HAPPY ST. PATTY’S DAY THE JOURNEY OF KORN’S REGGIE “FIELDY” ARVIZU DRUMMER MARTIN CHAMBERS OF THE PRETENDERS
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o matter what the state of the economy, you can bet there’s a party going on somewhere in Bako! Can you believe it’s St. Patty’s day time again, and I almost forgot - this past Feb. 13, our Web site: www.bakotopia.com, turned 4 years old! Ayayay! This week’s cover features some of the gals from Derby Revolution of Bakersfield by Holly Carlyle Photography. You might recognize some of these tough chicas from the Bakersfield Rollergirls. Back in ‘08 the BRG organization was laid to rest, and … To find out the scoop, keep flippin’ pages. We also have a second helping of KORN, with bassist Reggie “Fieldy” Arvizu, who has a new book available now! Just like his bandmates Munky and Jonathan, Fieldy shows his Bako homeboy roots run deep. Don’t forget to catch him at Russo’s books on March 14! Writer Greg Goodsell has an interview with The Pretenders drummer Martin Chambers, plus mark your calendars for our annual St. Patty’s Day Jam at Fishlips on Tuesday, March 17! You can also meet the girls of Derby Revolution and party the night away! Thanks to our contributors, supporters, and advertisers for helping us keep Bako free for you and yours!
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Fieldy comes correct KORN bassist releases first book - meet the author at Russo’s on March 14! By Matt Munoz, Bakotopia Editor hat makes up the diary of a madman? Too many things to mention, but if you can stomach stories of hard-partying, lots of booze, drugs, family and Jesus … Fieldy has some stories that might make even Ozzy blush. Following his former KORN guitarist bandmate Brian “Head” Welch, bassist/producer Reggie “Fieldy” Arvizu has taken some of the darkest and brightest chapters of his life and put them on paper. Appearing at Russo’s Books at The Marketplace on Saturday, March 14, beginning at noon, Arvizu will be signing copies of his first book entitled, “Got the Life: My Journey of Addiction, Faith, Recovery, and KORN.” In the book, Arvizu reveals a childhood of abuse and neglect, and music as a way of escaping the pain that enveloped his early years living in Bakersfield. In each chapter, Arvizu also talks about the triumphs of being a member of one of the biggest rock bands of our generation, KORN, as a born-again Christian. Speaking via telephone from his home in Southern California, Arvizu spoke with Bakotopia magazine to discuss life and the book’s upcoming release: Q: What does the release of this book mean to you? A: It means so much to me. It’s amazing that I’m still alive. No one would ever know the abuse I put myself through seven days a week for 20 years. It’s a miracle because I should have been going through withdrawals. I can’t believe I’m restored, alive and healthy. If I can just reach one person, it makes it all worth it. Q: How did you put the book together? A: I sat down with (writer) Laura Morton, as well as a lot of it over the phone, for at least a year and a half. When you’re on tour, and you’ve stopped living the dark side of life, you have to replace it with something. It sucks just to be “good.” I replaced it with writing. Q: The book is basically split in two parts - “old” Fieldy and “new” Fieldy. “Old Fieldy’s rules” you list at the beginning are intense - were you really that bad? A: The list is a little sugar-coated. I was worse. If I went into detail, you'd probably say I should be in prison. But I was living in my own chains back then, just destroying everything that had to do with love.
