The Fleshtones Summer mini-Festival Of Fun 15 August 2010
Delta flight 246 (JFK to Rome Fiumicino) began with the usual tedium -several hundred passengers shuffling into the cramped confines of a jet. Okay, this one is going to be trouble, I thought...more
The good people at Raven Records in Australia are at it again. Look out over coming months for a 2-for-1 CD featuring Hexbreaker and Speed Connection Live in Paris 85. Dare one hope that "Roman Gods" will receive the digital beer mat treatment in 2011? Stay tuned.
My apologies for the long absence. It's just that this Busybuddy has been -well, very busy: amidst the flurry of activity was playing (briefly!) the 30th anniversary celebrations for DC's 9:30 Club (May 31) a venue that played such a mighty part in the story of The Fleshtones...more
News just in that Amazon.com has made available Speed Connection II - The Final Chapter as a digital download. The tracks cost 99c each or download the complete album for $9.49. Keep watching Amazon just in case they make "Roman Gods" and "Hexbreaker" available too. Thank you to Joe Bonomo for sharing the information.
There is an Interview VIDEO with of THE FLESHTONES over on rock-interviews.com. The interviews were recorded back in the Spring during the French tour with the BellRays and feature contributions from all members of the band. Click on the "Artists" link down the left side of the page and then choose your super rocking favourite.
A big thank you to David Rocco for sending along a set of action shots that he took at Beacon Riverfest, Beacon, NY on Saturday 26 June 2010. Twelve of the best can be seen in the Gallery section of the website. The crowd looks both suprised and amused as the 'Tones really let it rip. One wonders how many "just happened to be there" punters were knocked out by their exposure to Super Rock. The expression on the face of the female photographer at the front of the stage perhaps says it all: "Isn't this fun!"
There's a great review of It's Super Rock Time! by Fred Mills over on the Blurt
website. Fred has dug the 'Tones since the late 70s when he used to hang out with the dBs and other like minded souls enamoured by the American Beat. His enthusiasm for the recent compilation of IRS material knows no technological boundaries despite a long standing love for 45rpms.
Time to alert you that the second long playing album by The Master Plan is available to buy online or from a reputable record
dealer. Maximum Respect (Nicotine Records) features twelve sure fire hits including a cover of "I Wanna Feel
Something Now" originally cut by the 'Tones on More Than Skin Deep. No news as to whether the band is to play US dates but the good people of Spain can enjoy the heavy duty tunes of Andy, Paul, Bill and Keith for two weeks in early May. Hop over to the Gigs page for the full itinerary. Have no fear, it's gonna take more
than a cloud of volcano ash from Iceland to stop these guys getting to Europe.
Stop Press: The Master Plan throw a record release party at The Trash Bar in Brooklyn on 15 May. Support the band and grab a copy of the new album.
The Fleshtones return to action in the USA with Mid West dates in May, a five day trek around the south with The Forty-Fives in June, and a three date wing-ding in Texas with The Ugly Beats in July. Further dates are being secured and the band are anxious to meet friends, both old and new, out on the West Coast. Details on the Gigs page.
Surprisingly, I was met by several security men and a ferocious looking dog on entering the venue. A bit over the top for a rock'n'roll show where the average age of the audience was 30+. Perhaps Le Centre culturel Gérard Philipe attracts a more troublesome clientele on other nights? At 8:45pm a crowd of 200 saw the Fleshtones enter from the back of the hall and thump out "Hexbreaker" while negotiating a highly polished dance floor. Once onstage the 'Tones delivered a selection of tunes from the first thirty years of Super Rock. It was fantastic to hear "Nothin' Is Ever Gonna Bring Me Down" at the halfway mark. One of my Top Ten tunes. A touching lyric about staying true to yourself layered over a hell of a hook. Despite having the task of supporting the Bellrays on their current Euro tour the 'Tones performed a generous set lasting 1 hour 15 minute and packed with tried and tested routines such as "The Push-Up Man", "The Human Pyramid", and "The Get Down With It". Add to this a touch of burlesque when Ken and Keith, with backs turned to the audience, teasingly removed Peter's shirt only to reveal that he was wearing a spangled silver shirt underneath. Hilarious. An initially reticent audience were finally won over by the gospel fervour of “Burnin’ Hell” and ready to go along with any high jinks that the 'Tones could conjure up. The show ended as it started with the band exiting through the audience while summoning the spirit of the mighty "Hexbreaker". I pity the Bellrays, or any other band for that matter, having to follow Peter, Keith, Ken and Bill onstage. These guys are not, and will never be, a quartet of shoe gazers. Hurrah to that.
Read Mark Hagan's review of the show in Calais on The Word website or visit Peter Zaremba's Bussybuddy blog for a tour update.
It's Super Rock Time - Press Release 28 February 2010
IT'S SUPER ROCK TIME: The I.R.S. Years 1980-1985 (RVCD-311)
Release date: 9 March 2010
Raven presents a superb 26-track, 78-minute CD collection from one of America’s original, and longest-running, garage-rock bands, self-proclaimed Living Legends, THE FLESHTONES.
Formed in 1976 in Queens, New York by vocalist Peter Zaremba and guitarist Keith Streng, the
Fleshtones combined fuzzed guitar and Farfisa organ with 50s rockabilly and 60s R&B into a
potent retro stew they called “Super Rock”. Contemporaries of Suicide and the Cramps on the
late-70s NY scene, the group became a huge influence on early ‘80s garage-rock revivalists
Dream Syndicate, Plimsouls, Hoodoo Gurus etc. Amazingly, they are still at it today, finally
garnering respect for being as raucous as ever.
It’s Super Rock Time – The I.R.S. Years 1980-1985 covers their key five year
tenure with Miles Copeland’s record label. Culled from their classic albums (Roman Gods, Hexbreaker!, Speed Connection) and numerous EPs and singles, highlights include the frat-rocking ‘Girl from Baltimore’, the whomping ‘Screamin’ Skull’, the moody ‘Shadow Line’, the Standells-like ‘Stop Fooling Around’ and one of their most memorable tunes, a tasty cover of Lee Dorsey’s ‘Ride Your Pony’. Many tracks are appearing on CD for the first time. “Energetic, freewheelin’ and street-smart, the Fleshtones are cool, smart, witty, they rock pretty hard and their music sounds great at a party” – All Music Guide. With superb quality audio, detailed notes and color booklet, this excellent release is a must for fans of irresistible, reverb-drenched garage / R&B.
"Top Of The World, Ma!" (well, almost...) 19 February 2010
Just a quick reminder to say that Peter is writing about his recent travels with the Fleshtones in Scandinavia over on his Busybuddy blog. Catch up with the boys as they traverse Denmark, Norway and Sweden by rail, air and road. Expect lots of anecdotes, pictures and details of what was for breakfast. Yummy.
It's Super Rock Time available on pre-order 10 February 2010
The compilation of the IRS years of the FLESHTONES is now available on pre-order. Here's the track listing:
1. The Dreg (Fleshtone-77)
2. The World Has Changed
3. New Scene
4. Screamin’ Skull
5. I’ve Gotta Change My Life
6. Shadow Line
7. All Around The World
8. Right Side Of A Good Thing
9. Stop Fooling Around!
10. The Girl From Baltimore
11. Hexbreaker
12. What’s So New (About You)?
13. R-i-g-h-t-s
14. Roman Gods
15. Deep In My Heart
16. Hope Come Back
17. Let’s See The Sun
18. Ride Your Pony
19. The Theme From “The Vindicators”
20. American Beat ‘84
21. Hide And Seek (Live)
22. Return To The Haunted House (Live)
23. Watch This (Live)
24. I’m Back (Live)
25. La La La La (Live)
A mere 10 quid, postage included, you can't go wrong with that!
The 'Tones are interviewed by Cathimini in the December edition of the French rock mag' "Abus Dangereux". They also contribute a Sam The Sham inspired version of "Foxy Lady" to the cover mount CD.
So why not practice your French by reading the article (217Kb) or simply dance around the living room to the MP3 (5.4Mb)?
Super Rock snow boots at the ready, the confirmed schedule for the Fleshtones "Blast of Cold Air" tour in February shakes down as follows:
04.02 Raahuset, Copenhagen, Denmark
05.02 Blå Rock, Tromsø, Norway
06.02 Morten's House, Moss, Norway
08.02 Bergen, Norway (tbc)
10.02 Elm Street, Oslo, Norway
12.02 Kägelbanan, Stockholm, Sweden
13.02 Kägelbanan, Stockholm, Sweden
Last time round at Morten's pad (or was it the time before) the boys decided to get naked although rumours are unconfirmed as to whether they led everyone out into the snow for a good roll around. The accompanying snap was taken before everything got out of hand. Hey, does anyone know where I can find one of those ingenious Norgwegian bottle holders?
The two shows in Stockholm are to be accompanied by a screening of the sixty minute documentary about the band "Pardon Us For Living But The
Graveyard Is Full". The show on the 12th also features those Swedish Garage Rock Gods, the Nomads. There is also a rumour on Facebook that
the 'Tones will be playing the whole of "Roman Gods".
Step this way and catch up with Super Rock activities in Harrisburg and Brooklyn over the New Year on Peter Zaremba's Busy Buddy blog. His appreciation of Roky Erickson is most definitely worth your time.
The Fleshtones return to Scandinavia in mid February for a Super Rock weekend in Stockholm in the company of the Nomads, the Cocktail Slippers, and Stupidity. The two shows on February 12th and 13th will each be accompanied by a screening of "Pardon Us For Living But The Graveyard Is Full". Those of you into social networking can find more information on Facebook group created for the event. Further dates in Scandinavia will be added to coincide with the visit.
I'm going to take a break from Spain to tell you about last weekend. Ken Fox picked us up Friday afternoon in his mini-van and we drove down to Rehobeth Beach, DE to play that night at Dogfish Head. Thanks to our friend Chris Lausch, it's become a regular (and welcome) gig for us. I'll have to tell you more about Rehobeth at some point, but it's a low-key beach resort that we, in true Fleshtones fashion, happen to play mostly during the winter (why change our business model at this point?) ...more
People in the know say that all went well on the recent three week tour of duty in Spain. For those of you interested, Peter has put a couple of postings on his Busybuddy blog while you can hear an hour long interview with him and Keith on
RTVE first broadcast on November 18th.
After a few days of well earned rest recuperation the band dive back into action with shows in Rehoboth Beach and Harrisburg. While the festive season will see the Fleshtones playing a New Year's Eve show in Long Island City and supporting Roky Erickson the following day at Southpaw in Brooklyn. Full details over on the Gigs page.
Ladies and gentlemen, Peter Zaremba has entered the blogosphere under the guise of Busy Buddy. The blog will comprise of Peter's travel writings as well as field bulletins from Super Rock campaigns.
OK, we're grasping at Fleshtones news items here, but this IS exciting: The return of Mr. Pro, thanks to Ken Fox. He'll (Mr. Pro, not Ken Fox) be appearing on tee-shirts wherever you find us - The Fleshtones. See you out on that dance floor!
Look out for a new CD on Raven Records (Australia) called "It's 'Super-Rock' Time!: The IRS Years 1980-85". Track selection and sleeve notes are courtesy of David Laing of "Do The Pop" compilation fame. No release date as of yet but expect the usual high quality package from Raven. Their recent Flamin' Groovies release - "This Band Is Red Hot" - is superb and essential listening for any fan of the Fleshtones. The band had no idea about the release on Raven and are knocked out.
The Fleshtones and the Bellrays combine 06 October 2009
News arrives that the Fleshtones are to tour France with the Bellrays in the spring (3-10 March). No information as to whether there will be dates outside of France. Tour dates will be posted on this website as soon as they are finalised.
Post-Punk Performance at The University of Leeds is proud to present the FILM PREMIER:
PARDON US FOR LIVING BUT THE GRAVEYARD IS FULL – by Geoffray Barbier
Introduced by Dr Philip Kiszely
September 9th 2009 6:00–7:30pm. stage@leeds
The film is being premiered at the University of Leeds’ international conference event, Post-Punk Performance, and features alongside speakers such as Paul Morley and Dave Haslam, and an evening performance from legendary punk poet John Cooper Clarke.
Conference convenor Dr Philip Kiszely: "I’m delighted to be able to premier this movie at an international conference on post-punk music and performance. The Fleshtones’ breath-taking rock n roll has all too often been over-looked, but their importance as a band is immeasurable. They are absolutely at the heart of this event, and I’m looking forward to screening Geoffray’s documentary in the amazing stage@leeds venue. At last, the Fleshtones are getting at least some of the recognition they deserve."
Evening event only: £12 (£10 conc. NUS or unwaged) – movie premier, John Cooper Clarke, Frank Sidebottom + punk & post-punk dj the Duchess.
Full Conference: Reduced rate for non-participatory (audience) attendees (see link below). Includes evening event + addresses from Paul Morley, Dave Haslam, Claire Monk and Richard Witts. Also, papers on the Fleshtones by Steve Coleman and Michael Rose.
Follow the link below to register for either rate and for more details:
Warner Brothers are to release "URGH! - A Music War on DVD" in the near feature. The release is in widescreen, runs for 118 minutes and features a great performance of "Shadowline" at CBGBs in the early 80s.
WBshop.com is now accepting pre-orders for the DVD at $19.95 + posting. Thank you to Ben Gart for sending along the information.
I arrived at seven, checked in a Formula 1 in Roubaix and proceeded to walk to the venue. The hotel is on a boulevard so it was safe but when I walked around the corner, I was in a rough area, quite OK until some kid barked at me "Hey son of a bitch, don’t stay here and don’t ever come back to Roubaix" and then shot a football that just missed my head! OK mate, I'm out of here!
Anyway, in the middle of nowhere land (all red bricks houses and abandoned factories) was the venue. The Fleshtones were at their hotel but were due back for dinner so I waited with the staff outside, sharing a couple of cigs and meeting the support band, Sheetah & the Weissmuller. Nice people all round. The band turned up and we headed for a couscous restaurant in town. They were all very quiet and calm. Peter later said he was absolutely shattered after the Primitive Festival show.
Then back to the venue to see Sheetah in action. Great 60's garage show, almost all in French, complete with Farfisa Compact and psychedelic design on the kick drum. They were very tight, with a sense of show, humour, and not without reminding one of the early Playboys.
Then the boys went on stage, actually when they were due, the whole crowd was outside (it was bloody hot) so they did "Hexbreaker" marching to the entrance and bringing people in. They know how to do that, don't they? Then off they went, with the highlight being "Nothing's gonna bring me down". I was invited to play guitar during the push-up session and played around, getting some feedback, going down in the crowd, and playing the first three notes of "The Dreg". A good laugh!
They ended on either "Jet Set Fleshtones"or "Some Kinda Fun", I can't remember, but "Jet Set" was sung with a little help from yours truly on backing vocals and hand claps. We had a talk and a drink afterwards. I'd brought a bottle of champers so it was nice to drink a toast.
Picture of Keith and Bill taken by Jean-Marc Rimette at la boite à musique, Wattrelos on 28th June 2009.
Anne Streng has dug through the archive of pictures she has taken of the ‘Tones, selected the best, and had them printed as postcards. They will be available for sale on the merchandise table on the forthcoming European tour or you can purchase direct from Anne at: annestrengphotos@verizon.net. The five card set costs a mere $5 + $1 shipping to anywhere in the world. You can view the cards on Anne’s MySpace page at: www.myspace.com/rocknrollpostcards.
A big thank you to Adam Monaghan for sending along some of his classy black and white photos of the Fleshtones at Bar Loose, Helsinki on 6 May 2009. Eight of them are archived in the Gallery section.
