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May 27, 2005
PADDY OR PADI?
So as I have already told you guys here, I am finally going on holiday in a week or so. I'm really excited to get away and go diving. Someone asked if I am certified, and the answer is no - not yet. BUT - Jen and I are doing our PADI course in LA before we go, so that we will both be certified when we get there. I have done a number of dives already, but only in places like the Caribbean, Thailand and Mexico, where there is always a dodgy looking guy on the jetty willing to take you out and dive with no qualification whatsoever!! NOT the most sensible of ideas, but thats what I used to do. So I have been diving for a while and I love it. But now I am going to do it properly. And by the way ..... its ALL about the wetsuit. And my guys at O'Neill have come through in a big way!! My suit looks like something out of a James Bond scene, all black and grey and slimline!! And Jen just looks like she's about to film an underwater scene in the next Tombraider. I love these things - they hold all the flabby bits in and just make you look sleek and skinny. Maybe I should start wearing them onstage!!
I also thought this pic was quite funny - I just dont know how it happens. One minute, I'm chilling out early in the morning on the sofa, with a cup of coffee and a cigarette, just kinda shooting the shit with my wife. We happen to start talking about this one piece of furniture we need for the kitchen - doesn't need to be expensive or flash, just a functional storage unit to hold all the junk we have lying around. Now how does it go from that, to being in the car for three hours, driving to an Ikea in Costa Mesa??!! I have no idea - but it seemed like a good idea at the time. Building that stuff is not as easy as they tell you, either! There must be a place that can build it for you, and just save you the time and the energy. If there's not, there should be!! I am not sure why I find a picture of me outside Ikea even remotely amusing, but I do ...... in fact, I am not even sure why Jen had a camera in the car!!
We have a couple of new songs floating about with Doheny. One was written in a rehearsal room, with all the band contributing - its going by the temporary title of 'Guilty'. And the other is a re-working of our old song, Five Miles High, and we have started work with Jed Leiber again (he of the Evergreen sessions!!) on that one. He is taking it in a different direction and I cant wait to see where it ends up.
Its also another fun-filled, too good to be true episode of CFR tomorrow! I LOVE doing that with Dave and I know he loves it too. Gonna dig out some nice tunes for tomorrow. And we have also been talking about the Freddy record this week - seems we are moving into another period of work with that ....scheduling more guests and talking about getting a couple of tracks mixed. No doubt when those are done, Indie 103.1 will get an exclusive on them. So work is ticking along nicely right now.
So the blog seems to have gone crazy - I LOVE it!! And you lot are hilarious with your captions ...... my favourite was the Free Beef, Slash!! It has to be a tee shirt!! Now - Let me see if I can answer most of the questions.
Jay - Duffy and I just hung out, swapped a few guitar riffs, and put it together into a song. Its a no stress, hang out with your mate and make music kind of situation. Sometimes it just fun to do that, and I love it, cos I get to be a better guitarist, songwriter and producer through constantly working with other people. No one floats my boat like Clayden, though!!
Bobbi-O - Great question. There is intelligent use of both the electronica and the guitar - namely NIN, Prodigy and Primal Scream. I have had my periods of dance and electronica, as well as Hip Hop .... but I always come back to a great sounding guitar!! But I maintain that as a writer, I should continue to listen to all kinds of music, and when the hairs stand up on the back of my neck, then I KNOW its right!!
Leon - It really depends on who I am writing with, and what the track is for. Jon and I have had great results working both ways. Most of the time, its some music that I have done that sparks him off. But having said that, we have a verse lyric from Jon that is inspiring us to write around it. Either way works.
Theresa - I am from South East London ..... born in the Bromley area and lived in Brixton for many years.
Cori - great question. I have never come up against that situation. But what usually happens is that one or other of the writers will get around to wanting to use it on a record before the other writer does, and then its a simple phone call. "Dude - I wanna put that song on my record."....."Sweet!!" It doesnt matter about performing it live - both writers can perform it if they want.
Ylais - I believe I have already answered the scuba question!! And I will talk to the boys at rehearsal next week about doing another chat. New music?.....The Glitteratti rock my world, and the new NIN album is a must for all bedroom occasions!! Really sets the right mood, that record. But lets discuss what the HELL my hair is doing in this pic? I seem really angry, screaming at everyone, but my hair looks like 1980's bad metal band!! Anyone seen Vidal lately?.....
Willd - My choices change periodically, but right now ....Favourite tee shirts - Chrome Hearts. Favourite Jeans - Rock N Republic. Belt is a one off, custom made Camp Freddy belt (although the new Ed Hardy green one is also a winner) and Hats - only Versace, Burberry and Ed Hardy.
Wow - Lots of posts. Keep checking in. I'm not on holiday for another week. But I can tell you that I will NOT be posting during the vacation!! I know - I'll do a full weeks diary when I get back and see if I have a few suitable pics to post as well. Gotta go study the Divers Manual - I have a test on it all tomorrow......HOLD ON, didnt I leave school at 15 to avoid ever having to study again?!! Somethings wrong!! I am outta here. Much love and respect to you all.