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Q: The early parts of the book read like a guidebook on, “How to Make a Monster,” when it details your hard life as a kid. A: It was the favor of God. He knew I was going to go through all this. Some people are just not designed to make it. Growing up there was no church or nothing. If you were to ask me back then who Jesus was, I’d be like, “Who’s that?” Q: What were some of the excesses you indulged in when you were young to deal with the pain? A: Before I could run to drugs or alcohol, I was running to food. I started becoming really overweight, so I was numbing myself with food. I just didn’t understand what was going on when my parents were fighting or the abuse. I can look back today, and see it was because my parents were partying. Back then, if I was drunk and you put me in the right place, I’d kill you. Q: Did you ever contemplate suicide? Did you have any positive forces working with you? A: No. I stayed medicated ... I never gave myself a chance to feel anything. But when I was younger I was into dirt bike riding, then music
for hope. If it wasn’t for music, I’d probably end up dead. Q: How has the creative process changed for KORN with the changes in your life? A: Where I’m at today, I still love to hear and create heavy music. I think it’s cool when kids get to come to a concert, bang their head, jump around in the pit and lose their mind as long as they’re havin’ a good time. Go be the “light” in the pit! Q: As a born-again Christian, do you have to deal with conflicting issues being in a band like KORN? A: Wherever Jon’s at lyrically, I can’t tell him what to do - it’s about where he’s at in his life. I’ve seen him grow. For me, I love being in KORN because I love playing heavy music. If Jon’s using curse words, I can just filter that out. You can buy clean versions of the CDs. It’s the power of being in KORN that’s letting me put out this book to reach people. Any project I can do that’s going to help people, I can do it that much more being in KORN. I’m right where I’m supposed to be until it’s my time to go, but it’s not that time. I'm not getting that tug from the holy spirit. I’m getting placed into these areas where I can just reach people.
Q: The relationship you had with your late father in the book, reminded me of Mozart and his father in Amadeus, where his late father’s powerful presence haunted some of his work. Is it that way with yours? A: Everything my father dad has done, I didn’t really mean to do I just did. He was a musician, I’m a musician. He was an alcoholic drug addict, I was the same. He was a carpet cleaner, and I cleaned carpets. That’s why we need to not live by telling people what to do, but to live by example. Q: Tell me about your new soloproject? A: It’s called Stillwell. Wuv from P.O.D. is playing drums, “Q” on vocals, and our bass player’s name is “Chiva.” “Street Metal” is what we’re calling the type of music we play. The album’s called Surrounded By Liars and it should be ready soon. April 25, our first show is in Tucson, AZ with KORN. We have our MySpace at: http://www.myspace.com/stillwellstreetmetal. Q: It does seem like divine intervention bringing you guys all together in KORN, struggling together, suffering then succeeding. Will we ever see a full band reunion?
A: If it would make KORN more powerful to make the things we want to happen to make a difference. If it’s not, then I don’t even wanna see it happen. But I don’t know - only God knows. All five of us are cool. I just don’t now if they’re “there.” I know I am. To hear the full Fieldy interview listen to Bakotunes Podcast, episode 62:
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MARCH 5 Run Lola Run, Euphoric Babylon The Gate 2010 “O” St. 7 p.m. / All Ages / FREE!
MARCH 6 V-Day Celebration! The Empty Space 706 Oak St. 8 p.m. / All Ages / 327 - PLAY March Meets Madness w/ The Councilmen Amestoy’s 2303 River Blvd 8 p.m. / $5 / 21+
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Hooker Spit, Mechanical Truth and Ridiculous Element Lounge 1927 K St. 9 p.m. / $5 / 21+ Soilwork, State Of Insomnia and more.. The Dome • 2201 V St. 6 p.m. / All Ages / $13 Mike Montano band (also Sat.) The Belvedere 3090 Brundage Ln. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 325-2139
MARCH 7 Derby Revolution VS Disaster City
March 5, 2009
Rollerama 1004 34th St. Doors 6 p.m. / bout 7p.m. $12 - $15 / $5 seniors and kids under 12 327-7589 MUSE Art Show! The Empty Space 706 Oak St. 3 - 7 p.m. / All Ages / 327 - PLAY
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Breaking Ground (also Sun.)Urban art show! The Basement Gallery 1532 19th St. 7 - 11pm / All Ages Rapture Clothing’s Spring Fashion Show Cabana Palms 3001 Calloway Dr. Time & Info: 369 - 3877 Darren Gholston The Nile Bar 1721 19th St. 7 p.m. / $23 / 21+ 322 - 5200
Moosehead band Pyrenee’s Café 601 Sumner St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 323 -0083
V-Day Fair! The Empty Space 706 Oak St.• 12 p.m. / All Ages / 327 - PLAY
Rev. Bob & Hi-Groove Fishlips 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. / $5 / 21+ 324-2557
MARCH 9
V-Day Celebration! The Empty Space 706 Oak St. • 8 p.m. All Ages / 327 - PLAY Hayesfield & more Studio 99 3004 Antonino Ave 8 p.m. / All Ages / $8 717 - 5991
MARCH 8 The Blufs, Dirty Spanglish & more Studio 99 3004 Antonino Ave 8 p.m. / All Ages / $8 717 - 5991
Alisa’s Karaoke Nation (Every Mon. & Tues.) Riley's Tavern 1523 19th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-3268
MARCH 10 Mac Attack's Karaoke (Every Tues. & Wed.) The Junction 2620 Buck Owens Blvd. 8 p.m. / 21+ / 327-9651
MARCH 12 The Pretenders LIVE! w/ American Bang Fox Theater 2001 H St. • 8 p.m. / All Ages $56.50 - $30.50 322 - 5200
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SPOTLIGHT TUESDAY, MARCH 17 Bakotopia’s St. Patty's Day Jam! w/ Mento Buru, DJ Mikey, Vanity Avenue, Fatt Katt & The Von Zippers, 1916, Black Dog, Derby Revolution Roller Derby Girls! Fishlips • 1517 18th St. 6 p.m. - ? / $5 / 21+ 324 - 2557 *EARLY ARRIVAL RECOMMENDED!
