WEQX has long been the preeminent independent station in the Capital Region of New York, broadcasting from Southern VT to an ever-expanding listening audience. NYS Music brings you a preview of artists to discover each week, just a taste of the talent waiting to be discovered by fans like you.
Sydney Worthley –“How Soon Is Now”
Sydney Worthley is an alternative artist from Albany. In 2017, she released her debut 14-track album titled Strong, followed by performances at Mountain Jam Music Festival, First Night Saratoga, and all over the Capital Region. In 2019, she became an independent artist at the age of 17. Her newest track “How Soon Is Now” is a glittery pop single that will be played on EQXposure.
ShortWave RadioBand – “So long the Hopeful”
ShortWave RadioBand resides in Schuylerville. Starting out as a semi-acoustic duo in late 2019, Lonny Eaton and Andy Scullin performed cover songs for a little more than a year before meeting drummer John Woods. They started writing their own songs at the end of Summer 2021 and then added Abby Stone on trumpet and Ryan Shaw on guitar.
Rhoseway – “Country Sunrise”
Rhoseway is the solo project of Albany-based songwriter Rob Fleming. All writing, arrangements, performances, and production are done by himself in a DIY fashion.
On November 18, Rochester recording artist Ryan Sutherland released his third album, Sutherland II. In the album art, by illustrator Sabrina Cintron, neon green smoke curls around a pumpkin-headed scarecrow. Set against “crimson skies” emanating out of a huge, looming full moon with black cats hanging around its crescent, you gain the perfect visual of Upstate New York, taken as the days get cold, the season of the witch, after the harvest.
Halloween’s spirits and spooks still hang in the air like old smoke as winter dramatically conquers fall; decreeing daylight cut-backs and strict sunlight curfews. While winter reigns, cold seeps through cracks in the once-grand, now dilapidated houses that line neighborhoods, the kind college students crowd into. Meanwhile, everyone dons kingly robes: trailing coats, vintage furs, cashmere socks, grandmother’s knits. Everyone’s digging things up, remembering, forgetting. Everyone’s just trying to get through another Upstate winter.
Through love affairs, drinks with the boys and a trip to the psych ward, Sutherland II documents how Sutherland himself gets through these days — with graceful vulnerability and powerful guitar chops. It nails down acutely the beautiful sadness of winter, its forced periods of intense introspection, its loneliness and its frustration. Sutherland validates all those emotions through shared experience and earnest vocals.
The sharp wind of winters can pull tears out the eye unwittingly, can flush cheeks artificially; the early sunsets can warp time — 6 p.m. starts to feel like midnight. Everything is not as it seems, but in the frigid sunlight you can see your own air when you breathe, it reminds you you’re alive, it reminds you where you are. “Take a deep breath / it’s the only thing that’s real,” Sutherland sings on “Breathe.”
Sutherland II is comprised of 11 tracks of psychedelic rock n’ roll. Sutherland is on guitar, vocals and bass, Alex Cote is on drums, and local legend Ben Morey played organ on “Breathe,” in addition to engineering and recording the album at his Submarine Sound Studios in Rochester. Ryan Sutherland notes his references as the likes of Kurt Vile, Bob Dylan and Sturgil Simpson, but there’s also a bit of Billy Bragg in his tone and chord progressions.
The album is perfect to listen to when walking through snowy streets at night, when they haven’t been plowed just yet, when the snow just fell, blanketing everything in eerie silence, stillness. You can listen through earbuds tucked into puffer jackets and hats and scarves, cold beer in a cold hand, frozen finger flicking a lighter, cracked knuckles, chapped lips. When it’s so quiet, too quiet, and you think you might go crazy, listen to track six, “Psych Ward Blues.” Sutherland shouts out the local Rochester staple: Strong Memorial Hospital, and bluntly recounts checking himself in, with smart timing and easy humor.
