Rockers In Recovery - Concert Issue by Rockers In Recovery®

concert edition

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November 2012

Rockers in Recovery Magazine

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Rockers in Recovery Magazine

Main Sponsor of Rockers In Recovery Music Festival:

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Layout Design & Editor Ad Design Contributions by: John Hollis Liberty Devitto Ricky Byrd Jim Bevell Ben Brafman Siobhan A. Morse

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Rockers in Recovery Magazine

CONTENTS

RIR MUSIC FEST Rockers In Recovery Music Festival 2012...................... 8 RIR All-Star Band......................... 10 Music Fest Performers................. 13

ARTICLES Interview: Billy J. Kramer.......................18 Interview: Jerry Shirley...........................22 Alcoholism & Addiction..........................26 Academy for Addiction Professionals...........................................28 National Institute for Holistic Addiction Studies....................................28 Soul Singing with Christine Ohlman.....30 Into Adulthood and Beyond with Dignity and Grace...................................34 RIR Unplugged........................................38 The Florida House Experience...............40

EVENT CALENDAR Upcoming Events....................................42

DIRECTORY Business Directory..................................42 www.rockersinrecovery.org

november 2-4, 2012

RIR MUSIC FEST

C.B. Smith Park 900 N Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida, 33028

ockers In Recovery Music Festival is a camp out for ALL people in recovery or who support the recovery movement. It will be held November 2-4, 2012 at C.B. Smith Park 900 N Flamingo Road, Pembroke Pines, Florida, 33028, (15 minutes from Fort Lauderdale Airport). The entire festival will be closed to the public. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a mini Woodstock, minus the drugs and alcohol, but add meetings and fellowship! It is being produced by Rockers In Recovery Inc., a not-for-profit corporation. Our mission since 2008 has been to lend support to musicians and music lovers who are in recovery or support recovery. Rockers In Recovery is dedicated to music, news, interviews, events, and festivals taking place within the clean and sober community. 8

Our Festival is promoting music, fun, and harmony among our fellows. There will be a 24-hour marathon-meeting tent for all fellowships and special interest meetings. There will also be a childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tent with crafts and activities all day. Food and recovery merchandise vendors will be on site as well. We will have 20 bands playing on the main stage every hour through the weekend. An open mic party will be held on the main stage Sunday morning. RIR Festival will be held in the area of C.B. Smith Park called The Concert Green. Tickets are on sale now. See you there! - Rockers In Recovery

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RIR

RIR MUSIC FEST

All-Star

Richie Supa - Director of RIR Unplugged An American songwriter and guitarist best known for his work with Aerosmith and Richie Sambora. A longtime friend of Aerosmith, he has made a number of musical contributions to the band and has offered moral support. He temporarily replaced Joe Perry when he left the band in 1979 until a replacement was found. Additionally, he helped co-write several songs, including the hits, “Chip Away the Stone” (1978), “Lightning Strikes” (1982), “Amazing” (1993), and “Pink” (1997), among others.

Band

Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ platinum cover of “I Love Rock & Roll,” and ensure its eternal rotation daily throughout the universe. His blistering rhythms and soaring leads played equally powerful roles in the Blackhearts’ subsequent great hits.

ricky byrd

richie supa Supa co-wrote most of the songs on Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora’s second solo album, Undiscovered Soul. He wrote the song “Misery” for the album Missundaztood by Pink, on which Aerosmith’s singer Steve Tyler and Richie Sambora collaborated and co-wrote the song “My Interpretation” from Mika‘s debut album, Life in Cartoon Motion. Richie also co-wrote "Back on Earth" for Ozzy. Richie keeps his playing skills honed by keeping busy playing his hits live at songwriter events all over the country, along with his passion for helping with charities like The Boys and Girls Club. « Ricky Byrd - Musical Director of the RIR Band - is probably most closely identified with the monstrous power chords that helped define 10

Byrd remains eternally grateful for the opportunity to orbit the globe more frequently than the space shuttle and live out the “Number One with a Bullet” dream most mortals only fantasize about. But after a dozen years, it was time for a change. And the confines of what Joni Mitchell has so poignantly called “the star making machinery” could never have satisfied, much less revealed, the soulful, complete musician and mature artist Byrd proves himself to be on what is, astoundingly, for a dude who’s been making major label albums for decades, his solo debut, Lifer. Just to name a few, Byrd has recorded with or played with Ian Hunter, Joan Jett, Roger Daltrey, Mavis Staple and Southside Johnny. Ricky, a 2012 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominee for his work with Joan Jett, is ready to release his solo debut, Lifer. I have been privileged to hear cuts off the new album and I believe it will be a huge success. Ricky’s skills as a musician and producer will shine once again, as always. « Kasim Sulton - A highly coveted sideman,

Rockers in Recovery Magazine

RIR MUSIC FEST singer/songwriter. He is recognized and respected for his work with other artists, including Blue Oyster Cult, Todd Rundgren and Utopia, Meat Loaf, Joan Jett, Hall and Oates, Patti Smith, Patty Smyth, Mick Jagger and Celine Dion to name just a few. His level of involvement has ranged from playing bass, keyboards, and/or guitar, to adding vocal harmonies, singing lead, and contributing as a songwriter, to producing entire albums; as he did with the Meat Loaf VH-1 Storytellers CD, released in 1999. There isn’t much he hasn’t done in his 25 years in the music industry.

received a phone call from a guy that said he was Mitch Ryder’s tour manager. He said Mitch’s drummer was very sick and they needed someone to fill in. Liberty said, “When?” They said, “Tonight.” Next thing he knew he was on stage with Mitch, taking cues from the sax player. They did “Jenny Takes a Ride,” “Devil with a Blue Dress,” “Sock it to Me Baby" and others. That tour lasted for 6 weeks, playing up and down the East Coast.