MARCH 13 RX Bandits w/ Teras Malos The Dome 2201 V St. 6 p.m. / All Ages / $17.50 322 - 5200 Iron Outlaws, 1916, The Filthies Fishlips • 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557 Rock For Relay w/ Cidona, Within The Heart That Kills Shiloh, A Modern Epic, Against All Fate
The Gate 2010 O St. 7 p.m. / All Ages / $7 The Press Reunion Red Lion Hotel 2400 Camino Del Rio 8 p.m. / $5 / 21+ 327 - 0681 Really Big Midgetz (also Sat.) The Belvedere 3090 Brundage Ln. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 325-2139
MARCH 14
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Fieldy from KORN! “Got The Life” Book signing Russo’s Books • 9000 Ming Ave. 12 p.m. / 665-4686 The Filthies, 99’s, The Blufs Amestoy’s 2303 River Blvd 8 p.m. / $5 / 21+ The Silence Club Silver Fox 702 18th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-6972
The Management Studio 99 • 3004 Antonino Ave 8 p.m. / All Ages / $8 • 717 - 5991
MARCH 15
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PONG661 Beer Pong Tourney! Fishlips 1517 18th St. 1 p.m. / 21+ / 858 - 8689 Escape The Fate and more The Dome • 2201 V St. 6 p.m. / All Ages / $17
MARCH 16 Glenda Robles’ Bandoleros Pyrenee’s Café 601 Sumner St. 1 p.m. / 21+ / 323-0053 WhatWeHaveBecome, Bury Your Fears The Gate • 2010 “O” St. 7 p.m. / All Ages / $7 Bon Fire - AC/DC tribute Fishlips • 1517 18th St. 9 p.m. / 21+ / 324-2557
Knights of The Abyss w/ Molotov Solution Jerry’s Pizza • 1817 Chester Ave. 6 p.m. / All Ages / $13
MARCH 17 Jive Honky Prod. St. Patty’s Day w/comedians Russ McGavin, Brian Ross, and James Mongold The Basement • 1532 19th St. 7 p.m. / $10
DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE!
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Derby Revolution VS Disaster City WHEN: Saturday, March 7 Doors 6 p.m. / bout 7p.m. WHERE: Rollerama, 1004 34th St. COST: $12 advance / $15 door $5 seniors and kids under 12
www.derbyrevolution.com
By Matt Munoz, Bakotopia Editor ot every girl wants to be a tea party princess when they grow up. If you need proof, look no further than the gals of Derby Revolution of Bakersfield, our city’s newest roller derby team. Rising from the ashes of the now defunct Bakersfield Rollergirls team in ’08, these ladies would rather beat you down than offer tea and crumpets. “I’m still a beast,” said Derby Revolution’s,
Photos by Holly Carlyle Photography
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Dred Blocker #3 with Bakotopia on the track. “B out our comfort being united”. “United” is o inquiring minds short - the form had run its cour members, a de about two-years chose to stay a team.
