Blasters Q&A

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Latest addition: Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at 16:58:57

Questions Answered:



From: Roy Ross (Saturday, February 26, 2005 at 11:09:35)
Answered: Tuesday, March 8, 2005 at 16:58:57.

"Downey California is the place to be from" I notice that The Blasters are playing at the Pioneertown Palace in April. As this aera is my old/(and to be again) stomping grounds. I hope to be there. The question I have is. Was it Phil or Dave that would sing "Hot Nuts" at Ed Atkinsons' back porch at 1:00 Am. Thanks for the memeries.
Roy,
That was Phil who sang "Hot Nuts" and many others, back in the day.
See you at Pappy and Harriet's in Pioneertown.
John


From: Steve Trivoli (Wednesday, March 17, 2004 at 20:06:42)
Answered: Friday, February 4, 2005 at 12:30:10.

Hi Dave,

This is Steve Trivoli. You know the drummer/singer guy that used to hang with Billy Bateman. I just purchase your new DVD. It was killer. After seeing old Bill, I really would like to see him again. Ya know, talk about old times. Anyway, it would be really cool if you could let him know I'm lookin' him up. My e-mail address is Ricken01@netzero.com. Or Stevet@3day.com.


Sincerely,

Steve Trivoli
Steve,
I forwarded your message to Bill.
JohnB


From: nick (Monday, May 17, 2004 at 21:56:56)
Answered: Friday, February 4, 2005 at 12:24:58.

Hi. I keep hearing about a new CD from the current Blasters lineup. It's been an awfully long wait, so what's the deal? You guys have a great band, and you deserve to have it out there. I hope to hear it soon.
Nick.
Nick,
Our new record, "4-11-44," is out in Europe on Evangeline Records, but isn't yet available here in the states. I've heard from a friend that it's availabe from www.mymusic.com.
Until we secure a domestic deal for our new CD, this is one of the few ways to obtain it.
Thanks for the question.
JohnB


From: Gary Lambeth (Sunday, August 8, 2004 at 19:50:50)
Answered: Friday, February 4, 2005 at 12:12:36.

A question for Phil... In 1986 I saw you play in a university quad (UCSD I think.) You set up a little pig-amp and played the contents of Unsung Stories. I bought the tape from you and played it till it died. It still remains one of my top ten favorites. How do I buy the CD?
Gary,
That's a great record but unfortunately out of print. Try contacting Billy Davis at blastersnewsletter.com for suggestions to where you might find a used copy - tell him I sent you.
Good luck,
JohnB


From: John Pidgeon (Saturday, November 6, 2004 at 08:35:31)
Answered: Friday, February 4, 2005 at 12:06:23.

A number of years ago (15 or so)a friend played a song for me that I think was called "How Do You Talk To An Angel." I thought it was by you folks, but am unable to find it anywhere. Was this your song and if so, where can I find it?
Thank You,
John Pidgeon
John,
No, that's not our song. I think was done by the Heights. Try a Google search for that title.
Good luck,
JohnB


From: Michiko (Sunday, November 28, 2004 at 11:17:48)
Answered: Friday, February 4, 2005 at 11:55:36.

What prompted you guys to record again after all that time off? I have to tell you that I went to the House of Blues show last night to see X, a band i used to see a lot many years ago and was blown away by the Blasters!! You guys stole the show. I can't believe I managed to miss you guys for all those years!! I'm definitely going to be catching up on your music. All the bands were good, but the Blasters were unbelievable! Whatever your motive, I'm glad you guys got back in the studio and I can't wait to hear your new stuff...and I'm glad there's old stuff for me to look into.

I hope you play LA again soon...I can guarantee you at least one new fan in the audience!

Michiko
(ps - sorry but i just have to ask...is john bazz married?)
Michiko,
Believe it or not, we've been attempting to record a CD for the last 10 years or so, but have been taking our sweet time about it. We are, after all, world class procrastinators.
Thanks for your compliments. I too, feel that we're a pretty hard rockin' band.
Sorry for the late notice, but we play L.A. again, tomorrow (2/5/05), at the Echo on Sunset Blvd., in L.A.
Keep on rockin'
JohnB
(ps - married, two kids)


From: John (Tuesday, January 11, 2005 at 13:09:30)
Answered: Friday, February 4, 2005 at 11:11:57.