Liberty Devitto Kasim Sulton In April of 2001, Sulton began showcasing his own music for the first time since the early 80’s release of his self-titled debut album. He scheduled a few solo acoustic shows in his home state of New York. They were to be small, quiet shows just to test the waters, but word quickly spread and fans traveled from miles around to show their support. Enthusiastic fans welcomed him with open arms and venues were soon asking when he’d be back. The overwhelming success of these early shows prompted Sulton to hit the road for a full tour that summer. Armed with just an acoustic guitar and some stories from his past and present, he played his way across the U.S. including stops in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Chicago and Milwaukee. In Chicago, Sulton made an appearance at the Guitar Center where he met with fans, signed autographs and posed for photos. « Liberty Devitto - Drummer for Billy Joel band for 30 years. In 1968, the same year he graduated from high school, after constant practice, (playing to records – Liberty never took lessons) and playing in local bands, he

Right after Mitch Ryder, Liberty got a gig with Long Island alumni, Richie Supa, and had his first recording experience. The album Supa’s Jamboree was recorded in Atlanta, 1969-70, and was produced by Buddy Buie of the Classics 4 and Atlanta Rhythm Section Fame. The album was released on Paramount Records and a tour immediately followed. The band sometimes opened for groups like the James Gang and Grand Funk Railroad. Then one day, a friend who was playing weddings at a catering hall, asked if Liberty would sit in for him. It was during those years that the group Topper was formed. The band consisted of Liberty (drums), Doug Stegmeyer (bass), Russell Javors (guitar/vocals) and Howie Emerson (guitar/slide guitar/dobro). The band had a sound of it’s own, with all original material. Topper, with the addition of sax player Richie Cannata, eventually became Billy Joel’s band. In 2003, Liberty DeVitto signed on as an official supporter of Little Kids Rock, a nonprofit organization that provides free musical instruments and instruction to children in under-served public schools throughout the U.S.A. Liberty has personally delivered instruments to children in the

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RIR MUSIC FEST program, performed at benefit events for the cause, and sits on the organization’s Honorary Board of Directors. « Christine Ohlman, "The Beehive Queen" – is the queen of blue-eyed rock n’ soul, who grew up loving equally, the sweetness of a Memphis horn line and the raunch of an electric guitar riff, whether played by Muddy Waters, Keith Richards, or Pop Staples. She teased her blonde hair into a beehive in honor of Ronnie Spector and never looked back, picking up a guitar and forging a career as a songwriter in the process. She’s the current, long-time vocalist with the Saturday Night Live Band, whose latest CD, 2010’s The Deep End, was honored on five national Top Ten lists and features special guests/duet partners Ian Hunter, Dion DiMucci and Marshall Crenshaw, plus Levon Helm, GE Smith, Andy York, Eric “Roscoe” Ambel, Catherine Russell, Big Al Anderson and others.

Mark Stein, the lead vocalist, keyboardist, composer and arranger of Vanilla Fudge. Mark first founded Vanilla Fudge in 1966 at the age of 18 with members Tim Bogert, Vinny Martell and Carmine Appice. In the short time they were together, the band enjoyed their giant success with their first Atco album release self-entitled, Vanilla Fudge. Groundbreaking work, since it was the first album to reach the top ten on Billboard’s charts without a hit single. The legendary rock arrangement of "You Keep Me Hangin’ On" became the band’s first hit single nearly two years after the release of their album.

Mark Stein

christine ohlman Ohlman’s legendary voice and stage presence were featured on SNL’s 25th Anniversary telecast, Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary bash at The Garden (with George Harrison, Chrissie Hynde and others), the 2009 Obama Inaugural Gala in Washington, D.C., The Lincoln Center “American Songbook” series with Sting, Lou Reed and Van Dyke Parks, and the Central Park Summerstage Tribute To Janis Joplin (where she fronted both Big Brother & The Holding Company and the Kozmic Blues Band). This is just the tip of the iceberg of the Who’s Who The Beehive Queen has fronted for. Christine’s must listen to CD, The Deep End, is not only touching but is hard driven. « 12

During the 1960's the Fudge were one of rock’s most exciting, high-energy touring bands, setting the stage for the likes of Jimmy Hendrix, Deep Purple and even Led Zeppelin. Through a total of five albums and the tireless touring, the legendary Vanilla Fudge influenced artists around the world with their inspired performances and unique musical interpretations. Bands like Yes, The Who, Deep Purple and many others have credited Vanilla Fudge with having a profound effect on their music and the overall musical renaissance of the late ’60s. The band’s influence is still felt even today. Mark’s new book You Keep Me Hangin’ On, is more than a biography, or a tell-all, it is a cultural and social history, music criticism and the story of generational change. Enriched by first-hand perspective of Mark Stein of Vanilla Fudge, the reader will be transported into scenes and conversations with some of Rock’s most celebrated innovators. «

Rockers in Recovery Magazine

RIR MUSIC FEST

Rockers In Recovery

Music

Fest

performers

Professional drummer, Dave Uosikkinen, is one of the founding members of The Hooters, along with band mates Eric Bazilian and Rob Hyman. The band's first CD, Nervous Night, introduced music fans to his signature drum tracks on “All You Zombies,” “And We Danced” and “Day by Day." He's also recorded on many of the band members solo and side projects. During his career with The Hooters he's been part of some of the most culturally significant concerts of our time, including The Live-Aid Concert, Philadelphia in 1985, Amnesty International Concert at Giants Stadium in 1986, and Roger Waters' extravaganza at The Wall in Berlin in 1990. The Hooters recorded and released their first CD in 10 years and toured Europe in 2007.

the dead." This New York born and raised, classically trained violinist, turned "bombshell electric violinist" plays various genres of music, from Latin, metal, blues, gypsy, hot wing, rock, fusion, klezmer, R&B, classical to world beat. Randi began her studies in New York with Julliard Professor, Sylvan Schulman. He always told her parents that she would be "a real fiddler."