Blocker #33, 31, referring to an interview Bakotopia last year, on her hard-hitting style e track. “But this time it’s all about stepping ur comfort zone with a new mentality and united”. nited” is one of this team’s new mottos. For ing minds, allow us to make a long story - the former Bakersfield Rollergirls team un its course. According to some team bers, a derby team’s average life-span is t two-years. More often than not, those who e to stay active in the sport will start another .
Enter the birth of team Derby Revolution – making their season debut on Saturday, March 7, at Rollerama 34th St., at 6pm. “This year we’re looking forward to expanding this team”, explained Revolution team member Dezi Von Dropya #V8, 22, a 3-year veteran of the sport and former BRG. “Teams break off to form other teams all the time. It was bound to happen”. Speaking of birth, Dropya also happens to be 7 months pregnant. Rolling around on skates with baby belly in tow, she looks forward to her return to the track in July. Lifting her arm, she shows me
a large sized bruise she earned at a match around this time last year. “It’s almost the anniversary of my dislocation”, she laughed of her still visible war wound. “It’ll be a year in April!” Sure there are injuries, but doesn’t every sport? Another DRB member, Tonka Toy #22, 38, would like to remind people that roller derby is no laughing matter – leave that to professional wrestling. “We’re a member of an actual sports league”, she said of derby’s national prominence. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE
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Pictured at left: DRB team members show no mercy towards each other during a recent practice at Rollerama PHOTO BY HOLLY CARLYLE PHOTOGRAPHY
“And I’ve been an athlete my whole life. This is full contact stuff”. Tonka Toy’s excited involvement with the DRB’s extends from being a member of CSUB’s ‘89-92’ national championship women’s softball team. “There just aren’t enough sports for women now”, she said. “I’m really looking forward to playing this season”. If you’ve been following the local derby for the past 3 years, you might have an idea of how it works. But just in case, allow us to explain it again… Five team members from each team meet on one of two types of circular tracks: a “flat” track or “bank” track. A “bank” track refers to the uneven track most familiar to TV roller derby of the ’70s, where skaters were flung over beams and into the seats. The “flat” track is exactly how it sounds - a flat, circular roller rink floor, with markings indicating boundaries - and where the DRB’s roll. Each team of five is known as a “pack.” Each pack is divided into “pivots,” “blockers,” and “jammers.” The referee’s whistle signals the start of the bout’s “jam”. As the teams commence rolling counterclockwise, each team must follow strict rules of the bout, with “jam” formation being an important part of the BAKOTOPIA 10
sport. The “jam” formation is like going to your battle station - each station requires that members stick to their post. Scoring points in roller derby is like pressing the panic button in a shopping mall - you’ve got to think fast, and move even faster. A roller derby “jam” is the designated two-minute moment of the bout when each team gets the chance to score points. Each bout consists of three, 20-minute periods. “Jammers” are the only team players allowed to score and are guarded by “blockers,” who literally knock opponents out of the way to clear a path for the jammers to score points by lapping the pack and passing opposing “blockers” and “pivots.” Sitting in at a recent practice, the girls are split into two groups – experienced and newbies. The experienced go through the basics, set up plays, going round and round a pylon designed track. “Stop the jammers!” yelled Tonka Toy. Across the way, coach Tennessee Tornado #45, 47, who by day works as an RN paramedic in Bakersfield and as a singer in local band The Cogs, gets a group of skaters in line for conditioning. Small, tall, skinny and round – roller derby embraces all
those interested, just keep in mind this is no Sunday skate in the park. “Left, right, left, right, come on!” ordered coach Tornado to her group as they go through exercises along the rinks sidewalls. Although not an active derby skater herself, Tornado sees her role as an important element to the success of the team. “This isn’t for show”, she said smiling. “I get satisfaction from teaching others to succeed. I’ve been skating since the 3rd grade. I work with death and dying everyday, so this is a release – at least for a little while”. Let’s not forget their other coach, Corporal Punisher #100%, 35, who happens to be male and all about respect and discipline. His wife, team member ImaBlowBya #10, also with child at the moment stands by to cheer her team. “My wife was recruited by the BRGS’s in ’06”, he said. “I filmed their first match then started coaching after that”. Like Tonka Toy, coach Punisher has roots in sports playing JC football at Moorpark College, as well as semipro football for two California teams. “These are my girls, and you gotta give respect to get respect. I’m not here to boss around. We bounce ideas off each other”, he said.
