By Horse (159.53.238.243) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 11:25 am: |
I have been unsuccessful reaching Babbitt regarding tonights gig. Does anybody have info regarding Hot Spot activity for after the show. I'll be at the show but wanted to know if there is any known afterward activity. Sue, Sis, Millie, Dennis and the rest of the crew, can you guys help with info. I keep missing Babbitt by hours. He was checking in at Cleveland while I was checking out. I saw a tour bus but didn't think much until after I found out later that day he was there. I seem to be a day late on the info. HELP.
By Lynn Bruce (65.60.202.214) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 11:49 am: |
Horse,I,m the same way.Babbitt and I were going to hang out and talk about the old days when he thought the show was going to rehearse and start in Detroit.Then it all changed.From the way it was at the Roostertail,we couldn't carry on a conversation because of the constant interuption of people wanting to get an autograph and talk.I ended up talking to Ann more than him(not that I minded talking to her since we go back to when Babbitt and I played the Tennis courts at Camp Dearborn)I suspect that it will be the same tonight.It would be nice to talk over the old days with him though.My wife and I are in the first row in the balcony,seats aa 110&112.
By STUBASS (205.188.209.16) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 12:06 pm: |
HEY YOU ALL DETROITERS: ENJOY THE CONCERT AND GIVE US ALL THE JUICY DETAILS BY TOMORROW!!!...I'M SURE THAT THE "FUNKS" WILL HAVE SOMETHING "SPECIAL" FOR THEIR HOME TOWN MINIONS!!!...STUBASS
By Horse (159.53.32.46) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 12:08 pm: |
Lynn,
I've got Babbitts' cell and will attempt him later today. I sent him an email but I can say if he will get it before tonights show. I'm in the second row but I don't have my tickets in front of me right now. I go the tickets the minute they went on sale. I'm sure it will be a mad house, but I would love to hook up with him for a short chat and some pictures for Nabeyh. I don't know if the Funks are booked for a gig tomorrow and if they'll be staying in Detroit over night. Something is bound to be happening....This is Detroit the Home Town Gig. It would be cool to meet tonight, but I don't want to put my contact info on line. any ideas?
By Horse (159.53.32.46) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 12:12 pm: |
Stu,
I told you before....Are you sure you don't want to come back to The Big City. Don't you miss Belle Isle, The State Fair, Bob-Lo & all the rest of the goods? You can take the boy out of Detroit...But you can't take Detroit out of the boy..!
By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 12:16 pm: |
NOW YOU'RE GETTIN ME ALL NOSTALGIC HERE HORSE!!!...AND GOD FORBID MY MOM AN DAD SEE THIS POST!!!...THEY'LL HAVE THE MOVING VAN IN FRONT OF MY HOUSE TOMORROW MORNING
By Horse (159.53.32.46) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 12:17 pm: |
Stu,
Then again...You seem to be in heaven..What with all your angels and stuff. You Devil
By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 12:22 pm: |
Horse - They are probably at the same hotel they stayed during the premiere. Try calling the hotel. I think Soundcheck starts at 1:00. He will probably go to soundcheck.
By Horse (159.53.32.46) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 12:27 pm: |
Sis,
Thanks for the info. I really don't know which hotel during the premier. I missed that by a day. And when they were filming SITSOM at Th Royal Oak Theater, I was there the day before on the bill with Kool & The Gang. Man... for a drummer...My timing sure sucks..!
By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 12:29 pm: |
You are lucky to be in the second row. The ticket box office asked me why I had waited so long to get my ticket. I am on the main floor, Row S-10.
By Paul Liberty (12.30.1.2) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 12:33 pm: |
Horse, I can only tell you that when they started their tour in Boston on the 9th at Avalon, the concert sponsors (Strawberries Records and FYE) said that if you bought either the cd (had it) or the dvd that night, they would (and did) give you a bracelet to let you backstage to meet the Brothers and have them sign whatever you like. (I have to tell you that i did not know this prior to the show.) I don't know if this "meet and sign" thing is the norm, but it seems like it would be. I was prepared and brought stuff with me anyway. I downloaded a couple of pictures from the SITSOM website (the press release) that they loved and were surprised to see. It would take way too long to go into details, but with the exception of the birth of my children, it was the most glorious night of my life. Honestly. Front row, stomping on stage to a medley no more than 3 feet away from all of them, etc. Just beautiful. Hope this info helps you out some. I would bring anything with you and get there when the doors open. Have fun, and keep the funk!