Driving Upstate in this season is surreal as well — all black trees, white lakes and red barnes. It’s depressing, but the depression of Upstate winters twists itself in the minds of those of us who have been here for the long haul, and it turns into a sense of pride, a game of “how much of this can I take?” “Everybody wants to leave Upstate NY,” Sutherland sings on “Everyone’s Leaving (Upstate NY)” Even Sutherland wants to leave sometimes, when the cold is bitter, when his boss calls him into his office, when the economies bad and he can’t save a dime. Still, Ryan Sutherland doesn’t leave, a mysterious force exists, holding him here, the beauty in the sadness: “I got a feeling this city needs me / or I need it / desperately.”
The Beach Boys are one of the most critically acclaimed and influential bands of all time and on Tuesday, December 6th, Mike Love brought the current version of the band to The Paramount in Huntington, Long Island. The lineup included Mike with longtime member since 1965 Bruce Johnston, musical director Scott Totten, Brian Eichenberger, Christian Love, Tim Bonhomme, John Cowsill, Keith Hubacher and Randy Leago.
John Stamos also performed as a special guest with the band for this show and their show at Carnegie Hall the night before. Stamos grew up idolizing the band as a teen and formed a friendship with the group during his days as an actor on “General Hospital” and has frequently collaborated with them since.
Mike Love at The Paramount 12.6.22
The group formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. The original lineup consisted of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love and friend Al Jardine. Shortly after Dennis’s tragic death in 1983, Brian became estranged from the group. Following Carl’s death from Lung cancer in 1998, the band granted Mike Love legal writes to tour under the group’s name. Other then a brief reunion in 2010’s for the 50th anniversary, Wilson and Jardine do not perform with Love’s edition of The Beach Boys, but still remain official members of the band.
Mike Love and Bruce Johnston at The Paramount 12.6.22
The show included 30 plus songs spanning over the 60 year legacy of The Beach Boys. The concert also included a generous collection of Christmas songs with a Beach Boys twist made famous by their 1965 “The Beach Boys’ Christmas Album.” Love, 81, recalls events leading to the Beach Boys first Christmas song. “In the early 60’s we made a 45 with “Surfin Safari” on one side. On the other side was a song about a hot rod ‘409’. Then we did “Surfin U.S.A.” and “Shut Down”. Along about 1963, we said, “Lets give Santa a hot rod sled” and “Little Saint Nick” was born. Other songs from Love’s 2018 album Reason for the Season were also performed.
This current tour is also an opportunity to acknowledge the new Sail On Sailor– 1972 box set which celebrates the landmark albums 1972 albums Carl And The Passions and Holland . The 5lp set also includes a 38 page book with liner notes and rare photos plus a previously unreleased concert from Carnegie Hall recorded in 1972.
Setlist: Do It Again, Surfin’ Safari, Catch A Wave, Surfin U.S.A., Surfer Girl, Getcha Back, When I Grow Up, Darlin, Be True To Your School, White Christmas, The Man With All The Toys, Santa’s Beard, Jingle Bell Rock, Finally It’s Christmas, Celestial Celebration, In My Room, Don’t Worry Baby, Little Deuce Coupe, I Get Around, California Dreamin, Sloop John B, Wouldn’t It Be Nice, California Girls, Forever, God Only Knows, I’ll Be Home For Christmas, Frosty The Snowman, Must Be Christmas, Reason For The Season, Do You Wanna Dance, Help Me Rhonda, Kokomo, Barbara Ann, Good Vibrations, Little Saint Nick, Fun, Fun, Fun
40 years ago tonight, on Friday, December 10, 1982, legendary rockers The Who brought their first farewell tour to Syracuse’s Carrier Dome, performing to a crowd of 47,319.
With the tour ending a week later in Toronto, this was the final chance for many in the Northeast to see The Who – even though they would later reform in 1989 for a reunion tour and continue to tour today.
The tour was sponsored by Schlitz beer, part of the Schlitz Rocks America marketing campaign.
Performing in 1982 at the Carrier Dome – which had only opened two years prior in September 1980, The Who inspired local radio station 95X to dub the Salt City ‘SyracWHOse’ as a lead up to the then-record attendance show.