From all walks of life they come to join – hairstylists, law enforcement, farmers (you heard right,) bakers, nurses, housewives and moms. “We’re always recruiting,” said DRB member Bone Crusher #116, 31. “We really want this team to be family-oriented”. As they have in the past, the girls of DRB plan on raising money for local organizations, and bring awareness to causes very important to them. The past November, the BRG’s hosted a match to raise money for Fresno rollergirl Marisol Nuñez, who suffered from cancer. After the match, the team had raised over $2,000 to help Nuñez with medical bills. “We always like to give back to the community,” said Dred Blocker. Building a new era of roller derby, and lots of good karma on their side, the DRB’s can’t wait to hit the track this season. They’d also like to give a final bump to the city to get out and support some hard-working ladies of sport. “We don’t always get the city & community support, said Tonka Toy of Bakersfield’s reluctance to elevate female sports teams. “But if you came out to our matches, you’d see we have more people than most JAM games”!
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First Fridays in Downtown By Barrie Bakotopia.com contributor
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or those who don’t know about First Friday, wow, you don't know what you have been missing! On the first Friday of every month there is a gathering of local artists downtown at 19th and Eye Streets, that lasts only a couple of hours, but is packed with good stuff! Cathy Butler of the Downtown Business Association has busted her butt growing this event, and she has done a wonderful job. In the last year or so, I have been a regular participant with my Sunstone Designs jewelry booth, and have watched this event grow from me being on my own at times, to seeing regulars; the same people showing up every month, and at times quite a few artists. What you will find at First Fridays, is the downtown galleries and boutiques staying open late, live music and even horse-drawn carriage rides. You will find many artists set up on the sidewalks, from my own one-of-akind silver and copper jewelry pieces (and sculptures coming soon), to
paintings, photography and even handcrafted soaps and cosmetics. The area itself has undergone a major facelift, with new streets and street lighting, and has really become a cool place to be. It is a great place to take a romantic stroll, hang out with your friends and even get your well-behaved pet out for some socialization time. Personally, I would love to see this event keep growing! I travel the state participating in art events, and this is one of my all-time favorites. I know I am a bit prejudiced with Bakersfield being my hometown. But seriously folks, it is a great event, and you should come down and check it out! If you are a local artist, get in on the action! We need more art-related events in Bakersfield, and we need more support for the arts in any way we can get it. So come on down! Don’t miss the next First Friday held the first Friday of each month, from 5 to 9 p.m. on 19th & Eye Streets in downtown!
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COURTESY PHOTO
Above from left: The Pretenders’ Martin Chambers, Nick Wilkinson, Chrissie Hynde, Eric Heywood, and James Walbourne
Breakin’ The Concrete Interview with The Pretenders’ Martin Chambers - coming to Bako Mar. 12 By Greg Goodsell, Bakotopia.com contributor
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ack in the day … if your album collection consisted of mostly punk rock and new wave, and you had a room full of people with varying musical tastes, you could play the Pretenders without an argument. Rockin’ tough when they had to be, and melodious and heartfelt when the need arose, the Pretenders were a sure bet for a good time. Led by American songstress Chrissie Hynde, the Pretenders defined Eighties hard rock that both the widely divergent fans of the Ramones and Van Halen could enjoy. The Pretenders are still playing and drawing appreciative crowds of old and new fans alike, and will be playing at downtown Bakersfield’s Majestic Fox Theatre Thursday, March 12, at 8 p.m. in support of their latest album, “Break Up the Concrete.” The Pretenders’ longtime drummer Martin Chambers spoke to Bakotopia over the phone for an impromptu chat. Associated with the punk rock and new wave movement, Chambers was asked if he was surprised that punk would still be around as a viable force in current music. “Not really, because it’s just another element to musical expression,” he said. “It’s a crude form of in your BAKOTOPIA 14
