Back Door Slam - 4/11/08 - The Viper Room - Hollywood (Page 1 of 2)

Sorry for the delay folks!  The fun in Hollywood continued LONG after my wave goodbye to the Back Door Slam lads on April 11……

The short story –

GREAT SHOW!!  FANTASTIC MUSICIANS WHO ARE BUBBLING OVER WITH TALENT, EXCITEMENT, AND, THE MOST SINCERE, UNDYING GRATITUDE TO JOE BONAMASSA AND ALL OF THE JB FORUM MEMBERS WHO HAVE SUPPORTED THEM WITH SUCH ABUNDANT ENTHUSIASM!!!

The LONG story – (and I do mean LONG) - (feel free to scroll down to 'The Heart of The Matter' if you'd like.....)

Back Door Slam – The Viper Room - Hollywood, CA, Friday, April 11, 2008

After arriving in Hollywood and meeting up with my friends Vicki and Paul, and their friend Jim, we all had a fabulous dinner at a lovely restaurant on the famous Sunset Boulevard......just a few blocks away from the Viper Room, whose doors were scheduled to open at 8:30.  Their website had shown four bands scheduled for the evening, with BDS appearing second on the list.  Fearing that it was possible they would go on stage first, and, not wanting to miss one SECOND of OUR BAND, we hurried through dinner and hustled down Sunset.  Well, maybe hustled wouldn’t be quite the appropriate word.  I was a little more burdened than my cohorts, as I had baked cookies for the lads – FIFTY FOUR BIG COOKIES, to be exact – which I faithfully toted along.  Every block or so, I would hear Paul (who is a rascally sharp-witted Brit), teasing me unmercifully, “......Cookies?!!  You baked them COOKIES??!!  Do you really think it's COOKIES they're interested in?”  Blushing now, but choosing to ignore his taunting and remain firm in my belief, as Cathy has said, that “ALL boys like COOKIES”, I continued toward the Viper Room. 

We spotted it from across the street – an all matte black façade complete with black awning, on which was written a very understated ‘Viper Room’ ....all very dramatic.  We got thru the door and, within minutes of our arrival, after passing the inspection of the bag o’ cookies, we were told that BDS would not take the stage until about 11:30.  Ugh!  Poor Vicki, who is a single mom who'd been up since 5:00 a.m. getting her daughter to school, etc. - and now they're telling us that the band won't even START until 11:30!  Eek!  I'm a TOTAL NIGHT OWL, but, poor Vicki.....how EVER would we manage to keep her upright for the rest of the evening?  With Vicki in shock and Libby in fix-it mode, we marched, undaunted, upstairs into the club, with the ginormous bag in tow.
 
The Viper Room itself is not very large, with a capacity of only 175 people, it has a stage in the corner, a bar along the back wall, five booths, which are available for a minimum of $300 each (no thanks – I told them it was a physical impossibility for someone to drink $300 worth of Diet Pepsi) and the rest of the space, which is available for standing/watching/drinking/wiggling/whatevering.  I looked around and spotted a large, strapping young man who was clearly a staff member (one of MANY bouncers).  He told me that BDS wasn't on the premises yet, so, without too much effort I "sweet talked" him (no pun intended) into allowing me to leave the goodies behind for the boys.  He was SUPER friendly and helpful, and his name, not surprisingly, was ‘Steel’.  He took me into the tiny 'green room' (it was much more RED than green), and proceeded to stash the cookies in a cupboard, assuring me that they would get into the right hands and that none of the other bands would be allowed to touch them.  I'd also brought along an early birthday gift for Davy (1,000 Places to See in the United States and Canada……) which I left behind as well (what the heck – I thought it might come in handy while they tour our magnificent country.)

As I sat, writing a note to the band, Steel yelled to me from the doorway, “Is that a uni-ball?”  Mind you, it was VERY loud in there, and, I wasn’t sure I’d heard him correctly.  “I beg your pardon?” I answered.  “A uni-ball, is that a uni-ball?” he repeated enthusiastically.  Realizing that he was asking about my pen, I answered, “Why yes, as a matter of fact, it IS a uni-ball…….” Before I could begin to ponder, too deeply, the question of why my happy bouncer was so fascinated with my writing implement, he puffed out his chest even further (I didn’t think THAT was POSSIBLE) and proclaimed, “I did a commercial for uni-ball !!!”  Well, OF COURSE HE DID!  Remember folks, I’m in Hollywood.  EVERYBODY is a star. 

