J.Geils also did a fun version. Now we do it and Jeff sings it, but only because I feel sorry for him in light of his indoor-plumbingless upbringing in the hills of Kentucky by his dentally challenged parents. Think of it, folks. He's the bright light in his family. America has a long way to go. For the week of March 15, 2009 Have you ever done any busking? Not that there's anything wrong with that...
The only "busking" I have ever done was when I took the Jukes into the metro (subway) in Paris and we played for the incoming trains. The whole band in their Jukes jackets would wail away as the startled Parisians made their way around us and the horns were blasting and Billy Rush was strumming a guitar and I'm squalling on the harp. Very funny. But I have never played in the street for money. Might have to soon, tho. I'll be right next to the hedge fund manager selling apples and across the street from the CNBC market analyst who's holding up a cardboard sign saying "Will Prognosticate for Food". See you there. For the week of March 8, 2009 Besides your acting turns in "Adventures in Babysitting" and "All My Children", have you any plans to expand your thespian resume? Are there a lot of offers out there that you turn down?
No acting for me. A more boring job I can not imagine.You get to the set at 5:30AM, get make-up and hair and wardrobe, then sit around for HOURS till they need you, then you spend 20 minutes "acting", then sit around for hours more, then they tell you to go back to the hotel and wait for a possible call. Soooo you sit in your room or on the set in make-up for more lost time, and then they call it a day. But be there at 5:30 the next day for more of the same. Add to the tedium that all actors are totally delusional and mostly paranoid and are basically uninterested in anything but "the work" so a decent conversation is out of the question, then throw in the complete disdain of the crew for the cast and the irrational demands of the director who is usually a martinet from the Prussian Army school of leadership, and the self-righteous anger of the producer who bellows that we are all wasting his money by not working faster and the egomaniacal hatred of the writer who thinks all actors are scum who steal his greatness for themselves and you have a very gruesome place to spend a few weeks... Or so I've been told. I had a great time on the set of "Adventures in Babysitting" and Chris Columbus was ridiculously easy to work for. And the soap opera was a real eye opener. Them people are pros and they never take themselves too seriously. But, no, I won't be doing any acting; it's too damn hard. Crank up the band. For the week of March 1, 2009 I could not help but notice as I watched the Boss perform during the half-time show of the recent Super Bowl, accompanied by the likes of your very own Jukes horns, La Bamba and even Suzie Tyrell, that the show could have been even more special with a guest appearance by you.? Did they just forget to ask or were you just too busy to go to Tampa for a 12 minute show?
Another fool who thinks I have time for frivolities like the Super Bowl. As I hope my last missive made clear, I am currently on the path to enlightenment and you don't get there by watching a bunch of sweaty steroid manmountains bang into each other. I thought Bruce did a fine job and was proud of the Jukes lending him a hand and saving his bacon. I, at that exact moment, was chanting my mantra and stirring a pitcher of martinis at the same time. All us spiritually advanced folks can multi-task like that. I have cut out olives for Lent this year. In these trying times we all must make sacrifices. Besides, I like them tiny cocktail onions a whole bunch. Now if you will excuse me, I have to get out my prayer rug from the closet and my glass from the freezer. Coming, oh all-powerful one. Hold yer horses. For the week of February 22, 2009 What, no invite to play an Obama inaugural ball? How did you end up playing at Clinton's?
Oh Rich, inaugural balls are so passe. I let my underlings play them these days. You know; the little people. I am far too busy achieving Nirvana and studying Kabalah with Madonna and getting clear with Tom and Katie. Plus, I was recuperating from my full body manscaping for my EuroVogue spread. Forget childbirth; that was REAL pain! But I digress. I ended up at Clinton's bash thru Max Whineberg. It was interesting, but, as usual, the band was treated as a necessary evil and lower than the dishwashers. Actually, I remember vaguely having to wash dishes after we played, but the night was such a glamorous whirl of music and dancing and celebs and Secret Service orifice searches... multiple searches... that it's all just an unpleasant memory that I will cherish forever. As for Obama's ball, I guess my invite got lost in the mail. Go figure. For the week of February 15, 2009 Speaking of your record company....what made you choose the name Dopplar Shift for your music?
Named after Chris Dopplar, a guy who used to hang around the Palace Amusements in Asbury Park playing pinball during the 1840s when I was just a kid, it is a scientific formula that determines the effect of distance on wave lengths. For instance; if you hear a siren and, as it get further away it drops in pitch, then that means the waves of sound are getting longer. If it increases in pitch, it's getting closer. In the case of stars and galaxies; if they are moving away the are bluer; nearer, more red...or the other way around. Mr. Jack is clouding my mind, so do yer own damn research. I chose Dopplar Shift as my publishing company's name because Chris Dopplar loaned me a fiver in 1965, and I never paid him back. Plus, Dopplar is just a great name. Johnny Dopplar. Yeah. For the week of February 8, 2009 Who is "Leroy"?
Leroy. Ah yes, I remember him well. In truth, Leroy Records is called such for a number of reasons, as much as I have any reason at all. Firstly, my grrrrrfriend at the time was named Lee and I jocularly called her Leroy. Then, as fate would have it, as I was contemplating putting out my CDs on my own company, I heard the old funk/soul/latin tune that has the lyric "Hey Leroy...Yer Mama's callin!" It tickled my fancy and caused me to recall another Leroy on record. The great Joe Tex had a 45 yclept "Skinny Legs and All" in which he is trying to cajole someone into "dancing wit da wahmon wif da skinny legs, y'all." First he say, "I'mona give her to Clyde...no, I know what kinda wimmin Clyde likes... For the week of February 1, 2009 This question is for who ever is in charge. Soon, The LoveMan and LaBamba will be leaving us East Coasters for LALA Land. I'm sure this move will mean less shows with the wonderful Jukes. Are you planning any sort of a "farewell" to NJ show?
No, they are not going anywhere. I've got Conan O'Brien's wig in my glove compartment, and he ain't gettin it back, which will effectively cancel any shows he might do and therefore negate the trip to LaLaland. Problem solved. Howsomeever, if Richie and Mark DO decide to destroy their minds out there, we will have their remains shipped back and have a slap-up funeral. What fun! The Jukes will, as always, go on...and on...and on... For the week of January 25, 2009 South, I am not a video star. Obviously. I hated the CD "Trash It Up" and got drunk and angry during the filming of the EXPENSIVE video shoot, and ran away from home. I called my drummer, Steve and said, "come and get me" and he did and I hid out in his place for a week. I am not made for this gig. I hate the attention and only love the singing and the audience having a good time and the sound of the band. But when it's right, it is a transcendent experience that only the truly involved can know. I mean musician and listener. When I was very young, I used to hear Billy Holiday and Louis Armstrong come up the stairs and sing to me from my parents hi-fi. I know what it's like to be transported by music. That's all I want to give and all I want to get. I am not Paul Newman. I am a singer. OK? For the week of January 18, 2009 Dear Southside Johnny and all the past and current Jukes, Thank you young lady. As a decrepit old fool, it's always nice to have a jeune fille give you compliments. We used to play many college campuses campusae?, campusii?...but not so much anymore. But we do play in the Boston area and of course, we have our annual end-of-sumer gig at the Casino in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire, which is an hour's drive from Boston, and I guess about an hour from Amherst. That is always one of our best shows, and a fun place to hang. Mayhap we will see you there? Then you can tell Bobby he's "cute" (gag) yerself. For the week of January 11, 2009 I've been a fan since a friend introduced me to your music in 1980. Since
that time, I have seen the band countless times and my love of the band has
spread to my wife (who insisted we dance to "The Fever" at our wedding). We
are now a couple of old farts living in Central Massachusetts with our two
kids... ages nine and four. No Wiggles or Hanna Montana for these brats,
they have been raised on a steady diet of Jukes, Waits, the Boss and Elvis. Here's my question... my nine year old loves listening to the albums
and watching the Stone Pony video but has been begging to go to
a show. What do you think is an appropriate age for a young
jukester to catch a live show?
Best bet for youngsters is a rib cook-off or other daytime show. We get lots of kids, and if I can, I like to bring them on stage. The look on their faces is priceless when they see all the people out there. We have also been doing more early evening shows...8:00 o'clock starts...and that would be fine for some older kids if the place will let them in. But I would look on the website calendar for a summer outdoor show in your area. I hope we get to play a lot of them this year; I think we will all need the fun. Hope to see you and yer urchins this year. I'll watch my language. For the week of January 4, 2009 Sometime between the TG's East show Labor Day weekend of 1978 and the New Year's show later that year, the horn section was moved from the left side of the stage to the right side of the stage. I'm guessing that the reason was because when Joel Gramolini joined the band in that period, he didn't
want those horns blaring behind him since he stood on the left side. Is that right? (To quote a line from Dirty Harry, "I gots to know").
Brian, my man, like... get a life! If you have been brooding over this pivotal question all these years, I think youse needs professional help. I have NO IDEA what went on behind me 30 years ago. I try not to look around cause I'm afraid of what I might see. My guess is that it was just something to break up the road monotony. Or maybe someone lost a bet. Flatulence? Who knows. I do remember that Joel lost one contact lens that tour and fell off the stage a coupla times due to screwed up depth perception. I usually fall off for other reasons... Ahem... Don't you have anything else to worry about? You lucky man. For the week of December 28, 2008 New Years Eve is generally a staple in the Jukes yearly schedule. However, I
am sure that there are a few years that you did not perform. What did you do
on those off years where you did not perform? Did you ever catch any other
performers' shows?