THE PRETENDERS LIVE! wth American Bang -Thursday, March 12 -Fox Theater -8 p.m. -$56.50, 40.50 & 30.50 -www.vallitix.com -322-5200 www.thepretenders.com face, and that’s always been around, if it’s in country music or not. You can always slap someone in the face with a lyric or something, and that, in a way is punk. I’ve never considered the Pretenders to be anywhere near punk, although of course we have those attributes as well. The one thing that we’ve got, and that’s what I’ve always liked about this band is that it’s not just one type of thing. Each song is treated individually, and that style of song goes accordingly. I’ll be working with various instruments on stage, and it’s what the song needs, it’s not all straightforward rock and roll. You have to give each song what it needs, and each song is different.” Seeing that many original fans now bring their children to Pretenders shows, Chambers was then asked if
the band’s priorities are in pleasing older fans or winning new converts. “I think the first thing you need to do is please yourself, you’ve got to get it right as far as you are concerned, through these rehearsals and sitting right and you get it in front of the people and you hone it, you know? I think the first call is to the song, and how everybody feels about it. If somebody doesn’t like something, you can tell, it’s not level. It’s getting everybody that we’re doing a good job on this song. And after that, perform it. It’s always great that a lot of the original fans that came out in ‘80, ‘81 and ‘84, they’re all still loving it. There’s no question about that. But it’s always encouraging to see younger faces in the audience. It always is. I’m playing along, and I see a 21-year-old girl singing along to the lyrics. I think that’s really cool. It turns you on, especially if she comes backstage afterwards!” Chambers laughs. Chambers can’t recall what the most significant development in popular music has been since the band formed, although he says that the whole genre of rock ‘n’ roll as we know it began in the Sixties. “That was an incredible explosion in modern music”, he explained. “Before then, everything was in black and white. It was that miraculous ascent of rock ‘n’ roll. And you had the Beat-
les, the Beach Boys, extraordinary songs that really showed how well that songs could be written in the rock and pop area, how it could stand up to the different types of music. There’s always been the highbrow idea about classical music. It’s just music, whether it’s written for a 130piece orchestra or a three-piece rock band. It’s just how well it's done, how well it’s conceived and how well it's performed. I think there is just good and bad music to my taste, that’s all. And that’s what everybody should think. When you look to Elvis, man, he is the king. Little Richard, what a voice! There are hundred beautiful shining spikes sticking up over the decades.” Looking at the future of rock ‘n’ roll, Chambers again evokes the sixties. “The future of music, I don’t know what it will be; maybe it will be this left-handed, fantastically gorgeous woman who can play guitar like Jimi Hendrix! Anything’s possible,” Chamber says. The conversation then takes a most unexpected turn. “It’s a sad fact of life that Chrissie Hynde, can’t get anywhere near anything like that. She says herself how bad her playing is. But her playing, the way she scruffily plays her guitar is exactly The Pretenders sound. The
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March 5, 2009
way I deal with her discrepancies, The Pogues a lot. Everybody works that is the basic Pretenders sound with different people, although I right there!” ONdon’t so much, but I am working with With an impressive songbook, THEMott the Hoople in October in LonChambers is asked what he considdon. They’re doing a little come ers to be the Pretenders signature together for just four gigs, Buffin tune. He has several candidates. (Mott the Hoople drummer,) hasn’t “Day after Day”, “The Weight” played in a while, so I’m backing him maybe”, he listed. “Any of those up. I've been playing drums for 42 rockin’ one's for sure!” years. Back in 1971, we did several Chambers says that he has a few gigs together. Those shows will be more drumming years ahead of him, out on DVD, and we start rehearsals upon which he will retire, buy land in September.” and turn his artistic energies to One last question… sculpture. Chambers is asked what the band So what do rock legends do when thinks of their song, “My City Was they’re not on the road? Gone,” being used as the theme “Nick (bass,) lives all the way song for ultra-conservative radio talk down in New Zealand. He’s married show host Rush Limbaugh. Chamand has a young baby down there, bers is at a loss for words. and he’ll be high-tailing it back there “I have no idea,” he said. “I have as soon as we’re finished,” he said. no comment on that all. What does “I think it takes a year to get there, by that show have to do with ….? I don’t rowboat. It’s beautiful down there in get involved with that sort of thing at the south island of New Zealand. all. Chrissie is the writer and she James (guitar) has been working on should have her opinion. I just play his own album, plus he works with the songs! (he laughs).”
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