Peace
Billy
Posted by vivelerock at 09:10 PM | Comments (26)
May 25, 2005
KEEPING BUSY
Today and tomorrow are writing days. I have people coming over to my studio to write with me. I always like to co-write. It broadens my scope as a songwriter and provides me with a different perspective - which is always a good thing. Tomorrow should be an interesting one, as I have Billy Duffy coming over and I think we will come up with some good stuff. I love Billy's style, and I think he likes mine too - so we'll see what we come up with. Todays session is difficult to talk about right now, but if it works out, I'll let you know.
I also had some great news yesterday about some music I did for a TV show theme song. But again, until its all in the bag, I feel like it would be silly to talk about it. Suffice to say that I am as busy as I usually am, and that the fruits of my efforts seem to be paying off. Doheny wrote a great new song in rehearsal, called Guilty, and we are continuing to write together. Jon had some great lyrics and we kind of put the whole thing together around the verse lyric. It should end up sounding really cool.
I have booked a vacation (WHAT??!!) and still cant believe that I am going away for a week very soon, with no cellphone and no computer. We are going scuba diving for a week, so expect a bunch of pics of me with various exotic and weird looking fish!! It really is time for me to get away properly - two days here and there in the desert are nice and everything, but the head just takes so much time to wind down, that I need a full week on a beach .... or more accurately, under the water! So its booked, we are going, and I cant do anything about it now!!
Tina - Again, I dont want to give any info about the movie role, until I have actually shot my scenes (July), otherwise it all becomes a big thing if it falls through. And God knows things fall through in this business!! And I have no idea if Ed Hardy sells his stuff on line. Google him - you'll soon find out.
Abby - Doheny are in another writing phase, but I am sure we will put some summer shows in at some point. If the right support slot opens up, we would, I am sure, take that as well.
Laurie - Yeah, I know ..... a model, right??!! Thats a laugh. And by the way, that is actually an Ed Hardy belt buckle. They are awesome, aren't they?
Wendybird - You are SO on the ball. Lenny would be a fantastic CF guest. We'll have to start working on that one. He would ROCK some Led Zepp ...... or maybe some Skynyrd?
Cori - Scary Psycho Fans? Er ..... YES!! I have had too many situations for my liking!! Do I wanna tell you about them? Well, maybe in my book - whenever that is. Dont want to encourage the madness!!
QQQ - Freedom To Rock was by The Chiefs Of Relief, which featured Mathew Ashman (Antz and Bow Wow Wow) and Paul Cook (Sex Pistols). Email me at the address on the home page of the blog, and I'll send you an MP3.
Theresa - Now WHY would you want me to have a brother?? The answer is no - I am an only child, and spoilt accordingly.
Danielle - Keeping your eyes open would be my metaphor for "well, I do sing some stuff on the Freddy album, and I have plans to do some other stuff that I sing on. But it will be in the future, so dont keep them open too wide right now!!"
Todays pic is from the El Faro gig - taken by Wendy - and I love it. And the pic directly above this of myself and Slash is a caption pic - come up with your best ideas as to what we are saying to each other! (I know I have probably put this pic up before, but its perfect for the caption thing) The last time I did this, I was in stitches reading all your answers. Thats it from me - I hope you all have a great day, and as usual, I will be back soon to update you all on the boring little details of what I do every day!!! I hope it makes good reading and I thank everyone for joining in the fun.
Til then
Peace
Billy
Posted by vivelerock at 09:54 AM | Comments (48)
May 22, 2005
A QUICKIE ON A SUNNY SUNDAY MORNING
Ahhh, fashion. That weird and wonderful, slightly quirky element to our society that we all have to deal with at one time or another. It doesnt matter if you are all Gucci and Prada, or indeed the Anti-Fashionista, the word will appear in our conversation at some point. "Dahling, you look fabulous - Dior was the height of Paris Fashion week you know". OR ....."Fuck Fashion. I don't care if you like it or not, ..I like it!!" Either way, we are bombarded with billboards, print ads and commercials declaring what is IN fashion and what is OUT of fashion. Me? I kinda know what I think I look good in, and stick to that. And yes, it does help if it has a Dolce label in it!! I AM that shallow!!
And so I agreed to walk the runway in the new Ed Hardy Tattoo collection. Always up for a challenge, I showed up at rehearsal around 3pm yesterday afternoon, and after hanging around watching the madness backstage for about an hour, I decided to do it my own way. I walked back into the dressing room area, full of about 50 models screaming and shouting, getting hair and make up done, and getting fitted for their looks. I picked out what I wanted to wear, put the stuff in my bag, told the lady in charge I would be back at 8.00pm and left!!! I have no idea what the rehearsal was like, because I wasnt there! I figured it couldnt be that hard, so I went down to the radio show with all the clothes for the Runway in my bag, and chilled out with Dave for an hour and a half, until it was time to head back to the show.