Hi i was wonderin' where i might be able to purchase the Goin' Home DVD.
Oh ya and You guys (the Blasters) KICK butt you guys rule.
You should be able to pick up the DVD from any reputable record store or from Amazon.com.
Good Luck,
JohnB


From: thu lieu (Thursday, January 20, 2005 at 16:05:05)
Answered: Friday, February 4, 2005 at 11:00:53.

hi.
Well, first of all I would like to say that you guys are really great. You are fantastic.
The second, by sending this mail, I wanna to ask you for a favour.
You see, I'm from Norway and in september 25/2004 you were playing in Sweden at Jøssefors, I couldn't wait to see you guys. You are my favourite. But when I findly came to Sweden, I got car sickness and that was not good. And on our way to the House where you were playing, I coludn't do anything else than look forward to see you, so we started drinking in the cab. And guess what I got worse. I did listen to the first band from sweden. and try to stay and wait for you, but I couldn't, so what happend, when my favourite band got on stage I was down the toilett for 2 and a hafe hour. And I did hear you. That was hard, cause I wish I was uppstairs offcourse. So what I am asking you is, if you could send me a poster with your signatures???? I can pay for it!!!I really want you guys on the wall.

And actually my boyfriend and his friends was in backstage talking with you guys, cause they do have a club in Norway called The Wild Bunch rock n' roll club, and they really want to book you sometime..... Well, thanks anyway.
Boy, that was a fun show in Jossefors, I remember meeting your friends from Wild Bunch club and telling them that we'd like to play there next time we visit Scandinavia.
Please send me your address and I'll see what I can do about getting you a signed poster of the band.
Cheers,
JohnB
lazyboyrocker@hotmail.com


From: john daquino (Tuesday, September 16, 2003 at 14:17:10)
Answered: Wednesday, November 3, 2004 at 11:14:43.

What is the name of the song, that references the boxer Roy Jones Jr.

Please let me know

Thank you
John,
The song is "One Bad Stud," and is from the "Streets of Fire" soundtrack.
Although the lyrics don't mention Roy Jones jr., Phil usually dedicates the song to whomever is currently boxing's heavy weight champion.
Hope this helps.
JohnB


From: Steve (Thursday, June 3, 2004 at 10:16:02)
Answered: Friday, October 29, 2004 at 13:21:05.

I was looking at the merchindise section of the Blasters web site and, I didn't see any calenders available. Is there any chance you will produce a calender with pictures of the "Classic" Blasters and the current line up also? I've got a calender of the Greatful Dead hanging in my cubical now but, I'd replace it in a second if a Balaster one was available.

Thanks, Steve
Steve,
Thats' a really cool Idea; merchandise that is useful!
I'll ask managemant to look into it.
Thanks again,
JohnB


From: Nick (Tuesday, October 12, 2004 at 21:21:03)
Answered: Friday, October 29, 2004 at 13:13:16.

How many Blasters albums did Lee Allen play on?
Which ones?
Nick,
Lee Allen played on 4 albums and 1 soundtrack.
They are:
Blasters, 1981
Over There, 1982
Non Fiction, 1983
Two songs on the Streets of Fire Soundtrack, 1984
Hard Line, 1985
He also appears on the reissues: Testament and the Blasters Collection.
Thanks for the question.
JohnB
PS, Billy Davis, did I miss anything?


From: Martin Girouard (Sunday, November 2, 2003 at 13:39:19)
Answered: Friday, October 29, 2004 at 11:56:23.

This is more of an observation, but I would love to hear any of the bands' comments on it:

I'm listening to Testament and I suddenly understood something: Phil's voice is really an instrument, apart from the lyrics. The only thing I can compare it to is an opera singer, where you can appreciate the voice as an instrument even if you don't understand the lyrics. But while an opera singer's voice might be compared to a violin, Phil's is something more soulful, like a saxophone. In fact, his voice sounds so similar to a saxophone, you could probably play exactly what sings on a saxophone and it would sound great.

Just had to get that out, thanks.