Paul Liberty
Boston Mass.
By Paul Liberty (12.30.1.2) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 12:43 pm: |
Horse, my error. It seems like you will be all set and have a good plan in motion to meet them and get stuff signed, etc. By the way, in case any of you are wondering, Avalon was general admission. I literally had my hands on the stage (when they weren't flailing in the air to the music)
Good Luck!
Paul
By Horse (159.53.32.46) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 12:54 pm: |
Sis,
I've known Babbitt since I was about 10yrs, old. He used to work with my brother. I remember him and my brother going over 2 tracks from the Terra Shirma at our kitchen table. His playing has always had an influence on my drumming from day one and I have been fortunate to have played with some great bass playes during my career. I would not have missed this show for the world. I didn't know during my childhood that the Funks were the players I was listening to on those 2 track tapes. This entire SITSOM thing has been just great for me. I had no clue how close I was to the whole Motown thing. But I sure know the influence it has had on my drumming and vocals. Thanks Funks. You guys gave a lot more than you'll ever know. My brother in law has always been an extreme Motown fan but was never fortunate enough to ever see the Temps. A few years ago my wife and I bought 3rd row center for the Temps at the Fox. I didn't tell him where we were going but just get dressed to the nines. When we pulled up to the Fox and he saw the Marquee, he just about dropped. When we went to be seated,I told him to just keep walking toward the stage. He was floored when we reached our seats. The highlight of the show was when I looked over at him and noticed a tear on his face. It was one of the greatest feelings I have ever felt. That is just an example of what the Funks have given to people through there gift.
By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:02 pm: |
Horse - That is a great story. Wow, I know he had a great time. Especially since the Temptations still sing the old classic songs. And sitting at the Fox theater was definately a real treat.
Tonight, rain or show (you never know which one), we are "GONNA PARTY WITH THE FUNK BROTHERS!" Now, when Joan starts to sing "Broken Hearted", don't everyone start crying at once. :o)
By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:11 pm: |
**snow.
By Horse (159.53.32.46) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:16 pm: |
Paul,
That info is worth its wieght in gold. Thanks, I'll be sure to bring the cd and purchase anything available at the gig. Hopefully they will follow suit from the previous shows. Hang tight in the old Bean Town. I spent about seven years playing around that town and have musician friends still working and living in the Boston area. Great players in that town.
By Horse (159.53.32.46) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:18 pm: |
Sis,
Are you serious? Tomorrow's suppose to be in the 60's. Did someone forget to tell Mama Nature it's time for her to hook up with Ole Man Winter and split?
By STUBASS (64.12.97.7) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:19 pm: |
HEY HORSE: SOME THING HERE!!!...I KNEW THE "FUNKS" BY THE MUSICIANS NAMES...BUT NEVER REALIZED THAT THEY HAD A GROUP NAME UNTIL MY BRO...WHO WAS JOE MESSINAS GUITAR PRODIGY AND ALSO EMPLOYED ROBERT WHITE AND EARL VAN DYKE DURING THEIR POST MOTOWN YEARS... EXPLAINED THE "FUNK BROTHERS" CONCEPT TO ME!!!...DURING MY TEEN YEARS...THEY WERE JUST THE GUYS PLAYING ALL THOSE MOTOWN SESSIONS TO ME!!!...NOW...HISTORY...WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM ALLAN SLUTSKY...HAS REVEALED THIS GREAT MUSICAL LEGACY...AND WE'RE ALL QUITE FORTUNATE TO SEE IT FIRST HAND!!!...STU
By Horse (159.53.32.46) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:23 pm: |
Stu,
Is This A Great Country Or What..? After the show I will be celebrating with a Vernors Float to wash down 2 A&W dogs while I cruise Belle Isle...! I will be the envy of all that have left Detroit..! Snow Or No Snow..!
By Horse (159.53.32.46) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:24 pm: |
Can I get in with a camera?