CNY Vintage reported that the stage was illuminated with 400 aircraft lights, 12 computerized lights that swivel in unison, and eight huge spotlights.
This show was also a few short years after 11 fans died at a Who concert in Cincinnati in 1979 in the process of racing for general admission seats. Thus, the Carrier Dome concert – the final stadium show on The Who Farewell Tour – had reserved seating with tickets costing $15 which could only be purchased by mail (that’s $106.94 in 2022 dollars).
As for the show itself, fans were treated to a setlist that balanced fan-favorites with rarities including “Dangerous,” “Cry if you Want” and “It’s Hard.” Fans who attended the show and recall the performance 40 years ago shared their memories with NYS Music:
I was there up in nose bleeds. First time seeing The Who live. Been to 20 shows since, including front row in front of Pete at MSG IN ‘04, one of the highlights of my life. I don’t remember many details from the Syracuse show, other than I was so happy to see them live!! Loved it!!!
Best memory was I was in Boston and my car wouldn’t start and I was devastated. My friend and his frat brother said no problem, we’ll come get you guys!! They were near Albany NY and drove 3 hrs each way before going another 2 hours to Syracuse!! We were wasted by the time they got to Boston!! I almost had a recording of it but my compact cassette recorder got discovered in my pants by security.
That was my second time seeing The Who, which was my favorite band. I remember being a little disappointed that they opened with “My Generation,” which I think needs to be deeper in the set and built up to. It was a little strange hearing the Quadrophenia selections scattered a bit throughout, since I always think of them in sequence.
I always considered “Love Ain’t for Keeping” the weakest track on Who’s Next so it was a revelation hearing it done live. I loved “Naked Eye” in the encore, but ending with “Squeeze Box” and the “Twist and Shout” cover made it a bit meh for me. I also love “Eminence Front” and I’m glad that they continue to keep it in their concert set to this day.
The Who – Carrier Dome, Syracuse – December 10, 1982
Setlist: My Generation, I Can’t Explain, Dangerous, Sister Disco, The Quiet One, It’s Hard, Eminence Front, Behind Blue Eyes, Baba O’Riley, Doctor Jimmy, Boris the Spider, Drowned, Cry If You Want, Who Are You, Pinball Wizard, See Me, Feel Me, Love Ain’t for Keepin’, 5:15, Love, Reign O’er Me, Long Live Rock, Won’t Get Fooled Again
Encore: Naked Eye, Squeeze Box, Twist and Shout (The Top Notes cover)
Watch videos from the 1982 performance by The Who at The Carrier Dome below, including the full concert bootleg.
The world’s most iconic rock legends Def Leppard and Motley Crue are going global in 2023 with their co-headline “The World Tour.” Making a surprise appearing along some of the tour dates, special guest Alice Cooper will also be along for the ride. The U.S. leg of the world tour kicks off on August 5th in Syracuse.
With more than 110 million albums sold worldwide, the infamous Def Leppard continue to be one of the most important forces in all rock music. Over the course of their career, the band has produced a series of classic groundbreaking albums that set the bar for generations of music fans and artists alike. The group has some of the most legendary tracks such as “Rock of Ages,” “Pour Some Sugar on Me” and “Foolin.”
“After finally getting back on the road this past summer, we’re beyond thrilled to bring this massive tour to a global audience including some special dates in America!”
Joe Elliott of Def Leppard
Likewise, the infamous Mötley Crüe are known for their iconic crazy live performances. The band has sold-out countless tours across the globe in front of millions of fans with groundbreaking production highlights such as Tommy Lee’s drum-rollercoaster and Nikki Sixx’s flame-throwing-bass.
Mötley Crüe’s hit songs such as “Kickstart My Heart” and “Home Sweet Home” are frequently known throughout rock history. The band’s biography “The Dirt: Confessions of the World’s Most Notorious Rock Band” became a New York Times best-seller in 2001 and has an amazing Netflix adaptation from 2019.
