This week’s Gig Gab podcast brings you an electrifying episode with Brian Ray, diving deep into his illustrious career and the recent release of his latest album, “My Town.” You’ll kick off with a fun story as Brian shares tales from his Halloween 1973 tour supporting Monster Mash, including the quirky experience of being having his high-school band invited to tour with Bobby “Boris” Pickett. Brian reminisces about how the transistor radio and Wolfman Jack shaped his musical journey, leading up to the release of “My Town” on Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records. Always Be Performing, Ray recounts being on stage with Paul McCartney, highlighting McCartney’s meticulous involvement in every aspect of their performances.
The conversation takes a technical turn as Brian discusses the nuances of in-ear monitors versus custom filters, likening rock and roll to chamber music and needing to be connected audibly and visually with his bandmates. You’ll get a behind-the-scenes look at Stevie Van Zandt as a collaborator and the innovative use of AI in the “Bad 4U” video. Brian contrasts recording alone in a studio with the energy of playing live alongside drummers like Abe Laboriel Jr., Erik Eldenius, and Pete Thomas. Wrapping up with colorful stories of zombie makeup and playing Monster Mash at Phil Kaufman’s house, rehearsing with Etta James, and run-ins with Dr. Demento and Oingo Boingo, this episode is a testament to a lifetime of ‘Always Be Performing.’
- 00:00:00 Gig Gab 441 – Monday, August 5th, 2024
- Guest Co-host: Brian Ray
- Played with Boris Pickett and the Crypt Kicker Five, Etta James, Paul McCartney and with a new album released Friday, 8/2, on Stevie Van Zandt’s Wicked Cool Records.
- 00:01:34 Halloween 1973 Tour supporting Monster Mash
- 00:03:44 Going on tour with your drummer’s mom’s boyfriends band
- Cloris Leachman’s son was the drummer
- 00:05:21 Seven Years of Singles lead to “My Town”, Brian’s new record, released Friday
- 00:13:35 Being on Stage with Paul McCartney
- 00:16:07 Rehearsing For McCartney Tour
- The band knows 160 songs…then brushes up
- Paul is very detail-oriented, involved in decisions for the setlist, the staging, the lights, the video screens…the whole experience.
- 00:19:02 In Ears vs. Custom-Fit Earplugs
- Rock and Roll is Chamber Music…everyone needs to be connected
- 00:24:00 Touring Tip: Use scarves to cover lights chill out the hotel room vibe
- 00:25:43 On Stevie Van Zandt as a collaborator
- 00:30:07 Recording alone in a studio vs. Playing Live with other people
- 00:33:16 Putting on the Zombie Make-up and playing the Monster Mash at Phil Kaufman’s House
- 00:38:31 Gig Gab 441 Outtro
The post My Town & Beyond: Brian Ray’s Journey from Monster Mash to McCartney’s Stage — Gig Gab 441 appeared first on Gig Gab.
Dave Hamilton, a seasoned tech enthusiast, podcaster, and publisher, has dedicated the past three decades to aiding computer users globally. Known for his insightful advice and valuable product recommendations on the Mac Geek Gab podcast, Dave also enjoys an esteemed reputation as the founder of BackBeat Media, a network of fiercely independent publishers. His online publishing journey took off with The Mac Observer, an acclaimed Apple news site he co-founded in 1998 and led to its successful acquisition in 2021.
Beyond his tech-savvy persona, Dave embraces a vibrant life filled with music and family in the New Hampshire seacoast. He passionately performs with bands Bitter Pill and Fling, among other musical projects, creating a harmonic balance between his love for technology and music. Alongside his wife, Lisa, he raised their two children amidst this symphony of innovation, passion, and independent spirit, showcasing the power of embracing one's interests and using them to make a meaningful impact in the world.