By STUBASS (64.12.97.7) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:24 pm: |
HEY HORSE...WE'VE GOT A&W OUT HERE...NOW IF YOU SAID LAFAYETTE CONEY ISLAND DOGS...THEN YOU WOULD PROBABLY ELICIT SOME MEASURE OF JEALOUSY!!!...STU
By Horse (159.53.32.46) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:29 pm: |
Ok...So I'll stop by LaFayette for the goods. Do you think Fayette and LaFayette are related? Sure I start a thread?
By Lynn Bruce (65.60.202.214) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:31 pm: |
Sis and Horse,when I went to buy my tickets just before my knee op. 3 weeks ago,they had main floor about half-way back.I asked the lady in her opinion where she would sit.She told me that they had front row seats in the balcony and it hangs a ways down over the main floor and that's where she would sit,so that's what I grabbed.If you guys feel peanuts coming down at you,you know where they're coming from.LOL
I plan on buying a few dvds so I might see you back-stage after.You'll be able to recognize me by the pronounced limp I still have, a la Chester in the Gunsmoke tv show.(Hey,Mr.Dillon,wait for me)
Horse,Walla,reading about when Nabeyh and Bob were together brought back good times even farther back.It seems like a time when things were simpler.I remember Babbitt working at somewhere near Leveys cement and coming to practice smelling a little of eau de la deisel fuel.LOL
By hooked on phonics (159.53.32.46) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:31 pm: |
That should have read..Should I Start A Thread
By Horse (159.53.32.46) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:37 pm: |
Lynn,
My sister was a secretary at Levy's after graduating from Fordson. In fact she still resides in Dearborn. Guy Gillis mentioned playing with Nabeyh way back at some gig in Pontiac. Were you and Babbitt on that gig or Rose's? Babbitt's playing has the power of a Diesel Mack truck. Are you sure he wasn't using deisel in his amp..!
By STUBASS (205.188.209.16) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:37 pm: |
I DON'T THINK SO HORSE!!!...IF IT WAS...THAN MY "ANGEL" FAYETTE WOULD BE OF FRENCH HERITAGE...AND THESE DAYS...THE FRENCH ARE STRICTLY *OUT* AS FAR AS STUBASS "ANGEL" STATUS IS CONCERNED...BUT IF FAYETTE HAPPENED TO BE FRENCH...I WOULD IMMEDIATLY BE FORCED TO MARRY HER SO THAT SHE COULD GAIN LEGAL U.S. STATUS!!!...STUBASS
By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:37 pm: |
Lynn Bruce - The lady also told me that the theater is set up so everyone will have a great view.
It's good to know you are doing good. Be careful with the leg. It's ok to throw peanuts down, but just don't start dancing in the aisles. Refrain from impulsively jumping up to your feet. Don't try to do the swing dance. :o)
By STUBASS (205.188.209.16) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:40 pm: |
DOES ANYBODY REMEMBER A CLUB ON SHAFFER THREE DOORS NORTH OF FORD ROAD THAT I USED TO DO SHOW'S AT WITH THE "STRIDES"???...MY DAD HAD A BUSINESS ON THAT SAME BLOCK BACK IN THE 50'S...AND HIS DENTIST..DR. KORNHEISER WAS ALSO LOCATED ON THAT SAME BLOCK!!!...STU
By Horse (159.53.32.46) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:48 pm: |
Stu,
You My Friend...Are Forever On Top Of Things. You know...come to mention it...The bass players always did get the girls. Did I mention I was having Freedom Fries with those coneys?
Sis / Lynn,
I once got escourted out of Circus Fargus in C.A. for throwing peanut shells on the ground while walking around outside at the circus. I thought the owner of the circus was joking when he told me not to throw the shells on the dirt. I told him to take a hike and the next thing I knew, 2 L.A. CHIPS Assisted my departure. Lynn, watch out for the Wayne County Sheriff.
By Horse (159.53.32.46) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:49 pm: |
Stu,
The Last Chance was the name. I used to go see The Flaming Embers gig there.
By Horse (159.53.32.46) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:54 pm: |
It was taken down years ago and replaced with a new building. A block north of that on the same side of the street was King Arthurs and Moby Dikcs was about 1 block south of te Last Chance. I met the Flaming Embers at the Last Chance when I was 12. They had there hit Body & Soul at the time. I had been playing drums for about a year and my brother took me to meet the drummer Jerry. Great memories.