The Stockholm Fleshtones Weekend was really something.
First the gig at Graven on the 30th. A wonderful place that´s was even stranger then some of Pete Z´s keyboard-playing. You had to walk trough the bushes to get to the place, and the entrance was two meters from the waterfront without fences. The place is just rock´n´roll! The crowd was wonderful and The Fleshtones made a fantastic gig – true Superrock! They were supported by the Sonic
Negroes.
The second night, 1 May, was at the classic Stockholm rock club Debaser. The Fleshtones was supported by the Norwegian band The Twistaroos. I wasn´t there, so I can´t tell you much. I heard that there wasn´t enough people in the crowd, though.
The third night was my birthday party (…the man´s getting old…). It was a crazy night! It all happened at a Stockholm restaurant called Pressklubben (International Journalist Club). The first band was the Swedish soul/blues band The Dogs, with Benke Skogholt on vocal – a Swedish version of Solomon Burke – with a voice from heaven. Then it was time for the wonderful Swedish band The Stupidity, very intensively played on Little Stevens radio show and up for a US tour in June! They were great and on their last song they were joined by Pete Z and Mr Streng on stage – look here:
Finally, it was time for the truly one and only The Fleshtones. They started a walk from the old cellar downstairs, coming up trough the crowd playing The Hexbreaker! It was a magic night with songs like Some Kinda Fun, House of Rock,
Destination Greenpoint, The Dreg, Supervindicator, Right on Woman, Pretty, Pretty, Shiney Heinie, Jet Set Fleshtones, Speedy Gonzales and more. The final song was Cara-Lin, with everyone (including
me) on vocals. I was on stage singing in the mic when I looked out of the window, in the middle of the song, and saw Pete Z out on the street.
The Fleshtones make two trips to Europe in May and June with dates in Sweden, Finland, Norway, France, and The Netherlands. Further details are on the Gigs page.
Another gem from the early 80s has surfaced on YouTube. Click on the above image for a superb version of 'Roman Gods' recorded for TV in the early 80s. The cognoscenti believe that it dates from '82 but if you can confirm this or indeed know the location of the recording then please post a comment. The quality of the footage suggests that a full recording of the show exists and if so then we can only hope that it surfaces one day. In the meantime, enjoy a five minute slice of Super Rock history in classy black and white.
The Fleshtones are to return to The Netherlands at the end of June to play at the Primitive Festival in Rotterdam. Other hip-swinging combos on the bill include Billy Childish & the Musicians of the British Empire, the Masonics, The Revellions, les Bof!, and les Terribles. The Dutch trip will be accompanied by dates in France.
Master Plan promo video on YouTube 09 February 2009
A Master Plan promotional video for Feels Good To Feel, featuring Dave Faulkner on lead vocal, is available on YouTube. The clip comprises of five camcorder shots, each one illustrating the diverse locations of the band members, and was directed by Geoffray Barbier. The song was originally recorded by The Fleshtones for the Take A Good Look album in 2008. So which is the best version? You be the judge.
IRS material to be availabe as digital downloads 28 January 2009
A selection of tunes recorded by The Fleshtones for I.R.S Records in the early 80s are to be made available as digital downloads. Capital Records are to release a dozen Super Rock tracks week commencing February 10th. At the moment there is no indication as to whether the "Roman Gods" and "Hexbreaker" albums will be available in their entirety. Further information on the Billboard website.
The first two nights of the Fleshtones’ current European Tour saw them play two "sell out" nights at La Mecanique Ondulatoire close to the Bastille in Paris. A cellar venue, not unlike The Cavern Club in Liverpool, with a capacity of 150 people provided a rare opportunity to see the ‘Tones in intimate surroundings. Those lucky enough to obtain tickets witnessed energetic performances from both band and audience. Boy, did it get hot down there! Although each night included a selection for Christmas songs, in particular the excellent "Mr Santa Claus" and "Hurray For Santa Claus", the accompanying tunes differed each evening. For instance the Thursday night set openers of "Hexbreaker" and "Some Kinda Fun" were absent the following evening while Friday included a superb version of "Burning Hell" that for some reason did not make the cut on the first night. It was great to hear "Love Yourself", "Feels Good To Feel" and "Jet Set Fleshtones" form last year’s "Take A Good Look" album receive a warm reaction with the crowd singing along as if they were long established favourites. On both nights everyone began dancing from the start although from my vantage point, stage front and inches from the band, the Friday was the more manic of the two. That is not to say that the punters, many of who were teenagers or in their twenties, were short changed on the Thursday. No way. Two gigs down and nine to go as the Fleshtones zig-zag across France, Switzerland, and Italy. Catch them if you can and be ready to do The Jerk.
Pictures taken by Jean-Marc Rimette of the first night at La Mecanique Ondulatoire are available in the Gallery section of the website.
The Fleshtones have just added a New Year's Eve show at the LIC Bar in Queens (LIC Bar, 45-58 Vernon Blvd, Long Island City, NY 11101). Tickets cost $30 and include a two hours open bar and a free catered dinner. Contact Gustavo Rodriguez for more information.
The Fleshtones' Christmas Party on WFMU 08 December 2008
Listen again to The Fleshtones disseminating the Christmas spirit and performing songs from "Stocking Stuffer" on Cherry Blossom Clinic with Terre T. Engineered by Stu Rutherford and Mike Sin and first broadcast by WFMU, New Jersey on Saturday 6th December.
A gentle reminder that new The Fleshtones DVD - Live At Hurrah! - is now available at all good record stores or can be purchased online
from Cherry Red. The DVD not only features a full-length performance from the band at the legendary New York venue from the early 1980s but also bonus material from a performance at a NY Rocker Party event. The set listing is similar to the infamous Radio Party broadcast from 1980 so expect an incendiary hour of RnR in your living room. In other words an essential purchase.
Also hitting the streets is the 'Tones first Christmas album - Stocking Stuffer - on Yep Roc. Be amazed at "the boys" interpretations
of a Rolf Harris classic (an important cultural figure on British TV) and a Polish Christmas carol, follow the latest adventures of Bazooka Joe, or simply delight in a Canadian Christmas. Will the Fleshtones survive Christmas Day or will it be one more bitter dawn on December 26th? Step over to Yep Roc Yep Roc, purchase a copy, and find out for yourself.
Cherry Red are to release
The Fleshtones - Live At The Hurrah Club on 24th November. Return to the New York City club scene of the early 1980s with this snapshot of an era. Hurrah's was a focal point for both local and out-of-town acts who trod the boards of the club in a potent time for the post-punk scene. New-wave / garage-rockers The Fleshtones perform live in the legendary venue, with tracks including 'Critical List', 'Girl From Baltimore', 'Cold Cold Shoes', 'Dancing All Around The World', 'American Beat', and many more.
A fifteen minute documentary about The Fleshtones that includes an interview with Keith and Peter plus live footage from the last French tour. The guys peform unplugged versions of "Hexbreaker" and "Nothing Is Gonna Bring Me Down" while discussing the finer points of French wine. With French sub titles.
Stocking Stuffer - Christmas Album Update 15 September 2008
From the garage rock gods who brought the world
"Super Rock," Stocking Stuffer is the Christmas
album for music fans who hate run-of-the mill Christmas music. The Fleshtones just want to rock and they’re not about to let peace on earth or good will to men get in the way. "Hooray for Santa Claus" opens the disc with a speaker busting ode to the guy in the big red suit, and "Champagne of Christmas" looks back
to The Fleshtones classic R&B roots while extolling the virtues of more than a little yuletide bubbly. Stocking Stuffer is festive enough to get you in the holiday mood
but rocks hard enough to keep the eggnog flowing
through mistletoe make-out sessions and drunken singa-longs. If Santa is cool enough to leave this little gem in your stocking, this year you’ll actually look forward to Christmas music!
Track listing: Hurray for Santa Claus; Six White Boomers; Super Rock Santa; You're All I Want for Christmas; Champagne of Christmas; Canadian Christmas; Mr. Santa Claus; Christmas With Bazooka Joe; Run, Rudolph, Run!; I Still Believe in Christmas; In Midnight's Silence.
Release Date: 14 October 2008
Stocking Stuffer sound samples are available on Amazon.
Talking of which, enjoy this clip of Jefferson Hairplane (featuring Wendy Wild, Keith, Bill, and Gordon) at the Wigstock Festival back in 1986. Marvel at Keith's barely controllable bouffant as the band rip-through Way Down South and Proud Mary. Does anyone recognise the bass player or percussionists? Link courtesy of Joe Bonomo.
The Fleshtones return to live action in late August with three shows in Greece followed by three down the US East Coast in the company of Magic Christian from San Francisco. The latter features former members of Blondie, The Flamin' Groovies and The Plimsouls so expect something a bit special. Club details on the Gigs page.
Using the finest chord changes and the freshest melodies, garage rock super group: The Master Plan (Andy Shernoff/Dictators - Keith Streng/Fleshtones - Paul "Peppermint" Johnson/Waxing Poetics - Bill Milhizer/Fleshtones) have completed a new album that is sure to entertain you for years to come.
For the first time ever these high quality recordings are available for purchase directly from the band, via MySpace.
Special thanks to musical guests, Dave Faulkner, Kevin Kinney, Linda Pitmon, JP "Thunderbolt" Patterson and Marek Pakulski...RIP Bo Diddley Respect the Rock!
Cherry Red Records are to release a Fleshtones' show filmed at Hurrah's, NYC in the early 80s. "F-F-Fascination" is currently available on "Back In The Day Live From Hurrah's" but the DVD on Cherry Red will feature the entire set. The footage is particularly exciting as it captures the band at full-tilt and at the start of a very creative period in their career. A release date is to be finalised.
Last night's Fleshtones show aboard the Half Moon circling New York City was a great event. From perfect weather and views, to a solid set from these aging, yet ageless wonders - this was truly a night to remember.
The night started with a personal greeting from Mr. Zaremba and finished with a sampling of songs from the entire catalog. The fun started off with a cover of Let Me Take You On A Sea Cruise and continued with Pretty, Pretty, Pretty, Girl From Baltimore, The Dreg, Screaming Skull and some songs from the new album.
The 'Tones managed to keep their balance and humor as the boat wobbled on its turns around the Statue of Liberty. References to the USA and July 4th were mentioned often as well as numerous nautical jokes.
News arrives that the guys are currently in the studio recording a Christmas album with Ivan Julian. No information as to song titles but we believe that they are going to be a mix of covers and topical originals. Or should that read "tropical" as the temperature in NYC was touching ninety degrees a few days ago and which must make life interesting if are trying to record Christmas tunes. Not that the Hoodoo Gurus would have a problem with such a scenario. Anybody have any ideas as to what the Fleshtones might call the album?
Wednesday, July 02, 2008 8:00 PM EDT (7:00 PM Doors)
This cruise is aboard the HALF MOON and will depart from Skyport Marina - 23rd & FDR Drive (EAST side). Boarding will begin at 7pm and the cruise will depart at 8pm SHARP. Don't be late - it ain't pretty to be standin on the dock, watching the party sailing away! There is a cash bar on board so make sure to swing by the ATM on your way to the boat. There will be food for sale. All cruises are 3 hours. If you have any questions about the show or your purchase, please contact Sancho Dominguez at sancho@rocksoff.com or check www.rocksoff.com/faq.
KMSU 89.7 FM in Mankato, Minnesota, will be airing an interview with Peter Zaremba on Thursday June 5th at 6pm Central Time. It will form part of the seventh anniversary broadcast of the station's
Shuffle Function slot. In the past the show has featured artists that have influenced its direction and who it feels need to be heard on the radio. The Fleshtones are such a band. You can catch the show live on the internet at www.kmsu.org and read more on the show's blog at
www.shufflefunction.blogspot.com.
“This is a Monday night, in Paris!,” announced Peter Zaremba mid-way through the set at La Locomotive at the start of the Fleshtones’ latest Euro jaunt. A near capacity crowd reacted with enthusiasm to an upbeat performance (are they ever downbeat?) as the ‘Tones commenced a two week trip around France that includes “one night only” appearances in Switzerland, Italy, Germany and Holland. Placing the emphasis on material from Take A Good Look, the new album on Yep Roc, the band refused to remain static and used every square metre of the venue for strumming power chords, performing press-ups, and singing a cappella. The audience responded by dancing to current party starters like Feels Good To Feel and Love Yourself, inserting “Hey!” at the appropriate moment, and following the band from one end of the venue to the other. Thank the gods that the ‘Tones can still perform in such a manner and in front of fans that are not inclined to launch beer into the air or wrestle them to the ground. One of the warmest moments of the evening was spotting members of the support band, the New Christs, crowded around the stage door, wearing big smiles and taking pictures of the mayhem. Thirty years down the line and the Fleshtones continue to deliver catchy material with energy and enthusiasm that puts most bands to shame. On current evidence there is no reason why they should not enjoy many more Monday night’s in Paris.
A selection of black and white photos taken at the show are available on LE ZICAZINE website.
Coldcuts productions is now editing the Flesthones documentary titled: "Pardon Us For living But The Graveyard is Full".
We are looking for live, interviews, photos or any footage that you would be the sole owner. Making documentaries are often stopped by the lack of release from the archives owner. If you have shot with your own camera a concert or interviews with the Flesthones and own the right to it, please share it with us. Please send any materials with the brief letter with your name and contact stating that you are authorizing Coldcuts productions to use the footage for the documentary to:
Colddcuts Productions, 36 South 4th Street Suite c6, Brooklyn, NY 11211.
THE FLESHTONES return to Holland for the first time in 10 years! Their new album is fantastic and so is the new book written about them and probably the upcoming documentary will be as well! A unique chance to see one of the greatest live bands on earth! So get ready for a night of SUPEROCK en ROCK ’n CholesteROLL on the 22nd May in Akhnaton, Amsterdam! Ticket reservations can be made at sickjules(a)hotmail.com For people outside of Holland, make it a rockin’ weekend, 'cause we’re planning garage after parties on Friday and Saturday as well! More details to follow on MySpace.
Coldcut Productions are proud to announce the release of a trailer for the forthcoming Fleshtones documentary: "Pardon Us For Living but The Graveyard Is Full". The assembled footage will be edited by Geoffray Barbier into a feature length film over the Summer and Fall. Please note that you will need Flash Player 8 installed on your computer in order to view the trailer.
In honor of the release of "Vindicated: A Tribute To The Fleshtones" here's a podcast chock-full of originals that The Fleshtones have covered over their career. Along with a couple tunes off the new Fleshtones release "Take A Good Look" and some tracks from "Vindicated", too.
Well-Rounded Radio: Episode 044 is dedicated to the Fleshtones and includes an extensive interview with Peter Zaremba. The programme is illustrated by several clips from "Take A Good Look" and offers a fascinating insight into the recording of the band's latest album on Yep Roc. A one hour podcast is available for downloading from the Well-Rounded Radio website.
The Fleshtones return Europe in May for a series of dates in France. As usual, the men who added "Super" to "Rock" will zigzag across The Hexagon while performing strategic sorties on Holland, Italy and Germany. How do they do it? Do not attempt these dangerous manoeuvres at home, simply head for one of the following destinations and join in the fun!
May 12 - Locomotive, Paris, France
May 13 - Vauban, Brest, France
May 15 - Bikini, Toulouse, France
May 16 - Poste à galene, Marseille, France
May 17 - Usine, Geneva, Switzerland
May 18 - Garage, Milan, Italy
May 19 - Cafe Atlantik , Frieburg, Germany
May 20 - Le Fil, Beauvais, France
May 21 - BBC, Caen, France
May 22 - Akhnaton, Amsterdam, Holland
Needless to say, further dates will be added. Why, there is even talk of a stop-over in Geneva. How the hell are they gonna fit that in?