Randi Fishenfeld

david uosikkinen In addition to his work with The Hooters, Dave has recorded and performed with artists such as Patty Smyth, Taj Mahal, Alice Cooper, Rod Stewart and countless others. Dave believes that a great drum sound is often as important as the drum part itself. His longtime friend and business partner, Steve Churchyard out of San Diego, exclusively records and engineers all of Dave's work. Dave created DaveUDrums.com in 2008 in order to easily record custom drum tracks for not only The Hooters and professional singers and songwriters, but for everyone. « Randi Fishenfeld has been described as a "Tornado on the violin who can bow life into

Randi began to experiment with different genres when she was a little girl. She would "borrow" her brother's and parent's albums and jam along with Joe Venutti, Stephane Grappelli, Stuff Smith, Papa John Creach, Led Zepplin, King Crimson, Dixie Dreggs, UK, Pink Floyd, Astor Piazzolla, Emerson, Lake and Palmer, Stevie Wonder, Jeff Beck, Jean Luc Ponty, Stanley Clarke, Stanley Jordan and various other artists. She always knew that the violin was a "really cool" instrument that could work with any type of music. Randi has played with several bands. Her most recent grouping is called Blue Fire. Blue Fire is an exciting 5 piece eclectic rock, blues, etc. ensemble comprised of Nick Cucunato (guitar), Rich Velasques (bass), Jeff Lafferty (drums), Paul Pettitt (keyboard) and Randi Fishenfeld (violin). Randi has toured with Clarence Clemons and has played and/or recorded with Bruce Springsteen, BB King, Nestor Torres, Chad Smith (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Gerry Brown, Air Supply, Journey, Kansas, America, Andy Aledort, Foghat, Dave Valentine and Divine. «

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RIR MUSIC FEST Award winning singer/songwriter, Elizabeth Edwards is known for her graceful melodic style, her rich lyrics and beautiful vocals. As a native daughter of rural Northern California and the middle child of a large musical family, she has been singing, playing the guitar and constructing her own songs since she was thirteen years old. As her musical talent grew, Edwards was influenced by the many talented singer/songwriters of the seventies including Carole King, Judy Collins, Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell. In more recent years she has been inspired by the work of Tracey Chapman and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

was chosen from over seven hundred women who auditioned for the Lillith Fair’s talent search hosted by Bill Graham Presents and Alice Radio 97.3 in San Francisco. Elizabeth is currently involved in the recording industry on many levels and is working on her fourth recording project of original songs. « Originally from Boston, Mass, Jimmy Stowe recently celebrated 40 years of living out his dream in the music business beneath the hot sun and shady palms of South Florida. Mesmerized by the Beatles in ’64, Jimmy learned to play the guitar and sing and began entertaining professionally shortly after his high school graduation. Early in his career, he became skillful at mimicking the artists he loved best. Singing songs with an amazing versatility from the fifties & sixties, funk & soul, folk, country and Caribbean rock, he has been able to make a living entertaining diverse audiences.

Jimmy Stowe & The stoweaways Elizabeth Edwards Edwards’s smooth, earthy voice and heartfelt lyrics take listeners on a journey to the soul. Her lyrics have been called, “empowering, and refreshing” and her voice “touches your soul.” Edwards opened for the late Dan Fogelberg on multiple occasions; she has opened for songwriting legend Jesse Colin Young and twelve-step comedian Mark Lundholm. She has performed at the world famous Bluebird Café in Nashville and many other coffeehouses and songwriter haunts such as Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia and Camel Barn Museum Coffeehouse Concert Series and the at Musicians Coffeehouse. She has toured several college campuses across the country where she has often conducted songwriting workshops by day and entertained audiences with beautiful songs of hope and faith at evening concerts. The State of California Arts Council granted Edwards an Artist in Residence grant where she taught songwriting at Liberty High School in Benicia, California. Edwards has been the recipient of the Readers Choice Award/Best Musician in Solano County. She won the Best Song Award from the Northern California Songwriters Association for her song, "Paper Thin, Paper Doll," and 14

His performances alongside some of the most popular artists in the world, such as Jim Croce, Dr. Hook & Jimmy Buffett, are just a few of the highlights of a long and inspired musical journey. Today, Jimmy’s talent, experience and confidence shine through in every performance. Overcoming the test of time and recovering from the pitfalls of the “party life” are what now inspire this artist and give new meaning to a life filled with joy and gratitude. Complimenting this unique performer with class is Stowe’s band called The Stowaways, an incredibly competent group of musicians featuring keyboardist, Larry Agovino, and saxman, Tom Yamasaki. Their style is American pop with a bit of a tropical twist or simply “feel-good” music performed with passion and purpose. « Sooner or Later Band - high-energy, highintensity Rock 'n' Roll! A trio of accomplished players, Tsolb provides a kickass show with a tasteful mix of modern and classic rock

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RIR MUSIC FEST covers; "Shake Your Ass," "Hang Your Head," there's something for everyone at our shows!

Back” to enjoy their music. « Over the past several years, The Chillbillies band that was started by Tim Irwin, George Massengill, and Teddy Phillips has become one of the most popular party bands in East Tennessee, "and that we are proud of."

Sooner or Later Band The Sooner or Later Band was formed in 1983 in Margate, Florida, by Badboy and Mack (who left the band in 2004). Currently the lineup consists of Badboy (guitar/vocals), Dagwood (bass/vocals), and Toby Thunder (drums). « Keep Coming Back is a Hollywood, Florida, based jamband consisting of Chris Waddell Ed Walsh, and Bruce Duncan. They all come out of the jam band scene, heavily influenced by improvisational bands like The Grateful Dead and Phish. They also share a love of American roots music ranging from folk to blues to rock, jazz, bluegrass and country. Chris is a veteran of South Florida bands, The Wheel, Campfire Nightmares and Sage and Spirit, while Ed played in Sunflower Conspiracy, formerly known as Second Helping, which also featured Bruce. They have played all over South Florida for over ten years. The musicians stepped up to the plate when they were asked to be featured performers at The Friendship (12 Step) Club in Miami Lakes, which provided the spark to form the group Keep Coming Back.

The Chillbillies Over the years of playing everything from square dance music, rock and roll, country, etc., it has set the tone for The Chillbillies wide variety of music, in which we brand as “Rhythm, Boogie, and Blues”. Come see us and enjoy. « Thrown Alive enjoys a 20-year musical partnership between guitarist / vocalist, Roger H. and drummer, Joe D. at its core. The music ranges from the hook-filled hard-rock sound of “Yesterday” and “The Insanity” to the softer, nearly country music sounds of “Won’t Get High” and “Another Side to Mountains.”