In the last 30+ years, I have had only one New Year's Eve off, that I can remember. That year I was gonna kick back with a fine bottle of champagne and some Chinese take-out, and let the world roll by. Of course, that was the year that Miami Steve decided to get married to the lovely Maureen, and, naturalich, he had to have his wedding and reception on....New Year's Eve! So, instead of being blissfully asleep when the ball dropped on Dick Clark's head, I was schlepping into Manhattan for an all night bash. It was a great wedding, presided over by Little Richard, and a great party with Little Milton and jamming and drinks and a lot of other stuff I don't remember for obvious reasons so I was glad to be there. But it was supposed to be my night off. Now I realize that playing on New Year's Eve is as good as a night off, in that the crowd is so jazzed and wild that I just have to ride along with their, your, enthusiasm. Raise a glass children and let the good times roll. See you all at the Basie. For the week of December 21, 2008 After being a fan for 30 years, it constantly amazes me that, with all the musical talent within the band, there seem to be no ego issues out there. Everyone gets their turn for solos and then truly seem to enjoy listening and watching others get the spotlight. This certainly carries over to the Rock'n Roll Soul Review and Kazeedigs shows which I have attended. Do you have a secret formula for this, and if so, can you share it with the professional sports teams to get rid of the primadonnas? Happy Holidays!
We have a number of egos in the Jukes, but the music is the most important consideration, and, believe it or not, the audience comes before the band. Any time I think some band member doesn't think that way, he is g.o.n.e. Besides, it's so much fun up there most nights that the feeling carries us along and gets us past any problems. Or else. I have spoken. Not that anybody listens to me. As for the Giants/Jets/Nets/Knicks/Yanks/ Mets/ Rangers/Devils, they're on their own. God Bless Derick Jeter. A role model for them all and us, too. For the week of December 14, 2008 It was 13 years between Hearts Of Stone and Better Days. Now it's almost 18 years since you've worked with Steven. With the Sopranos and Bruce's tour over, what's holding you guys back from getting together? We ain'tz gettin' any younger....
Dear Tom. I'm so sorry that the CDs we've made since Better Days are not to your liking. I hereby give you a pass on buying any Jukes Cds until Steven and I work together again. Merry Christmas. For the week of December 7, 2008 We have heard about your travels, your bird watching, your interest in
reading. But, we have not heard what you like to read. As a voracious
reader, I would like to know. Fact, fiction, history, Penthouse Forum?
Ever read the Fountainhead, about an artist/architect who followed his
own heart/integrity instead of being guided by public sentiment and the
business side of design? What say you? Chill, Dude. We are coming to Florida in Jan/Feb. Dates are still in flux, but we will be there. As to my reading list, I am currently digesting: For the week of November 30, 2008 First let me say thank you for the amazing show at the Stone Pony
this summer. It was an unforgettable night and I enjoyed every minute
of it. I think the song that I liked best was "Walk Away Renee". I
liked it so much, my husband figured out how to make the actual
recording from that night into a ringtone on my cell phone. It plays
whenever he calls me. I did tell him that if I were ever to become
close personal friends with Southside Johnny that he would have to be
assigned a new ring tone since "Walk Away Renee" would automatically
be assigned to Southside. Well, we'll cross that bridge when we come
to it. My question for you is about the eloquent words that you spoke
at the end of the song. "Let the moon come up tonight baby and shine
down its sweet silver light.........someday I know, you'll come by my
door, knocking on my door and I'll smell your sweet perfume." Did you write those words ahead of time and plan to sing them or was
that a free verse creation?
Thanks for the kind words, Sue. You can have any ring tone from my catalogue you want. But you have to figure out how to do it. I'm not that smart... Those little words are improvised. One of the best parts of making music is being free enough to let go and see what comes out. It ain't always pretty, but sometimes you can surprise yourself. I'm glad I have an audience that let's me get away with it. For the week of November 23, 2008 This is pretty appropriate for the season so I hope you don't mind and find this question too inquiring or personal or just plain old corn... Thanks Gary, that's nice to hear. I guess I'm most grateful for being healthy and still making music. I have always known how hard it is to sustain a career in this goofy business. If I didn't have great fans who put up with all the madness and the looooong wait in between Jives, I would be pumping Slurpies at the 7/11 and drinking myself to sleep every night. I am truly grateful for all the people who make it possible to do this thing; the band, the crew, management, booking agent, so many folks just to put a band on the road. I thank my parents for their good taste and tolerance, Steven Van Zandt for, well, everything, Bruce, Jon and all the others who have been such support. Hey, I sound like I'm either winning an award or dying. Neither, unfortunately, I mean fortunately. And I'm glad I have friends who understand a difficult man. All in all, Gary, life is good, and I hope it is for you and all the other folks out there in Jukeworld. For the week of November 16, 2008 What was Tom Wait's reaction to both the concept and final result of putting his music to a big band arrangement for Grapefruit Moon? In his duet in "Walk Away" he sounds like he was really enjoying himslef. BTW, since getting Grapefruit Moon, my productivity at work is as low as the stock market right now and my Ipod is wearing out! Great job!
Hey Doug, music before work...remember that. Tom and his wife Kathleen have been very supportive of the project,(oh Johnny, how pretentious!) ever since I first mentioned it to them a few years ago. When I sent Tom some early mixes of the first session, he sent me this hilarious and typically Waitsian email that said how much he liked it. That email gave me the courage to ask him if he wanted to sing on a track. He said, in that beautiful growl, "What song?" and I picked Walk Away. He concurred and the rest is ignoble history. Needles to say, it was a big thrill for me and great fun to do. Sometimes things work out better than you imagine. Sometimes not. For the week of November 9, 2008 Not sure if it's been asked and answered yet... McCain or Obama?
Obama. I predict he'll win in a landslide. Oh, he did? Ok. For the week of November 2, 2008 First of all, I love the Jukes!! I love to listen to them and to watch them. I try to make as many shows as I can. I'm enjoying the Amsterdam show immensenly! Those horns get me everytime. I'm sad I was unable to go to the Grapefruit Moon show but I'm also enjoying that CD. When I watch you perform, you kick that leg up and jump up and down and sing almost nonstop for 2 hours or more. How do you stay in such good shape? You never seem to age. I really noticed it when you were sitting next to Willie Nelson on Conan's show although he's not a good benchmark by any means. (no offense) But you look much younger than a lot of people I know pushing 60. What is it? You've said before, no hair dye, no botox, etc. Is it loving what you do? Jack LaLane? Pilates? The easy life in OG or what? Also, did you watch the Amsterdam show? What's it like from the audience point of view for you? Hats off to you and the music you love and the music you make!
Yikes! So many questions. First, thanks for the words of enthusiasm. It's hard to play to a vacuum, and I and dem Jukes have been blessed with enthusiastic fans for...decades...now. Never think it doesn't matter. A good lively crowd juices us up and pushes us on to greater efforts in mayhem and chaos and insanity. It's all your fault! For the week of October 26, 2008 In the APP interview you said that the Nokia Theatre show will be the only chance to do your album Grapefruit Moon. I really loved the songs you did at the Paradiso gig, think it's such a shame you can't do the album more often. Wouldn't it be possible to do it with a smaller horn section or hire local horn players (like in Holland for instance the New Cool Collective)?
We will be doing more Grapefruit songs in the Jukes set as soon as I can figure out how to make them work for a smaller (!) group. I enjoy doing them more rock and R&B. It was strange and a bit uncomfortable on the Nokia theater stage. I didn't have the strong back-beat and the wild abandon of the Jukes, but it was a great experience and I hope everyone who attended came away with some memory that will last of the show. It will probably be the only time we do the Big Band thing, although I would love to do it at the Count Basie in Red Bank. We'll see. For the week of October 12, 2008 The wikipedia site of Southside Johnny reads that he lived a while in Nashville... any trace of you recording country-stuff?
No country for the old man, yet, Frank, but I do love that honest C & W. I have a greatest hits by Merle haggard in my car and good ole George Jones was recently on my stereo. We occasionally do a country song in the set. Bobby will do "He'll Have to Go" and Jeff will sing "The Grand Tour" and I will do "For the Good Times", but there are no plans to make a yee-haw CD any time soon. But you never know... For the week of October 5, 2008 I love the harmonica/horn interplay on Grapefruit Moon. Were the
harmonica parts also written by Richie or did you improvise or write
them yourself? Also, just what is a chromatic harmonica and how is it
different from regular harmonicas? Or is there any such thing as a
regular harmonicas or are there species and taxonomies beyond the
knowledge of the casual fan? On E-Bay I once saw an engraved Southside
Johnny harmonica - do you have your own model(s) like a baseball LaBamba can't write for me cause I can't read! Music, that is. The only set piece I had to learn and play was the chromatic part on "Shiver Me Timbers" The rest is just blues harp wailing and hooting. That would be on a diatonic harp, which only means that you can play in two keys. A chromatic is bigger and can play in all keys. Stevie Wonder plays one. They have a very different sound compared to a diatonic. I am a self-untaught musician, so the chromatic is a challenge for me. As far as an engraved Southside harp, that's news to me. The only time I've ever engraved a harp is when I've bitten one is frustration. Of course, there are those dented ones I've bounced off poor Joe Belia's head. Maybe he's putting them up on the internet to get money to buy a pistol and shoot me. I wouldn't blame him. For the week of September 28, 2008 Can you elaborate on the connection between Johnny and Tom Waits? Or Richard and Tom Waits? What was the spark to do this CD project?