By Leoscasino (66.72.194.43) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 01:56 pm: |
In Cleveland 2 nights ago, they still had the same setup. If you bought their DVD, you got a wristband for a meet and greet.
Horse, they enforced the "no camera" policy. I was able to take a few photos, because I was the last in line and I asked the funks for permission.
But I heard Allan tell security, no photos. I don't think it was for copyright reasons. He just wanted the line to flow easily. So be LAST!
FYI, Allan signed anything you wanted also.
By STUBASS (64.12.97.7) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 02:05 pm: |
HEY HORSE: THATS IT!!!...I WONDER WHY IT WAS CALLED THE "LAST CHANCE"...PERHAPS BECAUSE IT WAS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO TURN BACK NORTH... BEFORE ORVILLE HUBBARDS RACIST COPS GOT THEIR HANDS ON YOU!!!...STU
By Horse (159.53.238.243) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 02:09 pm: |
Could Be...!
What was the story on your gig there?
By Lynn Bruce (65.60.202.214) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 02:20 pm: |
Stu,it's to bad he was the racist s.o.b.that he was as he knew how to get things done.Onetime between band gigs I worked for the highway dept.,a woman called him and wanted a stop sign by the cross streets by her house to stop speeding traffic.He put her on hold and called the highway dept. and told them to get over there asap and install one.He then started talking to her and told her to look out the window.When she looked out the window,there we were putting up a stop sign.
It's to bad he was such a racist,as he would have been listed as one of the great mayors,instead he and the David Dukes of the world are listed as the a-holes of the world.
By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 02:24 pm: |
LOL @ Last Chance to turn back north.
Stu - You should have been on the comic stage.
By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 02:26 pm: |
LYNN: IT'S SORTA LIKE MAYOR DALY IN CHICAGO...OR HITLER FOR THAT MATTER...HOLD A TIGHT GRIP...AND THINGS GET DONE...FOR THOSE WHO FALL INTO THE CATAGORY OF THE DESERVING ONES!!!...HORSE: I DID AT LEAST THREE SHOWS THERE WITH "THE STRIDES"...AND AS I RECALL...THEY WERE PRETTY GOOD SHOWS WITH AN ENTHUSIASTIC AUDIENCE...AND THEY LIKED R&B PERFORMERS!!!...WE ALSO DID A COUPLE OF SHOW'S AT THE DUN ROVEN GOLF CLUB...WHERE THEY STARTED HAVING WEEKEND SHOWS BY LOCAL PERFORMERS!!!...STU
By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 02:27 pm: |
SIS: THE LAST STAGE THAT I WAS WELCOMED ON...WAS THE NEXT ONE OUT OF TOWN!!!...YOUR STUBASS
By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 02:29 pm: |
Hahahahahhah. Stage coach. LOL.
Let me get up from here. I have a lot to do before the show tonight.
See you later.
By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 02:31 pm: |
YOU HAVE THE GREATEST TIME TONIGHT SIS!!!...JUST REMEMBER...YOU'RE REPRESENTING THE "ANGELS"...AND I KNOW YOU'LL DO US PROUD!!!...STUBASS
By Horse (159.53.238.243) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 02:31 pm: |
Lynn,
You have got that right. Old Orville could hook you up and provide service to the people. As a child I remember playing in the park and he pulled up in his chauffered Ford product and asked what we wanted to add to the park. We told him we wanted the infamous ROCKET like in the Camp Dearborn play grounds. A few weeks later he had the Infamous ROCKET installed in all the Dearborn city parks. Next came the increase of broken arms and legs from kids screwing around on the Infamous ROCKET..! As we got older (early teens), we use to climb up in the very tip of the Rocket and part take in the illegal substance of choice or someone's dumb sister.
By lynnbruce (65.60.202.214) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 02:35 pm: |
Horse,that gig in Pontiac that wouldn't have been around 65 would it?Around then I got call from Babbitt to join him Dave Sandy and Jody the guitar player now with Willie Nelson at a club in (I think)a bowling ally in Pontiac.From there we moved to the Driftwood lounge on Grand River.Maybe Nabehy was singing with the group just before I was called to join them.My mind gets fuzzy it was so long ago.
