The party's over, but the work continues. We will be posting the full story here in the coming days, but we can tell everyone that the Hardstock 08 concert at the Commodore Ballroom on April 25 was a success of epic proportions.
We rocked it old school, and the love in the room was so good you could taste it. My personal thanks to each and every musician who volunteered their time and talent- you were all incredible and unbelievable. From the opening introduction by Mayor Sam Sullivan- who told the crowd of his own journey from being a musicians to being the Mayor. He told us that unlike Scott, he was not a very good musician, so he went into the only path available for him- politics. It got a good laugh, and that is all a big part of the healing.
The Mike Webster Band roared off the top with their kick-ass music, followed by Swank, who came out the shoot with all guns ablazing. The most wonderful and dear friend Jim Cummins aka I Braineater has reinvented himself once again, and I can say, this is the best batch yet.
I Braineater will be appearing June 13 at the Hard Love show at Christ Church Cathedral, along with Jazzmanian Devils and many more to raise more money, love, and spirits. Go Four 3? Go Hard or Go home. Roxanne sang her heart out on Just another Day and Roxy roller, Gord and Steve were transplendent in their NVan finest, and drums beat us into submission. We are not worthy......Just before they launched into Roxy, I said to someone in the Crowd, Roxy roller. Then they started playing it. She turns to me- do you have a private line going on here>
Next up was the Furies. Does Chris Arnett ever age? Unf***ingbelievable!! Next up was the wonderful Kinnie Starr who sang some songs of healing backed only by her guitar and her beautiful voice. There were many stars that night, but only one Kinnie Starr.
The Hard Rock Miners- whooooah Nellie. Once again, rocking it Robsonstrasse style, busking inthe big time. Love each and every one of them. Bughouse 5? Butch and Joe and all the guys are some of the most loving and solid people I know. Their music? Sooooogood. I hope they all got home allright!
What can I say about John Mann and his son Harlan? John- there may be a new star in the Mann family. Its hard to describe just how good this night was....mere words cannot express. I felt it...I lived it....Hardstock 08 will live on in the cells of each every body who graced that dancefloor. Speaking of Grace, Mike Harding gave a wonderful speech for his dear brother Scott, you could feel the love there BIG TIME. Mike also was responsible for the slide show that helped all their remember why we were there and why it is so important to raise money to help one of the great ones- Scotty Hard. Jazzmanian Devils- well you know I am biased, but we kicked it. You could smell the horns a block away. Scotty Otty Otty Hard- Go Hard Go Hard!
A beautiful young woman came up to me backstage to say how much she loved it. "But who is this Scotty? We were thinking that maybe the Scotty is all of us" Truer words were never spoken. My good friend Nick Jones and the Pointed Sticks- I can't get their songs out of my head- Now she's in command of my heart.....Somebody's Mom, What do you want me do????
and finally the Hard Ones. God Bless You Craig Northey and Colin Nairne for all your hard work and help. Craig had everyone sign a beautiful brand new gold guitar which we are auctioning off. Barney, Paul Hyde, Colin James, 54/40's Neil,Brad,Dave and Dave "Rave" Ogilvie- Baby Ran she ran away- why she ran, I got to say......Wait what is this???? Ra McGuire and Smitty and Ra's song Connor up to close the evening along with Tom Harrison with Troopers Raise a Little Hell.
Well we raise a little cash and we raised a little hell, and now everybody do the Scotty Hard yell: Scotty Otty Otty Hard. Go Hard Go Hard. Hard e Hard e Hard e Ho. Go Hard Go Hard.
Go Hard or go home.
Next up will be a special evening of inspiration at Christ Church Cathedral on June 13 called HardLove- Hardstock 08.2.
more details to follow.....
Dennis