The scene outside the show was ridiculous. Must have been a thousand people all over Hollywood and Vine, trying to get into this thing. I pushed my way through and got backstage, and it was chaos. People running around, screaming at the models to line up and get ready, and not one person taking any notice at all. I quietly got ready in my own area, and went out and waited to walk. The show was half an hour late in starting, due to the fire marshalls showing up and nearly closing it down, due to the overcrowding. But eventually they sorted it out, and I did my thing. SO much preperation goes into these things and it actually lasts about twenty minutes!! I did two looks, and the finale, and then I got out of there!! Its fun to do, but I am glad its not my career!!
Anyway - its a beautiful Sunday morning, we have a vacation booked in a couple of weeks time (my first proper vacation in four years!!) and life seems to be good. I think it will be a day of nothingness. Next week are more Doheny rehearsals and a few other bits and pieces, so I will take advantage of the weekend and hang out with my wife. She's so patient with me, I cant believe it!! Today is her day.
Take care, have a wonderful day and I'll see you next week.
Peace
Billy
Posted by vivelerock at 09:02 AM | Comments (12)
May 21, 2005
SATURDAY FASHION
Star Wars, baby. Its all about the Sith. Went to see the final movie in the double trilogy (dont know what you call a collection of six things!!) yesterday, and it does not disappoint. All the questions are answered, all your senses are assaulted with THX sound and digital picture - the battle scenes are fantastic, and apart from a Darth Vader that sounds like he's from the Bronx, the performances are great. Dont wanna give anything away, but if you are into the whole Star Wars thing, get off yer ass and go see it today! All I wanna do now is get the DVD so that I can watch all six episodes in order, in one day. Boy, my wife is going to love me!!!
Saturday, and I feel rested and ready to go. Which is just as well, as I have the Camp Freddy radio show to do tonight, and immediately afterwards, I am off to walk in a fashion show. I know that regular readers of this blog will remember that I walked in a fashion show last year and vowed never to do it again!! Well, I just plain forgot about that experience and agreed to do it again. So on my own head, be it. The line is by tattoo guru, Ed Hardy, and the stuff is pretty amazing. Embroidered baseball caps with cool tattoo designs on them, tee shirts, jeans etc. I know the guys doing the show and they asked me if I would walk, so I said yes. Its in Hollywood tonight, so if you are around, and sniff it out, come and say hi.
Not sure who is doing the radio show with me tonight, as I havent spoken to Dave recently (he has been so busy) but I am sure that one of the guys will be joining me. I am excited by the playlist I have put together - including something special that was sent to me by the clever people collaberating over at 6767.com on the loop experiment. Tune in tonight to hear what I am talking about.
So the Camp Freddy show was great fun. Brandon Boyd (the nicest guy in the world, by the way) just killed Whole Lotta Love and Suffragette City. He has an amazing voice, and it was an absolute pleasure to share a stage with him. Scott Weiland also joined us (having flown all the way across the country on his only day off from the Velvet Revolver tour) and did a fantastic version of Cheap Trick's Surrender and the Sex Pistol's Bodies. Massive respect has to go out to Matt Sorum, who also flew in from tour to be with us. He had no sleep, got onstage, played a full set with us, and then got back on a plane to do another VR show the next night!! What a Pro, ladies and gentlemen!! We all missed Dave (who was unable to join us due to scheduling conflicts) but we had all the other Panic Channel guys with us. Perkins did some double drums with Sorum on the Tone Loc song, Wild Thing and some other tunes. And Steve Issacs got up and did She Sells Sanctuary and, as usual, absolutely nailed it. A jolly good time was had by all!!
Matt S - The people in the group photo are, from L to R, Brandon Boyd, Brent Bolthouse (our manager) my wife Jen, yours truly, Scott Weiland, his wife, Mary, and Steve Jones.
Zanabee - ahh, c'est la Bon France!! Have a great time, and remember you have to try the snails. They are, indeed, delicious. And the Star Wars thing I did was just a small segment in an hour long program. Very possible that I was on while you were making that pot of tea!!
I am so glad that so many of you enjoyed the Getty Museum report. It really is a beautiful place, and if I inspired anyone to go and visit, then my job is done. And I also have to thank everyone who commented on my singing!! I have never thought of myself as a singer, but who knows.....
Oh, and while I remeber, I did do a few small video clips from the CF show - backstage stuff, though .... not the actual gig. I will send them to Karen today - but I am also going to attempt to upload one on this blog. If it doesnt work, then you'll just get a pic.
OK - so there's my Saturday morning ramble. Nice to feel awake again. I am off to the rehearsal for the fashion show this morning - gotta get coffee first. So I am outta here. Take it easy, have a great weekend and see you soon.