I first heard Tom Waits on the radio and was so intrigued I went out to search for the LP that very day. After a couple of weeks, I finally tracked down a copy of his first record in a little mom-and-pop store. It became one of my favorites on first hearing. He seemed to embody a number of elements I was already into: the Beats, jazz, rhythm and blues, romantic music like the Drifters and Billy Holiday, and a gruff, sarcastic, gimlet-eyed love for the down and outers who populated seedy places like Asbury Park, NJ. And he was funny. In the years that followed, I tried to keep up with his music while I was busy making my own. It was to my great delight that he came to a show we did at the Roxy in L.A. in the late 70's. He sat by himself at a table against the wall and nursed his drink and hid behind his be-bop hat. After the show he came backstage and we talked and hit it off pretty well. We stayed in touch in the random fashion that musicians do, and whenever I was searching for an idea for my next record, I would invariably think, "Damn! I'd love to do an album of Tom Waits tunes." But others had beaten me to the punch, and I didn't want to do another rehash of the same arrangements. When I first heard LaBamba's charts for his sporadic gigs with the Big Band he had put together, I knew I wanted to utilize his talents and eclectic taste in horn-driven music. He doesn't give a fig if something is cool or hip or any of that crap. If he hears something he likes, he absorbs it and it comes out in his work. I knew he would write a wide assortment of things for any project he got involved with, and I wanted to be a part of that. Then one day I had the long overdue idea of combining the two concepts: LaBamba arranging Tom Waits for me to sing. And it only took 2 1/2 years to bring it to fruition! I must say that it came out much better than I ever dreamed, and I'm very proud and a little stunned that we got it done. For all the time and effort and money and fist fights and broken microphones, it was worth it. Life is good. For the week of September 21, 2008 When band members leave the band (for any reason), how do you go about finding/auditioning new members? Do you put an ad out in a paper or online?
Dear Pat. No one leaves the Jukes. They just go away for a while. When they do drift away, we usually have a number of crazies who think it would be "fun" to play in this band. The poor, deluded fools. So we don't usually have to advertise, thereby avoiding alerting the authorities to our slave-labor practices. And a good time is had by all! Voila! Its just that easy. For the week of September 14, 2008 Congratulations on Grapefruit Moon! Although it may seem like a dramatic departure for your musical stylings, or as someone once said “ an enigma, wrapped in a mystery, set in a question..” in thinking about it, I can really see the roots of this project in Rough Stuff, More Ruff Stuff and even on Messin' With the Blues. However, there is really a Broadway show atmosphere in this record. So, my question is (or one of them, anyway) what Broadway show scores did/do you enjoy? and what other cultural type things do you like to do? Speaking of cultural things, I'm going to Memphis soon, to Graceland and such. Other than the requisite Elvis cuisine, is there
anything I should not miss on my travels?
Broadway Shows? You really hear "Phantom" and "Cats" in these songs? Maybe....they are theatrical. I am not too big on Broadway musicals in their present state. Now, "Showboat" and "My Fair Lady" and all that, yeah; great tunes. I saw Raul Julia in "9" and he was fantastical, but I don't remember one song. But Cole Porter, Richard Rodgers, Gershwin etc.; all have the best songs for singers in their productions. I did see Tom Waits in his musical(?) in Chicago; "Frank's Wild Years" and it was swell. But I think I'll stick to the off-off-wayoff broadway stages. For the week of September 7, 2008 I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to your appearance on Conan! Response from John: Response from Joe P.:* Rhythm Section: Trumpets: Trombones: Saxophones: Then of course you have Southside Johnny on Vocals and Harmonica and La Bamba playing trombone and conducting...depending on which song we end up doing on Conan there may be additional musicians. *All lineup info is subject to change For the week of August 31, 2008 I have a gazillion vinyl record albums, and my turntable is kaput. Should I
get one of those new fangled LP to digital converters or search for a new,
old-school turntable? What is your opinion of the quality of today's
digital music? I know my nieces and nephews all covet my albums so they are
all very nice to me when they visit. I am hoping to extend the sucking up
well into my dotage so I need to protect my hoard and limit the wear and
tear. What's a girl to do?
I have had this debate with a number of tech heads and music lovers, and the consensus is that vinyl sounds MUCH better than digital. Get a new turntable and a good needle, and let the youngsters drool over the real presence of Peter Frampton in your living room. With hair. Be on your guard, tho; it's been known to happen that some errant youths will commit matricide for a pristine Mott the Hoople lp. I once had to Uzi an entire class of 6th graders when they put fingerprints all over my "Johnny Burnette Trio" album at a show-and-tell I was roped into. I was exonerated, too. "Justifiable homicide", the judge said. Damn right. For the week of August 24, 2008 My 16 year-old son, Dean, and I are recent fans of your music having only just discovered your stuff last year. We came to see the show at the Robin in Bilston, Wolverhampton and were absolutely knocked out by the performance. We are definitely coming to the show on October 1st this year. I wrote to the manager of the Robin to see if he could arrange for us to come backstage so Dean could get a photo with the band but he said it wasn't his call. Any chance you could spare a moment for autographs and a photo to make a great kid's day? Either way...love your music; can't wat to see the show.
Of course I will take a picture with your rotten kid. I mean nice young man. The Jukes are not stand-offish. But there are days, such as this last show at Bar A in New Jersey when I am in a bad mood from getting up at 4 in the morning after playing in Montreal to fly home, then sitting for 8 hours to play two or three songs an hour. It's sometimes a grueling job and I won't put on a false face to please people. When I sing I try to be as honest as I can and get into the emotion of the song. I find if I start faking my feelings off stage, I start to do it on stage, too. And I can't let that happen. But I'm sure I'll be in a great mood after a coupla full English breakfasts and a week of riding in the bread truck with 12 other smelly guys. And the Robin is such a swank venue, ya know? Good luck. For the week of August 17, 2008 Care to give us any top-secret, confidential information on Grapefruit Moon? Alright, already. I have been traveling and working and sleeping....forget the last one. So I haven't gotten time to jive. Here's the skinny: Grapefruit Moon is available on the web site and should be in stores by Sept. 2nd. The Big Band is on Conan O'Brien Sept. 18th, Lord willin' and the creek don't rise, and a live show is being worked on as we speak. For the week of August 10, 2008 Sometime ago you mentioned that you would love to do a duet with Emmylou Harris or Bonnie Raitt. Is this great idea any closer to fruition? Or how about a song or two with Sharleen Spiteri? Anyway I hope you can work something out soon. Looking forward to seeing you at the Robin in the mighty metropolis of Bilston on the UK tour. Peter Rolinson - Beverley, England I am not familiar with Ms. Spiteri. I will check her out. I have many ideas, and the duet thing is one of them. Right now I am somewhat consumed with the songs of Tom Waits:Big Band juggernaut. We are putting together a live show in NYC for September. It will be one of the few chances to see this behemoth live because of budget constraints. 18 musicians. Help! We are also going to do Conan in Sept. Then our tour of your lovely country with full English and hot and cold running ale...well, warm at least. So I am a little swamped right now. I'll get to the next project as soon as I get out of rehab, no, no no. For the week of August 3, 2008 Dear Sir, Dear Madame. For the week of July 27, 2008 I noticed that you have had shows in Amsterdam in October in the past. This Oh, perfidy, thy name is woman. Listen, Toots, if you have a boyfriend who is too cheap and unadventurous to take you to one of the great cites of the world on your birthday... Why not take the initiative and buy two tix to A'dam and tell him he has to buy the hotel room and dinner? Amsterdam is one of my favorite places. You can see the Vermeers in the Rijks Museum, tour the Old Church red light district (they are going to close it soon) visit Anne Frank's house for a very emotional experience...read the book first.... walk the canals till dinner time, then have a great meal at one of the NON-TOURIST restaurants, and, if so inclined, smoke some cannabis in one of the many legal coffee shops. There are side trips to little Dutch towns like Edam or train rides to the tulip fields down south. I even recommend the guided tour on a tourist boat along the canals; corny, but interesting. And there's always the sex paraphernalia shops... Hope to see you there. For the week of July 13, 2008 Hi Johnny, Oh man. Listen, Ludo, I'm sorry to tell you this, but I'm like every other songwriter/singer on the planet. We are all afraid of listening to unreleased songs for fear that we will inadvertently use a phrase or riff from them and get sued for plagiarism. Poor George Harrison got sued for "My Sweet Lord" and lost because he used the melody and form of the Chiffons hit "He's So Fine". It was right that he lost, but I know in my heart that he didn't mean to plagiarize; he just didn't realize that he had done it. Yes, there are people who will deliberately steal, but many times it is not on purpose. Anyway, the upshot is that us pitiful little songwriters are very hesitant to listen to another person's tune for fear that we will make the same mistake. Your best bet is to find a publisher who will handle your songs. Good luck to you and sorry for the bad news. For the week of July 6, 2008 Dear South, I am an aficionado of all pastas. The heartiness of Bolognese, the sting of Arrabiata and the over-the-top sensuousness of "Streetwalker's Spaghetti" all have great appeal. I make my own sauces and have even made my own pasta. Mario is my man... For the week of June 29, 2008 Great show in Cohassett last night! We left after you guys were done because I can't stomach little feet. It was amazing to hear you do "until the good is gone" - I think thats the first time I heard you do anything off of Little Steven's first album. Anyway - the question - the past 4 or 5 times I've seen you, you haven't done "Walk Away Renee" - which is one of my favorites. Is it just bad luck I keep missing it or have you dropped it from your set list? ALSO - I bought the box set last night - AMAZING STUFF!!!! Do you have any plans on doing an