STOP PRESS
Spanish tour dates now available on the Gigs page.
The Fleshtones appear in the March edition of a British music magazine called Classic Rock with the headline "Not as big as the Ramones. But they should be." (182kb, PDF
). The one page feature
is accompanied by "Going Back To School", taken from the band's new album, on the cover mount CD. The mag' includes an obligatory picture of Lemmy "flipping the bird" as well as articles on Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels and Moby Grape. These are good times for the Fleshtones in the UK Press as both the NME and The Independent have published positive album reviews.
Zaremba on Little Steven's Underground Garage 04 February 2008
Peter Zaremba will be a guest DJ on Little Steven's Underground Garage on Monday 18th February. Tune into Sirius Satellite Radio (Channel 25) at 4pm ET for three hours of informed musical mayhem.
Record Release Party @ Manitoba's Bar 06 January 2008
The Fleshtones celebrate the release of Take A Good Look with a party at Manitoba's Bar on Saturday 26th January. The band will embark on a series of weekend shows at the beginning of February to promote the new album. Dates in Philadelphia, Baltimore, Arlington, New Haven, Allston and Providence are confirmed with a visit to Texas and Louisiana planned at the end of March. Full details on the Gigs page.
Catch up on the action from the record release party for Take A Good. Pictures by Jeff Cuyubamba.
The Fleshtones Hall of Fame, Dirty Water Records and Larsen Records are pleased to announce the release of Vindicated! - A Tribute To The Fleshtones. Comprising of twenty-three tracks from the Super Rock songbook, plus a mystery cut recorded "live" at the Dirty Water Club in November 2006, by artists so far "In" they're "Out". The album includes liner notes by Joe Bonomo, the author of "Sweat - The Story of The Fleshtones, America's Garage Band", and has an eye-catching cover by Cyril "The Guru" Garant. The vinyl comes in a swish gatefold sleeve to enhance your enjoyment of the artwork. Gosh, let's have a look at the track listing:
1. Living Legends - Los Chicos (Spain)
2. Watch This! - The Havox (U.S.)
3. Better Days - Dr. Explosion (Spain)
4. Way Down South - Four Shames (U.S.)
5. La Fille Du Noctambule - Tony Truant (France)
6. Pickin' Pickin' - Hoodoo Gurus (Australia)
7. I Am What I Am - The Maggots (Sweden)
8. I Wanna Feel Something Now - The Insomniacs (U.S.)
9. En Balade Avec Les Playboys - The Playboys (France)
10. Screamin' Skull - The Primevals (Scotland)
11. Whistling Past The Grave - Hans Frank (U.S.)
12. Good Good Crack - Snax featuring Halloween Jack (U.S./France/Germany)
13. Hitsburg U.S.A - The Psychotones (Italy)
14. Headlock On My Heart - The Slickee Boys (U.S.)
15. I've Gotta Change My Life - Slow Slushy Boys (France)
16. The Dreg - The Hate Bombs (U.S.)
17. Legend Of A Wheelman - The Immortal Poirposes (U.S.)
18. Hope Come Back - Richard Mazda (England)
19. Dreaming About Work - Subway Surfers (U.S.)
20. The Theme from "The Vindicators" - The Woggles (U.S.)
21. 3 Fevers - The Swingin' Neckbreakers (U.S.)
22. Girl From Baltimore - The Turpentines (Sweden)
23. American Beat '07 -The Nomads (Sweden) + Handsome Dick Manitoba (U.S.)
Both formats are on sale on the merchandise table at the Dirty Water Club every Friday night. For those of you unable to visit one of the world's coolest rock'n'roll clubs then the CD can be ordered online from Pandemic Vinyl ($12.99 + postage) and the vinyl direct from Larsen, La Fougere 73230 Thoiry - France (€13.00 euros + postage @ €6.00). The Fleshtones Hall of Fame would like to thank all of the bands who supported "Vindicated!" and your patience while waiting for its release. We hope you dig it.
Fleshtones new album, Take A Good Look, coming January 22
"The amazing thing about the Fleshtones is that every night for the last thirty years they have consistently been the best live band on earth. Year in, year out -- high, low and in between -- the Fleshtones have embodied the very essence of rock and roll. And in my own defense, that fire that Keith and I started in France was really a very small fire. Not worth mentioning at all. Please." - Peter Buck, R.E.M.
They were birthed at CBGB along with the Talking Heads, The Ramones, Blondie and Television...
Their first video is in the permanent collection at MoMA.
They shared a practice space with the Cramps in the '70s, tours and a label with R.E.M. in the '80s, stages with everyone from James Brown to the Police...
They've made albums and toured the world for thirty years...
...and they're still under the radar.
The story of the Fleshtones is the story of America's greatest garage band. The progenitors of the still-thriving garage revival, the Fleshtones have persevered through this musical fad and that, all the while collaborating with music's elite but remaining below the surface of mainstream musical success. While their peers exited the Lower East Side scene of the late seventies covered in cool, The Fleshtones exited covered only in sweat. But the Fleshtones just don't care. They do what they do - write perfect three minute party anthems, give legendary live shows and tour tirelessly.
The Fleshtones embody the self-unaware spirit of abandon that populated rock n' roll in its nascency but the thing is, no one told the Fleshtones that stopped being cool. No one told them they needed to be distant to be hip. No one told them to stop having fun. No one told them that not having a Top 40 hit or a gold record was a reason to quit.
But now it seems that their years of dogged perseverance might finally pay off. 2007 saw the release of Joe Bonomo's biography, Sweat: The Story of the Fleshtones, America's Garage Band. 2008 will bring the release of tribute album Vindicated! and the film documentary, Pardon Us For Living, But the Graveyard Is Full. And most importantly, the band will release their new album, Take a Good Look, on January 22nd. Produced by session vet Ivan Julian (The Clash, Richard Hell, Elton John), the album is pure Fleshtones, all fuzzy guitars and dance beats. Hipsters and shoe-gazers be damned, rock n' roll is a party and The Fleshtones just tapped the keg.
Sunday was easily the best night. I was up front for both nights of The Sonics and while the sound was decent where I was on Friday (since I was mostly getting the stage mix), tonight it was better. And the crowd wasn't nearly as annoying.
But tonight also had the best overall lineup. The Hall Monitors once again reminded me why they're one of my favorite new bands. Damn good songs, great rock'n'roll, and some fun ideas...And each of them adds to the stage presence of the group, with frontman Sean leading the pack.
The Wildebeests were absolutely fantastic. Just great. Words fail me.
The Lyres were really rockin' out tonight. They did all the "hits", from "How Do You Know" to "Help You Ann", "Don't Give It Up Now", "Soapy", and "She Pays The Rent" (and many more, including an encore of "No Reason To Complain".
The Fleshtones were in their native habitat, Greenpoint, and they were just fantastic. They marched in from the back, playing all the way. (Wireless hookups give you that freedom.) I love when they do this. (They also exited that way.) So great to watch them again in front of a huge crowd. They deserve that kind of adulation. My favorite part came in the pushup song. They always hand the guitar and bass to audience members then, as they go into the crowd and do pushups. Most of the time, they give it to someone who either doesn't have a clue how to play (e.g. me at Irving Plaza last year) or someone who fancies himself the next Al Dimeola. This time the guitar went to Dave Faulkner of the Hoodoo Gurus and the bass to Wendy Case of The Paybacks. MUCH better. But the whole set was fantastic. Super Rock, indeed!
Finally, The Sonics. Really a great set. But most everyone else will write more about this, so I'll get to that later. I'm tired.
Review first posted on GaragePunk.com Forums and used by permission of the author. Photo taken by Eric Fusco.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31st - Brutarian presentes a special Halloween show at The Lo-Fi Social Club (1825 N. Charles St. Baltimore, Maryland 21201) featuring The Fleshtones, The Ubangis and The Hall Monitors. Plus costume contest with groovy prizes and music supplied by Trash Palace. $10.00 for all of that! Not to be missed!
The long anticipated wait is over and Joe Bonomo's book about the Fleshtones is finally available. Find below three glowing reviews as well as a couple of links to online purchase sites. The story of the Fleshtones deserves a far wider audience than the membership of this website so purchase your copy to today and let's get the ball rolling for Peter, Keith, Bill and Ken.
Sweat: The Story of the Fleshtones, America's Garage Band
By Joe Bonomo
"Joe Bonomo has written a fine book; a book not only about a band or times passed, but also about the rare virtue of endurance." – Nick Tosches
"In Sweat, Joe Bonomo confronts the realities of life in one of America’s great unsung bands of heroes: the Fleshtones. Rocking the house down night after night, holding on to their unique vision forever, whether laughing in the face of failure, caught in the rip tides of American culture, battling on the New York streets, or crowded in the back of a van on its way to the furthest reaches of the solar system…It’s a ‘Blue Whale’ of a story: hilarious, harrowing, and ultimately inspiring." – Peter Case, singer-songwriter
"Rock and roll is a pretty egalitarian affair. On any given night any band can be the best band in the world, if only for ten minutes. The amazing thing about the Fleshtones is that every night for the last thirty years they have consistently been the best live band on earth. Year in, year out – high, low and in between – the Fleshtones have embodied the very essence of rock and roll. This great book by Joe Bonomo really gets to the heart of who the Fleshtones are, and the price they paid. Now it’s up to you to check out the Fleshtones when they hit your town." – Peter Buck, R.E.M.
Available from all good bookshops and online
at www.continuumbooks.com or www.amazon.com. Please take a minute to review "Sweat" on Amazon.com as it will help to spread the word about Joe's fantastic book.
THE SONICS!!!!!!
THE FLESHTONES!!!
THE WILDEBEESTS!!!
THE HALL MONITORS!!!
(support band to be confirmed)
The venue: WARSAW! 261 Driggs Ave., Brooklyn NY!
Tickets are $35 in advance, $40 day of show, and
$90 for a three day pass!!!! Tickets are available NOW!! NOW!! NOW!! thru TICKETWEB at this direct link:
If you're in the neighborhood, pick your tix up at Ear Wax Records (218 Bedford Ave. in Williamsburg, Brooklyn) or Warsaw (261 Driggs Ave. Greenpoint,
Brooklyn -- call (718) 387-0505) starting Wednesday, Sept. 5.
The Fleshones recently took a handful of tunes into a basement studio on Ludlow Street (hip central) and recorded with Ivan Julian of Voidoid fame. At the moment they are evaluating the results. In a few weeks they have a return bout with Jim Diamond. The boys are confident that the next album is gonna be another good one!
Ken Fox has put together a short online video explaining how you can grab Fleshtones CDs, vinyl and t-shirts. It sure as hell beats waiting for the band to turn up in your locale and setting-up a merch' table. Nice collection of guitars, Ken!
"Sweat", Joe Bonomo's book about the Fleshtones, is scheduled for publication on 1st September. A pre-ordering mechanism, alongside a synopsis of the book, is available on the Continuum Books website. News arrives that a Super Rock documentary is being pieced together by Coldcuts Productions and will feature
interviews with many of the people consulted for Joe's book. The folk at Coldcuts kindly helped with recording Handsome Dick Manitoba's vocal for his collaboration with the Nomads for the forthcoming tribute album. Twenty-two tracks have now been assembled and the disc is slated for release in the autumn. Dirty Water Records are handling the CD while Larsen Records are putting out the vinyl in a gatefold sleeve. As many of you know the Fleshtones are busy at the moment playing dates along the East Coast. Inbetween shows the boys are working on new material for their next album on Yep Roc. Recording commences in late July in New York with Ivan Julian and switches to Jim Diamond's studio in Detroit in early August.
Picture of Keith Streng taken at the Iota Cafe, Arlington on Friday 11th May by Marty Rogers.
The owner of the Truskel bar in Paris is organising a Fleshtones soirée on the eve of the European tour on April 10th . Tony Truand is playing from 9 – 10pm after which there will be a special screening of the Fleshtones DVD - Brooklyn à Paris – on a large screen. Entrance is free. Truskel, 12 rue Feydeau, Paris, 2eme (Metro: Bonne Nouvelle).
You can read the prologue to Sweat: The Story of The Fleshtones, America's Garage Band on a Continuum Press blog. It certainly bodes well to see Nick Tosches giving Joe Bonomo's book the thumbs-up. Publication is scheduled for the autumn.
The Fleshtones' four albums recorded for the Ichiban label, long out-of-print, are now available in their entirety for download at
iTunes. Check out Powerstance (1992), Beautiful Light (1994), Laboratory of Sound (1995), and More Than Skin Deep (1998) for a blast through the Super Rock 90s.
Details of the forthcoming French tour (11 - 19 April) are now available in the Gigs section of the website. The Parisian show will take place at the infamous "Le Plan" out in Ris Orangis. A venue associated with numerous Super Rock appearances since the late 80s.
The Fleshtones return to Europe in April for a ten day tour to support the DVD release of Brooklyn à Paris. Dates are scheduled in both the Netherlands and France. The full itinerary will be posted on the website just as soon as it becomes available.
BIG ENOUGH Records are proud to announce the release of the first ever official Fleshtones DVD, Brooklyn à Paris! The dvd will consist of the band’s latest show at La Maroquinerie in Paris, France, filmed on 22 October 2006.
I'm happy to report that my biography of The Fleshtones is coming out. Continuum (the press behind the cool 33 1/3 series) is publishing Sweat: Thirty Years Of Rock & Roll Endurance With The Fleshtones, America's Garage
Band next Sept/Oct. There will be a couple of book-release events in and around the NYC area when the book comes out. I'll keep everyone posted.
Party with the Fleshtones in London, Paris & Olten 30 October 2006
Can you imagine something cooler than travelling hundreds of kilometres just too see your favourite super-rock band the Fleshtones three times in 5 days...no this is really defying all competition. OK, maybe you can compare it with an excellent three course dinner, and that's what we wanna do here.
Review of the recent Euro blast by Sam Urben.
The starter: London 20th October, Dirty Water Club
Two support bands open the evening. The first one the Grease Monkeys with a wild & loud punk sound, in their best moments remembering the Ramones or the Saints. The second band the Dexateens played a more sophisticated sound in the veins of American bands like Jason & the Scorchers or Del Fuegos but they didn't leave a lasting impression on me. Maybe I was too impatient as I wanted to see the main attraction. Finally, the Fleshtones entered the stage playing "Solid Gold Sound". No signs of a possible jet lag with them although they just arrived the same day in London. There was a lot of speed in their music. I would say they were even a bit hyperactive but this didn't harm their set. The band played a mixture of their recent records "Beachhead" and "Do you Swing?" enriched with an excellent Roman Gods medley and a few other old diamonds. Although their memories of performing in London are not the best they found a good contact to the public. People were even enjoying the Fleshtones keep fit session and joined the band doing push-ups. (I must admit I did hide myself at this very moment behind a big rocker, vested with a voluminous leather jacket, just to be sure not being involved.) During the whole gig it was a very good atmosphere, a lot of pogo dancing and even stage diving. Oh well this a bit surprising for me although I have seen the Fleshtones many times before. After several encores, Peter finished the set with a short comment: "Thank you very much, see you again...in 10 or 15 years!" Could it be that the Fleshtones are, as every one of us, a little bit resentful? Anyway I think every one left the Dirty Water Club satisfied and happy, having seen a great gig.
