"How does it feel
How does it feel
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?" - Bob Dylan, Like A Rolling Stone, 1965
What's it feel like to be us? Like a band called Rolling the Stones? To see the happy faces? The crowd's enthusiasm and energy? To live in that moment where synergy reigns supreme? Just press 'play'.
The rhythmic clapping, the festive atmosphere, the balloons, the smiles. We leave the stage energized, gratified that a job was well done by all in the building. See, a show isn't just a band and audience, it's the sound people, the lights, the stage crew, the ushers, the venue ambiance, the facilities. Everything.
You can try to explain it any which way but there's no substitute for being on that stage, in that precise moment, sharing the gift of music with an audience that becomes one with the band. It's magic. It's electric. How does it feel? Amazing! Thank YOU.
Until next time ...
The Lads
Insights, stories, comments and behind-the-scenes fun related to The Greatest Stones Extravaganza on Earth
Monday, September 19, 2011
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
The Rolling Stones Fanatic
We had the opportunity to perform at a small casino in northern California called Konocti Vista. It turned out to be a rather important night for RTS as we had the pleasure of meeting Gary Malfatti, The Rolling Stones Fanatic, and his wife, June Snowden.
Below is a review written by them. Little did we realize, but the fun pair was comparing us to the dozens of Stones tributes that they have traveled quite a distance to see. Please stop by his rather amazing site, www.rollingstonesfanatic.com and browse to your heart's content. Some unreal memorabilia!
-------------------------
An amazing night with the "Rolling the Stones" concert experience at the Konocti Vista Casino located in Lower Lake, Northern California. The band self proclaims to be The Greatest Rolling Stones Extravaganza on Earth, and they do not not disappoint. With 8 multi-talented musicians, it's easy to see why they are an extravaganza on stage.
Although the stage was small, Mick Adams (Mick Jagged) and Jackson Martin (Keith Riffhard) opened the show with all the flare and power that is the Stones. We were treated to an amazing show that was spot on for sound, looks, and moves of the Rolling Stones. Mick's vocals are uncanny and strong. Gone are any noticeable detection of a vocal difference to the real Rolling Stones.
The sound delivered us back to the numerous live Rolling Stones shows of the past 2 decades, and the thrill it gave us to hear the pure vocals of Mick and Keith's guitar resounding in our ears. What struck us most was the musicality of it all, and the fact that each song selected to be played spot lighted one or two of the musicians individually, so that the show collectively became an experience of each of it's members with the audience. Shows with this quantity of musicians on stage at once, each talented on several instruments, some holding MBAs and BAs in music and others with awe inspiring musical backgrounds and experience, can often have a 'background' musician or two. However, this show delivers each and everyone of it's musicians a stand out feature that forms a collective experience of it's individual parts. Some specific spots of mention, in no particular order, are Terry Myers (Woody) on acoustic guitar on Wild Horses; Bob Campbell (Bobby Keys) on Sax, Terry Myers (Woody), Jackson (Keith), and Albert Margolis (Chuck Level) on Can't You Hear Me Knocking; Albert Margolis (Chuck) on Tumblin' Dice; Sherr Aquino (Lisa Clayton) on Live with Me and Gimme Shelter; Bernie Yantz (Bill Why-Man) on Paint it Black. Of course, all held by the glue that is the constant "heart of the band" that is Vince Lupo (Charlie Swatts), who dazzles us with a solo at the conclusion of Jumping Jack Flash.
To end the night, these guys, and gal, are gracious to their new fans in the audience with an informal meet and greet by everyone in the band. We would highly recommend this band for all of our friends that live, love, and breath The Rolling Stones. We look forward to our next road trip to see the Rolling the Stones, and hope you join us at their shows in Southern California. You won't be disappointed.
Gold Rings on you all! Signed - The RollingStonesFanatic.com
Below is a review written by them. Little did we realize, but the fun pair was comparing us to the dozens of Stones tributes that they have traveled quite a distance to see. Please stop by his rather amazing site, www.rollingstonesfanatic.com and browse to your heart's content. Some unreal memorabilia!
-------------------------
An amazing night with the "Rolling the Stones" concert experience at the Konocti Vista Casino located in Lower Lake, Northern California. The band self proclaims to be The Greatest Rolling Stones Extravaganza on Earth, and they do not not disappoint. With 8 multi-talented musicians, it's easy to see why they are an extravaganza on stage.
Although the stage was small, Mick Adams (Mick Jagged) and Jackson Martin (Keith Riffhard) opened the show with all the flare and power that is the Stones. We were treated to an amazing show that was spot on for sound, looks, and moves of the Rolling Stones. Mick's vocals are uncanny and strong. Gone are any noticeable detection of a vocal difference to the real Rolling Stones.