acoustic album? You, my old friend, have bad karma or something. I don't think we have missed doing 'Rene" more than 6 or 7 times in the last few years. I know it's a crowd favorite, and I love to sing it because it lets me stretch out a little in the end. Perhaps an old sin is coming back to haunt you? I know I have an entire country of old sins living in my house. They make so much noise they keep me awake at night. But I'm sure in your case it's just bad timing. You are as innocent as a new born babe, right? As for an acoustic CD, yes, I have one planned. It;'s just a question of getting all the right people in place at the same time. Musicians are such a worry. Not like lead singers. We are saints...oh wait, that contradicts what I wrote before. Never mind. For the week of June 22, 2008 When you do your private events do you change up your show depending on the event or do you just perform with your usual style? Is that Sunny Georgia, or Sunny from Georgia? We may cater to the private audience by playing less ballads and more dance tunes, but it's still the Jukes. The guy who hires us is made very aware of that. I will take some requests if I think they are appropriate, and we have a huge well of old RandB covers we can throw out, but I pick the songs, and that's that. Of course, I'll do anything for chocolate, so I can be bought. For the week of June 15, 2008 Brother South, $225 a night! If I put the Jukes in that nice a hotel, they'd think it was a trick. We'll be staying in some fine tents that a friend of the promoter is putting up for us. He works for some organization named for somebody called "Al" something. Guida or Kyder....like that. Anyway, it will be a true Bedouin experience and I'm sure the band is looking forward to it. It'll be like camping! The guys LOVE camping. We do that when we go out west. Nothing beats a meal under the stars after a show. It's cheap, too. Not that I care, but it does save energy, and we are a green bunch. Especially after Joey Stann's chili. I have been in Morocco on vacation with Ann. I enjoyed it but driving in the cities is challenging. Goats seem to have the right of way, and traffic lights just excite the people into a street-crossing frenzy. I didn't see any cobras, but that camel meat is really chewy, isn't it? Hood has been complaining of a toothache, so I'm gonna take him to that dentist dude in the medina. You know, the guy with 3000 teeth on his little fold up table who sits in the sun in the big square. He'll take that tooth out in two seconds, and he only charges $7.00. A true bargain. Not that I care. Nothing's too good for Hood. For the week of June 8, 2008 A Question for Hood: I have all the lyrics, but it's up to Fearless Leader to call the songs. Don't hold your breath, For the week of June 1, 2008 Hey Southside! Ah, the misconceptions of the young. Whilst Bruce and Garry and Steven were tooling around in their 57 Chevy's and Ponitiac Superfly Terraplanes, I was....walking. For the week of May 25, 2008 When I first saw the Jukes there were no keyboards or organ but
rather a piano. If my memory is correct keyboards never showed up until "The Jukes" album and organ until "At Least We Got Shoes" album.
Is that correct? If so why the change? Have you considered any additional
or different instruments in the future? Now, Ed, we've had this discussion before. Remember in our last session? You were going to try very hard to put away your obsession with Jukian minutiae and concentrate on getting better. We don't want another episode like last month's, do we? The police have made it quite clear that they will prosecute the next time they find you sitting naked on the court house roof howling at the moon and demanding to know who played rhythm guitar on "Better Way Home". I'm sorry you're unhappy with the confiscation of all your CDs and back issues of BackStreets, but we do these things to help you, not hurt you. Now take your pills and the guard will escort you back to your room and put on some nice Celine Dion for you to relax to. I'll see you tomorrow at the same time, and we'll try again, OK? OK. Good night, Ed. For the week of May 18, 2008 Senor Southside, Hola Isabel! Como esta? For the week of May 11, 2008 Whilst tooling about in the motorcar the other day, listening to the
sonorous strains of my favorite classical music station, I happened to
hear
a piece for orchestra and harp - no, not the Harpo harp but the
HARMONICA,
curiously at odds with the rest of the ensemble. It was the aural
equivalent
of a wreck on the highway, or a good cage fight, for I was horrified
and yet
could not turn away. Have you ever had any "longhair" aspirations with
said
instrumentation? Oh my poor uncultured brother, hast thou ne'er heard of Toots Thielmans? Or Larry Adler? John Sebastian Sr.? The Harmonica, dear sir, is an exquisitely apropos instrument for...ahem..."long-hair" music. It is a well-known musico-historical fact that Bach only wrote all those pieces for strings because the violinists had such a strong union, and cellists are a notoriously violent group. And the viola players! Don't even ask. For the week of May 4, 2008 I am a displanted New Jerseyan and current resident of Tampa, FL, but
was living and working in London, UK, for four months, and caught you
and the band at Shepherds Bush this past November in my first week there
(you brought some needed familiarity; thank you). I wonder if you have any
particular (favored but less common) songs that you think to play in
certain locations, what are they, and why? NEVER ASK WHY, JUST ACCEPT THINGS AS THEY ARE. For the week of April 27, 2008 Any plans for shows with the Big Band after the new cd is released? Funny you should ask that, my friend. The ineffable LaBamba and I are working out the details of a Big Band Extravagancy for...September? It seems likely that the Big Bad Band/Songs of Tom Waits CD will be officially released in August, and we will have many promotional activities around that event. TV, Radio, Print, Smoke Signals, Syncopated Jelly Fish Dancing...all the usual stuff, and amidst all the mayhem and hilarity will be a live show. It will be in New York City...not sure where yet; that's a detail, see?....but ample warning will be given, rest assured. We hope to attract many big-wig mucky-mucks so's there will be much "buzz" in the music stinkin' biz, but we'll keep them in the back and all you true fans can get up front and laugh and point, and throw things. Don't tell me I don't love ya! As for the, ahem, purchase of said CD, the web site will have it and it will be in selected fine stores in the area. I'd check the cut-out bins and Salvation Army stores first, were I you. For the week of April 20, 2008 Dearest Sothside. Well, Ferd, I can state for a fact that we rarely go over any new stuff before the show, unless it is a song form one of my past CDs or some special material that we all want to do. The songs I feel like singing on any given night that we've never done just pop into my head and I start off. Usually Bobby or Jeff knows of the tune, if not really knowing all the chords, and they call out chord changes, or I will signal with my hand or just let it happen. The trick is to really want to sing that song at that moment, and believe in your ability to get it across. Of course, with my band of absolute pros, it's a lot easier. They can play anything, and sometimes do... I've done that sort of "off the cuff stuff" from the first and it's one of the best things about the shows for me. It keeps me on my toes, and the band has to stay attuned, also. As to where the ideas come from, It might be a song I've recently heard on the radio or on my CD player, or it might just bubble up from the vast store of songs I've either heard so many times that I just know, or it may be a song I fell in love with and took the time to learn, a practice I still enjoy and use nearly every week. Just the other day, I heard a song on an Emmy Lou Harris CD, "Loving You, Again" that knocked me out, and I listened to it and sang along...this was while driving along the coast....until I had it in my memory bank. And, who's to say but it might just show up at a gig in the future. I don't plan these things, but I'm never afraid of them. For the week of April 13, 2008 A Question to Ed Manion: I became a member of Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes early in 1976. Labamba came a little bit after that with the recording of "This Time It's for Real". Richie and I have one major thing in common. We're both
very proud to be Jukes and very proud of the hundreds of songs we've recorded together over the past thirty-two years as Asbury Jukes, Miami Horns, Disciples of Soul etc. For the week of April 6, 2008 John, do you think music is infinite? It sure seems like it. For the week of March 30, 2008 In a past QOW you mentioned that you would be interested in singing
with Bonnie Raitt. Are there any plans to do one of those Crossroad shows
with her. I think (and that's not one of my strong points) that your two voices
would sound great together. And she is a classy lady. Yes, I am contemplating singing a version of Hearts Of Stone with ole Bon. I know her a little and she may be into it. For the week of March 23, 2008 I can't wait for "Grapefruit Moon" to come out. I heard that Scarlett Johansson's Tom Waits cover album is done, too. Any plans for the two of you to tour together? It got crowded enough when Jon Bon Jovi played with you - imagine what getting a ticket would be like if Scarlett Johansson were opening? Scarlett Johansson is my Granddaughter, and we have a strict rule in Jukedom against nepotism. Actually, it's a New Jersey law; Code 73, Rule 415, subset-b223SSJ: "No relative, either natal, marital, or common law of the aforementioned individual, Southside Johnny, Aka 'MeatHead Deluxe', shall occupy, enter, attempt to enter or occupy, occupy without entering or enter without occupying, or in any other way, shape or form be, like, on the same stage, platform, front porch or milk crate at the same time as the...uh... aforesaid individual. In res: No Way In Hell. Amen". So the chance she and I will ever perform together is slim. Not as slim as she, perhaps, but none the less...slim. What she and Jon get up to is none of my business. For the week of March 16, 2008 There's a restaurant called Southside Johnny's in
Colorado Springs, whose motto is "It's better to eat
at a great bar, than to drink at a restaurant." Do you think that motto is right, and do you plan to open more restaurants? I am not now, nor have I ever been a restaurateur. I have kept a few bars in business in my time, though. Is it better to eat in a great bar than to drink at a restaurant....hmmmm...let me cogitate on that. I have eaten in some swank joints, and I've eaten at a 76 truck stop in a blizzard at 3:30 in the morning, and it is my considered opinion that a meal without libation is an abomination worth neither consideration nor contemplation. I like a friendly bar that serves good, no-nonsense food, but I do enjoy an upscale feed with flagons of wine and a brandy digestif, d'accord? I guess it all depends on the atmosphere. If there's oxygen and booze, the place is alright by me. Napkins optional. For the week of March 9, 2008 I really got a kick out of the string section at the