“We had an incredible time playing The Stadium Tour in North America this summer and we truly can’t wait to take the show around the globe with The WORLD Tour in 2023. Crüeheads get ready because we have a few amazing U.S. dates set for you!”
Mötley Crüe, in a joint statement
Lastly, Alice Cooper has also pioneered a brand of hard rock that was designed to shock audiences of all ages. Drawing his inspiration from horror movies, vaudeville, and garage rock, he created a stage show that featured electric chairs, guillotines, fake blood and boa constrictors. He continues to tour regularly, performing shows worldwide with the dark and horror-themed theatrics that he’s best known for.
You won’t want to miss the thrilling craziness of this tour, packed full of amazing rock music from Def Leppard and Motley Crue. These bands have consciousness rattled the cages and undermined the authority of generations of guardians of the status quo. They continue to surprise fans and exude danger at every turn, especially with this tour.
THE WORLD TOUR DATES:
Saturday, August 5 Syracuse, NY JMA Wireless Dome
Tuesday, August 8 Columbus, OH Ohio Stadium
Friday, August 11 Fargo, ND Fargodome
Sunday, August 13 Omaha, NE Charles Schwab Field Omaha
Wednesday, August 16 Tulsa, OK H.A. Chapman Stadium
Friday, August 18 El Paso, TX Sun Bowl
CURRENTLY ON-SALE DATES:
Fri, Feb 10, 2023 Atlantic City, NJ Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena^
Sat, Feb 11, 2023 Atlantic City, NJ Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena^
Sat, Feb 18, 2023 Mexico City, Mexico Foro Sol
Tue, Feb 21, 2023 Monterrey, Mexico Estadio Banorte
Sat, Feb 25, 2023 Bogota, Colombia Parque Simon Bolivar
Tue, Feb 28, 2023 Lima, Peru Estadio Nacional
Fri, Mar 3, 2023 Santiago, Chile Estadio Bicentenario de La Florida
Tue, Mar 7, 2023 Sao Paulo, Brazil Allianz Parque
Mon, May 22, 2023 Sheffield, UK Bramall Lane
Thu, May 25, 2023 Mönchengladbach, Germany SparkassenPark
Sat, May 27, 2023 Munich, Germany Koenigsplatz
Mon, May 29, 2023 Budapest, Hungary MVM Dome
Wed, May 31, 2023 Krakow, Poland TAURON Arena Kraków
Fri, Jun 2, 2023 Prague, Czech Republic Prague Rocks *
Sat, Jun 3, 2023 Hannover, Germany Expo Plaza
Wed, Jun 7, 2023 Solvesborg, Sweden Sweden Rock Festival *
Fri, Jun 9, 2023 Hyvinkää, Finland RockFest *
Sun, Jun 11, 2023 Trondheim, Norway Trondheim Rocks *
Wed, Jun 14, 2023 Copenhagen, Denmark COPENHELL *
Sun, Jun 18, 2023 Dessel, Belgium Graspop Metal Meeting *
Tue, Jun 20, 2023 Milan, Italy Ippodromo SNAI San Siro
Fri, Jun 23, 2023 Lisbon, Portugal Passeio Maritimo de Alges
Sat, Jun 24, 2023 Rivas-Vaciamadrid, Spain Auditorio Miguel Ríos
Tue, Jun 27, 2023 Thun, Switzerland Stockhorn Arena
Sat, Jul 1, 2023 London, UK Wembley Stadium
Sun, Jul 2, 2023 Lytham, UK Lytham Festival *
Tue, Jul 4, 2023 Dublin, Ireland Marlay Park
Thu, Jul 6, 2023 Glasgow, UK Hampden Park
^ no Alice Cooper
* Festival Date
Tickets go on sale Friday, December 16th at 10am. For more information, click the link here.
Fresh off the heels of a successful co-headlining tour with Trey Anastasio and his band, Goose has announced new dates for their 2023 Spring Tour. It’s one that will see the band tour 14 cities over a five-week span that literally crosses the country. After a five-night run at the legendary Capitol Theatre in NY in early March that’s already sold out, the tour is scheduled to begin in Boston on March 23 at Roadrunner.