Martin,
Too bad Phil has such an aversion to email, this would be a good question for him to answer.
I do know for certain, though, that two of his all time favorite singers are Big Joe Turner and Bing Crosby, and I think if you listen closely to Phil's singing, you can't miss hearing those influences.
The saxaphone, of all the instruments, is the most voice-like. I wouldn't doubt that all of those years playing with Lee Allen, had an effect on Phil.
Later,
JohnB


From: Mike (Thursday, September 4, 2003 at 12:02:16)
Answered: Tuesday, September 9, 2003 at 14:30:10.

Did The Blasters truly cancel the Seattle show with Rev. Heat on 9/12/03? They're still selling tickets as advertised.
Mike,
The Rev HH tour was called off last week. It was a tough call, but we really had to cancel.
JohnB


From: David Storey (Sunday, December 22, 2002 at 08:59:33)
Answered: Thursday, December 26, 2002 at 18:29:52.

Hello,I am interested to know if there was ever a recording with your band, which included Hollywood Fats.I believe he was part of the band for a while.
I live in England, but would be happy to purchase abroad if neccasary.
No- there have been no official Blasters releases with any other members other
than the original crew. All studio albums feature Dave on guitar - as does their
new live release.

Scot


From: Kevin Crawfprd (Friday, September 20, 2002 at 21:31:41)
Answered: Wednesday, October 9, 2002 at 19:09:48.

Yeah I have a question. First off Testament is simply awesome. no doubt long over due. Congrats on the reissue. But my question is this: Is there any chance that the Blasters: At Home will ever see the light of day? My local tower store here in Phoenix says it is available, and I ordered it, but have yet to hear back from them. Just a long shot anyways! Come to Phoenix some time. And make the t-shirts available!

Kevin in Az.
Kevin,
The concept of At Home was to record the Blasters live at various venues (House of Blues, Linda's Doll Hut , Blue Cafe, etc.) around our home. We recorded at those places, but for one reason or another, weren't ever satisfied with our performance or the quality of the recording. So the project never saw the light of day. The final blow to "At Home" came when James Intveld left the band, making all of those recordings somewhat irrellevant for us to pursue.
The label that was helping us finance the recording, folded at about the same time, but before they did, let the cat out of the bag in the form of a press release and Tower Records, somehow, entered this into their data base / catalog, and to this day, thinks that it's for real.... it ain't.
Hope this helps.
JohnB


From: sarah frederick (Thursday, October 3, 2002 at 15:19:41)
Answered: Wednesday, October 9, 2002 at 18:47:32.

hey fellas, in billy's newsletter it says your playing in boston at "the paradise" on nov. 16th. the paradise doesn't have you on their schedule and when you call to order tix. they say your unconfirmed and we can't get tix. so, are you coming? we want to see you. please, play... oh, dress warm. it's freezing here already. dave's leather won't be enough. love sarah
Take it easy Sarah.
Good things come to those who wait. You're ahead of the curve on this one - tickets should be available by the time you read this.
JohnB


From: marty ferro (Friday, August 30, 2002 at 03:28:44)
Answered: Wednesday, October 9, 2002 at 18:25:02.

TO THE BLASTERS:

I WAS AT TWO OF THE BLASTERS "ORIGINAL RECIPE TOUR" SHOWS, SAN FRANCISCO AND PETALUMA. THAT IS WHAT I'VE DREMPT OF SINCE THE LAST TIME I SAW THE ORIGINAL BAND LIVE (GOD BLESS LEE ALLEN AND YOUR TRIBUTE TO HIM). THE NEXT DAY I BOUGHT THE DOUBLE CD. ACTUALLY, I BOUGHT TWO OF THEM. ONE TO PUT IN MY BLASTERS ARCHIEVE AND ONE TO LISTEN TO. OH, MY GOD! I LISTEN TO IT 24/7, AT THATS STILL NOT LONG ENOUGH. I AM ON CLOUD NINE, CAUSE ALL OF MY BLASTERS VINYL WAS GETTING PRETTY WORN OUT.(BUT I STILL PLAYED IT, CAUSE IT'S THE BLASTERS)
MY QUESTION: AT THE REUNION SHOWS, THEY WERE BEING VIDEO TAPED. ARE WE GOING TO BE BLESSED WITH DVD OR VIDEO COVERAGE SOON THAT WE COULD BUY?

