Thursday, March 15, 2012
Monday, February 27, 2012
Fliers From The First Few years
the boyfriends and a few others.The one band we wanted to open for was Chris Spedding He was a big draw and a great guitarist.Our management fucked us and put the trendsetters on the bill instead of us.We were Pissed I mean what the hell did they think.We were there band and were good enough to play in front of all the b-rated bands they booked. Clap unlimited Productions didn't know what they were doing,They wasted there time on shitty bands and passed up bands like THE DAMNED,THE DICKIES,THE SAINTS and the STRANGLERS.They were afraid to take chances,to be cutting edge.I knew that and that is why strain productions was so successful!You have to get the big bands and they cost money!but they are the ones that draw the most people,and when you get a lot of people and alcohol there is bound to be problems and you must be able to handle them that is it period !I wish they had more balls and a better vision because that club was perfect out of the way but not to far away had good parking and no neighbors.I hope you enjoy the fliers and hope you see a show you were at !! CHEERS!
Monday, February 20, 2012
Nicks Wedding
The Clap played one wedding,It was for our good friend Nick Burrell .The Reception was at this hall in Bath PA.We Were to play after the DJ.This gave us plenty of time to get tuned up! Nick Kept saying to us
" hey guys keep it light,no playing Suzie was a floozie or I wanna fuck Annette ". We Laughed, we knew we didn't care and it looked like all his relatives were half in the bag already.We played a wild set I remember we had a good night the people liked us . they were hooting and yelling .They never herd this kind of music before.We were a new thing in the Lehigh Valley.We Had Colored hair and there was no crazy color back then Just Koolaid !We wore.Leopard pants ,spikes,make up,safety pins and black leather we were punks.We Got called more bad names than good. we didn't care we were the CLAP and it ain't nothin till you catch us.By the Nights end the place was a mess shit all over and these stuffed deer and moose heads all got knocked off the wall. that place would never be used for future shows HA-HA.We played a few shows for Nick one was the second last show of the LIARS . The show was Nicks Birthday at the Lapowindsa rod and gun club Northampton pa.It was a beautiful summer day perfect for an outside show. Unfortunatly I was so blown out on coke I do not remember too much about this show.But I am sure there was unrest and ill feelings. The last liars gig was the first west catty show ever.They played with the trendsetters,both bands got together made tickets sold them to people and Bam the first west Catty Gig Was set .Not knowing what this building would become in the future.It Became the hub for the L.V.H.C. where I booked Major Label Punk Bands with my friend Scott Andrews .well didn't say they got the show off without a hitch . this show was filled with drunks.Ronney Rock the Guitarist of the trendsetters was going to stop playing several times because of the drunk people and the rowdy dancing on the dance floor.I didn't stay till the end but a fight broke out between 2 chicks and escalated to a big fight and that was the last I ever saw or herd of the liars.I know Bobby Alamazan started 2 other bands "word Made Flesh" and "dogs of straw. Bob Passed away In the fall of 2001 he played In my band Nostalgia Crisis until his death. I think of him a lot ,I miss Him. He was one of the best guitar players and performers I ever played with.If there is a punk rock heaven I know he is there.
BOBBY ALAMAZAN
" hey guys keep it light,no playing Suzie was a floozie or I wanna fuck Annette ". We Laughed, we knew we didn't care and it looked like all his relatives were half in the bag already.We played a wild set I remember we had a good night the people liked us . they were hooting and yelling .They never herd this kind of music before.We were a new thing in the Lehigh Valley.We Had Colored hair and there was no crazy color back then Just Koolaid !We wore.Leopard pants ,spikes,make up,safety pins and black leather we were punks.We Got called more bad names than good. we didn't care we were the CLAP and it ain't nothin till you catch us.By the Nights end the place was a mess shit all over and these stuffed deer and moose heads all got knocked off the wall. that place would never be used for future shows HA-HA.We played a few shows for Nick one was the second last show of the LIARS . The show was Nicks Birthday at the Lapowindsa rod and gun club Northampton pa.It was a beautiful summer day perfect for an outside show. Unfortunatly I was so blown out on coke I do not remember too much about this show.But I am sure there was unrest and ill feelings. The last liars gig was the first west catty show ever.They played with the trendsetters,both bands got together made tickets sold them to people and Bam the first west Catty Gig Was set .Not knowing what this building would become in the future.It Became the hub for the L.V.H.C. where I booked Major Label Punk Bands with my friend Scott Andrews .well didn't say they got the show off without a hitch . this show was filled with drunks.Ronney Rock the Guitarist of the trendsetters was going to stop playing several times because of the drunk people and the rowdy dancing on the dance floor.I didn't stay till the end but a fight broke out between 2 chicks and escalated to a big fight and that was the last I ever saw or herd of the liars.I know Bobby Alamazan started 2 other bands "word Made Flesh" and "dogs of straw. Bob Passed away In the fall of 2001 he played In my band Nostalgia Crisis until his death. I think of him a lot ,I miss Him. He was one of the best guitar players and performers I ever played with.If there is a punk rock heaven I know he is there.