The spring tour also features two-night stands at such iconic venues as Philadelphia, PA’s The Met (March 24-25), Nashville, TN’s Ryman Auditorium (March 31-April 1), Seattle, WA’s Paramount Theatre (April 22-23), and San Francisco, CA’s The Warfield (April 27-28).
A ticket request lottery for all these newly announced Goose Spring Tour 2023 shows is currently underway at the band’s website and will continue through Wednesday, December 7, at 5 pm (ET). Lottery winners will be notified via email before the start of venue presales, set to run Thursday, December 8 from 10 am-10 pm (local). All remaining tickets go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, December 9 at 10 am (local). A variety of VIP packages and accommodation discounts will also be available.
This week also sees Goose marking yet another milestone in what has proven a momentous 2022 with their first-ever live performance on NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, set for Wednesday, December 7 at 11:35 pm (ET)/10:35 pm (CT) (check local listings).
Goose Spring Tour 2023
MARCH
8-12 – Port Chester, NY – Capitol Theatre
23 – Boston, MA – Roadrunner
24 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
25 – Philadelphia, PA – The Met
26 – Cleveland, OH – Agora
31 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
APRIL 2023
1 – Nashville, TN – Ryman Auditorium
2 – Birmingham, AL – Avondale Brewing Co.
13 – Madison, WI – The Sylvee
14 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed
15 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed
16 – St. Paul, MN – Palace Theatre
18 – Bozeman, MT – The Elm
19 – Bozeman, MT – The Elm
21 – Boise, ID – Knitting Factory
22 – Seattle, WA – The Paramount Theatre
23 – Seattle, WA – The Paramount Theatre
25 – Eugene, OR – The McDonald Theatre
27 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
28 – San Francisco, CA – The Warfield
29 – San Diego, CA – CalCoast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
The holiday season delivered an early gift for music fans on Saturday, December 3, as radio station 95X hosted its annual 95X-Mas Pajama Jam at The Westcott Theater in Syracuse. The event, headlined by the indie folk-rock band Wilderado, also featured a solo performance by Andrew McMahon and a set by Almost Monday.
Wilderado performs at the 95x-Mas Pajama Jam in Syracuse, NY
Wilderado, hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, are led by Max Rainer (vocals and guitar), also include Tyler Wimpee (guitar), Justin Kila (drums), David Stimson (bass guitar) and Jack Malonis (keyboards). They continue to tour in support of their 2021 self-titled album, and were making their first appearance in Central NY.
Wilderado performs at the 95x-Mas Pajama Jam in Syracuse, NY
The event opened with a set by Almost Monday. The San Diego indie-rockers hit the stage promptly at 8pm and delighted fans with a set of groovy rock tracks.
Almost Monday performs at the 95x-Mas Pajama Jam in Syracuse, NY
Up next was Andrew McMahon. McMahon is most known for his years fronting the bands Something Corporate and Jack’s Mannequin. His recent set at Beak & Skiff in August 2022 was a summer favorite of many. On this evening, however, fans were treated to a rare, solo performance. Flanked by just a piano, McMahon took fans through a journey highlighting many of his past musical projects. From the moment McMahon took the stage, fans sang along to every word. A set filled with many highlights, perhaps the most special moment was when McMahon closed his set by honoring a fan’s request by playing the emotional “Hammers and Strings.”
Andrew McMahon performs at the 95x-Mas Pajama Jam in Syracuse, NY
After a brief intermission, it was time for Wilderado. The band opened with a dreamy musical intro before launching into “Stranger,” the opening track on their 2021 self-titled album. The band weaved through several folk-rock styled tracks, much to the enjoyment of the crowd who jumped, danced, and sang along.
Wilderado performs at the 95x-Mas Pajama Jam in Syracuse, NY
As the set wound to a close, Rainer summoned the crowd. “Are you guys going to help me sing Surefire?” The band began their stand out track and the crowd did not dissapoint, belting out the lyrics to the catchy chorus. As the song concluded, the band members shed their instruments and joined Rainer at the front of the stage. Armed with just an acoustic guitar, the band closed their set with “Rubble to Rubble”, a beautiful ode becoming a new parent.
