I've had a little time to reflect on the past weekend's events and I come away with a one-word description: inspired.After all the preparation, rehearsal and time spent revisiting the music, the few hours we have on stage can literally be a blur. But this time it was different. We knew that we'd be backing up the legendary Ronnie Spector, so that was exciting. Then there was Earl Slick, master guitarist and a legend in his own rite. He's recorded and toured with the best of 'em. Then there was Greg Hawkes, keyboardist of The Cars: a pioneer of the synthesizer who, pretty much, redefined the sound of pop music for an entire generation. Then there was the amazingly witty songsmith Neil Innes, whose works with The Bonzo Dog Band, Monty Python and the "less-than-legendary" Rutles can make you laugh out loud. Finally, there was the always entertaining Mark Hudson with his equallly talented brother Brett Hudson. Those guys will take the stage and you'll be captured from the first chord.
So that was what we did, but there was so much more going on...SO MUCH more. People in the main lobby, on the second floor and even in the stairwell hallways, all singing Beatles' music. When you hear ten guitars, two basses and a slew of other instruments accompanying dozens of voices all singing some of the best music ever written, THAT'S a memorable experience!
I also got a chance to listen to Bruce Spizer's talk on the Let It Be Rooftop Sessions. Some very cool information from one of the most knowledgeable Beatle historians this side of the pond!
With all this going on, how can one NOT be inspired?
Amidst some pretty brutal financial times, we all got together for one purpose: the love of the Beatles. For one weekend in March, we all shared some special moments, ones that we can recall long after we've gone back to the day-to-day.
Now for some special thank yous:
To Mark & Carol Lapidos for making The Fest happen!
To my wife, Karen, for videotaping, photographing and keeping me sane! I LOVE YOU!!!
To my fellow Liverpool bandmates for the opportunity to play the best music EVER!
To Mikey Pico for keeping my guitars in tune and setting my stuff up. ¡Muchas gracias amigo!
To Debby Bischoff for helping out with my baby daughter Michelle...it was her first Fest BTW!!
To Robert D'Elia for making sure things are running smoothly!
To Ardie Ilardi and the whole sound & light crew for going above and beyond!
To Warren Melnick who never ceases to amaze!
To Sharon, Lauren, Cheryl, Jim and Jeff for always bringing a smile to my face!
To Robin and her friends for selling our merch in the lobby!!
And, lastly, to everyone who was there...THANK YOU ALL!!!
Peace, Love and Music Always,
John Merjave