The (alleged) main course: Paris 22nd October, La Maroquinerie
We arrived late that night. (Sorry to the Mojomatics, a great Italian duo which I like a lot, we missed your complete set.) Dollhouse, the second band was already in full swing. Mauro -the guest guitarist from Geneva- was directly playing his furious guitar solo on stage when we were entering the hall. So we just saw the end of the Dollhouse show, a great band sounding like a mixture of Stooges, New York Dolls and MC5 (just to drop a few names) and so was their appearance on stage. I must say the perfect opening for a Fleshtones show. After a short break Keith, Peter, Ken and Bill entered the stage. I'm not sure but I think the set was more or less the same as in London, at least the beginning. But the public and of course the band were in high spirits from the beginning in the packed venue. I suppose tonight every one wanted to give its best as the show was filmed for the first ever official Fleshtones Live DVD. So Peter was flattering his French fans, telling them, that Paris is the real home of the Fleshtones...and that each time they're happy to be back. And if you have ever seen a Fleshtones show in Paris you understand why. Everyone was dancing, shouting along the songs...and as in London again people were doing stage diving. (I must have missed something, I never expected that at a Fleshtones gig.) But maybe someone should at least explain to the French fans that you shouldn't do stage diving while everyone in front of the stage is kneeling down. Finally the Fleshtones invited for one of the encores the famous Tony Truant on stage and they did their great version of "Maman n'aime pas ma musique". Despite the fair sound -if you were not standing in the middle in front of the stage- it was a great show and hopefully the Fleshtones will make their last song (I'm back again) come true. The sooner the better.
The dessert: Olten 24th October, Vario-Bar celebrating Rockaway Beach's Birthday
First, I must admit that I am not totally neutral as I helped to organise this show. Olten is a small town between the Swiss capital Bern and Zurich. And it was something like twenty years ago a home base of Switzerland's Fleshtones fans. So the promise of a great night was good. Or let us anticipate what Peter said later on during the show: "We were driving from Paris to Rome when we passed a small town called Olten, and we immediately felt that this town is swinging, so we stopped and now we are here in the Vario-Bar and it's really swinging" (Sorry Peter if the quotation is not 100% correct, but I did my best to understand you.) I will now save the reader all narratives about the sound check, chatting, hanging around but after 30 years in this business I must say I've never met a band that charming, grateful for everything, decent and friendly as the Fleshtones.
The evening started in the packed Vario-Bar with Swiss Punk trio the Tight Finks. Their melodic punk (remembering the good old times of Adicts, Buzzcocks, 999, etc) did not only please the Fleshtones who were gazing at the gig but they also made the people crazy for the main attraction: The Fleshtones. Entering the stage with "Solid Gold Sound" the Fleshtones started the gig. And with the first note the vibe was kick-ass. It was like time was standing still for the last 20 years (when did you last see someone with a Milkshakes T-Shirt at a Fleshtones gig?). People were screamin' and shouting and dancing while the Fleshtones were playing through their set. I am What I am, Serious, Do You Swing, 3 Fevers, I want the answers...it was crazy, every song a hit. Noticing that the "die hard fans" at the front of the stage had seen them the last time in 1985 at the Gibus Club in Paris they extended the "Roman Gods Medley". While I'm writing this I have their set listing in front of me and I must say they added quite a few additional songs to the set. But as Peter said: "It's a Tuesday night but it really feels like Friday night". 150 people in a small club having a great super-rock party, what do you want more from a Tuesday night? I was too excited and engaged to check the time but I think they played about 2 hours before finishing with the legendary "American Beat" and a very extended version of Zep's "Communication Breakdown" with great vocals from Keith. After the gig Ken, Peter, Bill and Keith took their time for the old and new fans, they were chatting around, posing for photos, joking with the Tight Finks...everyone was happy and in a good mood.
So instead of trying to explain to your friends why the Fleshtones are so great, just organise a gig for them and they will understand immediately. At least this was my experience. No one who was at the Vario-Bar on the 24th October will ever ask me again why I'm always travelling around Europe to see the Fleshtones live...and maybe the reader understands why in this special case the dessert was even better than the main course.
Parisian show to be released on DVD 11 October 2006
The concert in Paris on Sunday 22nd October will be filmed and then made available on DVD. The producers are casting around for a possible title so if you have a suggestion then hit the Add Comment link and let us all know. "Beautiful Losers" and "Don't Try This At Home!" are a couple of ideas already floating around.
Those of you with a broadband connection may be interested to learn that YouTube now contains several clips of the Fleshtones. They range from rare footage of the band in their formative years to recent snippets of live action captured on mobile phones. Of special interest are the "Soul City" animated short by M. Henri Jones in '79 and the live version of "Shadowline" filmed at CBGBs in '81 for Urgh! A Music War. Footage is also available from French and Italian TV for those of you who have never had the chance to see the Fleshtones on the square box.
Synopsis: In 1966, an all-girl garage rock band is on tour. Their van breaks down in a small southern beach town at the same time as a huge mass of mysterious debris washes ashore. Mangled bodies start showing up on the beach. Could it be the Skunk Ape, the Everglades' Bigfoot?
The rare Fleshtones' instrumental "Time Zone" makes a belated US appearance on the soundtrack album to Stomp! Shout! Scream! on Chicken Ranch Records.
It originally appeared in 1999 on an Italian compilation called "Mondo Beat" and has remained elusive to diehard fans ever since. You can hear a thirty second snippet on eMusic.com where you can also download the complete album should you have a subscription to the site.
The film looks like compulsory viewing for all fans of horror B movies and teen exploitation trash if the synposis is anything to go by. More information, including video clips, details of cast members and reviews, is available on the Stomp! Shout! Scream!
website.
Check out Andy Shernoff's MySpace site for a couple of cool new tunes by the Master Plan. "BBQ" features Keith Streng on lead vocal while Andy does the honours for "Surburban Soul Man". Both songs are as catchy as hell and bode well for the forthcoming platter. More news on that once an interested label is found.
The Fleshtones are to play a series of East Coast shows during the second half of September with the Woggles, Mooney Suzuki, and the Zombies. The dates form part of a US tour for the Zombies organised by Little Steven's Underground Garage. A month later the 'Tones return to Europe and will play their first shows in the UK and Belgium for several years. These will be followed by shows in France and Italy. Please consult the Gigs page for further information and additions to the schedule.
Vindicated! - Tribute To The Fleshtones 16 July 2006
After leading with a whopping 50% of the vote for most of the time, and despite a late rally by "Super Rocked", a recount was called after a suspicious voting pattern emerged. We therefore declare "Vindicated!" as the title of the forthcoming Fleshtones' tribute album.
To bring you up to date with the project, we have now received eleven tracks and the details are as follows:
1. Playboys (Fr) - En balade avec les Playboys (Take A Walk With...)
2. Turpentines (Sw) - The Girl From Baltimore
3. Havox (US) - Watch This!
4. Hoodoo Gurus (Aus) - Pickin' Pickin'
5. Subway Surfers (US) - Dreaming About Work
6. Psychotones (It) - Hitsburg USA
7. Slow Slushy Boys (Fr) - I Gotta Change My Life
8. Woggles (US) - Theme from "The Vindicators"
9. Dr Explosion (Sp) - Better Days
10. Four Shames (US) - Way Down South
11. Nomads (Sw) - American Beat
We are attempting to locate someone with Pro Tools in New York so that Handsome Dick Manitoba can overdub a lead vocal onto the track laid down by the Nomads. If you can help then please get in touch with the website
Tracks are also being readied by Richard Mazda (producer of "Roman Gods" and "Hexbreaker"), the Primevals, the Four Shames (formerly the Hatebombs), and los Chicos. If we can nail sixteen songs then mission accomplished and we will have enough for a platter on Larsen Records.
In anticipation of late arrivals, Cyril "Guru" Garant of the Torso Twisters has kindly agreed to donate time and creative energy to design the sleeve. We hope to have a graphic for you in the near future and from the initial sketches that I have seen the final item should be pretty damn good.
A couple of photo galleries of recent shows have been brought to our attention and which we think you might enjoy. Robert Stolpe took a shed load of pictures of the band in action at the Underground Garage Event at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Florida back in April. By far the best way to view the images is to scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Slideshow link. The sequence runs for over fifteen minutes so why not put on "Beachhead", sit back, and enjoy the gig. Warning: Contains pictures of Zaremba stripping-off while surrounded by go-go dancers. Not seen enough Super Rock action, then run over to the Dangerhouse Record Store website for sixteen moody black and white shots taken at La Plate-Form in Lyon on 8th February. View the pics as a slideshow by clicking on the control button to the top right of the page.
Tracks are beginning to arrive for the Fleshtones tribute album announced earlier in the year. Larsen Records in France has expressed interest in releasing it on vinyl and a graphic designer has commenced work on the sleeve. Thank you to everyone who sent suggestions for a possible title over the last few weeks - the response was pretty impressive. Please take a few seconds to peruse the short list arrived at by our panel of judges (Peter, Keith and Ken) and register your vote. The poll can be found to left of the page and the result announced on July 15th.
A near capacity audience at the Gearclub
last Friday night saw the Fleshtones perform a spirited ninety minute set. Support band the
Strollers, temporarily reformed to play a handful of shows, played melodic garage rock with soulful vocals and lots of Farfisa and fuzz. Look out for their discs if that sounds like your bag.
The Fleshtones opened with a relaxed version of Bigger and Better at the end of which Sgt. Zaremba ordered Bill to increase the tempo. He immediately acquiesced. Despite the urgency behind the beat, the crowd remained subdued for the first thirty minutes as Keith jumped on the bass drum, Ken and Keith did their "Roman Gods" party trick, and Peter plucked a rose wedged in Bill's drum kit and threw it to a junior member of the audience. The surprised girl beaming as she proudly showed it to her mum.
Most of the songs came from the band's last couple of albums, Do You Swing? and Beachhead, with nuggets like Pickin' Pickin' added to the mix. A personal highlight being an extended version of F-F-Fascination while Peter stood in the middle of the dance floor and encouraged the crowd to sing along. The pulse rate quickened during Push-Up Man when Keith and Ken handed their instruments to startled members of the audience and joined Peter to perform press-ups in front of the stage. Amusingly, the guy clutching Keith's guitar started to play a Ramones riff. Perfect. Several members of the crowd were then invited to join a Fleshtones keep fit session. Longtime fan, Anders from the Graven motorcycle club, rose to the challenge and dusted-off six push-ups while balanced on one arm. Now that is what I call a Powerstance.
While Peter proclaimed I Am What I Am a wag shouted over my left shoulder: "You're an old man, that's what you are!". However, considering that the Fleshtones celebrate their 30th anniverary this very month, he is definately an "old men" with the heart of a teenager. How many old codgers do you know of who can deliver an hour and a half of blistering high energy r'n'r, humour, and stupidity?
Harry Rag, host of Something Else! on WORT-FM 89.9 Madison WI, will raid his 45rpm box on Friday May 12th and spin the original versions of the songs on Hitsburg USA and Return to Hitsburg. Two dozen Fleshtones Favorites will stream around the web between 9:30 – 11:00pm central USA time so grab a listen if you are near a computer. Further information available on the
Something Else! blog.
The Italian vinyl version of Beachhead has just been released and you can order it direct from Nicotine Records if you have Paypal account. This is a very limited edition, so hurry!
The Fleshtones appear performing "F-F-Fascination" on a thirty track DVD compilation of New Wave bands filmed at Hurrah's in 1980. The DVD retails at $15 and can be purchased online from Audio Fidelity . Peter "Hey, Harmonica Man" Zaremba is unsure as to whether the drummer back on the night was Lenny Calderone or Bill Milhizer as it was a turbulent time for the band and such a long time ago . He politely suggests that you need to secure a copy in order to find out the answer. Please could someone then let him know? Interestingly, on obtaining clearance for the Super Rock footage, Audio Fidelity revealed that they were so impressed with what they saw that they are thinking of putting out a DVD of the Fleshtones' set. Cross your fingers.
News arrives that the Fleshtones head back north in early May for an express four show tour. The dates will be in Olso (3rd), Helsinki (4th), Stockholm (5th), and Gothenburg (6th). Venue details can be found on the Gigs page.
Plans are under way to release a tribute album in honour of the 30th anniversary of Super Rock. To date we have received pledges from a dozen artists including the Plimsouls, Steve Wynn, Dr Explosion, the Maggots, the Woggles, and the Forty Fives. The aim of the project is to say "thank you" to one of the consistently most exciting bands of the last three decades. To that end we want your suggestions for a possible title. At the moment I am happy to call it "We Live In Brooklyn, Baby" but if you can think of something better then by all means use the email link at the bottom of this page and send it along. The best three suggestions will be put to a vote on the website and the album will be named after the winner. So get thinking kids and in the meantime we I will move this baby along and try to figure out a way to get the Dictators and the Hoodoo Gurus involved. Can you imagine how great it would be to hear Handsome Dick Manitoba rapping about the Fleshtones at the end of "American Beat"? Too much.
Is the title of a platter by Tony Truant and the Fleshtones on les disques poussinet. The five track mini-album includes two songs by Peter Zaremba, including a Francophone version of “The Girl From Baltimore”, and a Manfred Mann inspired cover of “If You Gotta Go, Go Now”. Tony sings lead on all of the songs with the guys doing an admirable job on tongue-twisting backing vocals. The disc was recorded by Andrew Wendel in Brooklyn last June.
Tony, previously with the French rock band the Dogs, also joined the ‘Tones onstage for three songs on Wednesday night at La Maroquinerie in Paris. The sell out show attracted a crowd eager to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Super Rock. Not only was a magnificent cake, complete with messages from fans, presented to the band but over 300 balloons were released into the auditorium. Happy birthday, Fleshtones.
Picture by Jean Pierre Soulignac. Cake and party decorations by Didier Pasquier. Visit the Gallery to see pictures taken the following night in Reims.
Hot on the heels of news of a French tour is confirmation of the Fleshtones return to Spain in January. Check the Gigs section for the towns and cities to be visited though be aware that further dates may be added.
The Fleshtones return to France on February 2nd for a ten date tour with shows in Marseille, Lyon, Paris and Reims. Please check the Gigs section for the full itinerary.
Well, I got to the venue early, 12 Galaxies Club, maybe 45 minutes before the show began. The club reminded me of the Makeout Room and the DNA Lounge (both in SF, too). It was small like the other clubs, basically a stage and a small dance floor. Like the DNA, there is a second level and a balcony where you can watch the stage from above. I was happy to be able to chat with the band before and after the show, and caught them doing their sound check. It sounded awesome and was a good precursor of what was to come.
I met another big Fleshtones fan there, Jim (a really cool guy), and we watched the show. The opening acts were good, particularly the first one. Their name escapes me at the moment, but it was a 60s covers band with three female vocalists. They had the whole psychedelia thing going: their clothes, hairstyles, etc. We watched the opening bands from the balcony, then, when the Fleshtones arrived, we went down to the dance floor in front of the stage. They played for about an hour and a half, and were fantastic!! Still awesome and still a kick ass band. The only complaint I had was the poor quality of the sound system at the venue. I couldn't hear Peter's vocals very clearly, nor for the second opening act's. But the instruments came rocking through.
The turnout for the show was small but the people were enthusiastic and excited. You could tell they were really having a good time. And I was right there with them: dancing and jumping along to every track! It was a very positive, energetic vibe, and this was all due to the Fleshtones's very lively, animated show, where they often interact with the audience by going into the audience and dancing on the bar top. It was great to hear all the new songs live, like Bigger and Better, Pretty Pretty Pretty, Do Something For Me, Serious, and I Want the Answers. I was happy to hear the title cut of the last, Do You Swing?, again, along with the opening song Hard Lovin' Man. And of course they did a mixture of classic stuff and more recent songs. The encore was great: I'm Not a Sissy and the Girl From Baltimore, they sounded excellent live and were a good way to end the show.