BOBBY ALAMAZAN
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Secret Art Space Show !
The Secret Art Space Show with Nostalgia Crisis and FOD Was very cool I Love playing there. It is Just the right size You don't need a huge Crowd to have a big crowd.I had a lot of fun and am looking forward to doing another show there this spring. Here are some of the Photo's from the show.
www.shutupstore.com
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Liars Pool Party
One of Bob Almazan's favorite Qotes to me was "If you play in the middle of the woods does anyone here you?"He would say this to me all the time when he played in my other band Nostalgia Crisis.This would remind me of the time the Liars played at Bill shugarts house in Jim Thorpe PA.The House was located in a remote area on the outskirts of Jim Thorpe about 1 mile From the monument and grave site of Jim Thorpe.The Band played in this old in ground swimming that was drained.I don't think it had been used for years.When I arrived the Liars started with there slap the clap were the Liars banter. which still goes on today.They Played there first set which was pretty good.there were some mice who must have had a nest in the drain and pump lines. because when they played they would run out. Todd the singer would try to stomp them and chased them around. It was a great affect it made for a really good show. After the first set a band called Lofty ( nothing to do with me) this was Bill Shugarts band in the early 70's .They Played a set of some originals and a few old classics . When I was a kid I would watch them play at the ST. Lawrence Festival.You could say I was inspired by them,I loved to watch them play.It was turning out to be a cool party until the second set of the Liars. Todd and chip were pretty fucked up by then and were just starting into random songs waiting for Bob and Lap the Drummer.Bob came and plugged in but Lap was somewhere fucking off and was not ready to start yet. So Todd the singer took the drum sticks and punched them through every one of the drum heads on Lap's set. Lap freaked out and arguments started total chaos and the show ended.This is how many of the Liars shows ended and ultimetly ended the band.
PARTY AT THE STONE HOUSE
One other show to mention about the liars:The Party at the old stone house on wood street.in Catasauqua.This girl who lived there with her parents I don.t know her name.But she had this party with the Liars Playing in the living room of the house.What a disaster !! The Place was mobed with young punks and any one who showed up .The band started playing and people were jumping all over beer was going everywhere a real punk rock event ! The party just escalated from there,we were jumping off couches and chairs,Lamps were breaking pictures were falling off the walls It was like animal house.Down in the basement this girls mother did ceramics and had ceramic figures all over the place ,shelves full of ceramic pieces. People were down the basement just smashing the ceramics It was horrible I felt bad for this girl. I wondered where she was, so I looked for her only to find her drunk and passed out.Oh well ! Then I saw mike Rex My Guitar player with These packs of t-bone steaks,He said they were raiding the freezer and this is what he got. So we went to his house and fired up the grill and had steak .What a party I thought, Book the Liars and have a house wrecking party. Some how the band THE CLAP was blamed for some of the antics but fuck it I know what really happened,what a fucked up sight !
PARTY AT THE STONE HOUSE
Thursday, December 29, 2011
HERE COMES THE SUMMER
In the mid to late spring Motleys record store moved to Allentown on Hamilton street between 12th and 13th streets.I Got a job helping Ed the owner move .after the move was complete he let me work at the store. He Liked me and my punk attitude and I was a show piece a poser ,I colored my hair wore make up, looked like a freak,like a real human PUNK !!People took pictures of me ,I once was mistaken for Adam Ant,I'll Get to that one another day.I liked the Job it didn't pay good though. We didn't make the money at first , the Move was rough on Ed. and the store, It took a while till things got moving.I would get paid in pins and records and other things.This is where I met Jackie Hardener,I came to work one day and Ed told me he hired a new person she was coming to work soon. When she Jackie Got there Eddie Gave me a small bag of coke and told me to go in the basement with Jackie and put the LP's in alphabetical order.Yea we started the alphabet y and I and hole and pole It was real nice Jackie was a great looking Girl with a hell of a body.She was 18 and she always dressed to kill in retro 80's 1 piece vinyl and leather suits ,she was hot !! We started Going out from time to time,Once when she was staying over my dad opened the door on us and caught a good look at Jackie.When we were done she went in the shower and I went down stairs,when I walked past my dad he put his hand up and hi-dived me as I went by. Later I let Him give her a ride home he liked that and he never said no any time she needed one in the Future HA HA !! Jackie was a great friend and a lot of fun We never had any strings attached . which was very cool,Once At the Undertones show she wasn't old enough to get in so I snuck her in to see the show.In between early and late shows her and I and Damion O'Neill from the Undertones Took a walk for a bite to eat,We saw a horrific accident and watched the rescue. the next day the undertones played at 6 flags Great Adventure To support Joe Jackson we were on the guest list. We were going on rides with the Undertones and hanging around in the park with them. the next day they Played the Fast Lane in Asury Park NJ. with a band called colors also with Clem Burk from Blondie on drums,Filling in for his brother.Jackie went along on this one with me after the show she asked if she could go with Damion on the rest of the tour I said I didn't mind and she went off with him. We met up later down the line,I'll Always love that Girl..A few years ago the Undertones played Allentown The Sterling Hotel Damion Myself and Jackie had a toast and a laugh as we reminisced in the Past,It was a great Night a great past,what memories!