Multi-platinum, four-time GRAMMY-nominated rock band Goo Goo Dolls have revealed the details for their The Big Night Out Tour with O.A.R. The massive summer 2023 tour will kick off on July 24th, 2023 and roll through major outdoor venues in New York including Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, SPAC and St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater.
On the upcoming tour, John Rzeznik shares, “I’m so proud to finally be able to announce our summer tour with a great band and our friends O.A.R. It’s going to be an amazing night of great music for everyone so BE THERE!!!”
O.A.R.’s Marc Roberge also added, “After working on separate albums in the same studio all last year, John and I realized pretty quickly how much fun we’d have on tour together. We’re all band guys, love being musicians, and started planning a special night that all our fans would enjoy.”
The first album of their career to be produced by frontman John Rzeznik, Chaos in Bloom finds the band continuing to evolve just as they have for nearly four decades together. Consisting of 10 tracks including singles “Yeah, I Like You” and “You Are The Answer”, Chaos in Bloom is an album of biting sarcasm, stadium-ready choruses, and the type of spear-sharp songwriting that’s led them to becoming one of the most influential alternative rock groups of all time.
Formed in Buffalo during 1986 by John Rzeznik and Robby Takac, their newer album Chaos in Bloom finds the band continuing to evolve just as they have for nearly four decades together. Currently, front-man John Rzeznik is gearing up to take the iHeartRadio Theater stage in Los Angeles on December 13th for a special acoustic performance. The show will stream at 7pm PT/10pm ET on YouTube.com/iHeartRadio and broadcasted on iHeartMedia’s Hot AC stations.
Along with this, lead vocalist and guitar to the Goo Goo Dolls, John Rzneik’s birthday was just this week on December 5th. Happy Birthday John!
The Big Night Out Summer 2023 Tour Dates
Jul 24 – Tampa, FL – Coachman Park
Jul 26 – Boca Raton, FL – Mizner Park Amphitheater
Jul 27 – Saint Augustine, FL – The Saint Augustine Amphitheatre
Jul 29 – Albertville, AL – Sand Mountain Park & Amphitheater
Jul 30 – Atlanta, GA – Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
Aug 01 – Simpsonville, SC – CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park
Aug 02 – Greensboro, NC – White Oak Amphitheatre
Aug 04 – Columbia, MD – Merriweather Post Pavilion
Aug 05 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
Aug 06 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts – The Pavilion
Aug 08 – Saratoga Springs, NY – SPAC
Aug 09 – Bethlehem, PA – Musikfest
Aug 11 – Atlantic City, NJ – The Borgata
Aug 12 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
Aug 13 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater
Aug 15 – Boston, MA – Leader Bank Pavilion
Aug 16 – Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater
Aug 18 – Cincinnati, OH – PNC Pavilion
Aug 19 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
Aug 20 – Cleveland, OH – Blossom Music Center
Aug 22 – Chicago, IL – Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Aug 23 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
Aug 25 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater
Aug 26 – Maryland Heights, MO – Saint Louis Music Park
Aug 27 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
Aug 30 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
Aug 31 – Sandy, UT – Sandy Amphitheater
Sep 02 – Seattle, WA – TBD
Sep 03 – Seattle, WA – TBD
Sep 04 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater
Sep 06 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre
Sep 07 – Highland, CA – Yaamava’ Theater *without O.A.R.
Tickets go on-sale Friday, December 9th at 10am local time. To purchase tickets, click the link HERE.
In the early 80’s, I was an underaged aspiring musician, desperately trying to break out of my high school music scene to be a part of something bigger. I think the drinking age was still 18; but I was far from the cutoff age, and looked even younger, so getting into clubs to see bands was nearly impossible. I was frequently sent home by less than sympathetic doormen and bartenders with the same parting words; “Ya gotta grow up, kid”. Every once in a while, I would get lucky and be able to catch part of a set, sometimes only part of a song, before being discovered and swiftly ejected. Yes, I was that pain in the ass kid.