Tonight Appleton. Tomorrow...Oshkosh! 23 October 2005
Steve Colman asked me to file a report from my band’s, the Havox, recent four-day soiree with the Fleshtones, and since he’s sort of responsible for making it happen, I figured I better oblige. First, to put things in perspective, you need to understand that the Havox aren’t so much a band, but just four crazed music fans that take things to the next ridiculous level. It’s also important to note that the Fleshtones are the Havox’ favorite band. So, for us, having the opportunity to tour with them for four day’s was like winning a fabulous prize on a game show.
I thought I’d just share a little insight into the Fleshtones from a fans perspective after having toured with them for just a few days. First, you might wonder if they are as nice as they seem. Well let me tell you, these
are some of the nicest guys you’re ever gonna meet. Always very friendly, insisting on helping out with equipment, etc, graciously sharing stories and band info, and even showing patience with bearded sound men. In fact, I don’t thing we started getting on their nerves until the last night of the tour! If there is one thing The Fleshtones have not figured out how to do over the last 30 years, it’s act like Rock Stars!
As a fan, you might also wonder what it’s like seeing them four nights in a row. We’ll not being road worthy, I got to tell you by the third night I was ready to sit one out. But by their 4th or 5th number, usually Double Dipper, I’d find myself right back in the thick of things wondering were the extra shot of adrenaline came from. Also, I will say, watching them play four nights in a row gives you a chance to really appreciate some of the subtle Super Rock things they pull off you might ordinarily miss.
Although the Havox haven’t built a reputation on our steadfast music ability, (and we actually quit playing about 4 years ago) we are adept at having a good time. And as far as a good time goes, our four-day walk with the Fleshtones far exceeded our expectations. When it comes right down to it, this four-day swing only affirmed what all you Fleshtone fans already know. These guys are amazing!
Special thanks to Steve for putting our name out there, and to Joe Bonomo for vouching for us. (Hey Fleshtones. You screwed up. You Trusted Joe Bonomo!) And finally, to Chris Musatto, for being the voice of reason and the driver of the Winnebago.
David Behrel
FHOF Member #047
Some Quick Highlights, Memorable Quotes, Etc:
Keith and Ken take the 2nd encore outside at the Empty Bottle only to jump into a passing car and speeding away. ( I thought, "This is how International Spies would end a rock show!")
"Tonight Appleton. Tomorrow...Oshkosh!" - Peter
Bill’s one, final Maraca shake through the crack of a closing door to end the Minneapolis Show.
For more Highlights, Quotes, etc, and photo evidence to back this up, please go to the Havox website.
Italian vinyl pressing of Beachhead 21 October 2005
Nicotine Records has been given the opportunity of releasing a 500 copy vinyl limited edition of the Fleshtones' latest album following Red Eye Records' first pressing. In order to make this operation viable in spite of the high distribution costs connected to it, they are asking for interested fans to write to
reserve@nicotinerecords.com stating they intend to purchase the vinyl edition. Once Nicotine Records reach 200 bookings they will then go ahead with the full pressing. This way fans would get their album at a lower price than through normal distribution channels.
Children of Nuggets: The Next Generation 01 October 2005
The long awaited Children of Nuggets compilation, a four-CD set of 100 tracks that aims to capture the "back to the roots" spirit of neo-garage, '80s power pop, and Paisley Underground psych, is now available on Rhino Records. It features two tracks by the Fleshtones, "Girl from Baltimore" and "The World Has Changed", alongside like-minded contributions from the Lyres, Hoodo Gurus, Flamin' Groovies, Barracudas, and the Milkshakes. Rolling Stone gives the release a generous three and half star review but takes the lazy option of describing the 'Tones as being in the same spirit as the Strangeloves. The complete track listing and a purchase mechanism are available on the Rhino website.
Hitting the Beachhead and Coming on Strong 04 September 2005
Is the title of an extensive interview with Peter Zaremba on the PopMatters website. Zaremba looks back on three decades of "super rock" and finds the landscape littered with obscure Humphrey Bogart movies, Fleetwood Mac parties, early Tom Hanks comedies, and the evolution of the "power stance". Interview conducted for PopMatters by Charlotte Robinson.
In anticipation of the release of Beachhead on August 9th, check out the reviews on the Baby Sue, Kaffeine
Buzz, Life In A Bungalo, Lincoln Journal Star, NewBeats, PopMatters, and Splendid Magazine web sites. Word on the street is that the album is another winner from the Fleshtones with "Bigger & Better", "I Want The Answers", and "I Am What I Am" gaining attention. Head over to Yep Roc Records for a preview track, official press release, promo pictures and an online ordering form. The band promotes Beachhead in the USA during September with dates confirmed for New England, Texas, New York and Georgia. More shows are to follow so be sure to book mark the Gigs page on this site.
Tony Truant, formerly of French rock band the Dogs, visited New York last week to record an album with the help of the Fleshtones. It comprises of French covers and songs by the 'Tones sung in French. For instance, "Girl From Baltimore" becomes "La fille du Noctambule". The album will be released on a French record label...bien sûr!
NYC's finest, THE FLESHTONES, are back and ready to bring their patented brand of SUPER ROCK to you, the people. Peter Zaremba and company have girded their loins, stockpiled ordance and are ready to do righteous and mighty rock battle against the flabby forces of fancy-lad rock with their new studio release, BEACHHEAD. Read on:
THE FLESHTONES - BEACHHEAD
Release Date: August 9, 2005
"...a case can be made that The Fleshtones are the greatest garage band in history." -- Jim DeRogatis, The Chicago Sun-Times
"We always try to get to the essence, the thing that gave us the buzz, always going for that, that's the thing that's going to make it seem fresh." -- Peter Zaremba, The Fleshtones
The once and future kings of garage, The Fleshtones, are back with another helping of high-energy Super Rock served raw - the way you know you like it. While less dedicated rockers have called it a day, The Fleshtones continue to fight the good rock fight, oozing sweat from every pore they own just to satisfy YOU, the people of earth. They don't ask for fancy plaques and awards, all they want in return is a promise to shake your stuff while listening to their time-tested premium blend of garage-ified rock and R&B on their new disc, BEACHHEAD.
With BEACHHEAD, their 13th studio album - can you say Hexbreaker? - Peter Zaremba, Keith Streng, Bill Milhizer and Ken Fox once again sweep away all would-be contenders to the garage throne and deliver 11 crunchy originals guaranteed to get the party started. Then again, as The Fleshtones like to say, "Getting down needs no justification."
Produced in living color by SCOTS' Rick Miller (Forty-Fives, Moaners) and The Dirtbombs' Jim Diamond (White Stripes, Andre Williams), BEACHHEAD is a full-on guitar attack by NYC's hardest-working rock platoon.
Says Sergeant Peter Zaremba:
"Keith and I have wanted to create BEACHHEAD since we were teenagers, but it took until now to come up with a record that lives up to the hard-hitting macho grit of the Frank Lovejoy/Tony Curtis movie. As (the only) MEN who make rock and roll for life, we were the only ones who could do it.
"Remember! We are MEN who play rock and roll, and the only group that can deliver BEACHHEAD. C'est la guerre du rock, baby!"
The Fleshtones return to Sweden on June 25 to appear at
Gearfest. Festivities take place at Moparklubben (see Comments) in Stockholm and the bill inlcudes Hip Bone Slim & The Kneetremblers, Los Plantronics, the Dee Rangers, and the Tiny Teasers. Accompanying dates have yet to be confirmed so unless you read it here first, please treat the show as a one-off appearance.
In anticipation of the new Fleshtones album in August, look out for the CD re-issue of "Marty Thau Presents 2x5" on the Sanctuary label. A compilation of New York bands that first came out in 1980 and including "Shadowline" and "F-F-Fascination" by the 'Tones. The tracks were recorded when the band were in a hiatus as Lenny Calderone had recently departed and "Lucky" Bill Milhizer was yet to join the Super Rock gang. The vacant drum stool being taken by Clem Burke of Blondie. The version of "Shadowline" is a tad more polite than the one on "Blast Off!" while "F-F-Fascination" remains a sure fire party starter. The four other bands are the Bloodless Pharoahs (featuring Brian Setzer before he formed the Stray Cats), the Student Teachers, the Revelons, and the Comateens. Artwork by Peter Zaremba.
The once and future kings of garage, The Fleshtones are back with another helping of high-energy Super Rock served raw – the way you know you like it. Since nearly the dawn of time, The Fleshtones have been oozing sweat from every pore they own just to satisfy you, the people of earth. They don’t ask for fancy plaques and awards, all they want in return is a promise to shake your stuff while listening to their time-tested premium blend of garage-ified rock and R&B on their new disc Beachhead. Produced in living color by SCOTS’ Rick Miller (Forty-Fives, Moaners) and The Dirtbombs’ Jim Diamond (White Stripes, Andre Williams).
Gordon Russell Spaeth
b. September 21, 1951
d. March 8, 2005
Gordon Spaeth died in New York City on a blizzardy evening, the elements outside his apartment window likely mirroring the storm inside him. He had, at 53, settled into a comfortable routine. He was living at the Prince George Hotel near his beloved Tin Pan Alley, avoiding drugs and alcohol, lifting weights, writing short stories and reading them at the Y, and occasionally giving harmonica lessons and sitting in on saxophone with The Fleshtones and The Waldos.
Although Gordon hadn't been a member of The Fleshtones since 1988, his impression as the fifth man, as Mr. Excitement, is indelible to the thousands around the world who had the pleasure of watching him onstage. Gordon was a true character, an hilarious social misfit who dressed and acted the part of the sincere aging JD with a heart of gold. We might remember his surliness edged with mayhem when he'd been drinking too much. The combination of drug- and alcohol-abuse and depression surely forced him off of the stage nearly two decades ago, but memories of Gordon's dark side are always complemented by memories of his wicked sense of humor, his razor-sharp asides, his personal generosity, and, above all, his love for retro fashion, R&B and rock & roll.
Gordon discovered his first harmonica embedded in dirt when he was eight years old. He brought it home, washed it in the kitchen sink, and started blowing. Thus began a lifelong love affair with music. Few know that Gordon's first professional stint was with the long-forgotten Clayton and The Mighty Cravens, the house band at Paul's Stadium Bar in Flushing, Queens.
One night in the early 1970s, Gordon strolled in and ordered a beer. Being the only white kid in the joint, he was served reluctantly. After the set, Gordon struck up a conversation with Clayton who invited him onstage to play harmonica. For the next year and a half, every Friday night at 12 and 2, Gordon would play three or four songs with Clayton and the Mighty Cravens. His apprenticeship taught him both the thrills and the rigors of stage-life at an early age, and Gordon felt good in Paul's place, away from the vacuum of his domestic life, even as the racial lines he trespassed in the club further clarified his feelings as an outsider.
Along with his older brother Brian (with whom he played in Action Combo), Gordon infused The Fleshtones with fun, ballsy R&B from the earliest incarnation of the band, mostly in the form of scratchy 45s and LPs. The influence would forever shape Peter and Keith and The Fleshtones' sound and attitude. Gordon began making walk-on appearances with The Fleshtones in
the summer of 1978, his debut coming at the legendary Max's Kansas City. The guys, always smart about stage presence, orchestrated his appearance with precision and mock-heroic grandeur. Gordon arrived at the club dressed head-to-toe in black, with pointed suede shoes and a "Detroit Haircut" that no one had seen in years. He knew only a handful of songs, but the guys didn't care; they knew that Mr. Excitement was the missing ingredient. The Fleshtones started a drums-and-bass setup riff to "Crossfire" by Johnny and The Hurricanes. Resplendent in his suit and sharp shoes, Gordon sat patiently in the audience at a table and, at a prearranged moment, stood up and came slowly through the audience with his saxophone in hand. Looking intense, staring straight ahead at the floor, he inched his way up on stage, launched into "Crossfire" and started blowing hard sax.
"Everyone was like, Who is that guy?? Where did ya dig him up??" Keith remembers. "His stage presence was phenomenal."
Gordon officially joined The Fleshtones in 1982. He wrote the original riffs to both "Roman Gods" and "Hexbreaker," took the spotlight on his signature tune "Legend of a Wheelman," and delighted crowds with his onstage demeanor: an after-hours, mock-scowling, second-banana noir to Peter's manic energy. He played sax, harmonica, organ, and shook a tambourine all around the world with the guys, until his body and mind demanded a rest in 1988. Gordon found that he would never be able to tour for any length of time again, and he endured a restless lifestyle throughout much of the 1990s, wrestling demons both emotional and pharmaceutical. He played on the occasional Fleshtones record, most recently on "Blow Job" from 1998's More Than Skin Deep.
But perhaps the greatest tribute to Gordon was the fact that by the time he'd left The Fleshtones, he'd become irreplaceable. The Fleshtones wouldn't—really, they couldn't—hire another permanent sax player. His playing, humor, and style could never be duplicated.
As Peter recently said, Gordon always placed himself just out of reach of the kind of help that might've saved him. But such is the nature of a loner. Gordon brought many, many smiles to his bandmates and to fans who came to see him play. We laughed with him and we laughed at him, and we grooved to his playing on a beat-up saxophone on and off beat-up stages.
When I began writing a book about The Fleshtones in 2000, I had some difficulty tracking Gordon down. He'd become something of a ghost to his friends and family. When I finally did, I found a quiet man generous and eager to talk about his personal life and his years playing in The Fleshtones, the band that he still loved. One of my fondest memories is having happily tagged along with Gordon on a recent visit to NYC as he strolled through his neighborhood and pointed out various
architecture, and monuments to Tin Pan Alley, that meant so much to him. He loved music and its rich heritage to the end.
I'll let Gordon have the last word, from remarks he made to me in 2001: "The Fleshtones developed such a sense of camaraderie. No matter what anyone says, when you go through things like what I went through with Bill, Peter, Keith, and Marek, you form a bond. It's almost like going through a war. I used to call it ‘campaigning.' I consider myself very lucky, because it was like running with a bunch of outlaws. We were outside of society, we didn't have to take any crap from anybody, we could write any songs we wanted, we invented our own reality, we dressed the way we wanted, we didn't have to take orders from anybody, we didn't work regular jobs, and we were very good at what we did and at what we were supposed to do.
"What were we supposed to do? Show kids a good time, give a kid with some acne, a young teenage boy, the confidence to ask a girl next to him to dance. We brought a lot of happiness to peoples' lives."
March 21 -- 8pm ET -- Spirit Nightclub -- New York City: Garage rock leading lights The Chains, The Woggles, The Charms, The Chesterfield Kings, The Fleshtones, and rock and roll innovators The Comets perform a public concert. "The Underground Garage Coronation Ball" celebrates the 50th anniversary of "Rock Around The Clock" and officially launches SIRIUS Satellite Radio's new 24/7 rock 'n' roll radio channel Underground Garage. The event also celebrates the 53rd anniversary of what is considered the first-ever rock and roll concert: "The Moondog Coronation Ball," promoted in Cleveland by pioneering deejay Alan Freed on March 21, 1952.
Zaremba chats about The Monks and Suicide 28 February 2005
Look out for Peter Zaremba in a forthcoming German documentary about
The Monks, the 60s beat group comprising of disaffected GIs based in Germany, and which is now close to completion. The film features rare footage of the so-called anti-Beatles and includes contributions from former band members, collaborators and fans. Peter also provides several quotes in Suicide: No Compromise by David Nobakht and published by SAF Publishing. These include his account of performances by Suicide in the early 70s and the effect that these had on the Fleshtones.