In The summer of 1980 We played a score of shows at the north Catasauqua Park and the Fire Fighters Carnival . They Both Payed Good and were a lot of fun. It was the only way to play to a young audience .We always played bars and there were no hall shows or all age shows back then and west Catty was a few years away.The First Time we played the Fire fighters carnival it was the opening night.There were so many people there and young kids screaming,It was crazy.We played 3 sets to a very wild crowd I remember looking out and there were so many people it stretched all the way to the property on the other side of the street. At the end the organizers told us they had to stock up more food for the rest of the week because they sold almost all of it.The next year we played there we got double !!We played these shows for the next 3 years,all with there own story to tell.
The best part of the band in the beginning was the girls, I mean what did you think I wanted to be in a band in the first place was.I Got lay ed on a regular basis you could say.One day at this ox roast at the catasauqua Playground.I was hanging out with an acoustic guitar ans some girls came over and I was singing some songs to them. This one I'll Call her Karen got a little star struck and started making it with me.Then she invited me to her house that night for a party so I obliged . I got up to her house that night and it had a for sale sign in front of it,and no curtins in the windows.Her family didn't live there any more and they were just sleeping there, a bunch of her friends were with her. they were playing spin the bottle and when it landed on Karen they Dared her to go in the next room with me,how childish I thought. But when I got back there with her she was no child,Just in age. she grabbed my unit and stuck it in her honey bun and wam bang I got her cherry.It was early in the night so I hit the seen and went out to hang out with the gang later I went back for seconds and a place to crash.Yes sir wild summer nights !
There was another Girl I was stuck on for a while back then Her name was Erin She was a prissy thing never had a hair out of line Till you got her in the sac.She was really good looking but she was prissy I called her Queenie .She was alright to hang out with but I just wanted to Fuck,so If I got bored with her I would split and see what else I could find.Or maybe Go Find Jackie , That summer was just one big party.
( these Photo's were taken at a playgroung in Catasauqua pA. 1980)
the Next big show the band played was the 1980 July 4 th celebration.We Played in our managers back yard on 7th st. North Catasauqua PA'.This show was packed ! we drew people from up the street at the celebration.They streached and blocked a main road, the police had to come down to clear people off the street.then they argued with my mom and another lady because they wanted to close us down.We bashed out a set to the biggest show to date .The next thing left was to record our material and release our first single.
In The summer of 1980 We played a score of shows at the north Catasauqua Park and the Fire Fighters Carnival . They Both Payed Good and were a lot of fun. It was the only way to play to a young audience .We always played bars and there were no hall shows or all age shows back then and west Catty was a few years away.The First Time we played the Fire fighters carnival it was the opening night.There were so many people there and young kids screaming,It was crazy.We played 3 sets to a very wild crowd I remember looking out and there were so many people it stretched all the way to the property on the other side of the street. At the end the organizers told us they had to stock up more food for the rest of the week because they sold almost all of it.The next year we played there we got double !!We played these shows for the next 3 years,all with there own story to tell.
The best part of the band in the beginning was the girls, I mean what did you think I wanted to be in a band in the first place was.I Got lay ed on a regular basis you could say.One day at this ox roast at the catasauqua Playground.I was hanging out with an acoustic guitar ans some girls came over and I was singing some songs to them. This one I'll Call her Karen got a little star struck and started making it with me.Then she invited me to her house that night for a party so I obliged . I got up to her house that night and it had a for sale sign in front of it,and no curtins in the windows.Her family didn't live there any more and they were just sleeping there, a bunch of her friends were with her. they were playing spin the bottle and when it landed on Karen they Dared her to go in the next room with me,how childish I thought. But when I got back there with her she was no child,Just in age. she grabbed my unit and stuck it in her honey bun and wam bang I got her cherry.It was early in the night so I hit the seen and went out to hang out with the gang later I went back for seconds and a place to crash.Yes sir wild summer nights !