Thrown Alive The band’s name, Thrown Alive, is even said to be symbolic of the process of choosing a new way of life, in that we are brought back to life, somewhat quickly as we re-discover our senses of spirit and hope. «

Keep Coming Back “We both wanted to find a way to combine our recovery with playing music, and festivals like the 12 Step are exactly what we were looking for,” said Ed. “It’s really great being sober and playing for a sober audience,” adds Chris. They hope that you all will “Keep Coming

Selfish Steam, based out of Harford, Connecticut, has been dubbed by the media as "Friends in Recovery with Music that Touches the Soul." Founder, Tony Marossie, through the help of a 12 Step program, cleaned up his act

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RIR MUSIC FEST and picked up his guitar and started writing music about his life experiences. He started to seek out other recovering musicians and put together a band called Selfish Steam. Sobriety and persistence has taken these guys on an amazing journey.

Travis T. Warren

Selfish Steam In May of 2002, they were nominated for a Prism Award but lost to Ozzie Osbourne. For the next several years they continued on their journey and performed at numberous recovery events throughout the country including Soberjam in New Orleans, Freedom Festival in Long Beach, California, Soberstock in Pennsylvania, Half Moon Sober Festival in New Hampshire, Sober in the Sun in Spencer, Massachusetts, 12 Step Music Festival in Key West, Florida, The Wilson house in Vermont, and more.

Travis’ love and aptitude for music can be traced back to his upbringing in Amarillo, Texas. His father is a virtuoso guitarist (according to Travis, “one of the best guitar players I’ve ever known”), his mother is a performing singer/songwriter whose voice draws frequent comparison to Stevie Nicks. His younger days were spent immersed in the wonders of watching music videos on MTV while evenings were often devoted to jamming. Meanwhile, Travis was fervently turning his friends onto a number of his favorite bands at the time – among them, Shannon Hoon’s alt rock big-hitters Blind Melon. « Master of Ceremonies of the November 2-4 2012 Rockers In Recovery Music Fest - John Nichols.

In April of 2009, they were nominated again for a Prism Award and won. Selfish Steam is so much more than just a band. It is truly a band of brothers, helping each other in their daily journey through life. "To be able to touch people with our music and see the response in their eyes is the greatest gift we could ask for. Whenever we play, we say if we reach just one person, then it was all worth it. The more people who can hear our music, the more we can maybe help, even if it just makes them think. We claim no affiliation with any group or organization and do not represent anyone except ourselves." « Travis T. Warren is the singer/songwriter behind his debut solo album, Beneath These Borrowed Skies, to be released on Iron Ridge Road Recordings. Travis also performs as the frontman in Blind Melon’s post-millennial resurgence and is one-half of heavy rock duo, The Lookout Kids. 16

john nichols Originally from the Boston area, John Nichols has been a on-air broadcaster for over 20 years. Currently, John is the morning show producer for the Bubba the Love Sponge Show and is a weekend on-air talent for 96krock (a Beasley Broadcasting station) in Ft. Myers Florida. John got his start, DJ'ing and hosting karaoke in the Boston area. Since then, John has worked all time slots on mainstream radio and done news, weather, traffic, and sports both in Florida and Boston. John has, and still does, emcee large events both for 96krock and for the community of Lee Colorado, where he lives. John came into recovery in August of 2008 and is very active in a 12 Step fellowship and Celebrate Recovery. «

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ARTICLES

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ARTICLES

An Interview With

Billy J.Kramer

By Liberty Devitto

hen you look up the British Invasion and the influence it had on music and the world, you will find that Billy J. Kramer was a major player. Along with The Beatles, Gerry and the Pacemakers, and Cilla Black, Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas were part of the Brian Epstein camp that were signed to his management. Billy was a personal friend with all the Beatles and his

first four hit records were written for him by John Lennon and Paul McCartney. "Do You Want To Know A Secret," "Bad To Me," "I'll Keep You Satisfied," and "From A Window" were songs produced by the famed George Martin. Billy played the famous Cavern Club many times as well as paying his dues in the clubs in The Reeperbahn district of Hamburg, Germany. Just like so many others that were caught up in the whirlwind of fame and fortune at a young age, Billy developed an addiction to alcohol and drugs. Billy J. Kramer has been in the program and has recently celebrated 25 years of sobriety. Liberty Devitto: You were a part of a movement in music that changed the way a whole generation looked, listened and acted. What was it like to live and work, with not only The Beatles, but the rest of the Liverpool music scene ? Billy J. Kramer: On the one hand, it was obviously very exciting. On the other hand, it was overwhelming. Liberty: How did it feel to go from being a young man working on locomotives in a train yard, to becoming the idol of millions, with hit records, fancy suits and screaming girls while making some real money?

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Billy: I had just released my first record, Do You Want To Know A Secret. I traveled from Liverpool to Manchester to do my first TV show.

the bars of a jail cell from the inside-out didn't change anything. I was so high when I got out that I got lost driving around the block from my house.

At the time, there was a huge political scandal in the UK involving politicians and underage girls called The Profumo Trials. The TV show had me pushing over file cabinets and pulling out files and throwing them all over the studio while singing, "Do You Want To Know A Secret." When I arrived back in Liverpool, I got off the bus at the end of my street, and could see a crowd at the top of the street. Little did I know it was a crowd of screaming girls, and I had a lot of trouble getting into my parents' house. From then on, I had to have a police escort. Since I was basically very shy and lacked self-esteem, I would go out drinking and come home at six in the morning to cope with it.

I was now regularly vomiting on my shoes. The one "morning after" when me and my now wife were dating, she looked at me and gave me the ultimatum, "it's going to be me or your drinking." It was right then and there that I made the decision to clean up my act. I must admit, I felt alone because everyone I knew partied. Then I met Ricky Byrd and through him met so many others like me. That's how I became a part of Rockers In Recovery and through Ricky, I met you. What was it like when you decided to take that first step?