So, now we had THREE HOURS TO KILL!!!  We kicked around the street for 1/2 hour or so, and then Vicki, Paul and Jim went for coffee while I strolled back to the Viper Room to check on a few things.  I had been told on the phone that my little digital camera would not be a problem - I just couldn't bring professional equipment in.  No problem, I'd said.  Once we actually got there, Jim was told that each person had to go back downstairs to get INDIVIDUAL permission from the Door Guy to shoot any photos.  The Door Guy went on to tell him that he could only take photos of the band, but, ABSOLUTELY NO shots were to be taken in and around the club itself (previous Paparazzi problems, perhaps).  Jim, a professional animator, chose to spend much of the evening documenting the scene in a sketchbook instead.  When I strolled back, like a good girl, I walked downstairs, asked permission to shoot photos, and was told that I had to send a member of the band down to give their permission.  “Okay......” I said, dejectedly......and I began to walk upstairs, thinking that I wouldn't get to meet the band, that I wouldn't get to take any photos, that my friends probably weren't having much fun at this point.....guzzling coffee down the street somewhere, (this evening was, after all, MY idea) and worst of all, wondering if my silly cookies would ever get into the band's hands??!!

The second I reached the top of the stairs, I spotted my old pal, Steel, who lit up like a Christmas tree and took me right back to the green room.  "They're here?!!" I asked.  He just pointed at the green room door and I knocked.  The pocket door slid open, and there to greet me, was the band’s darling drummer, Ross Doyle.  "Ross?  Hi!  I'm Libby from the Joe Bonamassa Forum!!" I shouted.  "Oh, yes, yes, yes, of course, of course, come in, come in!!!” he exclaimed.  “You brought the cookies, right?"  He thanked me profusely and then........I spent the next ten minutes in the very loud, very dimly lit green (red) room chatting with Ross and their Production Manager, Steven, about the band, about Joe, the Forum members, and The Jimmy Kimmel Show.  They were friendly and kind and gracious.  Finally, I told Ross about the photo issue and he immediately leapt up and said, "No problem at all".  We ran downstairs; I got my special little photo bracelet, thanked Ross and told him that I would return with my friends before they went on stage.....he said that they’d probably start closer to 11:00 than 11:30.......thank God for small favors……

I strolled back down to the bookstore where I met up with my friends again.  We tried to kill another hour in there.  Of course, had we known, we would have had a much later dinner, etc.  Before we left, I popped out to the newsstand in front where I was finally able to pick up MY copy of Guitarist with JOE BONAMASSA, New King of the Blues, gracing the cover!!!  That cover alone made the three hour wait worthwhile!!!

THE HEART OF THE MATTER

We strolled back up to the club and, because it was so loud inside you couldn't hear yourself think, we decided to wait outside until BDS took the stage.  Moments after we arrived, I spotted a familiar face or two (or three) amongst the dozen or so people out front.......yes, you guessed it, finally, there were Ross, and his very talented mates, Adam Jones, and Davy Knowles!  Well, I just cannot begin to tell you everything that happened next...... photos...... autographs......conversations........endless gratitude, and thanks........Wow!!!  I had anticipated that these guys would be nice, and down-to-earth, but, I never imagined that they would be THAT nice.  OH MY GOSH.  We had conversations with them individually (I didn't want to hog the whole band at once), and there wasn't anything that I asked of them that they didn't gladly take care of.  Ross was handling some business with Steven, Adam was visiting with throngs of other people, and so, while we did have time with each of the boys, it was Davy who gave us the most attention and conversation.  Remember, Paul is a Brit, and so, they had an extra thing or two to talk about.

FINALLY – SHOW TIME!  The guys took the stage at about 11:00.  Unfortunately, due to some technical glitches, they did not start playing until 11:30.  I think it was Davy's earpieces...... I’m not sure…anyway......the show went on and what a show it was!!  I'm sorry......I know this is where you will all want DETAILS and this is where I won't be able to provide them.  If I’m listening to GREAT live music, I become completely entranced, and my ability to recall detail slips right out the door.  I think my left brain must almost shut down completely.  Everything flows into the visual, intuitive, whole-picture-absorbing right side and the details simply fade away.  Anyway, I apologize, but I don't have a set list, I don't know exactly how many songs they played, or, even for how long……although, I would guess it was for a bit more than an hour.  They were able to squeeze one encore in.  Thanks to a few video clips I shot, I do know that they played these six songs, in this order…but, I don’t know if they played anything else:

Outside Woman Blues
Heavy On My Mind
Gotta Leave
Almost Cut My Hair
Come Home
What In The World – a Rory Gallagher song (I think Willie Dixon wrote it)

What I CAN tell you is this.  I enjoyed every minute of it.  I felt like I was witnessing a bit of history in the making.  Davy’s guitar was ablaze with his passion and firm grasp and understanding of the blues.  He is one with his guitar.  Ross and Adam provide a most excellent rhythm section as anyone standing near me can attest – I couldn’t stand still !!……My particular FAVORITE is COME HOME.  I love the beginning – with that BASS and those DRUMS.....And Davy.....well.....Davy is just OUTSTANDING!  And THAT VOICE!  That voice just kills me…..so RICH and FULL.  How can that much maturity and depth of soul emanate from a 20 year old?  I do not need a crystal ball to see the future for this band.  It is big and bright and beautiful.  And, it couldn't happen to a nicer bunch of guys (except, of course, Joe, Carmine, Rick and Bogie).    Really, what a thrill to witness such talent and joy pouring off of a tiny stage on Sunset in Hollywood by three lads from so very, very far away.