One band in particular, The Units, had quite a following in the area, and enjoyed some success before changing their name to Fear of Strangers. They were very popular, and their shows well attended, which provided me with plenty of camouflage. I was able to catch the entire set before being discovered, and as I was firmly escorted out (I weighed about 80 pounds), I was still going through my mental notes of everything that I had just picked up from their drummer, Mr. Al Kash. This was the closest that I had ever been to a legitimate rock star.
Al Kash with Fatty Lumpkin
Al Kash appeared to be ten feet tall, with an additional two feet of hair, with a five-foot reach over his drum set. His playing was inspiring to this impressionable teenager; as he effortlessly conducted the band, while laying down the perfect groove with an ever-present smile. I’ve seen him play dozens of times since then, and he still inspires me. Al has been a staple of the local scene for over 40 years, playing with multiple acts, and is one of the nicest, most talented and humble guys that you’ll ever meet. Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Al Kash!
RRX: How did you get your start on the drums? How old were you, and why the drums?
AK: My family arrived in Australia in 1964. One of my first friends there happened to be a guitarist. He suggested I take up bass so we could start a band. Next thing we’re auditioning for a band. There was a drum set, but no drummer. The singer’s girlfriend played drums, but they recently split up. For whatever reason, I sat down on the kit and started playing. I ended up buying the drums. I was 15.
AK: I’m still influenced by all of my favorites. I listen to a lot of stuff from India, Brazil, etc.
RRX: I’ve seen you play a number of different kits; what’s your favorite? Do you have a “dream kit”?
AK: I’ve had so many kits, including a 13-piece Rogers kit. But mostly four to six piece kits, the majority of them being USA brands, with an occasional Premier or Yamaha kit. My dream kit would probably be some sort of Terry Bozzio set up.
RRX: Tell me about some of your favorite gig/playing experiences.
AK: Opening for The Rolling Stones was a great experience. I’ve also played in opening acts for Roy Orbison, Van Morrison, REM, and Iggy Pop. I’ve toured through Italy, Hawaii, Europe, Brazil, Australia, Tasmania and the USA.
RRX: The Rolling Stones? What?!? Please, tell me more!
AK: The Stones gig was great. Seeing Bill Wyman asking our singer if he could bum a smoke (Rollie Drum tobacco) was a crack up! They were great. They seemed to be having a great time. This may have been the last show of their Oz Tour. (Perth Australia, 1973).
RRX: Amazing! What an experience! Do you play any other instruments?
AK: Percussion, guitar, recorder and bass
RRX: Do you read music? Write?
AK: I do read and write music, and I have two solo albums.
RRX: Yes! I’ve listened to “Spectrum Bateria”, and it’s great! You have some great videos on your Youtube channel; alkashdrummer. There is an incredible video of you playing high atop a sculpture. How high was that, and who lugged all of the gear up there? Were you prepared for rain? Snow? Any plans to do it again?
AK: That structure is a look-out tower in Kings Park, Perth, West Australia. I’m sure that it’s three stories or more high. We had a road crew back then, who got my stuff up there. No snow in Perth. I would gladly do it again if someone would lug my drums up there!
RRX: It’s a great video and seems like a great experience. Tell us a good gig story.
AK: Back in The Units/Fear of Strangers days, we were playing at Yesterday’s on Fuller Road when a group of bikers came in. All of the sudden there were bottles and glasses flying through the air. We panicked and started to drag our equipment into the kitchen. It all stopped rather quickly when the bartender whipped out a rifle! Another time I was playing the Corporate Run with Playin’ with Fire under the museum on Madison Avenue in Albany. The little side street next to where we were set up had a row of 20 porta-potties. As we finished up our set, a strong wind storm came in, which required a few band members trying to keep one of the porta-potties from wiping our gear out! We watched three or four more of them coasting by, heading down Madison Ave. with the cops in pursuit!