Daytop NJ benefit in Morristown. How do you think that went, and do you think you'll ever do that again? Vilnius! Man, you came a long way to see that show. You ain't just fiddlin' around. Oh shut up, John...you moron. Hey, Jascha, are you a Strad man, or do you prefer Amati? For the week of March 2, 2008 I've certainly read enough about your past trials & tribulations with the record bizz. I'm concerned that with a couple of corporations overseeing 90% of the industry we are witnessing the suicide of music as an art form. Artists aren't allowed to shop their music around. I know artists like yourselves prefer to set up shop on-line which can be liberating ,but for an artist(s) who is trying to establish a career in today's market-is the battle far more futile? No, the battle is just beginning. The record companies are, finally, trying to find ways to market new acts with all the techno changes that they have fought for the last 15 years. Right now, the artists are more creative and successful at promoting themselves on the Internet, what with Youtube and all the downloading sites for music. You just have to figure out how to attract attention and hope your music resonates with whomever you get to listen. I see on Youtube that there are acts that get hundreds of thousands of hits on their home-made videos. Yes, it's a great help to have a record company getting you airplay, but it isn't the only way to reach a wide audience, as it was in my day (1500 B.C.). It looks like I'm going to have to put the Tom Waits/Big Band CD up on my web site, as no record company seems to know how to promote it. Now, granted, I am in a better position to get my music out there, as I have a number of contacts at radio and the press, and I also have an old friend who has a big Promotion company in New York who is willing to help. She and her people are not cheap, but I believe in the music, so I'm more than willing to take the chance and spend some money. God knows, I've spent enough this far! You and all the other struggling artists have a golden opportunity to show how savvy and creative you are via the Internet. Put some thought and work into it. Get your artist friends, graphics and art and writing, to help you. It's a great thrill when you have even a little success on your own, much better than having some jerk at a record company tell you, "I made you a star, you owe me". Yeah, bite me. See? Doesn't that feel good? For the week of February 24, 2008 I hear you went to Egypt recently. Did you ride any
camels? Are you glad you went, and what about the
trip would you recommend to your world-traveling fans? No, Captain, I did not enjoy Egypt. I love to travel and don't mind staying in the funkier places, but Cairo was just too dirty for me. The air is awful, you can't drink the water, and I got salmonella from some bad food. I did meet some interesting people, but most Egyptians seemed to see me, an American tourist, as either an unwelcome visitor or a walking ATM. There was a lot of hustling and everybody expected or demanded a tip. I mean everybody. I asked a guy in a shopping center where the toilets were, and he dropped his broom and grabbed my hand a led me the 200 feet to them. He wanted a tip. Then I had to tip the guy who had taken the toilet paper out of the stall and was handing it out at the door. After a few days it became tedious. The snorkeling in Sharm El Sheikh was great, but you had to come out of the water sometime, and then they were all over you, yelling and selling. I hate the touristy hotels, but there was nowhere else to stay. Give me the woods or rain forests anytime. If you want a recommendation, Costa Rica; Arenal Volcano; Hotel Linda Vista. Great views of an active volcano, wonderful hikes in the rainforests and dry forests, friendly people, good food, and peace and quiet. But there is so much to see in the U.S., that you could spend a lifetime exploring and never be bored. Take a drive, people, before they make it illegal. For the week of February 10, 2008
Ah yes, start up the WayBack machine, Sherman, whilst I get me some fresh ice for my drink... For the week of January 27, 2008 I am wondering...who do you enjoy collaborating with these days?? and if you could collaborate with anyone (dead or Canadian) who would it be or have been???
I, myself, would like to have had a cup of tea, or some snuff, with Ben Franklin, but that is a whole other story... I would like to write more with the elusive Bobby "Blob" Bandiera. We have written some good things, I think, and I feel we could do more. My most used and abused writing partner these days in Jeff " Hey, I got all my teefs!" Kazee. We write very easily together, then his beautiful wife cooks a great meal and I get to harrass the kids. What could be better? Do yer homework, Soph. There are many people I would like to get together with, both in writing and in singing. I'd love to sing a duet with Bonnie Raitt, and one with EmilyLou Harris. I had to settle for Tom Waits. Talk about dissonance. Of course, I would be overjoyed to work with Steve Van Zandt again. Maybe one of these days. Till then, you'll just have to take me as I am. Poor soul. For the week of January 20, 2008 In the wonderful, you never know what you're gonna get world of the iPod, Joe Jackson's "You Can't Get What You Want Til You Know What You Want" came on amidst a clutter of Joe Ely, Ella Fitzgerald and The Who. I snapped to and thought, "what a great song this would be for Southside and the Jukes to cover". Not like you're desperate for songs to fill your shows at this point. Just planting a seed. How 'bout it? Man, you never know what yer gonna get from the Jukes. I have vague plans to record 15 of the best songs from the mid to late 70s, when we first started. Some Costello, Clash, Bruce, and maybe that one from Joe Jackson. Any other ideas, sports fans? I mean the best cool songs from the start of punk/roots/indie. In the mean time, there will be another full Jukes CD of originals and covers. When? Soon, honey...soon. For the week of January 13, 2008 Dear S'Side. Can you recommend some new music? I really like the Robert Plant/Alison Krause CD produced by T-Bone Burnett. It kinda folky, kinda rock, kinda country. Lots of good songs and a great blend of voices. This is coming from a guy who never liked Robert Plant's singing with Led Zeppelin. For all you blues-harp lovers, try to find King Biscuit Boy's (Robert Newell) first two LPs on CD. He's Canadian (!) but man, can he blow a mean flute/... er.... harmonica. Oh...wait...that's old music. I guess you'll have to ask Kasey Kasem. For the week of January 6, 2008 Hi South! When your friends Bruce and Jon (a.k.a. Wayne) release new albums like they did last year, do you have to buy those in a record store or do they always give you a copy for free? ...Or don't you own their records at all? Do you have a favorite Bon Jovi album, what's your favorite one by Bruce? Thanx a lot. I suppose I could get a freebie, but I made a decision a long time ago not to ask anyone for any favors. I usually buy Bruce's CDs and Jon is nice enough to think of me and send me a demo copy. I know lots of music dudes from all the years of touring, but if I want something, I like to pay for it to show my support. Music is still one of the best bargains around. If it's really good, it fills your life with pleasure and emotional strength. If I had to pick one of each, I guess they would be "Slippery When Wet" and, still, "Born to Run", but It's more than the music on those records. I remember when those two break-through albums came out. It was an exciting time for us Jersey boys. For the week of December 30, 2007 Dear Southside, master-of-all-inquiries: First off, it ain't my frigging chicken, so how's I supposed ta know why it does the fool things it does do. Last pullet I saw try to cross the road ended up in my oven with a port wine and sage glaze, and stuffed with shallots and sausage. It was very good with a nice Chianti. As for the sky, I guess you don't live in New Jersey. The sky hasn't been blue here for decades. It's more of a soot-like grey, with petroleum- brown earth tones. Except for the times it catches on fire. Then we all stay up late and roast marshmallows in the air and tell ghost stories. Last time that happened, old Mrs. Haversham from down the street had one of her favorite dinyl wigs spontaneously combust, and we had to put her out with a six-pack of Schlitz. Broke Mark Pender's heart to see it. For the week of December 23, 2007 I am probably showing my ignorance but can you tell us how Mr. Rosenberg came to be called LaBamba and who bestowed this moniker on him? See you NYE. Richie was a member of the horn section from Philly that came to play on our first LP, "I Don't Want To Go Home". He was such a character and monster player that we decided to ask him to join the Jukes. Like the crazy fool he is, he said yes. At one of our first shows at the Pony with him, Bruce got a little likkered up and wild and ended up singing La Bamba, the Richie Valens classic, on the top of the bar. He then ordained that Richie would ever more be known as "La Bamba" I don't remember it all too well, for obvious reasons. They tell me it was a great night. If I don't have the story straight, you haveta ask La Bamba hisself for the true gen. See you New Years with the Mark Pender band opening....another crazy fool. There's gonna be trouble. For the week of December 16, 2007 If you had a real job, oh, excuse me..... I meant a "different" job, what would your perfect job be? I was interested in becoming an oceanographer in my youth...yes, I had one. But I wish these days for the discipline to sit and write. I like doing it, and have many stories to tell, but it is hard with all that goes on in my life to focus on writing. Maybe, if I ever slow down enough with the music thing, I will bend my efforts to ruining cast amounts of perfectly good blank paper. Although, I've always envied the homeless people in Santa Monica...... For the week of December 9, 2007 I've enjoyed the Mike & the Mad Dog shows each year, especially the interview segment with you. You seem totally at ease on the radio with always a lot to say. With your vast record collection and musical expertise, what about you doing a radio show, on satellite of course? Dylan, Tom Petty, Steven all have shows each week. Whaddya say? If offered, would you give it a whirl? I think it would be fun and you would be good at it. I have been offered radio shows on both satellite stations, but I just don't see me having enough time and energy to do justice to the show I would want to program. I don't want to play a bunch of 70s standards and I don't think the powers that be would like the mixture of genres that I feel would make an interesting show. Plus; they make you wear a suit and tie and salute a picture of Mel Karmazon, and I can't do that. Inside joke. For the week of December 2, 2007 What's happening with the Big Band Tom Waits Project? Will you be touring down the Fla way in 08? Thanks again for all the great shows and music. The CD is done, I am relieved to say. It only took 2 1/2 years. But I am very pleased with the way it