Peace
Billy
Posted by vivelerock at 08:55 AM | Comments (14)
May 20, 2005
SETLIST AND PICTURES
Tired - so very tired. Wanted to put some pics and setlist up for everyone to see. Cant really concentrate today, so I will answer questions and do a normal, full post tomorrow.
Until then, I just wanna say - Lovely to have Matt back WITH Perkins doing the double drums thing. Dave, we all missed you SO much. Thanks to everyone who joined us onstage, and a huge thank you to Sony for putting on one hell of a party. Enjoy the pics and I will be back tomorrow, rested and firing on all cylinders.
BALLROOM BLITZ
Donovan +John 5
20TH CENTURY BOY
Donovan + Billy Duffy
SHE SELLS SANCTUARY
Steve Issacs + Billy Duffy
ZIGGY STARDUST
Jerry Cantrell
FEEL LIKE MAKING LOVE
Liz Phair + Jerry Cantrell
WILD THING
Tone Loc + Billy Duffy
AINT TALKING BOUT LOVE
Juliette Lewis + John 5
SEARCH AND DESTROY
Juliette Lewis + Steve Jones
PRETTY VACANT
Wes Scantlin + Steve Jones
PARANOID
Wes Scantlin + John 5
SURRENDER
Scott Weiland + Billy Duffy
BODIES
Scott Weiland + Steve Jones
SUFFRAGETTE CITY
Brandon Boyd + Jerry Cantrell
WHOLE LOTTA LOVE
Brandon Boyd + Jerry Cantrell + John5
I WANNA BE YOUR DOG
Everybody
Peace
Billy
Posted by vivelerock at 12:39 PM | Comments (7)
May 19, 2005
SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT
I know I like to be busy. I know that today is a Camp Freddy show and that I have still got to finish some spots I have been working on in my studio. I know that Doheny have new songs that we are working on and I haven't written a blog in ages. I also know that I finally got a little too close to losing my mind yesterday (and I think Jen did as well!!) and so we both turned all the phones and computers off, got in the car, and went to the Getty Museum. Its such a beautiful place - a complete antithesis to the cellphones, emails, guitars and computer screens of my normal day. Its built out of stone, imported from Italy and houses paintings, photographs, manuscripts, an amazing garden, and 360 degree views of Los Angeles, from the mountains to the oceans. The architect who designed it, also designed Courtney Cox's pad. One can only imagine what that place is like!! A couple of hours there, and all was calm and peaceful in my head again. We drove back home for the evening, and left all the electronics switched off - dinner and a movie finished the day off nicely, and I am awake and ready to go. The only problem with doing that is this morning I have 42 emails and 11 phone messages to sort through!!!
By the way, this squiggly mess is a very famous Jackson Pollock painting. They wouldnt let me take a picture of it, so I did anyway!! Its funny that I still have that attitude - when someone tells me I cant do something, I immediately become obsessed about doing it. So I stood miles away, out of the eyesite of the thousands of security guards wandering around, and zoomed in. Not the best quality picture, but a picture nonetheless. The other painting is a Monet - I am not sure if I was allowed to take a picture of that either, but by that stage, it was Punk Rock War!
Now todays Camp Freddy show is a private gig for the employees of SCEA - The Sony Group (makers of the wonderful Playstation and PSP). It is definately NOT in a parking lot at Dodgers Stadium, and it WILL NOT feature Scott Weiland. Thats all I am saying.
Doheny started work on a couple of new songs in rehearsal on Monday night. Its a strange process, writing a song. Someone will have a riff, and the end result could end up a million miles from where it started. As the band try out different grooves, different ways of playing those notes, or even switching the notes and chords around, the original idea morphs into something completely different. And of course, sometimes you end up back where you started. But sometimes, you go on a journey together and arrive somewhere else, with a great song. We started messing with a riff we have had for a while, and so far, we believe we have a great verse. Jons lyrics and melody to it are fantastic, so we will be working on that one for a little while yet.
Matt - Although I am 'officially' a Playstation guy, I am VERY excited by the new X-Box. The only downside is that I will have to actually PAY for one!!! I will of course be replacing my X-Box with the new one. But I have to say that Playstation 3 is gonna rock my world!!
Wendy and Jezzi - Apart from being 'The Shizzle', you girls are also now front and center in the Rogues Gallery.
Kim - Glad you liked the Rachel Stamp closer - Definately a very underated band. My old band in the UK, Stimulator, toured with those guys and it was a blast!! That David Stamp is a character, and Will, the guitarist, is more Johnny Thunders than Johnny Thunders!!
Ylais - Keep listening to Jonseys Jukebox. I hear 'Rotten' rumors all the time. Its bound to happen eventually. Did you hear the Malcolm Mclaren show? Pure Radio Genius.