By Horse (159.53.238.243) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 02:37 pm: |
Talk about Rocket Love....Thanks Orv.
By Steve Litos (209.100.86.4) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 02:46 pm: |
Hey Everyone,
Chicago show was cancelled. I bought a ticket for tonight and I'm getting on I-94 in 5 minutes to see the Funks. See you there!
-Steve Litos in Chicago
By Horse (159.53.238.243) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 02:46 pm: |
Lynn,
I remember talking about the Pontiac 300 Bowl or something. Probably around that time. I know he used to gig at Ginos Falcon and he would bring me the Panorama magazine. Do you remember the Suburban Club in Melvindale? And As I said before, It's a shame if Ali B. is missing all this SITSOM stuff. I know he would be diggin' it. Nabeyh suggested I stop by his brother Cats house to get a dime on him. I just very well may do that. Babbitt once mentioned that he got the Babbitt from Cat. I won't mention any names, but someone once told me as they were gigging at some club on Fort street, that Cat walked across the street from the club and robbed a burger joint, then came back into the club and bought everybody a round. Typical South End..!
By Horse (159.53.238.243) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 02:49 pm: |
Steve,
I hope you got Hi Octane. Boy talk about commitment. Nothing like a little pressure. Don't forget your tickets.
Stu,
You can still make tonights show if you catch a good tail wind.
By STUBASS (152.163.188.68) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 03:09 pm: |
HEY STEVE: WHY DID CHI-TOWN GET CANCELLED???...REGARDLESS...ENJOY THE SHOW...RIGHT IN THE "FUNKS" CRADLE!!!...HORSE...THE ONLY GOOD TAIL WIND THAT I KNOW ABOUT... IS WHEN YOU'RE SHOOING FLY'S OFF YOUR BACKSIDE!!!...STUBASS
By lynnbruce (65.60.202.214) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 03:14 pm: |
Horse,that sounds like the West fort Tavern on Fort st.I worked there more than one time, once with George Kasakis, Dennis Coffey,and Babbitt.They had this mean looking bouncer that this little hillbilly pulled a knife on just before our last set.When we walked out an hour later there this guy was still screwed up from the beating he took from the bouncer.Most of the time the bouncer just had to give a look to calm people down,but you'll nay be pulling a knife on him and get away with it!!
By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 04:22 pm: |
I wonder if it's possible to shoot my brother from here...he's going, and promised to tell me all the details of what I'm gonna miss completely, seeing as there's no pacific northwest stop. I'm envious of him, and of all of you.
You folks have a WONDERFUL time. I'll be there in spirit. Let us outlanders know how it went.
By Derrick (63.187.168.20) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 05:23 pm: |
I got an e-mail from Bob Babbitt earlier this month and was honored to hear from him . He seems like a nice down to earth guy and invited me to keep in touch with him since I want to learn how to play bass like him and James Jamerson and try to get the funk's to do a gig in Twin Falls or Boise , Idaho , where they had not much exposure to the Motown sound . It will be great for the kids too ! I e-mailed him a couple of weeks ago and I know that he is very busy with the rest of the Funk Brothers and has family to worry about . So , I am going to be patient and wait until he has the time to get back to me .
As for myself and my exposure to Motown , I grew up in San Francisco during the heyday and groups like the Supremes , Temptations , The Four Tops ,
Smokey Robinson and the Miracles blared from my folks radio and mine when I was old enough to have one of my own and I had the distinction of being one of the few white kids on my block thast liked that kind of music . The black kids saw me as cool and friendships were developed with those that stayed out of trouble . Motown was not only for the young urbane black growing up in Detroit but for people of all ages , colors , religions and languages all over the world . The world must be equal for all as well .
By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 05:27 pm: |
Thanks to BG. Let's nominate "BG" for President of the USA to see if he can bring the world together, without war, to be "equal" for all, as he did with Motown. :o)
You know I think BG can do it.
By Derrick (63.187.168.20) on Friday, April 18, 2003 - 05:46 pm: |
He would surely get my vote !