A SINCERE BLASTER FAN 4 EVER

MARTY FERRO
VACAVILLE, CALIFORNIA
BLASTERSROCKER@AOL.COM


Marty,
The task of editing all of that footage is an overwhelmIng task and takes more time that anyone has at the moment. When it's ready, I'm sure that Billy Davis will let us all know in his American Music newsletter (americanmusic.com).
Like I told that dude from Sweden, give me a ring at my hotmail address, and I'll put something together for you.
John Bazz


From: Sigge (Tuesday, July 30, 2002 at 07:27:24)
Answered: Wednesday, October 9, 2002 at 17:57:39.

Hallo!
Is there any show on video out?
Sigge (fan from Sweden)
Dude,
I can always whip something together.
Give me a hollar at:
lazyboyrocker@hotmail.com
John Bazz


From: allie (Monday, July 22, 2002 at 10:47:36)
Answered: Thursday, August 1, 2002 at 14:14:25.

Dearest Phil, et al.,
I'd like to suggest that you play at the Luther Burbank Center
in beautiful Santa Rosa, CA. I'd love to see you there!
Take Care,
Very Truly Yours.
Allie,
Thanks for the suggestion.
Unfortunately, our new contract w/ Rhino doesn't allow us to travel any farther North than Cotati.
JohnB


From: Kieron Grady (Tuesday, June 25, 2002 at 14:27:53)
Answered: Thursday, August 1, 2002 at 13:59:34.

Hi there.

I bought Testament and loved the inside long photo of Dave and Phil on stage. It perfectly captures the Blasters. Any way this photo can be posted so I can save it and print off a hard copy to put up on my wall?

Thanks.

Kieron Grady
Vancouver, B.C.
Canada

kgrady@telus.net
Kieron,
That photo is copyrighted to the photographer, Ann Summa.
I did a little digging and found her website: annsumma.com.
It looks like you could aquire a copy of that photo there.
Good luck,
JohnB


From: Tom Newbill (Thursday, July 18, 2002 at 14:45:19)
Answered: Thursday, August 1, 2002 at 13:40:28.

I recently heard a Blaster's song which I describe as an Elvis doo-wop style. I don't know the name, I call it " Don't You Know". I can't find it on any album. It doesn't sound like a live recording. Where can I find a recording of this great song, another example of American Music. Thanks, Tom Newbill
Tom,
That's not our song.
I also heard that song while browsing through Napster's files last year. I couldn't tell who it is. Maybe Billy Davis can shed some light on this...Billy!...are you out there?
Once something is misidentified and then put out on the web, like that song, it becomes virtually impossible to correct.
There's another song called the "Angry Cockroach," that I found on Napster that also wasn't ours, but was credited to us.
But it may be even more likely that another group (or groups) with the name Blasters is out there making music too...hmmm?
Thanks for the question,
JohnB


From: Phil Smith (Tuesday, June 18, 2002 at 19:13:53)
Answered: Tuesday, July 30, 2002 at 13:25:09.

I just bought the new Blasters testament cd. I've been listening to most of those
songs pretty much non-stop since 1982 but it's been a while since I heard all
of them since the only place I had them all was on vinyl in my closet. Amazing.

Anyhow, the question is this: There is a photo of Phil and Dave that is part of
the jacket behind where the CD's sit. I want to know where the original of this
photo is and how I can get a high quality copy of it. When my dad was alive he'd
talk about seeing duke ellington or louis armstrong and for me I imagine that I'll
be talking about seeing these guys. That photo, better than any other image,
captures the essence of those guys.

Thanks,

Phil Smith
Phil,
Yeah, that's a great photograph but impossible to scan or copy because of its placement.
I'm sure the photographer, Ann Summa, would be willing to sell you a copy of the picture, but I'm relluctant to post her phone number here on the web. If you drop me a line at: lazyboyrocker@hotmail.com, I'd be more than happy to email you her number.
Allrighty,
JohnB


From: allison (Monday, July 22, 2002 at 16:27:23)
Answered: Tuesday, July 23, 2002 at 12:35:44.

