Doppler, A Roadies View

Sunday, February 19, 2006

Baseball......musical roadies

Someone asked me the other day about what I do when I tour. You know my job description and titles. Roadies/musicians and baseball players are alot alike. We are in a new city constantly. The show is usually at night. We spend our nights traveling to the next town.

There are people I know in my business that basically have one title. You ask them they say, I'm a guitar tech, I'm a soundman, I'm a drum tech.. kind of like a ball player. You know a catcher, pitcher, first baseman whatever.

I look at myself as a utility player. You know that guy that comes into the game and can play three or four position with ease.

You see mainly I tour manage or do lights. I have been a drum tech in the past. I've even been a guitar tech and mixed sound. I usually stick to the first three though. Especially since I can't play guitar and my ears aren't what they once were. Oh yea I can stage manage and production manage too.

I'm trying to stick to the tour manager and lighting.

You may have guessed I always wanted to play pro-ball. Which at my age won't happen, besides it would be time for me to retire. The good thing at my age, in rock-n-roll I'm not to old to get into the game.

Friday, February 17, 2006

Discover new music.......really

How do you discover new music? The radio, your friends, videos? Well like many people today I bet you find out about new music on the internet. Sure there is My Space.

Well this site is fun and interesting, plus you might find some cool new music. You put in your favorite song or group. It then creates a playlist and you can listen to songs that fit into that style you like.

I tried it and I actually discovered a couple new bands that I'm going to check out further.

Go ahead give it try and let me know what you think.

Tuesday, February 14, 2006

from the garage to the arena

I was looking at the Billboard website and found this article. This story has been floating around the industry and the internet for a few months. The show Rockstar, you may know it, this is the show that INXS whore themselves on, to find a new singer. Well the talk is Van Halen may be next.

Now if Van Halen every does get going again, then it better be with David Lee Roth. Of course I just don't see it ever happening.

If they really are looking for a new singer, there is only one other guy. If you live in Southern California you may have seen him. He fronts a Van Halen tribute band called The Atomic Punks. This guy does DLR better than Dave does. He sounds just like him and he sings on key. Michael Anthony, VH bassist has even played shows with the Atomic Punks.

Two of their former guitarist have even played in DLR's touring bands.

Hopefully Eddie and Alex will not sink to the TV reality show level. Do it right get DLR or at least his clone.

Sunday, February 12, 2006

I've been added

Another blogger has me on their blog. That makes like 6 or 7. So I'm adding them and asking that you visit theirs.

Tuesday, February 07, 2006

Rhode Island Fire update

It's been just over three years since the night club fire in Rhode Island. You know the one where the band Great White was performing.

Well now the guy who was running the pyro that started the fire has plea bargained. You can read about it here