For all those people who are getting nervous waiting around for the next Fleshtones album, I thought everyone might like to know that the band spent Jan. 10 -14 back down at Rick Miller's Kudzu Ranch in Mebene, North Carolina. We laid down six songs: two by Ken, two by Streng and two written by myself (Zaremba), although we all interfered in each other's compositions to a very larger extent as usual. That's what gives the finished product that 'Fleshtones Touch' that everyone always asks me about. We were well pleased with the results, as was Glenn Dickers of Yep Roc Records who dropped by to encourage us. We were also pleased with the home cooking and barbecue from A&M Grill. Drop in whenever you're in Mebane. We seem to be honing in on what we want to do (this after only 29 years) and I think you'll find these new recordings even more focused than those of 'Do You Swing?" (well?...). Although Jimmy Durante observed with deadly accuracy that "everybody's trying to get in on the act!" we steered clear of 'Allstar' guest shots and appearances. However, Rick contributed some guitar on one track and Mary Huff (Southern Culture On The Skids) lent Ken a heap of her cool electric bass guitars. After all, who do you think we are, the 'New Monkees'? We'll play our own instruments, thank you, or die trying. Now it's on to Detroit to record another handful of homemade hits with Jim Diamond, who I've had the pleasure of presenting on stage many, many times in my former capacity as MC for 'Cavestomp'. Glenn says we should have a release by August. I know that's none too soon for me. How's about you? Still we wouldn't want to 'glut the market'...
Interview with Peter Zaremba in Carbon 14 18 January 2005
The latest issue of Carbon 14 (#25) features an interview with Peter Zaremba and comes with a 26 track bonus CD featuring "What's Up With That?" by the Master Plan. The interview was conducted by Peter Santa Maria and is accompanied by some great pictures of the Fleshtones taken by his wife, Marina, when the band played in Philly last August. Read the interview in the Fleshtones Archive or, if you prefer paper and ink and would like the CD, visit the Carbon 14
website and order a copy online. The magazine costs $8 in the USA and $11 elsewhere (inc. postage).
Good to hear that Little Steven's Renegade Nation has placed Find Something Beatiful by the Master Plan in their Top 15 Records of 2004. Not bad for a record that first came out in Spain in 2002 but had to wait until 2004 for a US release. Check out the News section on Little Steven's website for the details of the other 14 discs.
Interested in downloading a recent concert recording by the Fleshtones for free?
eMusic.com has an 18 song live album recorded by the 'tones back in the summer as part of Little Steven's Battle of the Bands in Chicago. The files are in the MP3 format and the track listing runs something like this:
House of Rock; Right on Woman; Do You Swing?; Destination Greenpoint, USA; 10 Dollars More; Ready For the Mountain; Double Dipper; The Dreg; I Want More; I Wanna Feel Something Now; Hard Lovin' Man; Tearing Me Apart; Girl From Baltimore; Love Machine; Burnin' Hell; My Kind of Lovin' / The Crossroads; Alright.
eMusic is a subscription site although there is currently a special offer of 50 free tracks in return for registering your details with them. Please note that you will need to download the eMusic Download Manager (1.3Mb) in order to save the tracks to your PC/Mac.
The latest news from Brooklyn is that the Master Plan are currently laying down songs for their next LP in a studio in Williamsburg. Once the basic tracks are done then overdubs will be recorded at Andy Shernoff's apartment. This disc will be a very homemade affair but expect the usual high quality songwriting and a positive attitude. The licensing details are still to be finalised.
As reported below, the Fleshtones are slated to go into Rick Miller’s studio from January 11th to the 16th. Keith Streng says that the idea is to do half of the record with Rick and then do the other half in Detroit with Jim Diamond at Ghetto Recordings. The band start with Jim on March 31st and finish on April 4th. This is once again for Yep Roc Records and the potential release date is set for the end of August '05.
There are no tours planned while the 'tones are busy writing and rehearsing new material.
Guest appearance with Los Straitjackets 04 December 2004
Peter makes a guest appearance crooning La Novia de mi Major Amigo (Girl of My Best Friend) on a new release by Los Straitjackets entitled Play Favorites. This all-cover compilation is made up of b-sides, extra tracks, and previously unreleased recordings. The disc is available from Yep Roc Records.
While looking at the Fleshtones section of the Yep Roc site, it appears that the next 'Tones album has the catalogue number CD-YEP-2095 and a street date of 9th August 2005. The album will be recorded in the New Year with Rick Miller at the Kudzu Ranch.
Whatever happened to the decent kids? 07 November 2004
The Crazy Pages, the New York band featuring Brian Spaeth, have released an anthology of their early recordings entitled "The City Fries Time". Long term Super Rock fans might remember that Brian, along with his brother Gordon, as a member of the Action Combo back in the early 1980s. That's them assisting the 'tones on the "Up-Front" EP and the "Start Swimming" compilation. For a reminder of the Fleshtones and the Action Combo in ...ahem... action, tune into the
Radio Party archived in streaming Real Audio. Those wishing to learn more about the new release by the Crazy Pages can find PR blurb, biographies, and album artwork over at Popmeter.com. But be warned, this is a record so shocking it wasn't released ...it escaped!
The Master Plan featuring Keith & Bill, Andy Shernoff (Dictators) and Paul Johnson (Waxing Poetics) return to action in late November with strategy meetings scheduled for The Continental, NYC (19th); Arties Bar, Troy, NY (20th); and Otto's Shrunken Head, NYC (21st). The gig at The Contintental features those financial know-alls from the New York Stock Exchange, The Waldos.
The Fleshtones are getting together living-room style at the moment, passing songs around, and generally writing and arranging. They're booked into Rick Miller's studio in January for 5 days and there's a possibility that they'll visit Jim Diamond's studio in Detroit in February to continue recording.
See a short Quicktime preview for a new movie about the Raving Mojos, the band Ken was in back in Canada. The movie was directed by his brother, Paul Fox.
Super Rock fans in Europe are reminded that Arte, the French/German TV channel dedicated to the arts, will broadcast a seven minute feature about the Fleshtones on Thursday 23rd September. It was produced during the French tour back in May and forms part of a programme called Tracks. Be on the look out for an interview with the band, rare footage from Soul City directed by M. Henry Jones, and a live sequence from the recent gig in Paris. Arte will broadcast Tracks at 11.30pm CET.
Look out for a four CD boxset from Rhino Records in the spring entitled Children of Nuggets and featuring "The Girl from Baltimore" and "The World Has Changed". Why the compilers did not see fit to call upon "American Beat" as the sure-fire party starter is bewildering given that it is an early example of a return to 60s garage band influences, a rousing call to arms for the Chesterfield Kings, Milkshakes, Barracudas et al, and neatly quotes the riff from "Gonna Make You Mine" by the Shadows of Knight. But hey, at least the band has two primo slices of wax on the collection while other influential bands (e.g. the Cannibals) are not even represented.
The Fleshtones return to Baltimore on September 18th to headline at the ever popular HamdenFest located on 36th Street. The boys are scheduled to start at 6.30pm so get there nice and early to soak up the party atmosphere. Entrance is free.
Interested in reading an hilarious if somewhat surreal interview with all four 'Tones while round Ken's apartment the other evening? Chuckle at the sight of Ken's stereo surrounded by plastic monsters and gasp at the tentative title for the band's next recording project. Thanks to Jim Bosha of 6moons.com for firing the questions, remaining sane, and sending along the URL.
The Fleshtones have been invited to play at Little Steven's Underground Garage Festival at Randall's Island Park, NY on Saturday 14th August. Delivering the goods alongside New York's hardest working garage band will be Iggy and the Stooges, the New York Dolls, the Pretty Things, Bo Diddley, the Electric Prunes and more hip'n'happening combos than you can throw three chords at.
Alber Garc informs us that Mad Project has published an interview with Peter (pdf, 1.53Mb) it conducted after the concert in Santiago de Compostela back in March. You can read the full interview, providing that you speak Spanish and have the free Acrobat Reader, by clicking on the first link. Further information about Mad Project can be obtained by sending an email to: .
The Fleshtones make a special guest appearance at Little Steven’s Battle of the Bands at the Double Door in Chicago on Thursday 10th June. The show will be followed by weekend dates in Madison and Green Bay, WI. The following week the 'Tones return to Troy, NY to participate in the Riverfest on Saturday 19th June. Please remember to boomark the
Gigs page for future concert dates.
The French Tour has turned out to be a great success with lots of positive feedback left on the FHOF Forum and the French Yahoo! Group. I was lucky enough to meet-up with Jean-Marc Rimette from the latter and Jeroen Vedder from the NBT blog and enjoy a couple of shows in the North of France. Truth be told I am still gob smacked as to how the Fleshtones keep it so fresh and vital. In fact, I reckon that the band should seriously think about recording the current set and release that long overdue and definitive "live" statement.
The shindig at La Lune des Pirates in Amiens took place in a quayside venue with restaurants and bars on either side and a spectacular view of Amiens Cathedral across the river. With no support band, the 150 people packed inside the small venue witnessed 90 minutes (inc. four encores) of unadulterated Super Rock that was characterised by the band constantly charging into the audience, the infamous pyramid stunt where Keith stands on Peter and Ken, and more crowd participation than you can shake a stick at. Notable highlights included Peter crawling under the Farfisa organ and encouraging the crowd to "get down" and a guy in a t-shirt with a "69" motif pulling rock star poses while screaming falsetto-fashion into the mic during "Communication Breakdown".
In contrast, the show at the Aéronef in Lille saw a similar set albeit delivered in a different manner due to the barrier between band and audience created by a high stage. The sound was far better than in Amiens and it was a pleasure to stand at the back for a couple of tunes and take in the power of the band. Peter worked extremely hard throughout the night to overcome the restrictions of the venue and his strategy included embracing a drunken Anarcho-Punk who repeatedly jumped onto the stage. The kid did not know what hit him when Z-man suddenly hugged and welcomed him to the show. Timeless stuff. Standing at the front during "Burning Hell" all I could think of was that this might be how it felt to watch the Yardbirds tear into "Smokestack Lightnin'" at the Crawdaddy Club. Talk about experiencing RnR history.
Should you need further evidence of the good times and positive vibes that the 'tones left behind in France, check out the pictures of the band in Bergerac, Rennes, Brest, and Lille.
Set List: House Of Rock; Hitsburg USA; Right On Woman; Destination Greenpoint; Hard Lovin' Man; Do You Swing?; I'm Not A Sissy; The Dreg; Are You Ready For The Mountain; The Way I Feel; Alright; Burning Hell; Double Dipper; Ten Dollars More; Theme From "The Vindicators"; Inside Looking Out; Communication Breakdown etc.
Picture of Bill Milhizer at the Aéronef in Lille by Eric Gill.
Live au Nouveau Casino, Paris, 13 May 2004 by Jean-Marc Rimette
After an interview for German-French tv channel, Arte (keep an eye on the site for broadcast update in the coming months), filled with memories of hanging out in Queens in the early 70s, early recording with Alan Vega, Cutting Edge memories, and the Blue Whale recipe, we barely have time for a couple of beers and it’s already time to walk into the venue and watch the support band, Tony Truant; 3 easy pieces, drums, bass and on guitar Little Tony, former guitarist in Les Dogs; Unfortunately, he is only allowed 30 minutes on stage but it’s one helluva guitar sound he gave us, outta his new album!
Then walk on stage The Fleshtones, in a sold-out venue, welcomed by the Parisian audience like, well, Superstars! The show starts up with House of Rock, followed by songs from Do You Swing, DYS of course, Greenpoint, Double Dipper, Ready for the Mountain, Hard Loving Man, Right On Woman and a fine compilation of all Super Rock periods: from The Vindicators to Love Machine, through Burning Hell, Z-man spending half of his time in the audience, shaking hands, blowing the harp, kissing girls... We had the pleasure of seeing them play on the bar a couple of times and walk accross the audience to go outside, standing on chairs, screaming "Yeahs" and waving at passers-by, including – this is the absolute truth - an ageing Englishman in a 3 piece-suit, umbrella & bowler hat who politely nodded back to the Z-man!... Back inside, they were pressed by the venue to stop playing (goddamn noise laws), so they finished off with I’m Not A Sissy. An after show party went on in a nearby café where Peter, Keith & Bill joined most of the crowd for a drink or two...
Obviously, the Boys in the Band were sincerely happy to be back in France, and especially Paris and despite a short (but sweaty) concert, the mediocre quality of the sound and a somewhat messy Z-Man, the gig was pretty tight and the best of it was the great atmosphere that could be seen and felt all round, leaving a large big smile on each and every face!
Le concert du 13 mai au Nouveau Casino est quasi sold out! Complet! Quelques places seront à vendre demain mardi 4 mai dans les fnac parisiennes; alors dépêchez-vous si vous voulez participer à la grande fête du Super Rock!
There are now three Yahoo! Groups dedicated to the Fleshtones. The most recent is a Francophone forum moderated by Jean-Marc Rimette in Reims. While those of you of a Queen's English or Ameri-English disposition can log into Dance With The Ghoulman. Fans in or around New York might also care to dip their virtual toes into a forum dedicated to Fleshtones' activity in the Big Apple. Alternatively, cut out the Yahoo! middle-man and click on the link labelled "Forum" at the top of this very page. With over 800 Super Rock experts at your disposal, what have you got to lose?
The itinerary for the forthcoming French Tour is now as near-as-damn-it finalised. Big Beat Sessions are open to all and will be held in:
13 May - Paris; 14 May - Bergerac; 15 May - Lyon; 17 May - Fontainebleau; 18 May - Rennes; 19 May - Brest; 20 May - Amiens; 21 May - Lille; 22 May – Cherbourg
The names of the venues and some of the support bands can by found on the Gigs page.
Interested in catching Sky Saxon and the Seeds with the Fleshtones? Then get yourself over to Greece for two mind altering shows in Athens (April 2) and Thessaloniki (April 3). Rumour has it that Sky once rang Peter Zaremba back in the early 80s with the intention of recruiting the boys as a backing band. Apparently Z-man politely declined the offer after Sky had sung a song to him about a dog. Sadly, Sky's reaction to Z-man humming "Screamin' Skull" is unrecorded. A fun time in Greece is assured.
Review of the Fleshtones and the Wild Savages at Gruta 77, Madrid on Friday 5th March by Isabel Sanson.
Got to the venue and couldn't help smiling at the "sold out" sign hanging over the box office window - I thought "hey, good omen man!" (or should that be "about time too"!). Anyway, made my way in among a group of us slowly piling outside the door, and shortly afterwards there was this movement on stage (in semi-darkness of course). Next thing we knew the Savages were up there, doing their best to get the not-yet-full place to start swaying. The warm-up worked, and as I slowly looked round I noticed how the venue was now full. No pushing and shovin' at the back, just at the front where the regulars hang out.
The anticipation was obvious, and then there was a loud cheer when the ´Tones walked on stage - twas like they´d only just been on and had just gone backstage for a quick drink, except next thing we knew there was this guitar slashing noise and the place started rocking! It was only into the 2nd or 3rd track that Peter actually spoke into the microphone, by which time things had definitely heated up. The band went through pretty much the whole of the "Do you Swing?" album, spiced up the set with older, but nevertheless, great tracks and got up to their usual, always funny "antics" - being right at the back I did notice, however, the punters at the very front had gone so wild (not "savage", fortunately!) the band had actually "given up" on doing certain things. Speaking to them backstage some time later it transpired there had come a point when they thought they might be "torn apart" by the regulars, who're known to be not into just Garage, but also Punk...the "no future" attitude there, perhaps?
Anyway, great to see the 'Tones have come up with some fab stuff yet again - invigorating indeed! Look forward to another one of their Spanish shows in the not-so-distant future.