Matt - Dave's new TPC site just fucking rocks. Those guys are gonna be huge, and I love em all. And that whole video thing is just incredible. BUT - I do have an idea that I am going to be emailing our Karen about. She has put together www.dohenymedia.com and it has a bunch of server space. I have a new tiny video camera that takes small video but at great quality. How about some video updates from shows? I am going to test it out today at the CF show, so Karen.....stand by for a couple of emails in the morning. If it works, we'll be doing it regularly.
Danielle - Funny you should say that about my singing ....... keep your eyes peeled ........
Hope the 'Family Style' pics for today are not too domestic for you guys. I know this is a rock and roll blog, and should have pics of naked debauchery, guitars and drunken behaviour ...... but that gets old occasionally, right? Well, I suppose it technically hasnt even appeared here yet - I'll have to do something about that!! But in the meantime, its domestic bliss at The Getty, and like it!!!!
I am off to get my shit ready for a day with the Freddy. Matt is flying in for this one, so we are all looking forward to seeing him, and rocking with him. We dont have any Doheny news right now - still sifting through choices, options and plans. You will all be the first to know when we have a game plan for the summer. All I can tell you is that it will include a record somehow. Bear with us. Until next time, have a great day, and do something nice for someone else ...... without telling them. Its the absolute best antidote for a case of the 'blues'. Try it - you might like it.
Peace
Billy
Posted by vivelerock at 09:06 AM | Comments (21)
May 14, 2005
NIGHTMARE!!
Wow. I'm glad thats over. Last nights charity show at the Henry Fonda Theater was ..... well..... interesting, to say the least. The cause, Friends Of El Faro, is a completely worthy cause, and we are all pleased to have been asked to help. Its an orphanage in Mexico that is struggling to stay open. So of course, we agreed to be a part of the evening. Soundcheck was in the afternoon - and both Jon and Sean couldnt make it. So the other three of us messed about as best we could, but it was pretty pointless, as it just wasnt possible to get an accurate check without those two.
When I came back to the venue about 10.30pm, the attendance was pretty low. Sophie B Hawkins was onstage doing her thing, which while it is professional and sounded great, is NOTHING like what we do. I went downstairs and hung out in our dressing room, and WideAwake came onstage and did their thing. A little more rock and from where I was, it sounded cool. By the time we came onstage, it was about 12.30pm. And of course, like I had been saying to everyone, most of the slim audience had gone home. Well, wouldnt you? The doors opened at 6.30pm!!! People had been there for 6 hours!!! Who's gonna wait around to see Doheny play? Well, Wendy and Jezzi for starters!!! Wonderful to see you both there - we tried our best girls!! But playing a 1000 seat theater to 30 people is a tough call. Our wives, girlfriends and a few friends hung out and watched us scrape through a ten song set, and from where we were onstage, it sounded like the inside of a washing machine, with a REALLY loud snare drum mixed in!! We couldnt hear a thing - poor Tony could not hear ANY note he played - just a really low rumbling noise, accompanied by a tiny clicking noise!! The sound onstage was absolutely terrible. We did what we could, and got off as quickly as possible. All I can say is that we tried to participate in a good thing - next time, hold the event at The Key Club and make the evening shorter ...... by about three hours. But keep the Freaks!! The guys, dressed as women ..... on stilts? Amazing!! Check out a pic of Sean with a couple of his new friends!
OK - so its CFR tonight, and I believe its myself and Donovan, as Dave has something he needs to do. It'll be nice to do it with Dono - he hasnt been at the station for a while now. I am sure some 80's Electro will find its way into the mix tonight!!
Kim - First of all, I have also slept in a train carriage at Orpington Station....in December!! Its not the Four Seasons Hotel, thats for sure! And I think all Subways are the same - as Bobbi-O puts it - "smells like shit, piss and puke which is magnified 100x when the unbearable heat and humidity set in during the summer."
Bobbi-O - Yeah, we will be looking at all labels, both major and indie. Each has its own ups and downs, and we will try and go with someone that believes in the music, AND has a little cash to keep us out on the road.
For those of you emailing and posting about Tiger - for me, it just installed straight over the top of what I had, with no problems at all. Seems to be working just fine. And its worth it - I love the little widget things they have included.
Gotta get started with my day. I have to go see a couple of friends, run a few errands, and keep working on a few musical things I am doing at home. Have a great weekend, and check out CFR if you can tonight. Take care and see ya'll soon.
Peace
Billy
Posted by vivelerock at 08:32 AM | Comments (29)
May 12, 2005
FEELING GROOVY!!