turned out. LaBamba did a brilliant job on all the arrangements, and the musicians played their buttocks off. And a hoo-ray to our fearless producer/engineer/mixer Dan Graylick for living thru the whole mishegosh. (Spelling, my Yiddishe friends?) We had a deal with a record company, but that has fallen thru due to layoffs and money woes. All the big companies are hurting (their own fault) but we will persevere and get the best thing for this great hunk a music. I'm only the singer, so I can say it's great. And, oh yes, Waits and I sing harmony on this thing. I'm sure we will be forced to put a warning sticker on it. For the week of November 25, 2007 Uncle South, as long as you're asking requests, how about something I haven't heard in 20 years? "Murder"? I'll moidah you, ya little rat bastid! As I have said before MANY TIMES!!!, after so many albums, we have over 150 songs we've recorded. I can't do them all. Hell, I can't even remember most of 'em. BUT....I will take requests to learn new old songs if you all get to gether and pick a few. How's about some new old ones for New Years? Get yer votes in early and often, and DON"T ASK FOR TRASH IT UP! Ya little shits? For the week of November 11, 2007 Any plans on coming to the Bay Area in 2008? Which Bay? The Bay of Fundy? Or the Bay of Tuesday? The Great Bay of Cairo? Turin Bay. Baying at the moon...that I do regularly. Which one you mean, bay-be? I hear and o...... For the week of November 4, 2007 Last night I was watching Da Sopranos on TV, that show starring the guy who used to be in your band, the one with the amazing hair. Anyway they played out with a track by my all-time favourite blues man Chester Burnett, a.k.a. Howlin' Wolf, and I got to wondering whether you ever cover any of his songs? It would be great to hear "I Ain't Superstitious" live for example. Also did they ever play one of your numbers at the end of the Italian family show, and if not why not? Surely the little guy could have used his influence to get you played? Chester "Big Foot" Burnette, was and is one of my favorite artistes. He still kills me. What a voice/harp/presence! I was lucky to see him live with the aformentioned Steven Van Zandt at Max's Kansas City. Wowsville! I do some of his tunes when the spirit moves me. Maybe in Manchesterburnette, who knows? As for the Sopranos; like you don't ask, they tell. Know what I mean? Ralph Notari is on guitar this tour, and I'm sure you will find him to be a delightful fellow. Or else. See you in Blighty. For the week of October 28, 2007 What makes a good venue for you and the band? Do you look forward to certain places around the world, places you make sure you book each year because you like them so much? Is it the place or the city or the crowd that makes it different and better? Do you find the performance effected, positively or negatively, by your feelings about a certain place? What are some of your favorite places to play? Does this count as a single question of the week? Thanks. I like any place where people are ready to have a good time. Sure, stage sound and sightlines and all that are important, but I have learned that an enthusiastic crowd ameliorates a host of technical sins. The bars and clubs we have played over the years , all 123,763 of them, are never bad when a good audience is in them. My personal faves are the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA, because it is a kinda folk club; intimate and homey, and it brings out a different show from us. The Paradiso in Amsterdam, where we are headed in a week, is a real rock and roll joint. A converted church that sells hash and pot and beer and lets people dance. What's not to like? The Pony, BB King's, all the House of Blues, are like old-home-week for me. I've been in these places since I was 16. But the Bottom Line (pun) is that a good crowd and a great band keep it fun for me. That, and the mortgage. Oy! For the week of October 21, 2007 A friend of mine, who shall remain nameless, would love to see her fav band on the road, perhaps even in another country!! The problem is he/she has a deep Fear of Flying, big time. I am wondering what advice would you offer my friend? Enquiring minds need to know... Yeah. Get over it! You are safer in the air than you are on a date with Eddie Manion...I mean...on the ground. Plus, you don't have to park the plane...they do that for ya. Take a Valium, have a gin-and-tonic, and relax. Think of it this way; I don't have a pilot's license, but I DO have a driver's license. Nuff said. For the week of October 14, 2007 Little Steven said somewhere that you and he paid for your first album using winnings from a summer at Monmouth Park. Is this true and do you still play the ponies? Got any hot insider tips for Breeder's Cup day? It's all true. Steven and I had a great year at the track back in 1975, and we put the money into the first record. We hadn't gotten any money from the record company, and we couldn't wait, so we conned Jimmy Iovine, who is now a multi-millionaire owner of Interscope Records, but then was just a wise-guy rockandroller forom New York. He snuck us in to the Record Plant at odd hours and we paid for the tape "yes, youngsters; tape. I'm old) and for Fast-Fingers Dave, the engineer, and for the extra musicians and lunch. Don't laugh at lunch; even then Steven had expensive tastes. I remember we were eating at some fancy place he picked, and in came Richard Burton, the great, drunken English actor. I was thrilled, but the waiters were in a panic; his ex-wife, Elisabeth Taylor had a reservation for lunch at the same time. Oh Boy were we excited! Celebrity fireworks! But she walked in, saw him and....waved and went to sit in an other room. Phoooey. For the week of October 7, 2007 As someone who reads a lot, how do you decide what to read next? When I walk into a book store I usually end up judging books by their covers (literally), but I'm sure there's a better way. Do you go by reviews, buzz, recommendations, runes? I'm the only ruin around here, girly, and don't you forget it! I read many newspapers, both home and on the road, and I always check out the book reviews. Anything that looks intriguing I make a note of, then promptly lose the note and end up in Borders thinking "What the hell was the title of that book???" I get the London Times on Sunday, as they review a lot of books and the reviewers are funny. The New York Times book review on Sunday is a tradition in my family. I also check the bibliographies in the books I enjoy. I get recommendations from friends like Jeff Kazee and Chris Anderson and others whose taste I trust. If I'm out of books on the road, I go to a Salvation Army or Goodwill for cheap paperbacks. When the King Pin and I are out hitting yard sales for old records, I'll stop to look thru the books, which bugs "The Pin", which adds to the pleasure of the day. I'd rather read than... For the week of September 30, 2007 Ok, here I go, this is my question. Why the hell you never have spanish dates in your European legs? It´s a shame because here you have a big crowd of fans, I am big fan of you and the Jukes since I heard you guys for the first time about five years ago. I assure you that you would enjoy a lot playing here cause we are as crazy as you. Please come someday,cause it´s always hard to leave the country to have catch a show, I was at the London Astoria last year and the audience was nothing but tame cats. My friend, I would LOVE to play in Spain. I want to see Andalusia, and Madrid, and drink Spanish wine and eat tapas and watch the people in the squares, and feel that Catalonian sun on my face. Unfortunately, it is, as always, a question of economics. If we can get a promoter in Spain to take a chance on us and put us in a couple of clubs in the big cities, we would be there in a shot. Maybe next year. We can get crazy together. As for Elvis, I love his early stuff, and have a warm spot in my heart for some of the later things. The first record I ever owned was a 45 of Jailhouse Rock...my mother got it for me for Christmas because SHE wanted it. We both played it to death. Good Old Ma. For the week of September 23, 2007 Have you seen the Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora action figures? Will the Jukes figures be ready for Martell's? Well, Bobby is already a bobblehead, and Joey Stann has made voodoo figures of all of us, but I think they are for his personal use. I think our marketing people are leaning more towards life-size mug-shot posters on plastic that kids can stick on their bedroom walls. I expect Eddie Manion's poster to be a real hit with parents of children who misbehave. I think it's called "Scared Straight". For the week of September 16, 2007 As a lover of Victorian architecture, Ocean Grove is one of my favorite
places to visit. Do you have a favorite style of architecture and are you handy
around the house? Contrary to popular belief, I was not around in the Age of Queen Victoria. I'm more of an Edwardian myownself, as you can see from my dress. I am a fan of the Prairie School of Architecture, and I like some of the gung-ho early modernism in skyscrapers, but the Mies Van Der Rowe stuff leaves me a little cold. I of course live in a Early Jersey-style hovel, with primitive amenities and the promise of running water always on the horizon. I am handy around the house, as long as I don't touch anything. I picked up a screw driver once by mistake, and had to be sedated and confined to a dark room with soft music for a month. Never again! For the week of September 9, 2007 Two of my favorite songs from Into the Harbour are You're my Girl and All in My Mind, neither of which seems to show up in your concerts. When you are choosing songs to record, is the intention from the start that some will not become regulars in the set list or do some songs just not work as well live? Do you have a favorite song that you have recorded that you don't often perform? I usually look (or listen) for songs that I think we can do justice to and are great songs to begin with. I hope every tune will work live, but not all do. Plus, if we had every song we ever recorded ready for shows, it would be over 200 songs added to the fun stuff not on CD, which would make it WAY too complicated for Uncle Southside to make a set list. My brain has been enfeebled by years of Jack Daniels and horn section abuse. A song I find very hard to do both emotionally and thoratwise is "Somethings Just Don't Change". We do it occasionally, but I have to pick my spots. "You're My Girl" is another voice shredder. I love it, but it takes a lot outta me. I ill be revisiting some new old stuff for this fall. Requests? For the week of September 2, 2007
Hi Southside! Wayne Newton? You nasty boy! I can't wait to tell JonBon you called him that. Yes, Bobby will be with "Wayne" but Jeff will be with me, (Paul Anka) for the Eu/England dates. We will also have a sub bassist, John Conte for that tour. Muddy has something he can't get out of. As for guitarist, it's the irrepressible Ralph Notari. He's great and a lot of fun, so all will be well. Who are the other guitarians! Who knows? I never look behind me when I'm on stage because I'm afraid of what I might see! I'll pack a box set just for you.