There was another Girl I was stuck on for a while back then Her name was Erin She was a prissy thing never had a hair out of line Till you got her in the sac.She was really good looking but she was prissy I called her Queenie .She was alright to hang out with but I just wanted to Fuck,so If I got bored with her I would split and see what else I could find.Or maybe Go Find Jackie , That summer was just one big party.
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
The CLUB
In the beginning we were so green behind the ears about the music industry and how it worked.We would be lead around by the nose literally .It started with the manager Dave and Mottley,the shows stopped at the 4TH st.saloon and they hooked up with this big lehigh valley lawyer Todd Miller .He had bought this big building on 8TH st. in Allentown Pa., and renovated the first 3 floors,The CLUB was on the 3RD floor. It Had a huge wooden dance floor,with 8 bass speakers covered with black plush carpeting so you could sit on them.The DJ booth Looked like an alter for some dark ritual,it was also covered in black carpet.there were all these couches and love seats and mirrors covered the walls.There were these other rooms with futons and couches that were dimly lit. the second floor was an arcade with pool tables ,air hockey and other pinball machines and a make shift pizza shop with this fag that wanted to always suck our dicks.Robbie and the Rodie were always fucking with him and not paying for there food.One day he went to moon dog to get him to pay for a slice and he smacked the dude in the head with the slice.
All in all the CLUB was a really great venue it had a lot of potential . the bands that played there were : the SPEEDIES,DIRTY LOOKS,999,the HUMANS,Athletic o SPIZ 80,Single Bullet Theory,the STRANGLERS,The Undertones,the Necessaries and a few others I can't remember.The shows were fun there was no security and you didn't need it. Everyone was so cool there was never a fight. there was no slam dancing back then either,just POGO dancing and SKA.
The show I remember the most was the UNDERTONES ! there was an early and a late show they were both filled to capacity .The Late show was a wilder show being the drunk people from the first show came to the second show as well.They were POGOING so hard the floor was moving 5 inches in either direction. I went down to the second floor and saw a crack in the ceiling go from closed to 2 inches open.The Band had to be told to tell the people to calm down a bit being it was unsafe.That Didn't work so I just got the band and my family and friends to stand by the wall or a support beam The Place was Just crazy..At the end the Floor made it,but there was never another show up there,they moved to the first floor and changed the name to Niko's Not long after that it fell into oblivion.
The Clap only played at the CLUB 2 times Once by our selves and as the support for Dirty Looks. They Had a hit out at the time, the show was all right but they were into themselves they were cunts.The only reason we liked the club was because we were let in free to hang out posing with coloreds hair and punk clothes Just looking fucking punk and cool.It also landed me a job at Mottley's Record store when it moved to Hamilton st. Allentown..This is also where I met Kathy Boyer,It Was at one of the shows I think Dirty Looks?I was really drunk and we were dancing. I loved to Punk Dance And create my own dances and she asked me to dance.Well that Night I went home with her. Her Parents were away for the weekend so I was I n.We fucked for a while Then I passed out When I woke up there was a rat on me and I was painted from head to toe,all different colors.This was the type of Girl this Kathy was. she was weird I always had a weird feeling about her.It also was the Place I met Jackie and I'll Get to her another post another day so for now I am signing out till another day till then Good Day.
All in all the CLUB was a really great venue it had a lot of potential . the bands that played there were : the SPEEDIES,DIRTY LOOKS,999,the HUMANS,Athletic o SPIZ 80,Single Bullet Theory,the STRANGLERS,The Undertones,the Necessaries and a few others I can't remember.The shows were fun there was no security and you didn't need it. Everyone was so cool there was never a fight. there was no slam dancing back then either,just POGO dancing and SKA.
The show I remember the most was the UNDERTONES ! there was an early and a late show they were both filled to capacity .The Late show was a wilder show being the drunk people from the first show came to the second show as well.They were POGOING so hard the floor was moving 5 inches in either direction. I went down to the second floor and saw a crack in the ceiling go from closed to 2 inches open.The Band had to be told to tell the people to calm down a bit being it was unsafe.That Didn't work so I just got the band and my family and friends to stand by the wall or a support beam The Place was Just crazy..At the end the Floor made it,but there was never another show up there,they moved to the first floor and changed the name to Niko's Not long after that it fell into oblivion.
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