Ahh - the smell of Napalm in the morning. Well, in my case, the smell of freshly brewed coffee in the morning. Same thing - I make a strong brew!!! So here we are again, on a sunny Los Angeles morning. As I sit and reflect on the things I get involved in, I find myself feeling blessed. Feeling really lucky in my life. Things frustrate me, sure. Doheny without a record deal so far - drives me nuts. Camp Freddy's album STILL being recorded? Very annoying. BUt the reality is that if these are my problems today, then I am a lucky guy. I think back to my days being 'chemically indisposed' and living on the streets, and I realize that I couldn't have dreamt the story so far. Sometimes you have to sit back and get perspective on how things really are. I have an amazing wife that supports everything I do. I have two fantastic bands that enable me to play guitar most weeks. I get to do some fun stuff, like TV and video. I've been around the world and seen some wonderful places. And I have a bunch of people (you guys!) who support the things I do. The truth is that I haven't sold millions of records, and I am not on the cover of every magazine. But I love what I do, and I have people in my life that love me for who I am, not what I do. Thats pretty fucking amazing!!
OK - thats my 'heavy Thursday Morning' segment out of the way. What does today hold for me? Another Tiger installation (I did the laptop and it works fine. In fact its pretty cool - love the little widgets that hang around on the desktop, waiting to translate whatever you type into any language you want. For instance - Я вполне преследован с компьютерами!!) So I'll be installing that onto a couple more machines today. I will also be working on some music at home - a couple of projects that I have ideas for - we'll see what happens. And of course, the Maxim Hot 100 Party is tonight - always a great party.
After last weeks New York stuff, we headed out to Palm Springs for the usual dose of R+R - facials and massages were the order of the day. And after a day or so out there, it was back to LA to start work on next weeks Camp Freddy show - we are playing at a Sony Party (for the employees of the company, so no tickets available I am afraid). Went out last night to a friends birthday party and hung out with a couple of friends from VH-1 (respect to Claire and Brent - you both looked awesome!!). It was an 80's Prom party and ended up being a lot of fun.
Thats all I have for you this morning - tomorrow is show day for Doheny. The Henry Fonda Theater Charity show for Friends Of El Faro. I think we play at midnight. I know at least a couple of you are going, so have fun - we are working on a surprise for tomorrow night, but I'm not gonna tell you what it is in case it doesnt happen. Keep your fingers crossed!! I am off to get into the day - have a good one people, and I will be back at the weekend with a report of the show. Todays pics are from outside the Gibson Guitars building in New York. One is of me, trying not to look stressed with the last minute venue change. (Look carefully and see our manager in the background on the phone, doing all the stressing for us!!) And the other is of Sean, being a tourist, trying to figure out a street map of Manhattan. He was last seen outside a 7-11 in Harlem, asking directions to the nearest subway station!! Thank you all and see ya soon.
Peace
Billy
Posted by vivelerock at 08:43 AM | Comments (15)
May 10, 2005
ICE CREAM SUMMER
Good morning people. How are we all today? Behaving ourselves? I hope not!! Anyway, I am feeling rested and back to normal after the last couple of weeks. Our attention is now on Friday's Doheny show at the Henry Fonda Theater on Hollywood Blvd. Lets clear up a couple of things - first of all, I am sorry for those of you who were on hold on the phones during Saturdays show. It really is a random caller thing. I did the phones myself, and I literally gave the tickets to the first five callers that I spoke to - Its the fairest way to do things as far as I am concerned. I dont really want to post names on the site, but they did mail out five pairs of tickets yesterday, so if anyone who won the tix is reading this, contact Jezzi and hang out.
Oh yes - and Jezzi? The E-Bay thing is real. Donovan hooked it up and forgot to tell the rest of us!! So yes, the auction really is to win a spot guest-hosting CFR with us.
And talking of CFR - Ylais....you asked about the other members of CFR. Well, Matt has been on the road forever. he calls in when he can, and will definately be back with us in the studio when he eventually comes off the road. Donovan has also been travelling, and has a baby daughter as well, so Saturday nights have become a 'sometimes he will be with us, sometimes he wont' kinda thing. And Chris? Dont hold your breath - Chris is not really the 'Radio' guy. He is happy to let us do our thing. So right now, it's just the Dave and Billy show - but not by our design!! And Camp Teddy? They were on this weeks show!! You must have missed that bit - they did God Save The Queen (and also launched into a bit of The Panic Channel as well!!)
The Ice Cream question was great!! You lot came up with some great flavors. I must admit that I would have to try Kims Kool Koffee and Kiwi Krunch!! And Kim ..... I listened to the My Life In The Making CD, and its great. Anamnesis is a great song. Rockin!!
Nick - It was our pleasure to have you in New York - I hope you got a cab back to your car and didnt have to walk the length of Manhattan again!
Theresa - Nice to speak to you on CFR - You rock - and I am glad you also had a great time with us on our first trip to NYC.
Laurie - Oh YES!! Creme Brulee flavored Ice Cream would be heaven. Great idea. And to answer your question, we rocked My Generation (by The Who) with Rob in Vegas. Check this pic out from that show - Rob Zombie onstage with Freddy, doing I Wanna Be Sedated by The Ramones. Priceless!!