Liberty: You first became popular in your home country of England. But the English beat was now becoming popular in America and all the groups had their sights set on The Ed Sullivan Show in New York City. How did you feel on your first trip to the States and what was it like playing the Ed Sullivan Show ?

billy j. kramer

Billy: When I first got off the plane, I was so overwhelmed by NYC that I wanted to get on the next plane back. Little did I know that I would one day be living here. I didn't have any concept of the magnitude of the TV audience for Ed Sullivan. It was a good thing that I was ignorant to it, or I would have had many sleepless nights leading up to it and been a bundle of nerves. Liberty: Denial played a big part in my addiction. Two unsuccessful marriages, the loss of a ton of money, and looking through

Billy: I met my present wife Roni and moved to NY. I was drinking and taking pills around the clock, and I started to get up and drink Jack Daniels in the morning. I would crouch behind dumpsters on my way to the railroad station while on my way into the city to rehearse. I would have a shopping bag full of alcohol and would drink all through rehearsals. I realized that if I carried on like this that it would end my relationship with someone I loved very much and that I would die from the drinking and drugs. I knew

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nothing about rehabs and recovery. At first, I thought I was going to do it my own way and read lots of self-help books. Then, I went to see a prominent psychiatrist who informed me that he could take my money, but my problem was that I was an alcoholic. Different people had said the same thing to me on many occasions, but I never took it seriously. This time, I burst into tears. I had always been in such denial and told myself

Liberty: How has your life changed with your sobriety? Billy: It might seem a small thing to most people, but until I got sober, I never had the confidence to drive a car. Within four months of getting sober, I had a driver's license, which is something I never in my wildest dreams thought I would accomplish. Going on stage clean and sober was scary at first. I still get stage fright, but now I enjoy my work more than I ever did, even at the height of my career. There are bumps in the road and the things that used to make me want to go out and drink no longer do. It's great waking up and not having someone tell you what an idiot you made of yourself the night before. Liberty: If Billy J. Kramer "then" was standing in front of Billy J. Kramer "now" asking for help, what would you say to him? Billy: I would tell him that if you don't have sobriety, you don't have anything.

billy j. kramer during the british invasion era that I drank a lot because of the pressures of the business, and that one day I would be out of the business and be able to stop. When I got home, I looked in the phone book and found the number for Alcoholics Anonymous. I attended an AA meeting and immediately realized it was exactly where I belonged. I will be sober for 26 years at the end of June.

Liberty: I have to tell you, when we perform together and you yell to the crowd, "Are you ready to rock?" I think to myself, now that I am sober, "I am always ready!" A Rockers In Recovery and Billy J. Kramer show, I'd like to see that happen. Thanks Billy. Billy: Thanks Lib, for being a power of example and a great friend. ÂŤ

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RICKY BYRD The long awaited debut CD Available soon on iTunes and at Amazon.com

RICKY BYRD

Rock ‘n’ Roll with soul . . . plain and simple Listen to the single R’n’R Boys www.rickybyrd.com/music/ Join Ricky’s Facebook Fan Page on.fb.me/N7gIIF Follow Ricky on Twitter @Byrdman20 www.rockersinrecovery.org

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Jerry Shirley

An Interview With

photos by Fin Costello

By ricky byrd

his issue, I get to interview another of my favorite Rock 'n Roll drummers, Mr. Jerry Shirley. Jerry was the hard driving engine behind one of the all time greatest rock bands, Humble Pie, fronted by one of, if not the greatest rock and roll/soul shouters ever, Steve Marriott! I saw this band about a dozen times and yes, I still have the tee shirt (with the Beardsley print), needless to say it does not fit these days). I was good pals with Steve in the late 70's. I knew Jerry in the early 80's, but we never really got beyond, "Hello mate!" I'm happy and blessed to say Jerry and I are now long distance pals with sobriety in common as well as a long, sometimes turbulent life in rock and roll. Survivors we are, with some great tales to tell. Let's talk recovery! Ricky Byrd: At what age did you start using drugs and or Alcohol? Jerry Shirley: I started to get high at around 12 years old but I had been drunk before that, 8 or 9 maybe. Ricky: How quick was the progression to where you felt you needed a little help to get through your day or to deal with life on life's terms? Jerry: By the time I was sixteen I was smoking hash and taking speed. Then LSD came along but drinking had become my main poison. When I first realized I had a serious problem, I was on a plane coming back from Japan in 1973, at 21 years old, when Jenny Marriott (Steve's wife) gave me a serious talking to, which did very little at the time but it sowed the seed of recovery. I 22

had so much respect for her that if she was saying something, there must be something seriously wrong. Of course by then, with the bands success, being at it's absolute zenith, all hell had broken loose and there was nothing stopping us. We had long since started to get heavily into cocaine but never heroin, why that was I don't really know, as we were into just about everything else, but I do know we were out of control. Of course at the time we didn't think anything was seriously wrong at all, it's only hindsight that allows me to now see how out of control we were, we had no idea, we were having a ball. Ricky: How did your using affect your career? Do you think your playing suffered at all? Jerry: Most definitely. Drinking and playing was a combo I could never handle and in a way it saved my life. I would be dead by now, you see, because I quit drinking and playing. It gave me a break from drinking all day on show days until after the show. It affected my stamina, my sense of tempo, my feel for the groove; the whole nine yards. So I at least had the good sense to leave it all alone until after the show, but boy did I find out in a hurry what serious hang overs were; where you just wished you were dead. Ricky: What was the turning point for you, when you'd had enough? Jerry: That was it, I'd had enough. I stopped in time to not let me slide down while the band was at it's height. But that doesn't mean that I didn't let those things happen later on in life. When Steve had agreed to let me take over the rights to the use of the name long, before he died, I felt, so long as I put a great band