For the week of August 26, 2007 So has the Question of the Week mailbox been getting any interesting spam lately? Which do you prefer - cheap Canadian drugs or hot stock tips? I don't know about the question of the week mailbox, but I do get some bizarre and confusing spam in my Yahoo thingy. There are always a number of Biblical quotes, (some fractured in frightening ways) that call on me me to repent. From what? I'm a babe in the woods! Innocent as the day I was born...which, granted.... Then there are the "Hott Russien girls what love to be shctupping wit de Mericaners." Or words to that effect. And, of course, some kindhearted soul is going to show me how to make $1,000,000,00 ****FREE!!!!**** I don't know how he does it. All in all, it's an interesting experience, this here email. Oh.... you Jukes people are no slouches at the strange and scary, either. What have I wrought?! For the week of August 19, 2007 Just wondering if you do any type of "warm up" exercises for your voice pre-show? No. I have seen and heard other singers do exercises before shows, but I have never found it to be helpful. I just go out the and blast away and hope for the best. With a voice like mine, it's hard to tell when it's right or wrong. Besides, all exercise is bad for you. It's much healthier to give your body an alcohol bath twice a day. Interiorly, of course. And Yes, I will write a new jive one of these days. Get off my back! For the week of August 12, 2007 After hearing When Rita Leaves on Into the Harbour, and Somebody to Love You on Jukesville, I started to listen to some Delbert McClinton.....there are a couple of songs that he does, Your Memory, Me & the Blues and I've got Dreams to Remember. I immediately thought... Wow, would I love to hear Southside do these two songs!? Any chance you could think about doing these?? P-L-E-A-S-E!!!!!!? There is always a chance, but I will have to check out these songs first. "I've Got Dreams To Remember" is an old Otis Redding song that was also covered by the Allman Bros and a host of other acts.? Unless Delbert stole the title and wrote a different song, which, knowing him, is not hard to imagine. But I love his songwriting and singing. His "Nothing Personal" CD is one of my all time favorite albums. God Bless the boy, AND he tours with a horn section. It's called sharing the pain. Thanks, Delbert. For the week of August 5, 2007 Johnny, As for the CD's; yes we sell as many as we can get our hands on at the shows. We don't always have the early stuff because we have to buy them from the old record companies, and they are, at times, reluctant to print them up for us peons.We even bootlegged one of our old CDs that we got a lot of requests for but couldn't get the rights to, or any "product" as the record moguls say. If you need something that we don't have, ask one of the fine folks on the message board, and they will either find you a copy, or make you one. As for me making money from that, screw it. Just knowing that you want to hear my music is and has always been pay enough for me. I'll just go back to bank robbery and serial old-lady marriage. Oh Esme?....I'm back..... For the week of July 29, 2007 You seem to have an affinity for Dusty Springfield. I am wondering what attracted you to her music? Oh, Ms. Pif. It's her voice. She was a great, great soul singer, and chose some very interesting material to do. She was produced well, too. The English stuff is a perfect example of the sensibilities and orchestration that made the 60s so much fun. And "Dusty In Memphis"; c'mon. All us white soul sin-guhs have been trying to approach that mark for decades. Maybe if I wore my hair like her..... For the week of July 22, 2007 We're all getting older and some of us are still set in our ways. However, time does have a strange way of changing us. The times spent doing things before and after a show I'm sure have changed as well. Can you enlighten us as to what a typical "day of show" consisted of as well as what the "after show festivities" were like back in the early days of Jukedom as compared to today? Ah yes....the riotous old days. It used to be that the band...myownself included....would head down to the local bar and jam after a show. Or we had a habit of going back to the hotel with some fans and taking over the lounge. LaBamba would play piano, Boom Carter would do some percussion things and I would sing old standards or blues or whatever came to mind. There was a night in Tempe, Arizona when about 15 people ended up in the outdoor hot tub at 3AM with many bottles of champagne. It was still nearly 90 degrees. I have no idea where the bubbly came from, but it was warm, too. Got drunked up, though. Needles to say, the hotel management was not pleased. Then there was that incident at the Iwo Jima Inn in D.C when the bass player got into some Colombian AllNite Asshole powder, and talked the rest of the guys AND the night manager into raiding the cafeteria. Hey...LaBamba was hungry! Ben, our roadie at the time, passed out on a foldaway cot in someone else' s room, and they rolled him into the parking lot where he woke up the next morning to a couple of police officers marching us all out to the bus and giving us strict orders to be on our way. At 7AM. Many heads hung low on that ride out of town. And the saddest thing was that I as not invited to the party. I had spent an hour reading the Gideon Bible, then went to sleep. No Joke! That's what really happened. Nowadays, I try to leave right after the show. I have learned that if I don't get enough sleep, my voice suffers. Ah, but those memories..... For the week of July 15, 2007 Johnny, settle a bet. I was showing a friend my old Jukes records and she said that you must have had a nose job. I say no. What's the story? There are so many things that have come up over the years about me that I have found hilarious. In one of my first European interviews, a French journalist asked " 'ow long 'ave you beeeen a junky?" For the record; never. To your question; I have never had any cosmetic surgery, I don't dye my hair...Hell, I barely remember to get it cut!, I have no tattoos, wear no jewelry, don't wear colored contact lenses, and haven't had anything enlarged or implanted. I am so old-fashioned, I don't even paint my toenails. I am a boring, straight, non bling-bling old man. I have thought about getting my ears rotated.... you know, to even out the wear pattern?; but I find the cost prohibitive. Sorry, folks; what you see is what I is. Oh...I do have a gold tooth, but it's not mine. For the week of July 8, 2007 Do you find yourself breaking into song around the house, at the grocery store or in your car? If so, what kind of musical stylings are you prone to? Enquiring minds need to know… Yes Virginia, I do sing all the time....much to my neighbors chagrin. I most often sing in the car, but not along with CDs. I will find a Cole Porter, Johnny Mercer or modern songwriter whose song has intrigued me, and I will learn it, then practice it in traffic. I also hum, whistle and generally make myself an all-around pest for the entire planet. I do find that if a song I don't want to hear comes on over the in-house speakers at the Gap or in the supermarket, I have to put down what I am carrying and leave the store. Music is too potent a part of my being to let me just endure bad music....unless it's made by the Jukes, of course! Then I'm right at home. For the week of June 24, 2007 With candidates coming out of the woodwork vying for the Presidency in 2008, it got me thinking -- didn't you play at one of President Clinton's inaugural parties in 1992? And didn't Mr. Clinton come on stage with you at some point? Am I remembering correctly? If this did happen, how did it come about and was it really cool to be a part of something like that? Yes, my dear, old Uncle Southside has hob-nobbed with the great and near-great... and a lotta lowlifes, too. The deal was that Max "Mr. Lucky" Wineburg got the gig thru a mutual friend of ours, a guy named Ken Sunshine, who was politically inclined and connected. He (Max) put together a group, and asked me to sing. No pay, of course, but an interesting experience on offer, so I said "Sure...will there be free drinks?" It was a very Alice-In-Wonderland event. We all had to be screened by the secret Service, and unbelievably, we all passed. Yikes! Your tax dollars at work! Then we were put in a swank hotel with room service; always a mistake with musos. The night of the Ball, we got there early and rehearsed with Johnny Rivers and tried to sort out who was on when. Finally I just said Let’s all go on together and trade songs. And that’s what we did. Everyone had a god time, and then Bill and Hill showed up, and Bill played Eddie Manion’s sax in a duet (sort of) with Clarence. I met Nelson Mandela ( a thrill forme) and then we all drank like fish and swam back to the hotel. I got a nice leather coat out of it with the Presidential Seal on the lining. But, like all things form the Government, it fell apart after a year. But it was a fun and interesting experience, and I”m glad I did it. For some strange reason, I wasn’t invited to either of W’s Inauguration Balls. Hmmmmmm. For the week of June 17, 2007 Dear Uncle Southside, For the week of June 10, 2007 Hi John, For the week of June 3, 2007 Southside, As to how the Sopranos ends, like, they have a hard-core code of Omerta on that show. Nobody says nothin' ta nobody, Capiche? I didn't argue with them.