A big Doheny family welcome for Danielle please. Nice to see you here - hope you are enjoying your Camp Freddy guitar. Glad you found the Doheny Blog - hope you keep coming back. And what do you mean, apologize for not bringing us anything? You didnt have to bring us a thing. (Well, maybe a Diamond Watch would have been a nice gesture!!)
Kefer - I am really sorry that you missed the showcase. The change of address was beyond our control. We will make it up to you next time we are in New York. I will make sure you are on our guest list - remind me when we back your way and you have my word I will sort you out.
Remember when I did that Star Wars thing a while back? Well, it airs next week on the Discovery Channel. So you can all tune in and watch Mr Morrison be an idiot with a couple of Droids!! The program is called The Science Of Star Wars, and I am in the second episode, entitled Space Cowboys. Here's the details:
In the US on the main Discovery Channel:
May 17 @ 8pm - SPACE COWBOYS
In the US on the HD Discovery Channel presented in high definition:
May 18 @ 9pm - SPACE COWBOYS
Also, keep your eyes out for a new VH-1 series called Home James. Not sure when it airs, but I'll be popping up in that as well.
And another piece of news - the Gibson SG that Colin and I decorated to aid Breast Cancer Research sold for $2200!! I am so proud of that - we sold for way more than a lot of the other guitars. 35 Bids. So thank you Gibson for letting us be involved.
OK - thats it from me. Feels like I've written a book here!! Just trying to keep everyone up to date. I'm gonna start my day with a Venti coffee from Starbucks, and then come back and install the new Mac OSX Tiger on all the computers in the house (yes, I have four stationed around the place, including one in the kitchen!!) Have a great day, and see you soon.
Peace
Billy
Posted by vivelerock at 07:02 AM | Comments (31)
May 07, 2005
LOS ANGELES IN THE HOUSE!!
I am back home in LA. And it feels GOOD!! As much fun as it is, travelling around from the UK, to Vegas, to New York, and then back to LA, I missed my wife so much. Its so cool to be back in my own bed, and able to spend the whole weekend with Jen, doing the little things. You know, coffee in the morning, run a few errands, go shopping - just spending time together. The poor girl hasnt really seen me in two weeks.
SO - New York was unbelievably hectic, what with the change of venue for the showcase at the last minute, and the fact that someone stole my Yamaha Acoustic guitar from the club that we played in on Thursday night!! But even with all that went on, the trip was a total success. The showcase went really well - we made the room look really cool, and played a tight, six song set, for a bunch of business types, a few friends from the city, and a few 'Bloggers' (you know who you are!! - MASSIVE respect to you for actually figuring out where we were! And for walking 30 blocks to get there!!) After we played, we mingled with everyone, and chatted about nothing for a bit. And then it was - 'break the gear down, load the truck, over to the club, and set up again for another soundcheck!'
The show at Snitch was pretty much unbelievable!! The club was packed - people were hanging of the walls and standing on tables to see - and we played a show like nothing we have ever done before. We were on fire - probably because we were all so tired and ready to finish the day, that we just didnt care!! We played 8 songs, including the new one, By My Own Design (one of my faves) and all of us killed it. The stage was tiny, but we threw out an energy that was eaten up by the audience and they responded to it all. New York is a noisy audience if they like you and they liked us!! Thank you to everyone who came to see us - we will be back in New York FOR SURE!!!
So its back to business as usual now - CFR tonight with Dave. I miss that guy and cant wait to get back on the air with him tonight. I think I am giving away a few pairs of tickets to the El Faro Benefit on the show, so listen in if you wanna win some.
I wanna pose a good question to you all, and get the Family thinking this weekend! So here it is -
I was actually asked this by one of you guys and I thought it was a great question. So you are to be immortaized by Ben And Jerrys Ice Cream, with your own flavor. What would it be? My choice would either be 'Billy Morrisons Funky Sourdough Toast and Grape Jelly' flavor, or 'Morrisons Own Salacious Salmon Sushi' flavor!! Aliteration is always a winner in an ice cream name!! What about you guys? How would you like to be remembered in a desert? (Thats desert, as in what comes after dinner, NOT desert, like what has a lot of sand in it!!!)
And thats it for today. Very glad to be back - looking forward to getting some responses back from the New York trip, and looking ahead to next fridays show at The Henry Fonda Theater. Feel free to get some questions in to me if you want, and welcome to anyone new thats reading this. You are welcomed with open arms - enjoy the blog and I'll be back soon. Have a great weekend all.
Peace
Billy
Posted by vivelerock at 08:10 AM | Comments (21)
May 05, 2005
URGENT!! ADDRESS CHANGE IN NYC
We have changed the venue of our New York showcase and of course, my email is not working, so I am posting here, hoping to catch everyone that had already contacted me saying they were coming.
It is not at Gibson anymore - the new address is
S.I.R. Studios
520 West 25th Street (Between 10th Ave and 11th Ave)
New York, NY 10001
Hope you guys manage to read this in time. Its still happening at 4.00pm. Come on down.