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"Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, start all over again." together, that was respectful to the original band, then I was doing my part. In fact, the only condition that Steve put upon the deal was, "so long as I put together a great band that was a good and proper representation of the original Humble Pie," then it had his vote. Plus he said, "in any case, I would rather see you playing in a great rock band than driving a van for a living." I had just bought a van to do courier work, thanks to a loan that was kindly given to me by dearest friend in the music business whose name shall remain nameless. Ricky: How did you find recovery and did you take to it right off the bat? Jerry: Yes and no. My first experience was a good old fashioned 12 Step call from a 70 year old man who sat and told me his story about how he had moved to Argentina to take over the family business and proceeded to blow $25,000,000 and the first thing that came to my mind was "well I can't be that bad I only blew $5,000,000," true story. Ricky: How and what are you doing now? Jerry: I am doing fine. I have just written a book about my experiences being the drummer in Humble Pie, one of the greatest rock & roll bands to come out of the late sixties/early seventies called, Best Seat in The House, which is my story about the

wonderful times we had and how a young kid like me was lucky enough to get such a great job like that. Ricky: Do you have some words of hope and experience for those that are still struggling with addiction? Jerry: Yes, it is a quote from an old Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers tune that was probably written by Irving Berlin and the punch line is, "Pick yourself up, dust yourself off, start all over again." In other words if you fall off the tracks then get right back at it. I personally have gone back out there too many times to remember and it is only but for the grace of a loving God that has kept me alive. There's always another drunk out there but there may not be another recovery so please do yourself a favor and help your family by making this one stick. All you have to do is follow the steps of your sponsor, so get a good sponsor. Someone you can connect with right away. Then, as they say, fake it until you make it . Follow his steps, literally, until what you are doing becomes second nature and you just do it without thinking about it. I was a hard nut to crack, but I have been sober for a long time now and I am living proof that anybody can do it. Life is so much better sober. You'll still have problems but all the problems that booze brought upon you will be instantly removed from your life and if you are anything like me, which I suspect you are, that will amount to almost all your problems! I have a little story that I made up while I was under the care of the best sponsor I ever had, who eventually got me through my first year, taking in 400 meetings that year. It took me 10 years to get that first one, so here's the way I did it: Imagine you are new to the mine clearing squad of the marines in Afghanistan and there is a big mine field in front of you. You have two paths through the mine field; one has been proved to be completely cleared by your team leader (your sponsor). Your leader has already stepped through it many times and there have been no explosions on

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the foot path. You have the choice of taking a your own uncertain path, or you simply follow the steps that your sponsor has trod upon so many times, that is absolutely explosion free. While you have not yet learned how to clear a path yourself, so long as you follow his steps, you will not go off the beaten track and get blown up. Then, of course as time goes by, you will learn how to make it through using your own steps using what you learned from your sponsor by doing them again and again and again. Repetition, repetition, repetition. These are the final thoughts of my condensed vision of the program aimed at those of us who have had trouble getting it to stick like myself. ÂŤ

jerry shirley sitting in the best seat in the house

To purchase Jerry Shirley's book, email Rob at Cook-rob@rebeats.com or search for "Best Seat in The House" on Amazon.com.

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IMPROVING RECOVERY RATES THROUGH SCIENCE AND IMPROVINGTRADITIONAL RECOVERY RATES THROUGH SCIENCE AND TRADITIONAL MODALITIES MODALITIES

HOLISTIC ADDICTION TREATMENT PROGRAM As leaders in the industry, we integrate our clinical expertise, patient values and the best research, evidence-based treatment into the decision making process for patient care. We are a 12-step based program who believe in a unique three-fold approach to treatment: MIND-BODY-SPIRIT integrates our clients’ physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.

• We specialize in treating those who suffer from chronic relapse as well as dual diagnosis. Properly treating such issues decreases the likelihood of relapse

• Our mission to treat the “whole person” involves a holistic approach to the underlying issues restoring balance to the internal and external worlds of the individual • 21st century evidence-based treatment modalities include but are not limited to psychiatric and nutritional evaluation, biochemical replacement therapy, heavy metal detoxification, acupuncture, mild hyperbaric oxygen therapy, hypnotherapy, E.M.D.R. (trauma work), karate, exercise, yoga and much more

• Clients live in a supervised, real-world environment. Cell phones, laptops and personal electronic music devices are allowed during free time • Our nutritional program supports the ability of the body and mind to heal • Individualized treatment addresses a wide variety of therapeutic issues focusing on long term solutions, especially with our exclusive faith-based track

Counselors Available 24/7 • Get Help Now

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Alcoholism &

Addiction

By Jim bevell

he concept of alcoholism and addiction as a legitimate disease has come a long way, thanks to the work of Dr. Benjamin Rush, in the 20th century. His early and beleaguered progress paved the way for the AMA to declare alcoholism and addiction a disease in the 1950s, its inclusion in the DSM and ultimately in legislation, via The Parity Act of 2008, which requires most group health plans to provide an equal amount of mental illness coverage as what’s covered for physical illness. Oh, how far we have come, but we still have a ways to go. The mental health industry is being recognized as a legitimate professional field under the medical umbrella, and that’s certainly a good thing -- but it’s also a call for us to continue growing as professionals and as an industry. We need to start building more evidencebased treatment centers, regardless of their location or amenities -- at the beach, in the mountains, with a pool, etc. Most current statistics reveal the success rate of treatment interventions is at about 30 percent. While I could write for

hours about statistics it seems like treatment is focused on aesthetics and amenities. Hospital conferences build their programs around the medical interventions they use and the research that backs up the efficacy of using these interventions — not what the view from your bed will be. This is why American Addiction Centers works hard to get longer lengths-of-stay for our patients. The longer a person stays engaged in treatment, the better the chances for a successful recovery. We also work to ensure patients stay engaged in some level of care for at least the first year. We fight for inter-provider communication; research says this type of collaboration and communication creates better results. At American Addiction Centers, we consider ourselves to be on the cuttingedge, though we know we have a ways to go. This motivates us to develop more research-based projects and join other organizations to push forward and get better outcomes. It’s my hope that as an organization, we never fall in love with our ideas so deeply that we refuse to allow the evidence to determine our direction. «