The sound delivered us back to the numerous live Rolling Stones shows of the past 2 decades, and the thrill it gave us to hear the pure vocals of Mick and Keith's guitar resounding in our ears. What struck us most was the musicality of it all, and the fact that each song selected to be played spot lighted one or two of the musicians individually, so that the show collectively became an experience of each of it's members with the audience. Shows with this quantity of musicians on stage at once, each talented on several instruments, some holding MBAs and BAs in music and others with awe inspiring musical backgrounds and experience, can often have a 'background' musician or two. However, this show delivers each and everyone of it's musicians a stand out feature that forms a collective experience of it's individual parts. Some specific spots of mention, in no particular order, are Terry Myers (Woody) on acoustic guitar on Wild Horses; Bob Campbell (Bobby Keys) on Sax, Terry Myers (Woody), Jackson (Keith), and Albert Margolis (Chuck Level) on Can't You Hear Me Knocking; Albert Margolis (Chuck) on Tumblin' Dice; Sherr Aquino (Lisa Clayton) on Live with Me and Gimme Shelter; Bernie Yantz (Bill Why-Man) on Paint it Black. Of course, all held by the glue that is the constant "heart of the band" that is Vince Lupo (Charlie Swatts), who dazzles us with a solo at the conclusion of Jumping Jack Flash.
To end the night, these guys, and gal, are gracious to their new fans in the audience with an informal meet and greet by everyone in the band. We would highly recommend this band for all of our friends that live, love, and breath The Rolling Stones. We look forward to our next road trip to see the Rolling the Stones, and hope you join us at their shows in Southern California. You won't be disappointed.
Gold Rings on you all! Signed - The RollingStonesFanatic.com
Thursday, September 1, 2011
There's nothing like some good old Mo'
mo·men·tum - Noun /mōˈmen-təm/
1. The quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity.
2. The impetus gained by a moving object
Hard to put a finger on it regarding business, but when it begins to happen you can feel it. Yes, you can!
RTS is quietly arriving at a perfect point time. The stars and planets, even universes, seem to be aligning in our favor. Why the fuss?
Chuck Level is happy. Time to get a move on.
We're only two and half years into this thing but we're progressing nicely at a time when most bands give it up or quit trying. At times, it feels like we're crawling along but those who know us personally always seem to see the brighter side and tell us that, for a relatively young band, we're making rapid progress. In reality, we've leap-frogged over the usual path. In that case, don't knock it and appreciate the ride.
We've been fortunate to perform at some fantastic venues, and have met some instrumental people along the way.
There's a book coming out about us in the Fall. That's amazing in itself!
One of our talented performers, Justine Ducloux (Merry Fisher), has passed the initial audition for the competition series "The Voice"! Isn't that great! Cheer for her, she's one of the good ones.
We have an incredible support system of family, friends and staff. We can't do it alone and they're right there assisting in the background, the faceless army that allows us to produce the best show possible.
Then there are our fans. Yes, you guys. You're all the best! You can't imagine what it's like to look out at the smiling faces, to hear the sing-alongs and laughter, to feed off your energy. Our shows are doing quite well because of YOU. Again, can't do it alone. THANK YOU!!!
I know that I'm leaving off many other behind-the-scenes issues, but that's a taste of what it's been like lately. Rolling right along and a little downhill, a rolling stone that gathers no moss, but still leaves a trail.
These things can go both ways. Momentum can swing either good or bad. Right now, it's all green grass and high tides. Nice, Mo'. Good Old Mo'.
1. The quantity of motion of a moving body, measured as a product of its mass and velocity.
2. The impetus gained by a moving object
Hard to put a finger on it regarding business, but when it begins to happen you can feel it. Yes, you can!
RTS is quietly arriving at a perfect point time. The stars and planets, even universes, seem to be aligning in our favor. Why the fuss?
Chuck Level is happy. Time to get a move on.
We're only two and half years into this thing but we're progressing nicely at a time when most bands give it up or quit trying. At times, it feels like we're crawling along but those who know us personally always seem to see the brighter side and tell us that, for a relatively young band, we're making rapid progress. In reality, we've leap-frogged over the usual path. In that case, don't knock it and appreciate the ride.
There's a book coming out about us in the Fall. That's amazing in itself!
One of our talented performers, Justine Ducloux (Merry Fisher), has passed the initial audition for the competition series "The Voice"! Isn't that great! Cheer for her, she's one of the good ones.
We have an incredible support system of family, friends and staff. We can't do it alone and they're right there assisting in the background, the faceless army that allows us to produce the best show possible.
Then there are our fans. Yes, you guys. You're all the best! You can't imagine what it's like to look out at the smiling faces, to hear the sing-alongs and laughter, to feed off your energy. Our shows are doing quite well because of YOU. Again, can't do it alone. THANK YOU!!!
I know that I'm leaving off many other behind-the-scenes issues, but that's a taste of what it's been like lately. Rolling right along and a little downhill, a rolling stone that gathers no moss, but still leaves a trail.
These things can go both ways. Momentum can swing either good or bad. Right now, it's all green grass and high tides. Nice, Mo'. Good Old Mo'.
Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Inside Rolling the Stones: Inside a Road Trip - The Good, The Bad, and The Ug...
Inside Rolling the Stones: Inside a Road Trip - The Good, The Bad, and The Ug...: There are three kinds of road trips: Long distance flights, ground trips, and local weekend shows. They all require a different mode of t...