Dear Blasters,
where's Buster Bill Bateman these days?
XOXOX!
Allison,
Bill "Buster" Bateman has been living in Los Angeles, CA for the last couple of years. Prior to that, he was living in Anchorage, AK for a little over a year.
To see him in action, come by the King King (Hollywood @ Whittley in Hollywood) any Monday night where he and I, along w/ singer Javier Matos, play old country blues in our group, the Blue Shadows.
To see a picture of him, pick up the upcoming issue of Billboard magazine, due out this Friday, 7/26(?). Rumor has it, the Blue Shadows made the cover!!!
JohnB


From: BRet (Tuesday, July 16, 2002 at 14:05:47)
Answered: Thursday, July 18, 2002 at 00:45:17.

what happened to u guys at the hootenanny
r singer was 2 late so they booted us
JohnB


From: keith wyatt (Wednesday, July 17, 2002 at 11:08:15)
Answered: Wednesday, July 17, 2002 at 12:18:36.

Thanks to Scot for letting me know how to interact with the Q&A section of the site- I'll be happy to answer any questions I can about the Blasters...which probably ain't many.

regards to all, Keith Wyatt
Thanks, Keith- readers: question on!


From: Jeff Woidneck (Sunday, July 14, 2002 at 10:35:50)
Answered: Tuesday, July 16, 2002 at 11:25:32.

How are sales going with the Testament CD? Any idea if and when a CD of your 6/11 HOB show will be released? I was there and it was great.
Jeff,
That show, and two others, were recorded in hopes of someday putting out a live CD.
Hightone Records has become involved with this project and the tapes from those three shows are currently being mixed.
If all goes well, we should see a CD on Hightone Records sometime in September.
Keep your fingers crossed.
JohnB
PS, The June show that you attended was so good that it should make up approx 90% of the CD.


From: Frank Gaines (Friday, June 21, 2002 at 18:37:43)
Answered: Tuesday, July 9, 2002 at 22:04:45.

Love your site - just got the Testament Box Set and...guess what...can't stop listening.... Here in San Diego I get a Blasters (with no Dave)/ Dave and the Guilty Men live double option....missed all 5 playing together at 4th & B (bummer! but kids were a higher priority..). Just wondering what the chances were of Dave playing again with the Blasters, especially at their July San Diego show? Keep up the fine work, thx
Frank
Hi Frank,
The chances are very slim of Dave showing up at Blasters shows unannounced. Dave is on tour himself and the reunion of the original Blasters has become a special event that comes along with a lot of publicity and hype. Look for possibly more reunion shows in the fall. --Billy Davis


From: joe compton (Monday, June 24, 2002 at 07:59:23)
Answered: Tuesday, July 9, 2002 at 21:54:59.

Sir:
Dave Alvin said saturday at wolf trap that this website had info/link (/) to lou beach who does dave's albums and is working on the blasters new cd cover. I have photos i am trying to submit to lou asap. do you have contact info mailing address email and or fon for lou.thanks in advance for any help.
Joe Compton
Hi Joe,
That link Dave was refering to was on the www.BlastersNewsletter.com site. Here is the address so you can go directly to it:
www.LouBeach.com
Hope that helps --Billy Davis


From: Tom (Sunday, June 16, 2002 at 14:51:07)
Answered: Tuesday, July 9, 2002 at 21:50:06.

I am trying to find any type of Blasters t-shirt. I know this is a difficult mission. I saw the group recently but no merchandise was sold. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks........Tom
Hi Tom,
The BLasters are selling T-Shirts at their Original 5 Blasters reunion shows. So keep an eye out for that. Right now thats the only way to get em. Also Dave Alvin has a very cool T shirt available on his tour. Its a photo of Dave from the cover of The Blasters Live At The Venue album. --Billy Davis


From: Craig Menges (Friday, June 7, 2002 at 09:03:30)
Answered: Friday, June 7, 2002 at 22:59:31.

Trying to be sure it's the original lineup playing Tuesday (June 11th) at the House of Blues in Hollywood. Advertised as "The Original Blasters"
Please let me know as soon as possible - we'll see you there!
Yes- the 11June lineup is supposed to be the "Original Recipe".
Same as in the recent CA shows.

Enjoy the show!

Scot



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