For the week of May 13, 2007
Well, I got him drunk, loaded the CD player
with Jukebox and made him promise to take me to Jersey, a
pilgrimage of sorts. I wanna see my Jukes "Having a good time."
Where do you suggest?
For the week of May 6, 2007
You have played many places throughout the
world and have had many surprise guests as well warming up for
bands. Can you tell us your favorite Top 5 performer-band you
have played with?
For the week of April 29, 2007
Listening to Jukebox in order, clearly shows
how the Jukes sound changed over the years based on musicians,
writers, producers, guitarists. During your shows, you represent
almost every era (The Trash It Up/On the Beach era usually gets
short shrift, and I am one of the few diehards who actually
heard a lot of good and interesting things out of that era). Do
you have a period or sound that is your personal favorite. Why?
For the week of April 22, 2007
Hey Southside,
For the week of April 15, 2007
On YouTube, there is some cool footage of you
and Bruce playing in Cleveland. Is there any chance you guys
could dig up some videos and put together a DVD?
For the week of April 8, 2007
Every year I get upset when they announce the
rock and roll hall of fame entrants, but nothing as bad as this
year. Grandmaster Flash, REM, Patti Smith. Are you kidding me?
Who are these 600 industry experts who ignore you every year and
how can we kill them?
For the week of April 1, 2007
I'll be moving to Vegas before long and was
wondering if you ever considered a stop over for two or three
nights of more fun on your way back from a West Coast trip?
Let's face it, Vegas is really a family destination with
something for everybody. Don't you think you could have some fun
riding the roller coaster at New York, New York after the show?
For the week of March 25, 2007
Johnny, with all due respect to the recently
departed Mr. James Brown, aren't you really the "Hardest Working
Man in Show business?"
For the week of March 18, 2007
I've loved your music since the release of
your first album and have always caught you whenever you played
around Washington, D.C. I'd like to know how it came to pass
that two music greats, Ronnie Spector and Lee Dorsey, came to
appear on your first album? What was it like to work with them?
For the week of March 11, 2007
I love your music and especially your
concerts. I have seen you sing when you are happy and sad, but
thru all the shows I have never heard you sing "Light Don't
Shine." I know its kind of a sad song, but it makes me reflect
when I hear it. 1) Why don't you ever sing it? 2) What mood were
you in when you wrote it? I will see you along the way, your pal
Max
For the week of March 4, 2007
Hey South, any chance the Jukes will record on
Steve Van Zandt's Wicked Cool label? Maybe contribute material
for one of "The Coolest Songs in the World" compilations??
For the week of February 25, 2007
Dear Southside,
For the week of February 18, 2007
Hey Johnny,
* We do put up every question that Johnny answers in the order that they are received from the man himself. So no one is left out and there is no particular order/preference as to which questions are posted from week to week.
For the week of February 11, 2007
Do you or have you ever suffered from stage
fright? If so how do you work around it?
For the week of February 4, 2007
I was in the gym at lunch watching soundless
soap operas on TV and had a really weird flashback -- in the
1980's, did you appear on "All My Children" playing at Tad's
prom???
For the week of January 28, 2007
So, lemme axe you sometin' ... Now that Little
(Miami) Steven is a RECORD LABEL executive, any chance youse
guys will sign with his label?
For the week of January 21, 2007
I know you keep pretty busy touring around the
Xmas holiday, but do you have any special holiday traditions or
special holiday memories you care to relate to us Juke fans?
For the week of January 14, 2007
Growing up watching you from 1978, I was a DJ
at the School dances playing Hearts of Stone for the last dance
instead of Stairway to Heaven. I then took up sax went on the
road myself but always had a love for your music. I was always
amazed at your future recruitment of talent. I always said to
myself if I could afford to go on the road, meaning not getting
paid and leaving my family, I could keep up with any sax player
you had. The older I got, the better the talent you recruited.
The older I get, the more I realize the talent that is out there
has far surpassed my glory days. Is there that much talent in
Jersey or do you and your rhythm section bring out the best in
players?
For the week of January 7, 2007
Hey Southside,
For the week of December 31, 2006
John,
For the week of December 24, 2006
Dear Southside,
For the week of December 17, 2006
I have seen that the name Southside Johnny
Lyon will be included on a monument honoring the founders of the
"Sounds Of Asbury Park," which is being dedicated on 12/9/06. I
was wondering how you felt about the fact that Asbury Park
seagulls will now be able to honor your name on the boardwalk
monument for eternity?
For the week of December 10, 2006
Hey Johnny, no matter where you guys are about
to play, you get there in that weird van... why don't you take
an airplane (there are pretty inexpensive airlines), WHAT IS
THAT VAN-THING ALL ABOUT, WHAT'S GOING ON IN THERE?? (btw, Bobby
once told me "it's getting crazy in that van" so there MUST be
something...) Love you guys.
For the week of December 3, 2006
South,
For the week of November 26, 2006
South,
For the week of November 19, 2006
Dear SSJ,
For the week of November 12, 2006
In the future, will there be an autobiography
on SSJ. With your long term adverse career I would love to read
more about your life and the stories with the Jukes.
For the week of November 5, 2006
What do you typically do to unwind after a
show? We figured you probably either:
For the week of October 29, 2006
Why the heck isn't "Between the Lines"
available on DVD? Between Johnny & the Jukes when they were
young and pretty and the now late, great Bruno Kirby, we think
it has huge possibilities. Love ya.
For the week of October 22, 2006
Dear SSJ,
For the week of October 15, 2006
Just wondering, when the Jukes go overseas, is
there a language barrier or is Hood... bilingual?
For the week of October 8, 2006
Did you ever have a guitarist in the "Jukes
band named Bill Sipper?
For the week of October 1, 2006
Hi South!
For the week of September 24, 2006
When Soozie, Lisa (and before that), Patti
left the band they weren't replaced. Why no chicks in the Jukes
for the past 20 years?
For the week of September 17, 2006
I will forever wonder why a song as strong as
"Without Love" wasn't a monster hit. l know it's been a few
years, but it has a timeless quality; a fine piece of
songwriting and production. Your thoughts? Recall the session?
Anyone ever cover it?
For the week of September 10, 2006
I was very suspicious when I saw the JUKES had
been to Disney World, and were scheduled to go back again. Now
the recent QOW confirms what I thought. You won't do 3 shows a
day for the cruise lines, but Disney is a different story. You
should just come clean with what the Jukes have going with
Minnie, before the tabloids or Mickey find out.
For the week of September 3, 2006
Brother John,
For the week of August 27, 2006
Beyond the admiration I hold for you and the
Jukes for all the fabulous music you have provided over the
years, I hold a deep respect for your decision NOT to have
children. If only I had the same foresight. How did you arrive
at such a brilliant decision?
For the week of August 20, 2006
Would you ever consider doing the Instant Live
thing, where fans can purchase an official bootleg of the show
20 minutes after the show has finished? Because your set list is
different every night, I'm pretty sure a lot of fans will buy
the discs over the internet as well (BTW, got tix for your show
in Manchester in October-its gonna be a very family affair,
you're the only person we all love when it comes to music).
Well, that's all well and good, Vinny, but I
think there might be other folks on the board who would like to
know the answer to that question.
"Oh yeah! Like who? Gimme der names and I'll take
care a dem. The nosy bastards. Geeezzz, how many omelets do dey
tink I can eat?" Thank you, Vinny
For the week of August 13, 2006
Hey South - the Patti Pavilion in Swansea,
Wales got set on fire last night - it wasn't you trying to get
warm after last years gig was it?
For the week of August 6, 2006
Dear SSJ,
For the week of July 30, 2006
My mom has been to Cleveland several times to
see you in concert. I really don't understand what type of genre
you play (although I have to deal with endless lectures from my
mother about you). So would you mind clearing the fog on what
type of music you play and what you sing about? Maybe if I heard
it from you, my mother would leave me be.
For the week of July 23, 2006
I recently had the pleasure of listening to a
local blues band (and I use that term very loosely) committing
vocal murder of Otis Redding's wonderful "My Girl." However, it
did make me think of how great it would have sounded had you
been singing it. Have you ever covered it and if not, would you
consider it? I would love to hear your rendition of this
classic. Hopefully you'll be coming to the UK again this year
and.........well you never know!
For the week of July 16, 2006
Any chance you'll be putting the music you
have publishing control over ("Into the Harbour", "Messing With
the Blues", etc.) onto iTunes anytime soon? | |
This picture is from a softball game that
the Jukes played against Boz Scaggs and his band in
Cleveland in 1976. Who won? And what position did
you play?
got along with him and his band extremely well. I remember Steve Lukather and the Porcaro brothers who went on to form the band Asia, and a bunch of the other musicians, and Boz hissself, who was a smart open guy, but much too good looking. As it happened some of my guys and some of his were baseball fanatics, and would get out the gloves and a ball at every gig and have a toss around. When we got to L.A., it was decided to have a game. I think we had some ringers and I'm sure they did. Boz was a very good batsman, and I believe he pitched, also. I, due to an old shrapnel wound from Korea, was unable to display my baseballistic prowess, which wrung a moan of deep disappointment from the crowd, but nonetheless, a good time was had by all. As for winners and losers; true gentlemen of the road are not so crass as to keep score. We merely enjoy the moment and hope to leave a sweet memory behind. Oh, that's right; we were talking about baseball. Nevermind.