Click on view comments to read Isabel's review of the show in Vitoria on Saturday 13th March.
The Debaser Club in Stockholm, a concrete bunker underneath the main road that runs north-south through the city, was bursting with the original spirit of rock’n’roll last Friday night.
The Maggots were the first to testify and illustrated why they are the perfect support band for a Super Rock tour of the “Frozen North”. A no-nonsense attitude to the job in hand, well chosen covers such as “Circle Sky", and clanging originals. Tough guys with a rocking sound. A large crowd then assembled for a rare home-town show by the Nomads. Their performance was tight, confident and Nix Nomads voice, for my money at least, sounded better than it does on disc. With the Nomads set list emphasising recent material such as “Don’t Pull My String” and “Not Dead Yet”, it was a pity that both audience and band remained rooted to the spot throughout the set. For a moment I thought I was back in London surrounded by “Johnny Be-Cool” types. But what the hey, the gig was sufficiently primed for the return of Super Rock to the Swedish capital.
Arriving on stage as if they were about to play their first encore of the evening, the Fleshtones tore through “House of Rock” and one could not have wished for a more appropriate mission statement. Suddenly, we were in that tall, cool and solid marble mausoleum engraved with the word "Fleshtonemania". Mixing old material alongside the new while running, jumping and blowing whistles, more than one observer must have wondered how long these old boys where gonna last. Suffice to say that they did and the show flew by in ninety minutes. Random memories include the look of absolute concentration on Bill’s face. Peter, Ken and Keith building a human pyramid mid-song near the end of the show. The sight of a man wearing a shirt emblazoned with pink elephants, and well into his 5th decade, surfing the audience on more than one occasion. Ken and Keith playing each other’s guitars during the introduction to “Roman Gods”. Keith standing on a chair and crouching over the microphone during “Way Down South” and “Communication Breakdown”. Peter, Ken and Keith hooking arms and forming a defiant “Powerstance” minutes into the set. And finally Bill, standing tall behind the drum kit and knocking out that colossal beat for what seemed like most of the show.
Not only are these guys fun to watch they are damn professional too. It’s debatable how kind the musical history books will be to the Fleshtones, but those who attended the show at Debaser will no doubt smile at the memory and remember that the Fleshtones gave their best.
[Press cuttings (pdf, 480kb) from the Swedish national press. The Acrobat Reader is required to view the file and can be downloaded free of charge from Adobe.]
Yep, Colossus of Destiny by the Master Plan is to be released in the USA by Total Energy (Bomp Records) on 13th February. According to the label's website, the band will also be "kicking it old school" and promoting the disc around the States during 2004. The Master Plan: truth, justice, and the American Way.
News arrives, courtesy of El Strengo, that the Fleshtones are now set to tour Spain in March. Here are the details:
Mar 5 Gruta 77 - Madrid; Mar 6 Pequeño Diablo - Valencia; Mar 7 La Gruta del Angel - Jerez; Mar 9 Tarari - Ponferrada; Mar 10 Capitol - Santiago; Mar 11 Parque Piles - Gijón; Mar 12 Indian - Santander; Mar 13 Hell Dorado - Vitoria.
Dates for the UK (June) and France (May) are currently still at the planning stage. Polite note to the ever-faithful Italian fans: The 'tones played several dates in Italy before Christmas.
The Fleshtones commence their 2004 campaign with a show at Artie's in Troy, NY on Friday 30th January. It is rumoured that the 'tones will be testing a new secret weapon in preparation for their assault on Scandinavia the following week. Those of a nervous disposition are advised to stay at home.
Scandinavian Tour Advisor and General Warning 02 January 2004
To fans, friends, loud-mouths, lay-a-bouts and anyone looking for a good time
in the Great frozen north:
It is with considerable surprise (even to me!) that the world’s one and only,
original SUPER-ROCK band is issuing this Scandinavian tour advisement and
general warning. After an absence of almost a generation, endless desperate
requests and engendering countless pale imitators, The FLESHTONES are indeed
returning to Scandinavia Feb 6th-14th, 2004. To play, that is. Why? Certainly not
for money. Perhaps to give those who think they’ve seen it all a chance to
kick their diet of highly adulterated imitators and see how this thing is really
done. Or maybe we’re just looking for that special moment. All I know is that
the tour will indeed kick off at the DEBASER CLUB in STOCKHOLM with our good
friends The Nomads and The Maggots. If anyone remembers what it was like the
last time the Nomads and The FLESHTONES got together in that city, be prepared
for more of the same! Much more in fact, we’ve been practicing. In addition,
appearances at numerous fishing stations and fur-trading outposts will be
announced later. No, seeing all those other bands is NOT like witnessing the REAL,
one and only FLESHTONES, live and in person. Look I’ll tell you something
straight up, I don’t want to return home after a week and a half of freezing my
butt off gnawing on herring to read any e-mails asking why don’t we play
Scandinavia. We’re coming NOW. So, I’ve heard a lot of talk. I don’t know about you,
but The FLESHTONES are ready for ACTION. On stage, and if need be, off. If you
miss us this time, don’t count on catching us the next time we make it up
there. Which might be in another 20 years, or in time for the return of Haley's
Comet, if ever. Spread the word and see you there!
A couple more screensavers have been added to the Downloads
section of the site. The first comprises of 23 b/w pictures taken by Philippe Carly at Plan K, Brussels in 1983. The shots are accompanied by "Screamin' Skull" and provide a glimpse of the band in action circa the Hexbreaker album. The second new screensaver features nine shots taken by John Lanza at CBGBs in December. The instrumental "1-4-5" plays alongside them as the 'tones strike poses, pull faces and rock out. See below for El Fuzzco's review of the show. Thanks to Karen at www.theDictators.com for sending along the pictures from CBGBs and for allowing us to use them.
A blizzard hit the weekend of the big CBGB’s 30th Anniversary Show.
Did this stop ANY of the bands (and real fans) from showing up for
this two day event? HELL NO!
Both Edison Rocket Train and the Little Killers did a great job of
getting the show going. If you don’t have’em already, get their
records!
I got a spot down front for the Fleshtones (who played too early and
too short). The boys concentrated on material from the new album,
but pulled out “Three Fevers” and “Vindicators”.
Steve Greenfield did Vindicators with them, which was nice. However,
Gordon Spaeth was there, too! Really, for the CB's anniversary show,
wouldn't it have been cooler to have Gordon take the stage with his
old comrades?
Also in attendance was original bassist Jan Marek Pakulski! Could
this be the inspiration for Ken Fox’s extra-animated antics on stage?
Talking with Keith afterwards, I realized that aside from Robert
Warren, just about everyone who had ever been a Fleshtone was there
(remember, Andy Shernof was the bass man before Ken!). Keith
corrected me that Fred Smith and Lenny Calderone were missing too.
Then he and Marek were joking about doing a big show with all the
bass players and horn players. We can only hope!
The Dictators finished the night with their usual showmanship.
Perhaps the best part of the night was hanging out in the front of
CBGB’s with Peter Zaremba, our bottles in the air, toasting Andy
Maltz (singer/guitarist for the Little Killers) while Handsome Dick
Manitoba asked the musical question “Who Will Save Rock & Roll”?
Apparently the 'tones are playing a handful of dates in Italy next week. Blimey! Apologies to the Italian Super Rock gang for the lateness of the news and without further delay here be the itinerary:
DEC. 11 FIRENZE - Flog
DEC. 12 SAN DONA' (VENEZIA) - Mithos Rock Club
DEC. 13 RIMINI - Velvet
DEC. 14 ROMA - Init
We have it on good authority – from "the Super Rock man with the van" no less - that the 'tones are scheduling a series of European dates in France, Italy and Sweden. There is also the remote possibility of the band adding a couple of dates in the UK. Phew. In anticipation of the imminent arrival of the ‘Tones in Euroland, check out these pictures taken by Brian Goodman of Thee UMMmm... during the show at Arties, Troy, NY on 8th November. Thanks Brian for scanning and sending along the pictures for use on the website.
Just want to let you know that the Master Plan's Colossus Of Destiny is due for a vinyl release on November 10th on the Demolition Derby label. If you would like to order one, you should be able to find the details at: www.demderby.com
Caught an old episode of the US syndicated, teen show, "Sweet Valley High" this week. It's centers on a set of twins, one nice and studious, the other a boy crazy wild child and their misadventures in high school.
The "wild" twin had a Fleshtones "Labratory of Sound" poster in her bedroom.
Hello, Its Paul from the Master Plan, Keith, Bill and Andy Shernoff from the Dictators other band. Just letting you know I will be chiseling my way on stage with the boys for the two Baltimore shows. We will be doing some tunes from our album "Colossus Of Destiny" soon to be released all over the world and more! Gooooooooooo!
I saw the Fleshtones this past Saturday night at this San Francisco nightclub called the Parkside. It's a really tiny restaurant/bar located in the industrial part of town near the baseball park. Anyway, the show was excellent!!! The guys were wonderful as usual, and it was good to hear the new songs live. They did great renditions of Do you Swing, Right On, Woman, Destination Greenpoint, Are You Ready For The Mountain?, and others. My fave tracks are Do you Swing, Right On Woman, In My Mind, Are You Ready For The Mountain?, and the second track (forgot the name). Great album, a fine addition to their super rock catalog.
They also played some classics, like Burnin’ Hell, Vindicators, the Dreg, a track from Hitsburg USA (the first one), I'm Not A Sissy, Test The Flesh, and others. A great set list, though I wish they had done some older stuff from the earlier records, and also more from the last few. Unfortunately, I missed them when they came to SF for the Solid Gold Sound tour. And that's one of my fave Fleshtones album, so I regret that. I love New Song, Solid Gold Sound, Test The Flesh, Ten Dollars More, Good, Good Crack, Baja Weekend, Dreaming of Work, Daddy-O, and the rest. They played at a club called the Bottom of the Hill for the Solid Gold Sound show, which is a good SF club.
The Fleshtones played as part of a festival called the Budget Garage Rock Weekend at the Parkside this time. I only saw two bands play, they were mediocre. I was there for the guys and have to say they were a million times better than anyone else there. Before the show, I chatted with Ken, Bill, Keith and Peter. Everyone was really cool. I bought the Do you Swing tour shirt from Ken. There was another cool shirt that said FLESHTONES, Brooklyn, 1978-2003. I'm going to miss the guys, and look forward to seeing them again.
Here are the latest additions to the non-stop Super Rock calender:
Fri Oct 17th - Hoboken, NJ at Maxwell’s with The Swinging Neckbreakers Sat Oct 18th - Baltimore, MD at Fell’s Point Oyster Festival
Fri Oct 24th - Baltimore, MD at Mojo/Tattoo Bar Sat Oct 25th - Chapel Hill, NC at Local 506
Sat Dec 6th - New York, NY at CBGB’s with The Dictators
The show with the Dictators on Dec 6th at CBGB's is part of the venue's 30th anniversary celebrations. Please remember to check the Gigs page for a full list of forthcoming shows including Californian dates in early October.
The Fleshtones return into action this weekend with several dates in Texas alongside the Sons of Hercules. Apparently Ken's hand has now healed sufficiently for him to resume bar climbing and bass strumming duties. Hurrah! In anticipation of the return of the Super Rock gang to the Lone Star State, dig these photos taken last time around at Taco Land in San Antonio.
Shows cancelled in Buffalo and Rochester 22 August 2003
I got seven stitches in my hand yesterday from a work related accident, so we're cancelling our shows in Buffalo and Rochester this weekend. I'm OK, just need to let it heal before attempting any Super Rock.
Check out this week's edition of the HBO television series, The Wire. The Fleshtones can be heard on a car radio playing "I'm Back Again" at the end of a dramatic scene.
News arrives that 'Do You Swing?' is the #1 release on Whole Lotta Shakin' [WITR Sunday 3-7pm EST] for August.
Mike Murray, the presenter of Whole Lotta Shakin', tells us that he will be giving away passes on this Sunday's show (17 August) for the 'tones forthcoming appearance at the Bug Jar on 23 August. He also adds that the band will be doing a pre-show interview at WITR between 2-4pm EST on the Jeff Of The Future show.
Intrigued, then listen to Whole Lotta Shakin' or Jeff Of The Future via the Internet or on 89.7 WITR-FM if you live in Rochester, NY.
I got back from NYC a week ago and the trip was
particularly fruitful for the book. All of the guys (inc. Marek) are reading an early draft (up to '86) and so far the feedback has been very positive. Everyone I mention the project to (well,
mostly bartenders and those on the other side of the bar!) seems enthusiastic to read it.
Update: Just in 03 thus far I've interviewed Richard Mazda, Lenny Calderone, Danny Gilbert (first guitarist), Roy Trakin, Chris Morris (Billboard), Carlos Grasso, John Guarnieri, and Betsy Alexander (IRS), Paul Wexler, Peter Case, Robert Christgau, Fred Smith, Miles Barken, Breet Green, Leslie Aldredge, and John Bruce (managers), Andy Schwartz, Jim Marshall, not to mention the guys again each (plus Gordon), and others who I'm forgetting now. I've talked to nearly 60 people so far, and the book is really (if slowly) taking shape.
The CD edition of the Link Wray Tribute featuring the 'Tones version of "Soul Train" is now available on MuSick Recordings in the USA. The disc featues 24 tunes, copious liner notes and a stunning sleeve. A vinyl edition (2 x 10") is set for release on the Munster Label in Spain.
The band have several tracks over both volumes of Sk8erboy Rock! on Critique Records. The songs date from the 1990s and the release suggets that DM Records Label Group now own the rights to the Ichiban catalogue. Each CD contains twelve cuts with One Less Step and God Damn It on Vol.1, and My Kinda Lovin'; Fading Away; and Dig In appearing on Vol.2.
Finally, look out for the re-release of the Bachelor Party soundtrack on Superfecta Recordings in the middle of August. The disc kicks-off with American Beat '84 from those far-off days when the band was on IRS Records. Now if only someone would set about licensing the mighty Roman Gods and Hexbreaker!
Attempted Show in Miami, FL on Saturday 7/11 14 July 2003
Dear Mr. Zaremba, Mr. Streng, Mr. Fox and Mr. Milhizer:
Churchill's treated both the Fleshtones and the crowd with contempt. It was beyond complete mismanagment.
I just wanted to say that I appreciated your professionalism and care for the people who stayed. The couple of songs you got to play were great - I still don't know how you mustered it - but it was fun when you finally went on.
Dates confirmed for Texas and California 04 July 2003
Thu 4 Sept - Houston, TX at Rudyards Fri 5 Sept - Austin, TX at Emo’s Inside stage with Sons of Hercules Sat 6 Sept - San Antonio, TX at Taco Land with Sons of Hercules Thu 2 Oct - San Diego, CA at Casbah wih Holly Golightly Fri 3 Oct - Los Angeles, CA at Spaceland with Holly Golightly Sat 4 Oct - San Francisco, CA at Parside lounge for Budget Rock Garage Festival Sun 5 Oct - San Francisco, CA at Parside lounge for Budget Rock Garage Festival
The following quickly identified that Rick Miller of SCOTS produced Do You Swing?
Daniel Franco - Portugal
Earnest Langjahr - USA
David Rubinger - USA
Ingemar Gunnarsson - Sweden
Laurent Richard - France
Mike McManman - USA
Thank you to the astute young man in Greenpoint, Brooklyn for pointing out that no one received a production credit. For the sake of sanity, can we therefore assume that the man with "knob twisting" duties and who actually nailed the sound was the producer? OK, sorted guvnor.
A promo badge and poster will soon be on their way to the winners.