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Academy for Addiction Professionals By Ben Brafman, CAP, LMHC

elcome to the Academy for Addiction Professionals located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. You are about to make one of the best decisions of your career. The Academy for Addiction Professionals has been created to help you on your educational path, by offering a road map to becoming a certified addiction professional, certified addiction counselor, certified addiction specialist, certified behavioral health technician or to take online addiction CEU courses. At the Academy, you will be trained by instructors who are dedicated to helping you grow in the addictions field. You will be exposed to cutting edge resources, important

certification updates, trends in the behavioral health field and other addiction professionals. You will also be able to improve your opportunity for employment in the addictions field. Upon completion of our program, you will have obtained all the educational hours needed for your addiction certification, and you will be in a position to move forward in your career. The Academy provides a great networking opportunity to meet different people in different parts of the substance abuse or behavioral health field. You will learn about multiple resources in your very own community and you will gain accessibility to information not always readily available to others. «

National Institute for Holistic

Addiction Studies

by Siobhan A. Morse, MHSA, CRC, CAI, MAC

n-site research, development and education for G & G Holistic is conducted by the National Institute For Holistic Addiction Studies (NIFHAS). NIFHAS draws from the wealth of knowledge and experience of the leading scientists, researchers and clinicians in the field of addiction and mental health treatment. Our mission is to integrate wisdom pathways with advances in traditional western medicine in order to gain a broader understanding of addictions and co-occurring mental disorders and to develop effective Holistic addiction treatment modalities based on valid and reliable research. Through our association with Kenneth Blum, PhD, the internationally recognized neruo-physcho-pharmacologist and geneticist who identified the addiction/alcoholism gene, we have been 28

(NIFHAS)

investigating amino acid formulations that demonstrate improvement in mood and brain performance. Our close fellowship with Paul Harch, M.D., author of The Oxygen Revolution, has brought us into the 21st Century with the use of Hyperbaric Medicine and Oxygen therapy. There are many more professional relationships, including Dr. Deborah Mash, leading neuromolecular scientist, University of Miami Professor, NIH member and contributing NIFHAS faculty and Dr. Hyla Cass, the country’s foremost author and speaker on integrative medicine, as well as others, who make our program the fore-runner in addiction and mental health treatment. With over 30 publications in scientific journals, NIFHAS is paving the way for a new era in evidence-based addiction and mental health treatment. Visit us online at www.nifhas.com or www.holisticdrugrehab. com to learn more. «

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Soul

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Singing!

with

Chrinstine

Ohlman

he human voice raised in song is a wondrous thing. Singing is communication, a way to connect even when words fail you, a way to soothe your soul, a sublime way to talk of love and loss, beauty and sorrow. In all cultures, all over the world, day and night, there are stories being sung. As a professional vocalist (and, proudly, the lead vocalist of the Rockers In Recovery Band), there’s one thing I believe, anyone can sing. That’s right, anyone. Singing is just speaking, taken to a higher plane (or sometimes not even—think Bob Dylan’s talk-sing, Curt Cobain’s rasp, the musicality of Rap’s half-sung, half-spoken poetry). Your voice is unique and special to you. Open your heart, hum a melody, and guess what? You’re singing! Science is now beginning to provide evidence for what many of us have long known, singing makes you feel good! We’ve all heard the phrase, “sing your blues away.” Just like a good laugh, singing releases endorphins into our blood stream that help us feel happy 30

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and relaxed, providing a general sense of well-being. In David Remnick’s fine profile of Bruce Springsteen in The New Yorker, The Boss talks about the healing and redemptive power of music, “Routine, responsibility, decay of institutions, corruption; this is all the world closing in. Music, when it’s really great, pries that shit back open and lets people back in, lets light in, and air in, and energy in, and sends people home with that and sends me back to the hotel with it. People carry that with them sometimes for a very long period of time. We [of the E Street Band] are repairmen, repairmen with a toolbox. If I repair a little of myself, I’ll repair a little of you. That’s

the job.” I love this imagery - the idea of repairing. Who among us hasn't felt the pang of loneliness, the fear of failure, the profound sadness at the loss of a loved one? There are songs for all of these feelings. But then there’s that happy, thrilling memory jolt when a summertime or holiday-time song from a special year comes on the radio. Songs help us recapture the feel of sand between our toes, that first kiss, the smell of chlorine by the swimming pool, did I mention that first kiss? Even the tang of winter air, snowflakes falling, colored lights on a Christmas tree. It’s part of the human condition to want to recreate those songs ourselves. Singing helps us remember—and in remembering, there is healing. Let me say it again, "anyone can sing." I believe this with all my heart. It's in the soul. So crank up the radio, whether it be Metallica, Chuck Berry, Jay-Z and Beyoncé, Skynyrd, U2, Brad Paisley, The Stones or The Beatles...and make a joyful noise! «

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll turn you into a night owl. After the sun goes down, Greater Fort Lauderdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s indie music scene heats up with warehouse jam sessions, up-and-coming bands and unique venues off the beaten path. Rock on. Visit sunny.org/undergroundlauderdale

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Into

Adulthood and Beyond with

Dignity & Grace By Carol Harblin, CHHC

e’ve all heard by now of the “shift” into a new era after December 21, 2012 – what does that actually mean? We tend to think of “ends” as cataclysmic and with huge fanfare, but a shift, by definition, is in fact shifting gradually from one phase to another. One of the new ways of thinking for the new era is to continue working in careers that feed our soul so that we continue living with dharma (purpose). For generations, we have all been part of the notion that we must retire and do nothing at the tender age of 62 or 65. The first year of retirement is the honeymoon where people who hated their jobs, cherish and relish in the freedom to sleep in and travel, but what next? What do people do once the honeymoon phase is over? Where is their daily dose of dharma and dignity? We see the post-50 celebrities like Oprah, Bill Clinton, Deepak Chopra, Paul McCartney, Howard Stern and even Aerosmith and Rolling Stones revive their roles and their careers and they have their second wind again. Their second wind is sometimes better than their first wind. In India, I noticed a huge respect for their elderly. Everyone still has dignity and dharma. There is always a job for everyone. In the Western Civilizations, we tend to cast away our post-60 crowd and revere youth. But thankfully, the celebrities who are turning 40 and 50 and 60 are taking back their power and making 60 the new 40. Think about your career for a moment. We work from a young age of 22 and stay with 34

