Darkbuster, the Lost Interview

   This time we go back to 2006 with an interview and live performance by Boston Punk Rock Band, Darkbuster. I conducted this interview outside Ralph's Diner in the metal carport shelter. Looking through my archives of WDOA.com shows, don't think I ever aired this for some reason. They were just off the tour with Dropkick Murphy's and was the first time the band played Ralph's. Band members gave aliases but as I remember it was Lenny Lasley, Amy Griffin, and Mike Gurley among others I can't recall.  They had just released their CD "A Weakness for the Spirits" and were on tour to promote it. Also, for some reason there are no photos from this show that I could locate, so what you hear is it. As they ran through their set and thrilled the crowd on hand that evening, it was true to what they came to represent. One of the scene's favorite bands. Enjoy!


 Darkbuster, Live at Ralph Diner w/ interview 

The ROCK of Boston, WBCN 27th Anniversary

It's been over ten years now since WBCN 104.1 fm left the airwaves. They went on air as a  rock station in March of 1968 and continued through until 2009. They used to celebrate their birthday by inviting Peter Wolf  from the J Giles Band in to host a four hour show. He was actually a disc jockey there in the early days of the station. I always made it a point to listen/record the festivities as Wolf threw the playlist out the window and played the songs he liked, some from his actual record collection. Here we offer you to listen to the 27th anniversary show from 1995 in three parts. Since we all have time on our hands now thanks to the virus, I hope this will help you pass some time.

The Ballbusters Interview on WURN.net

    In recent months I've been posting interviews with area bands conducted over the past 20 years or so, but this time we have a current visit by the newly reformed band The Ballbusters. If you're a fan of this blog and the scene in Wormtown, this name is no stranger to you. Led by Rick Blaze until his death in 2011, they played Worcester and the world for years. After the death of guitarist Dave Cuneo in 2013 the band wanted to play a tribute to him as they did with Rick's Passing in 2011. They finally got to do it one afternoon at Ralph's last year and decided it would be time to go forward with this new line up with the addition of Chris Cah Lillyman. But don't read any further, listen to their own story here, recorded March 7, 2020.

              Ballbusters Interview on Mixcloud


Photos courtesy of Mike Malone  

 

Surreal McCoys Live, WCUW, 10/23/91

Formed in the early nineties with members Jeff Crane on guitar/vocals, Cheryl Crane, bass/vocals, Richard Martin, guitar, and Dave Kowalicheck on drums,  Surreal McCoys blended equal parts glam, psychedelia, punk and rock to create an unmistakably original sound. The band played heavily through the years at all the local clubs and spread their music into Diners, Asian Restaurants, Colleges and just about anywhere they could. They went on to record a few songs as demos on Cassette but never saw a full length album released. During the Fall Fund Drive for WCUW in 1991, Jeff and I invited them down to play on Radio Underground, our Wednesday night show. The in house crowd, including Preston Wayne, and Captain PJ, enjoyed the set and  joined in on the encore of "Shake Some Action" by  The Flaming Groovies.  Jeff  now plays in the newly reconstructed Ballbusters and part time  in Classic Ruins, Cheryl went on to playing with The Crybabies, and Michael Kane, and now is the Bartender/Booker at The Hotel Vernon. Dave went onto playing in a host of local bands, currently with Classic Ruins. and Richard, I don't know.  How much money did we raise ? I don't remember. How much fun we had?  Listen and find out!


 Listen to Surreal McCoys Live!!

The Furies, Live, The Worm Bros, WCUW 10/16/91

   Happy New Year Wormtown!!! Last year I went through my archives of radio interviews from WDOA.com. So, we're kicking off this year with a new project.
   2020 marks 40 years since I started hosting radio programs over various outlets in Worcester. Over at WCUW in 1991, my friend and radio Co-Host Jeff Worm held down Wednesday nights at 910 Main Street, preceding Captain PJ's show. We would play anything from the local bands along with national and international artists of the times. We wanted to better represent the scene by inviting bands to perform live on the air, something WCUW already had a history of doing.
   It was the fundraising period for the station so we invited The Furies to perform in an attempt to entice the listeners to pledge their support. Consisting of Bobby Snow on guitar and Vocals, Steve Aquino on also Guitar and Vocals, Paul Richard on Bass and for this gig, Mike Arguin on drums. Mike, who has toured with Sleepy LaBeef ,was filling in for Buck Burbury who was most likely on tour as he is a drum tech to the stars. Back in those days 'cuw was a fly -by-the-seat-of-your-pants station who's equipment was chugging along as best as it could with limited resources. The beginning of the recording is a little uneven, but it smooths out just fine as the performance goes along. Also in the house that night was Captain PJ who intros the band. These days you can find Bobby Snow playing in a country band called Cactus, Steve is handling guitar duties for the world famous Lyres out of Boston, Paul is a member of Worcester faves The Fearless Leaders, and Buck is usually on tour with Lionel Richie or someone of that caliber. Click on the link below and turn it up!


 The Furies Live on Worm Bros. Show, WCUW, 10/16/91

                                      Photos circa 2007 version of The Furies

SUPPORT WCUW 91.3 fm

Ralph's Diner 40th Anniversary

What can we say about Ralph's Diner. For forty years they have offered the Worcester area diverse shows spanning every genre you could imagine. Beginning with the man himself, Ralph Moberly, you were offered food and drink and eclectic music. That carried over to a run by his wife Carol, who then turned it back over to to Ralph and eventually sold it to Vincent Hemmeter. The anniversary show held on October, 19th and in two parts .I only made the afternoon portion of the show which featured Wormtown  Legends The Performers and the newly resurrected version of The Ballbusters along with the Sonomatics. The crowd was scarce but the spirit was high.  Here are some songs that afternoon.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Sleepy LaBeef, Live from Wormtown, May 2005

Sleepy LaBeef is defined as a true Legend. Born in Arkansas in 1935 he has been a staple on the Country/Rockabilly scene since the 1950's working besides such names as Elvis, Johnny Cash, and a host of other artists. He made his name with his deep sounding voice and six foot plus stature all over the world. This performance and interview was recorded for my wdoa.com show at Rox's Roadhouse in Oxford, MA during a stop in 2005. Sleepy had played Worcester previously at The Plantation Club and Johhny D's in Somerville many times over the years. Still touring today, if you ever get the chance to see him, do not hesitate!

Sleepy LaBeef, Live From Wormtown