Billy
Posted by vivelerock at 10:19 AM | Comments (5)
May 04, 2005
DOHENY AIRLINES
Good morning Campers!! And what do we have on the agenda for today? Well, we will be starting the day with four cups of the Big Apples finest Java brew, helped down by some Benson And Hedges specially imported from the UK. Upon receiving the required adrenaline rush involved when mixing these two chemicals, we will be off down to Gibson Guitars, to say hello to the fine folks involved in the making of these exquisite instruments. Later in the day, we will be indulging in some physical exercise - namely setting up the showcase room to make it look and sound as best it can be. And if we are all good boys and girls, we will be eating in one of the finest Italian restaurants that New York has to offer. Please be aware of our safety procedures, especially our suggestion that no ear protectors are used when listening to Doheny. Please be aware that the need for an emergency exit when present at a show will be completely ignored!!
On behalf of all of us at Doheny Enterprises, we hope you enjoy your stay with us, and thank you for choosing DOHENY!!!
PS - Check out the pic of Rob and I, rocking the house in Vegas. Good Times.
Bonita - yes, CFR will be back to our usual live show, with Dave and I both present. Maybe Dono will be back from vacation as well. Turn on, tune in, etc.
Kim - The truth is that I did receive the CD, but I have been so busy, I havent yet checked it out. I am back in LA this weekend, and I promise I will give it a spin and let you know what I think.
Lisa - I have absolutely NO IDEA what that doll is doing in our case!! But it feels wonderful to have been honored with such a fantastic display.
Cori - Pret A Manger is a chain of fresh sandwhich stores in the UK (and in NYC - I'll have to have one for lunch today!!) and they make a mean BLT!!!
Jay - There will be a full CF Site update, including the guests and set list sometime next week. Keep yer eyes peeled.
I am outta here - have a great day everyone and see ya soon.
Billy
Posted by vivelerock at 05:25 AM | Comments (4)
May 02, 2005
CRAZY WEEKS!!
I dont know what fucking planet I am on!! I was in London for three days - flew back, and went straight to Vegas for one of the most amazing party weekends ever, and now today, I have one day to get my life together before getting the early morning flight from LA to New York with Doheny. Aarghh - it hurts!! Make it stop!!
London was .... well, London was overcrowded, raining, cold, miserable, expensive and rude!! Dont get me wrong - I have nothing against the place ..... its just that there is nothing like a trip to London to make you greatful that you live in California!! Saw a couple of great friends, ate some Pret A Manger sandwhiches, had a beautiful curry, took care of business, and got the hell outta Dodge!! The PSP is the craziest travel companion ever - I watched a couple of movies, played a game or two, and didnt really notice that I hadnt had a cigarette for 11 hours!
Vegas. Oh My God. Vegas. To start with, Dave won the poker game - very exciting stuff, and Dave was the consumate entertainer - standing on his chair to make the play, crowds cheering wildly. Well done mate. You beat them ALL!!!!
It was a weekend like no other - Coldplay, Bon Jovi and Nine Inch Nails gigs - (Coldplay were boring as hell. Like listening to a record. Bon Jovi were way too quiet, and very polite, but kinda nice to hear them play all the big hits. Nine Inch Nails ruled the planet. Amazing sound, tight, hard, heavy and LOUD!! Twiggy on bass, looking and sounding so cool. And a new, healthy, fit, suntanned Reznor just killing it. That band were legitimately scary!! One of the best rock shows I have ever seen. And by the way, todays pic is of me, standing by Camp Freddy's very own display case in the main entrance to The Hard Rock Hotel in Vegas!! They have given us the biggest case in the Hotel - its crazy!! If you go to Vegas, check it out. We all have stuff in it, and there are some great pics, and some brilliant video showing on the flat screens inside the case. Wow!!
After the Nails show, it was Freddy's turn, in Body English. The club was over packed, people hanging off the balconies, and the roof of the club was dripping condensation all over everyone. And about 1000 people outside the club trying to get in. And we played an amazing show - nearly two hours long!! Guests included Rob Zombie, Mark McGrath, Robbie Williams, Tone Loc, Jerry Cantrell, Steve Jones, Terri Nunn, Annabella Lwin, Michael Des Barres and David Draiman from The Disturbed. The show has to rank up there in the top five Camp Freddy shows, - we played well, sounded tight and heavy, and the guests just kept on coming. A truly amazing end to a VERY long weekend!!
And now, we are off to New York. I will be emailing the five top answers to the question of why you should be at the New York thing later today - its a shame that some of you cant come, but we will be thinking of you all when we do our thing. I have to get out of here as I have a ton of shit to get organized before this evenings rehearsal, but I wanted to let you all know that we appreciate you being a part of the family, and that I will be back here at the end of the week to give you a full 'Doheny On The East Coast' report. Till then, keep posting, spread the word, and be safe.
Peace
Billy
Posted by vivelerock at 07:40 AM | Comments (8)