it (hopefully) for the next 30 to 40 years. That is at least 35 years of doing something that drives us – whether we despise it or not. Then we are amputated at around 65 and cast off from society. By the time we make it to our 60s, aren’t we seasoned with experience to nurture and embrace those under us so that the 60 and above crowd could mentor the younger crowd in the perspective careers. If we shifted the 60 and above crowd to the title of mentor instead of just pushing them into retirement, there would be less frustrated, depressed, lonely and sick elderly. Wouldn’t it be nice to have a mentor in your job who has been there and done that, one who can save you a lot of dollars and time in mistakes? In the new movie, “The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel,” is a British-humorous take on retirement where a group of post-60 year old adults travel to India and attempt to live a life of dharma again – without being casted off by their younger family and friends. In the beginning of the movie, each of the older adults are trying to find their place in the world again and vying for someone to love them. When spouses pass on and children move onward to their own lives it leaves a gaping hole in the older adult’s life. Their purpose of caring for their families has ended and their children don’t have time to cope with them anymore – so what do people do – they cast them off to facilities to die. Does this seem like a proper thing to do after they raise us and send us to college, guide us through marriages and the first baby only to be cast off?

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“Let us meditate on the divine light that is inherent in us, may it dissolve all ignorance and darkness.” – Gayatri Mantra This small intimate group who takes residence at the Best Exotic Marigold Hotel feel a bit shunned, but soon each in their own ways, they begin to find their purpose again – and even love. A woman named Evelyn, finds a job – her first ever - once she is in India, despite her age. Norman, an older man who longs to feel love again does in fact find true love again. There are many barriers in our western society that have created a limited way of thinking about growing older. We can grow old any way we want and continue with our life’s purpose. Just because people retire from their prospective jobs doesn’t

mean they have no purpose – in fact, why retire from a job you love? By the time most people are in their 50s in their jobs they are finally becoming seasoned and quite proficient in what they do. Should a person give it up because of increasing age? We are brought up with a notion that marriage (or even first marriages) are for those in their 20s or even 30s, and then after menopause we are to be alone for the remainder of our days. What kind of thinking is this? Love is unlimited and endless. As long as we are living, we still require love. Love is the our Vitamin L. Without Vitamin L, we become empty and sad. Love isn’t about sexual intimacy, but much deeper. Love can be a social connection that is attained by compassion and understanding and empathy. Older adults are older and wiser people who have walked in our shoes. They have stories to tell us and should be revered – not sedated and cast off. «

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RIR

Unplugged By John Hollis

ockers In Recovery Unplugged visits addiction drug and alcohol treatment centers all over the United States. Select members of the Rockers In Recovery band come to share their message of hope, and play an unplugged set of songs geared towards recovery. Sure, they come from the likes of The Blackhearts, The Asbury Jukes, Vanilla Fudge, Aerosmith, Billy Joel’s, and Todd Rundgren’s bands. But they also share the common experience of either being recovering addicts themselves, having had loved ones who were addicted, or simply lending their support to the cause of taking a message of strength and hope to others through their music. According to the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is an established health profession in which music is used within a therapeutic relationship to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals of all ages. Music therapy improves the quality of life for persons who are well and meets the needs of children and adults with disabilities or illnesses.

RIR Unplugged Director – Richard “Richie” Supa is an American songwriter and guitarist who has written music for the Who’s Who of rock and roll. Richie is best known for his work with Aerosmith and Richie Sambora. He has helped forge the message of Rockers In Recovery by carrying hope, education, and treatment through his music. Richie not only works closely with the organization but is also the head of the Rockers In Recovery Unplugged Series. If you would like to have Rockers In Recovery Unplugged at your addiction drug and alcohol treatment center or your next addiction recovery event call 954-8264920 for more information or send an email to richiesupa@rockersinrecovery.org. «

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The

Florida

The Right Residential Rehab Facility

House Experience

By Florida house

he Florida House Experience is a premier substance abuse treatment facility specializing in genderspecific, non-enabling programs located in Deerfield Beach, Florida. State licensed and CARF (Commission Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities) accredited, The Florida House offers all levels of care, including medical detox, residential rehab, outpatient treatment, and sober living. Exceptional teams of highly experienced, certified clinical and medical professionals facilitate all areas of treatment, including dual diagnosis. The Florida House Experience is dedicated to helping clients lead a sober way of life.

The Florida House Experience has a very structured program with plenty of scheduled activities and meetings. Group and individual therapy, 12 Step meetings and meditation are offered daily. Free time can be spent in one of the pools, one for the women and one for the men, or watching premium cable inside any of the apartments. Phone time can be cleared through the therapist.

Florida House guests come from all across the United States to the recovery capital of the world to begin a new lifestyle. This nationally recognized drug addiction treatment center provides gender specific programs to enhance outcome and efficacy while giving men and women separate housing, counselors and groups.

Treatment at the Florida House Experience is more clinical in nature. The medical staff, which includes two RNs, two psychiatrists, and tri-weekly visits by a medical doctor, gives clients the best possible treatment outcome. FHE does support the residents in the 12 Step program to sober living but they are not required to work the steps while at the treatment facility.

Created from a former resort, this unique environment is not the run-of-the-mill facility with a large number of patients in and out. The Florida House believes in a highly individualized rehabilitation modality with treatment protocols tailored to meet each client’s specific needs.

The Florida House Experience accepts most major health insurance policies. FHE provides effective treatment for individuals from all walks of life, including lawyers, police officers and pilots

In a comfortable apartment-like setting, The Florida House Experience’s tropical facility provides the optimal recovery experience. With a few people assigned to each residence, clients find all of the amenities that they would have at home. There are various standards that are to be followed in the apartment living accommodation. The comfortable 40

environment is meant to train residents in self-sufficiency. Weekly, each resident is provided with a gift card to the local supermarket to take care of his or her personal needs. Residents also have the option of eating at the on-site restaurant.

If you have questions about substance abuse or need direction in helping someone you care about, The Florida House provides help from qualified addiction professionals 24/7. Don’t wait any longer, step into recovery at The Florida House Experience. Please Call 888-421-6242 or visit www.fherehab.com, facebook.com/TheFHexperience. «

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EVENT CALENDAR / DIRECTORY

CALENDAR 2012