Inside a Road Trip - The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly
There are three kinds of road trips: Long distance flights, ground trips, and local weekend shows. They all require a different mode of transportation with headaches all their own. In particular, flying to a gig sounds glamorous, but in reality it’s anything but.
Moving our small army of performers, techs, photographers, and merch is no small feat. Each time we do, it gets a bit easier. We’ve learned to take bare necessities and fly as light as possible. This past weekend, we needed to fly to Kalamazoo, Michigan, to perform at a benefit for Wright For Kids. So, on to Kalamazoo, Michigan ...
THE GOOD
Traveling with your band mates is like being with your spouse 24/7. It has a way of bringing you together and helps you realize the task at hand, that you’re out there living the dream. Fortunately, the members of RTS feel like an extended family. We look out for one another. That’s good. The jokes and razzing along the way, priceless. Good times.
Making new friends and fans along the way is a great reward. This trip was no different. You sometimes even run into a favorite celebrity - that's director Ron Howard, aka Opie Taylor, aka Richie Cunningham.
The person who sponsors this event, Bill Wright, became an instant friend. The crowd was raucous and loud. Rain that fell in the middle of the set didn’t deter them. Kudos to you, Kalamazoo!
The food. When you go through Chicago and taste some of the best deep dish that the area (perhaps the world) has to offer, it’s a good thing, folks! This one made it through security at O'Hare in Chicago but not before one of them said, "What? No Sausage?" The dinner provided by Wright For Kids - outstanding! We took meals together throughout these trips and that’s where lots of the fun happens.
We usually hang after a show and party it up a little. The Kalamazoo Sheraton Raddison was class all the way. Good.
THE BAD
The weather. Our show was almost canceled by a huge storm that dumped rain by the buckets. Tornado warnings. Scary stuff. Our 1:30PM sound checked was stalled to 2 then 4PM. The system passed and the show went on uninterrupted. In fact, we were prepared to move the whole show to any other venue last minute so as not to disappoint the kids that the proceeds benefit. Mr. Wright was so touched by that.
One migraine, a sore knee or two, short sleep ... bad.
The UGLY
Airport delays. Caused us to get in much later and wore us out.
Sometimes the back line equipment is ugly, and sounds it, too! This photo was from a previous trip, but you get the idea ...
Sound check. When it gets moved because of weather - twice - the situation can turn from pretty to pretty ugly in a hurry. Fortunately, what a pro sound team we had.
Get a load of this video. Ugly enough for you?
------------------
It’s important to understand that all that glimmers is not gold in rock ‘n’ roll, especially when it comes to performing on the road. YOU see the finished product. We know the blood sweat, tears and long days that goes into bringing a show to your city. Not that we’re complaining, mind you. When we hear the cheers and applause and all of your smiling faces singing at the top of your lungs, it makes the rigors of the road all worthwhile. When we stop and think about it ... it’s all good.
The Lads
Saturday, August 6, 2011
To Blog or Not To Blog ...
... that was the question. The answer?
TO BLOG!
Allow us to introduce ourselves. Rolling the Stones provides a multi-faceted Stones concert experience with a full-sized stage production and a must-see-to-believe recreation of the sights and sounds of the Rolling Stones. Influenced by Martin Scorsese's concert film "Shine A Light", RTS meets, and often exceeds, your expectations of what the typical tribute group. It may be "good enough for rock 'n' roll", but that's not good enough for us. In fact 'good enough' is the enemy of 'excellence'!
Here's a video sampling of a typical Rolling the Stones show. One rockin' great time! If you love them, like them, or just plain enjoy them, you'll love Rolling the Stones.
There you have it!
We'll post tidbits of behind the scenes, fun photos and facts, stuff from road trips, info about upcoming shows, anything that might be of interest to you. If there's something that you'd like to learn about us, drop us a line at rollingthestones@gmail.com. Next show: Saturday, August 20th, a benefit for Wright For Kids, Kalamazoo, MI. Click the links to the right to visit our Facebook page event page for more info.
Rock on and see you at the shows!
TO BLOG!
Allow us to introduce ourselves. Rolling the Stones provides a multi-faceted Stones concert experience with a full-sized stage production and a must-see-to-believe recreation of the sights and sounds of the Rolling Stones. Influenced by Martin Scorsese's concert film "Shine A Light", RTS meets, and often exceeds, your expectations of what the typical tribute group. It may be "good enough for rock 'n' roll", but that's not good enough for us. In fact 'good enough' is the enemy of 'excellence'!
Here's a video sampling of a typical Rolling the Stones show. One rockin' great time! If you love them, like them, or just plain enjoy them, you'll love Rolling the Stones.
There you have it!
We'll post tidbits of behind the scenes, fun photos and facts, stuff from road trips, info about upcoming shows, anything that might be of interest to you. If there's something that you'd like to learn about us, drop us a line at rollingthestones@gmail.com. Next show: Saturday, August 20th, a benefit for Wright For Kids, Kalamazoo, MI. Click the links to the right to visit our Facebook page event page for more info.
Rock on and see you at the shows!
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