Camp Freddy - 1/27/05
Dave asked me to sing with Camp Freddy last week for a Tsunami benefit show at the Key Club (January 27th). Beside the fact that it was great to do something to help the situation over there in some way, being invited to sing with Camp Freddy is insanely fun. This was my third time, and as usual, it was a blur of great music, sweaty rock stars, and laughs. The only rehearsal was the day of the show onstage at the Key Club. I was asked to sing “She Sells Sanctuary” from the Cult. I love this song. When I was in high school, I had a drum set and used to play this song over and over. On the bill were Terri Nunn from Berlin, Jerry Cantrell, Slash, and Courtney Love. This was my first time playing with the “regular” CF drummer, Velvet Revolver’s Matt Sorum.
Michael Des Barres was a riot. I really like that guy, he has this kind of “elder statesman of all things rocking” vibe and he’s super cool. The lack of ego that accompanies the CF shows is the vital component to me. Most of those people don’t know me from a hole in the wall, but all treat me like an equal and I really appreciate that. Everybody is rooting for everybody else and the backstage vibe is way laid back.
Carmen Electra opened the show with her new burlesque troupe and they did two songs – super hot. The opening band was “The Tender Trio” and it was one of the guitarists from Blind Melon and the lead singer/bass player from Spacehog. Liked their set, good stuff.
Before my song (in last half of the set) Dave had asked if I’d sing harmonies for Annabella Lwin on “I Want Candy” earlier in the show. I love singing harmony, it’s something I haven’t gotten to do much of since I am usually singing lead, so this was going to be a treat. Well, almost… Once onstage I found out instantly the great challenge of the backup singer: How not to look like an asshole when waiting to sing. Once onstage, I realized that I was only singing the words “I Want Candy” …like 6 times total, and for the rest of the song, my job was to not look like a dumb ass. Well, better luck next time…
It came time for my song, and it was good times. The place was sold out and the energy in the place was great. Love the Camp Freddy.
Comments
I said this in a previous note, but the KeyClub show was great. My first Camp Freddy concert, and my first to see you with Dave et al. They could have charged a lot more for the tickets and still people would have been lining up outside. Makes me want to see a lot more Camp Freddy, and I hope you get invited with regularity.
My only issue was the sound system. Where we were, right up against the VIP wall on the right, we could not hear voices for the life of us. We didn't even recognize Metro until half-way through. Not sure if that is normal at the KeyClub or not.
Nonetheless, good job, Steve. You hung in there.
Posted by: Mike | February 7, 2005 11:13 AM
Steve you did not look like a dumb ass during I Want Candy, you looked fine. How often do you get to share the stage with the super hot Anabella Lewin? ;)
You totally killed She Sells Sanctuary, loved it!
I have to say I liked the Tender Trio too, they had a great groove going.
Camp Freddy is one heck of a cool thing to happen to music.
Posted by: mortisha8 | February 7, 2005 11:18 AM