HoF Agent in Espana, Reydelmambo, recently brought this item to our attention:
The Spainish band Los Feliz (The Happy) have included two Spainish-language versions of Fleshtones tunes on their latest disc, "Ataque de Marketing" (Attack of the Marketing).
The songs in question are "Eso No” & "Quién Mal Anda (Vamos)”, better known as "I've Gotta Change My Life" & "Living Legends", respectively.
No word from Peter & Co. on their reaction to this news, but I'll bet they're tickeled pink.
You can get more info here!
Simply click on a hypertext link to get to the text. Please note that in certain cases you may have to scroll down the screen to find the review. To make the task easier, press Ctrl + F and enter "fleshtones" in the Find box (Internet Explorer).
CD Release - Bachelor Party Soundtrack 29 May 2003
The soundtrack to the movie Bachelor Party featuring the song "American Beat '84" will finally be released on CD on 12th August. It will have catalogue number Super003. Further information will shortly be available on the Superfecta Recordings website.
Do You Swing? - Captain's Log Review 19 April 2003
It's always a pleasure to review a disc by a band who's output has always been up to standard but suddenly release a album that's way beyond one's usual expectations. The Fleshtones are one of my all time faves, even tho' I'm well aware that some of their records are less than satisfactionary. "You should see 'em live" is what I always say, but jeez, the last time I wanted to see 'em myself I had to go all the way to Spain to catch 'em in action. But finally, or at least since 'Powerstance', these guys have delivered a record that captures some of their live spirit and doesn't sound like it was produced by someone who has just discovered stereo. Track by track it's something like this; the title tune reminds me a bit of the Hives' 'Hate To Say I Told You So' (a good thing for sure!), 'Hard Lovin' Man' is sadly not the Johnny Moped tune (not a good thing!). 'Destination Greenpoint' is a favorite ever since I first heard it on a webcast thingy, and it's great to finally be able to blast it at full volume here at HQ, esp when played back-to-back w/ the Dictators' 'Avenue A' (somebody please put this one out on a 45). 'Are You Ready For The Mountain' is "vintage garage" and should go down a treat in a live settin'. 'It's Aright' is great FratRock, while 'I'm Back Again' reminds me of 'Double Shot Of My Baby's Love'. 'Right On Woman' swings (dig the tremelo FX), while 'Headlock''s another goodie. 'Double Dipper' = Gary Glitter w/ farfisa (tho' it also reminds me of those instrumental Small Faces b-sides of yore), 'Good Enough' is more (cool!) straight ahead garage (a good thing in this day 'n age, as it re-confirms their position as originators), The Zep tune ('Communication Breakdown') is funny, tho' I think it would be better to direct "the kids" to Kid Thomas instead of "classic rock"... The final track 'In My Mind' is just OK.
Saw the boys opening for the Detroit Cobras at the Bowery Ballroom on Saturday night (12 April).
I know this is hard to believe, but they were tighter and more amped up than I have seen them in awhile. On their worst day, they are
tighter and have more energy than any nine bands, but I think the combo of the new record, record deal, the large venue and good turnout all factored into a great show.
The best part was watching the roadies try to keep up with them, running into the audience, the balcony, Peter doing backward rolls onto the stage (cause some dumbass security guy took the chair Keith set-up away before the show, making it tough for them to retake the stage).
It was a good mix of the obvious "hits" from the new record (Do You Swing, Back Again, Destination Greenpoint, Hard Lovin Man, Double Dipper) as well as some oldies (House of Rock, Dreg, Vindicator). Peter was pretty damn funny, throwing some jabs at the Hives (I'll
show them a proper Powerstance...) and Keith & Ken did the spinning/playing each others guitars bit.
I picked up the record from Anne Streng. Listening to it right now. Possibly the best production yet. Cheers to you Rick Miller!
Keith Streng & Ken Fox also play in the band Jesse Bates & His Flying Guitar's (the Fleshtones cover Jesse's "I Hate You All").
They are playing this Saturday night (March 15) in NYC, at the Lakeside Lounge.
Lakeside Lounge
162 Avenue B
11 PM
Swedish fans are alerted to a five page feature on the Fleshtones in the current edition of Sonic. Read all about the last Super Rock blast around Sweden back in the 1980s and the influence that the guys have had on the likes of the Hives and the Maggots. The text is in Swedish so if anyone feels like translating it for the web then feel free to Dig In!
A source close to the band reveals that the new album is called Do You Swing? with a US release date slated for April 22. The track listing runs: Do You Swing?; Hard Lovin’ Man; Destination Greenpoint; 145; Ready For The Mountain; It’s Alright; I’m Back (Again); Right On Woman; Headlock On My Heart; Double Dipper; Good Enough For You; Communication Breakdown; In My Mind. The platter will be available in the States on Yep Roc Records although no details regarding the European edition are available at present. Please watch this space.
Musick Recordings in LA are ready to release their Link Wray tribute LP in March. The disc features the Fleshtones version of Soul Train - a rare vocal number by Link - and believe me it stomps. More information can be found on the Musick website.
I did a little investigation, and I found Lenny Calderon.
He was living in San Francisco for a few years. He was playing with a heavy metal band named 66 Thut
He also played with a few other bands, one was named Reconsution (Salsa Fusion). He just recently went back to Flushing, is playing some R&B, and alot of other sounds. I heard he played in Long Island on New Years Eve, with a band called the
DalaKings. He is doing very well.
Thank you for such a great time at the Kudzu Ranch studio for the Fleshtones recording session! We all enjoyed it very much and are very excited to hear the completed record! Great work!!
Impress your spouse or work colleagues by placing a vintage Super Rock screensaver onto your computer. It comprises of ten fab pictures taken by Mark Hudson back in 1986 in Rochester, NY and features "Super Hexbreaker" from the Living Legends CD. [5.5Mb file].
Merry Christmas everyone and thanks for supporting the new website.
Taped Dec. 26th LIVE with Regis and Kelly last week and used your song for Wild Travel Trivia. Here's your chance to hear it live in your own home somewhere between 9am-9:15am.
The articles and interviews from the old site have now been transferred to a Fleshtones Archive that consists of approximately sixty pieces written in English, French, Italian and Spanish. The archive permits fine-tuning of searches according to word, phrase or field (e.g. Title). Dig through it for the ultimate overview of the Fleshtones.
Los Dudes 2Nite (featuring Keith & Ken) 06 December 2002
This just in: Los Dudes will be performing at the Lakeside Lounge in NYC tonight, Dec. 6. The band features our pals, Keith Streng & Ken Fox, and frontman Jesse Bates, who has penned such "hits" as "Do You Remember Zaremba" and "I Hate You All".
Lakeside Lounge
162 Avenue B
New York, NY
212.529.8463
Show starts at 11:OO
The website now has a logo based on the "Powerstance" publicity photo from '91. In order to view the graphic you may need to clear the old logo from your browser cache. The quickest way to do this is to hold down the "Ctrl" key and then press "R". Alternatively, click the refresh icon at the top of your web browser. Voila!
The Fleshtones will take advantage of their next visit to Spain to record a covers disc with Dr Explosion at the Circus Perrotti Studio in Gijón. Information courtesy of Sonic Wave.
About five years ago, Peter sent me a fax with the latest happenings in Fleshtonesland. At the time, he mentioned that the band had just finished recording some "cheesy surf music" for ads for a "Florida fish house chain." Now, I am seeing ads for "Joe's Crab Shack" that feature a very Super-Rock-flavored soundtrack. The clincher: when a singer croons the tag line, "Ya gotta go eat at Joe's," it sounds an awful lot like Zaremba.
Great kick-start with Keith, Paul & Andy quickly
waving at us eager punters (!) and going straight into "Barb" (is that right??) to then pause for breath before jumping into "Annie...". Not sure I recognised the track after that ("10"), but it sure was groovey! We then sat/stood up at the start of "Better get...", which had the place jumping - racy end or what! The rest of the
gig made me picture a mixture of the ´tones, The Stooges & Chuck Berry (Keith did a good job on vocals, and it was good to hear Andy/Paul "do their thang" too!). Pity "Lucky Bill" couldn´t join the others when they went off stage & sat among the cheering crowd, but there you go -
smiles for the flashes ahoy!. So, all in all a great sweaty time had by all there - hey, when are they back in Europe?!
The following Italian dates are being promoted as the Happy Christmas Tour 2002.
Tues 10 December - Baraonda Massa, Carrara
Weds 11 December - To Be Advised
Thur 12 December - Horus, Roma
Fri 13 December - Jumpin', Tarzo (nr Treviso)
Sat 14 December - Flog, Firenze
After 25+ years, the Fleshtones again proved tonight why they are the uncrowned kings of pop and soul! Peter & Co. hit the stage with with
more energy than the previous two bands combined, blazing through four or five of their songs in a row.
Their set was a mix of their recent stuff and debuting some brand new songs, that sound pretty much like all the stuff they have been doing
throughout their entire career. The hardcore Super Rock fans really dug it, while the CMJ crowd seemed unimpressed.
The band came back for two (three?) encores that included:
A) A surprising cover
B) A chestnut from their early days
C) Peter telling the audience how the band appreciates the fact that fans still support them after 25 years OR
D) A song about how the the band appreciates the fact that fans still support them after 25 years
Then, the band wound up the night with a song that had everyone clapping and singing along, and left the venue by walking on the bar.
News arrives that the new album may contain some of the following titles: "Are you Ready for the Mountain," "Hard Lovin' Man," "Destination Greenpoint," "Right On Woman" and "I'm Back Again". The first two are by Keith and the other three by Peter.
The Fleshtones are about to sign a new record deal with Yep Rock a very cool independent label out of North Carolina. Right now we are not playing many shows so we have time to put together new material for the new record. We are going into Rick Miller's studio (the guitarist of
SCOTS) Jan 3rd - Jan 10th to record what will become the Fleshtones finest moments again on tape.
Our pal JM in Reims has read on the DangerHouse site (September News) that Roman Gods & Hexbreaker are to be reissued on vinyl by a label called American Beat.
The Master Plan album will be released in October on Imposible Records in Spain. The band are conducting a one week Spanish tour in November to promote the disc.
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The Fleshtones Summer mini-Festival Of Fun 15 August 2010
A big thank you to David Rocco for sending along a set of action shots that he took at 
Time to alert you that the second long playing album by 
Surprisingly, I was met by several security men and a ferocious looking dog on entering the venue. A bit over the top for a rock'n'roll show where the average age of the audience was 30+. Perhaps Le Centre culturel Gérard Philipe attracts a more troublesome clientele on other nights? At 8:45pm a crowd of 200 saw the Fleshtones enter from the back of the hall and thump out "Hexbreaker" while negotiating a highly polished dance floor. Once onstage the 'Tones delivered a selection of tunes from the first thirty years of Super Rock. It was fantastic to hear "Nothin' Is Ever Gonna Bring Me Down" at the halfway mark. One of my Top Ten tunes. A touching lyric about staying true to yourself layered over a hell of a hook. Despite having the task of supporting the Bellrays on their current Euro tour the 'Tones performed a generous set lasting 1 hour 15 minute and packed with tried and tested routines such as "The Push-Up Man", "The Human Pyramid", and "The Get Down With It". Add to this a touch of burlesque when Ken and Keith, with backs turned to the audience, teasingly removed Peter's shirt only to reveal that he was wearing a spangled silver shirt underneath. Hilarious. An initially reticent audience were finally won over by the gospel fervour of “Burnin’ Hell” and ready to go along with any high jinks that the 'Tones could conjure up. The show ended as it started with the band exiting through the audience while summoning the spirit of the mighty "Hexbreaker". I pity the Bellrays, or any other band for that matter, having to follow Peter, Keith, Ken and Bill onstage. These guys are not, and will never be, a quartet of shoe gazers. Hurrah to that.
Super Rock snow boots at the ready, the confirmed schedule for the Fleshtones "Blast of Cold Air" tour in February shakes down as follows:
OK, we're grasping at Fleshtones news items here, but this IS exciting: The return of Mr. Pro, thanks to Ken Fox. He'll (Mr. Pro, not Ken Fox) be appearing on tee-shirts wherever you find us - The Fleshtones. See you out on that dance floor!
I arrived at seven, checked in a Formula 1 in Roubaix and proceeded to walk to the venue. The hotel is on a boulevard so it was safe but when I walked around the corner, I was in a rough area, quite OK until some kid barked at me "Hey son of a bitch, don’t stay here and don’t ever come back to Roubaix" and then shot a football that just missed my head! OK mate, I'm out of here!
The Fleshtones return to Europe in mid-January with eleven shows across France, Switzerland and Italy. The schedule can be found on the 
From the garage rock gods who brought the world
"Super Rock," 
Last night's 
THE FLESHTONES return to Holland for the first time in 10 years! Their new album is fantastic and so is the new book written about them and probably the upcoming documentary will be as well! A unique chance to see one of the greatest live bands on earth! So get ready for a night of SUPEROCK en ROCK ’n CholesteROLL on the 22nd May in Akhnaton, Amsterdam! Ticket reservations can be made at sickjules(a)hotmail.com For people outside of Holland, make it a rockin’ weekend, 'cause we’re planning garage after parties on Friday and Saturday as well! More details to follow on 
The Fleshtones Hall of Fame, 
Fleshtones new album, Take A Good Look, coming January 22
Sunday was easily the best night. I was up front for both nights of The Sonics and while the sound was decent where I was on Friday (since I was mostly getting the stage mix), tonight it was better. And the crowd wasn't nearly as annoying.
"Sweat", Joe Bonomo's book about the Fleshtones, is scheduled for publication on 1st September. A pre-ordering mechanism, alongside a synopsis of the book, is available on the 
BIG ENOUGH Records are proud to announce the release of the first ever official Fleshtones DVD, Brooklyn à Paris! The dvd will consist of the band’s latest show at La Maroquinerie in Paris, France, filmed on 22 October 2006.
Is the title of a platter by 
I thought I’d just share a little insight into the Fleshtones from a fans perspective after having toured with them for just a few days. First, you might wonder if they are as nice as they seem. Well let me tell you, these
are some of the nicest guys you’re ever gonna meet. Always very friendly, insisting on helping out with equipment, etc, graciously sharing stories and band info, and even showing patience with bearded sound men. In fact, I don’t thing we started getting on their nerves until the last night of the tour! If there is one thing The Fleshtones have not figured out how to do over the last 30 years, it’s act like Rock Stars!
Nicotine Records has been given the opportunity of releasing a 500 copy vinyl limited edition of the Fleshtones' latest album following Red Eye Records' first pressing. In order to make this operation viable in spite of the high distribution costs connected to it, they are asking for interested fans to write to 
THE FLESHTONES - BEACHHEAD
Then walk on stage The Fleshtones, in a sold-out venue, welcomed by the Parisian audience like, well, Superstars! The show starts up with House of Rock, followed by songs from Do You Swing, DYS of course, Greenpoint, Double Dipper, Ready for the Mountain, Hard Loving Man, Right On Woman and a fine compilation of all Super Rock periods: from The Vindicators to Love Machine, through Burning Hell, Z-man spending half of his time in the audience, shaking hands, blowing the harp, kissing girls... We had the pleasure of seeing them play on the bar a couple of times and walk accross the audience to go outside, standing on chairs, screaming "Yeahs" and waving at passers-by, including – this is the absolute truth - an ageing Englishman in a 3 piece-suit, umbrella & bowler hat who politely nodded back to the Z-man!... Back inside, they were pressed by the venue to stop playing (goddamn noise laws), so they finished off with I’m Not A Sissy. An after show party went on in a nearby café where Peter, Keith & Bill joined most of the crowd for a drink or two...