I‘ve got to tell you this typical Hollywood tidbit too……while we were waiting for the band to begin, after I’d stationed myself up front for the best photo ops, there was a very inebriated young man bobbing about next to me,  who, seconds after greeting me with a shoulder to shoulder slide and a,  “Hullooooooo therrrrre”, actually said these words to me………  “I have one quesssshion furrr youuuuu………”  “Okay..." I answered.  He leaned in and asked,”Whiskey, or cocaine?”  Jeez.  People still do that?  I told him neither, not for a long time……thank you.  Anyway, when I get around to posting video and stills, you will be able to hear him, sloshing his words as he went on to say, just a few minutes later, “I’m reeeeallllly sorrrrry……but…I’m gonna haaaff to get in front of youoooouuuu now, ‘cause I haaaaave toooo daaaance…aaaaand I realllllllly waaant tooo apolooooogizzze for thaaaat.”  Uh-huh.  Whatever.  He was harmless.  I wonder if he was 'someone'?

Also, you should know that Steel, the friendly bouncer, pulled me aside later to tell me, "THOSE were some GOOD cookies!!!"  I reassured him that I would bring him his own bag the next time I came.  After the evening was over and we were in a place where we could actually hear one another, I told Paul what he had said, and, when I told him what his name was, he thought that was quite funny.  “Steel?” he exclaimed.  “You mean S-T-E-A-L?  As in, Steal Your Cookies, is more like it!!!”  We decided that he probably had a brother named 'Rob U. Blind'.  The cookie jokes, I fear, shall follow me for a long, long time……

After the show, the band members went back out front and were greeted by many new fans, and some friends.  Davy and I were able to spend a few more very special minutes together and he gave me a few messages for some very special folks.  I'll pass those along, as soon as the opportunities present themselves.

In the past several weeks, I have played their CD, “Roll Away”, over and over again, each time hearing something new and appreciating it even more.  I could be mistaken, but, I don’t think that I’ve read anywhere on this forum, that Davy Knowles is a very skilled and accomplished songwriter.  Actually, with the exception of “Outside Woman Blues”, EVERY song on their CD was written by him.  Hmmmm…  THAT is something else.  I mean really……what were YOU doing when you were about to turn 21? 

The next time I see Back Door Slam, I hope they will be headlining so that I can have even MORE of a good thing.  I also REALLY hope to have the opportunity to see them perform some of the exquisitely beautiful acoustic work that can be found on their CD, particularly ‘Roll Away’ and the highly emotional ‘Stay’.

So, bottom line folks, if you haven't seen Back Door Slam, get your tickets, and get out to a show, NOW!!  If you have seen them, see them again.....I certainly plan to.  If you don't own their CD, then listen to some samples (if you must), and then BUY it!!  If you get a chance to meet and talk with the guys, take it!!!  I am thoroughly impressed on all counts.  On a scale of 1-10, the evening gets a 15.  A few points were shaved off because of the late start (certainly not the band’s fault)……but many, many bonus points were added because these lads are so incredibly special.  I AM WILD ABOUT BACK DOOR SLAM AND JUST CRAZY ABOUT DAVY, ROSS, AND ADAM!!!

For me, this particular blend of talent, charm, wide-eyed youth, endless enthusiasm, and overflowing gratitude makes this trio absolutely irresistible.  I am undeniably smitten.  I am very grateful to have seen a glimmer of what I am sure is only the beginning of a very long, very successful, and very brilliant future for these three very bright young stars.

What a pleasure it is to hear, from many sources, how grateful these young men are for Joe’s help and support and for our praise and attention.  Beyond their magnetism as accomplished musicians, their excitement is infectious and provides yet another reason to watch, listen and follow their careers as they unfold.
 
I believe that Joe would be proud and pleased, to know that we are supporting these young ones who, after all, are the true torchbearers, aren't they?  Isn't it all about keepin' the blues alive?  As a diehard Joe Bonamassa fan, I truly believe that HE is the best that this world will ever see.  His music continues to touch me in ways that are beyond the limits of the written word.  You all know that.  But, I feel that there is room in my library, and, more importantly, in my heart and soul, for the music of others, as well.

I ask you, what if you were a diehard B. B. King fan twenty years ago and then you heard about some young kid from Utica who could blow even B.B. out of his chair?  What if you didn't remain open to that possibility?  And so, I’m open……because it was B.B. who brought me to Joe, and Joe who brought me to Back Door Slam.  Thanks Joe.  Thanks Davy.  Thanks Adam.  Thanks Ross.  What a lovely night.  What fantastic young men.

Cheers,

  Libby   

P. S.   I did take pictures, and shoot video that night and also during the next few days spent in Studio City with Vicki and also at Paul’s house in the Hollywood Hills (just around the corner from Charlie Chaplin's) – I will post them, eventually, I promise.