RRX: That sounds terrible. I hope that they were not in use at the time. What do you play for cymbals?
AK: Most brands, the drier type preferred. I am always interested in independent cymbal makers; Istanbul’s, K’s, even broken/cracked cymbals.
RRX: Have you had any formal training?
AK: Yes, I’ve had a half dozen lessons with Andrew Cyrille, the drummer for Cecil Taylor. I’ve also studied with Rob Taylor from Perth, Australia. I’ve also had reading and technique discussions with Mr. Mark Foster from Albany.
RRX: We’ve all studied with Mark Foster! Tell me about your current projects.
AK: I’m currently gigging with Playin’ with Fire, and I have a few recording projects with Axe Iron Suns. I’m also looking forward to a new project with Moses Nagel, bassist from The Magdalens.
RRX: What is some advice you would give to aspiring drummers?
AK: Be adventurous and play as much as you can every day.
RRX: I’ll do my best. Thank you
Al Kash! Thanks to the rest of you for reading, and check out Al’s YouTube channel, or playing live with Playin’ with Fire. See you next time.
This interview was originally featured on RadioRadioX
The Red Hot Chili Peppers announced their 2023 tour will be stopping in New York, at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse. After releasing two studio albums this year, Return of the Dream Canteen and Unlimited Love, the California rock band will embark on the 23-date tour across North America and Europe.
The Red Hot Chili Peppers will be joined on the 2023 tour by a host of openers, both indie artists and rock icons: The Strokes, Iggy Pop, The Roots, The Mars Volta, St. Vincent, City and Colour, Thundercat and King Princess. At the Syracuse show, the Red Hot Chili Peppers will be joined by King Princess and the Strokes.
The JMA Dome has hosted many of the biggest names in music, from the Grateful Dead, who played renowned shows at the Dome in 1982, ’83 and ’84, to Elton John who played two times over the years, including his final performance this year.
Tickets go on sale starting Friday, December 9 at 10 a.m., they can be found at the Red Hot Chili Peppers site. See the full tour dates below.
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 2023 NORTH AMERICA TOUR DATES:
March 29 2023 – Vancouver, BC – BC Place – with City and Colour and King Princess
April 1 2023 – Las Vegas, NV – Allegiant Stadium – with King Princess and St. Vincent
April 6 2023 – Fargo, ND – FARGODOME – with King Princess and The Strokes
April 8 2023 – Minneapolis, MN – US Bank Stadium – with King Princess and The Strokes
April 14 2023 – Syracuse, NY– JMA Wireless Dome – with King Princess and The Strokes
May 12 2023 – San Diego, CA – Snap Dragon Stadium – with The Mars Volta and Thundercat
May 14 2023 – Phoenix, AZ – State Farm Stadium – with The Strokes and Thundercat
May 17 2023 – San Antonio, TX – Alamodome – with The Strokes and Thundercat
May 19 2023 – Gulf Shores, AL – Hangout Music Festival
May 25 2023 – Houston, TX – Minute Maid Park – with The Strokes and Thundercat
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS 2023 EUROPE TOUR DATES:
June 18 2023 – Landgraaf, NL – Pinkpop
June 21 2023 – Warsaw, Poland – PGE Narodowy – with Iggy Pop
June 24 2023 – Odense, DK – Tinderbox
June 26 2023 – Mannheim, DE – Maimarktgelände – with Iggy Pop
June 30 2023 – Leuven, BE – Rock Wercther
July 2 2023 – Milan, IT – I-Days
July 6 2023 – Lisbon, PT – NOS Live
July 8 2023 – Madrid, ES – Mad Cool
July 11 2023 – Lyon, FR – Groupama Stadium – with King Princess and Iggy Pop
July 14 2023 – Vienna, AT – Ernst-Happel Stadion – with King Princess and Iggy Pop
July 17 2023 – Carhaix, FR – Les Vieilles Charrues
July 21 2023 – London, UK – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – with King Princess and The Roots
July 23 2023 – Glasgow, UK – Hampden Park – with King Princess and The Roots
