Good Morning
Tomorrow we tape another performance show. I have no idea what songs they are doing before I see it so it's always exciting to check it out. Now that the number of remaining contestants has gone down, we might start to see longer jams, longer critiques and more surprises. The game is definitely starting to heat up. I'd also like encourage more interaction between the singer on the stage and all of us in the lounge. It's hard to believe we are already in week four. Once we finish this season, Carmen and I are gonna take a much needed trip to Hawaii for a week or so and then come back and I will go straight into the studio with the TPC guys and finish this record. I am counting on some TPC shows starting up in October and jamming on in to the New Year. As for the Camp Freddy show on August 5, I don't know yet about tickets and availability. Perhaps, if you are interested, you can contact The House Of Blues. I'm am more than certain that they will know. I am looking forward to playing with my mates as watching the house band week after week has been totally inspiring, but at the same time, kind of like starving myself and then peering into the window of a closed bakery. I am for sure gonna have to wiggle my way up there on of these days. That band is insanely tight. I have been telling them how much love they have been getting here, for those of you who have asked about them.
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July 30, 2005 at 10:55 AM | Comments (88)
Day Off
Unfortunately, there is no CFR tomorrow. Indie is broadcasting live from the San Diego Street Scene and our show will be pre-empted. Just as well, as I have dinner plans and can't make it anyway. I finished Band of Brothers last night. What a masterpiece. It's like an 11 hour Saving Private Ryan. Now I have moved on to The Grid. It's kind of like Alias meets 24. Still waiting on the latest West Wing to come out. I miss my friends on the Bartlet Staff.
I spent the day yesterday with all of the remaining contestants at the mansion. Only 10 left. We hung around, talked about song selection, how they miss their loved ones and had a new clinic. Such a great group. When I'm walking around that place, I can hear different voices singing from all over the house, practicing, riffing and going over songs. Honestly, it would drive me absolutely insane if I lived there, but for a half a day or so, it's kind of entertaining. It almost feels like a rock and roll camp.
Today is a full day off. I get to try to put my actual life together by finishing up some TPC business, hit the gym and MAYBE, get my car back. This summer job I have has been very good for my soul in terms of stepping out of my band for a second to get a breath of air, gain some perspective and really think about the record without doing much to it. I am really excited to get back to the studio and finish it up when we are done shooting. It is a weird parallel it terms of working on a show where an unknown singer is going to work in a well known act, and being in a group where we have hired a relatively unknown singer. Plus, Camp Freddy is all about working with new (to us) and inspiring vocalists as well. I must say, although there are so many talented singers on the show, I couldn't be happier with the job that Steve Isaacs is doing with us.
My wifey comes home soon!
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July 29, 2005 at 08:14 AM | Comments (42)
House Day
Sad to see Daphna and Heather go. Contrary to many reports, I did not apologize to Marty last night. I still stick to my guns that his vocals weren't all that great, but I was giving him props for listening to Tim and Gary during the stage craft clinic. He put on a much better performance in terms of stage presence. Vocally, I still had some issues. Today I go to the mansion and hang with the kids while they attend another clinic. It's cool to see how they are doing and find out where their heads are at. I'm sure many of them are still stung from last night's elimination. I don't take part in the band's deliberations so I don't ever know the outcome of the vote until the audience does. As shocked as I was, I agree that is was simply a fair move. Neither seemed right for the band, but I sure wish them the best of luck in the future. They are both talented at what they do.
Robert C and I are working hard to give this site a face lift... And when I say "Robert C and I", I mean Robert C.
Camp Freddy - will be making an appearance at an X Games party on Friday, August 5 at the House of Blues in West Hollywood, California.
TPC - Lots of exciting business stuff with papers and people and opinions and offices and e-mails and faxes and counterproposals and lawyers and fees and mixes and additional cooks in the kitchen etc... You know, the rock and roll dream! HAHAHA.
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July 28, 2005 at 08:56 PM | Comments (30)
Show Time
Still on the slow upswing from the sickness. I've been in bed since the last taping and I'll probably stay there until tomorrow's elimination. I hate eliminations. I know it must happen, but I just get so sad when I see someone go. The problem is that every week that passes, is another week that we bond with the contestants. By week 8, I'm gonna have a nervous breakdown. The comments from the INXS Lounge are a lot more critical this week. Even though it's better for the contestants, so they know what to improve upon, it's not that good for the head. All of us in the lounge are so sensitive. (I'm gonna have to place a huge bottle of Prozac on the table in the lounge this week just in case of emergency.) Also, this is unique because we aren't necessarily looking for the best singer, we are looking for the best singer for INXS. That makes a huge difference. Our comments are more in line with that thinking than anything else. I'll tell you this, there are at least 5 of these people I would work with in a heartbeat and would do anything to help them if I can in the future.
On to other stuff. In keeping with my "Buried In Box Sets" life style as of late, my new obsession is Band of Brothers. I can't believe I never watched it before. Another highly recommended viewing project for those who have never seen it. I'm only 3 episodes in and I am already grieving the fact that it will end soon.
Has anyone here seen the Chris Cunningham/Aphex Twin short film Rubber Johnny? It's probably the most incredible and disturbing 6 minutes I have ever seen on film. Cunningham is a genius. You will love it!
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July 26, 2005 at 12:20 PM | Comments (128)
Recovering
I either got food poisoning or the flu. Been laying in bed for the past several days and it sucks. I actually feel a little better today, but the dreams... I must have relived every moment of my entire life in my dreams. Soup, Gatorade and movies. I had to miss a day of the show but I should be all right for tomorrow's taping of the performance show. Today is all about sleep, fluids and documentaries about Egypt. I watched Coach Carter last night with Samuel L. Jackson. I am a sucker for those sports movies. You know, the old formula, "He came to teach them, and in the process, he learned about himself." I'm not even a sports fan but Miracle, Hoosiers, Lean on Me, Stand and Deliver, Hardball, and all the others... The whole student teaching the master thing always works for me. At some point I want to say to the kids at Rockstar... "I came to teach you about rock, but you taught me about myself." The only thing is, like 6 people would get it and think it's funny, everyone else would go, "WTF?" That's all the more reason to say it I guess. Sometimes my sense of humor is so inside, that it backfires.
I'm actually up and around, smiling, smoking and having some coffee. Almost like a spiritual awakening. Like I just came out of a sweat lodge. Maybe that's why people feel so reborn and spiritually awakened when they come out of those things. Who wouldn't feel happy and alive after enduring something as miserable as that? "Oh I feel so much better now!" No you don't, you feel the same, you're just happy as hell to be the f!@k outta there!
Checking out a killer movie called Storytelling by Todd Solondz. Highly recommended.
I don't know if there is a new CFR tonight. I know I'll be out.
1. Dave, on today's Howard stern at 7:12 EST Howard Stern he called you "half of fag" and implied that you were sort of gay. Any comments?
Maybe he is "half" attracted to me and conflicted. Actually he has been giving me shit about that for years. The truth is that he is totally in love with my wife, I can't blame him, and perhaps there is a little jealousy there. Believe me, if I was even a little bit light in the sneakers, I'd be all over him with those pretty blue eyes and sexy long hair and...
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July 22, 2005 at 04:36 PM | Comments (101)
Elimination Time
Good morning! Early. Coffee. Today is another elimination on the show. It's always kind of dark to see someone go and it's very early in the game. I'm gonna be devastated by week six. Things are gonna heat up next week. It's hard to just come down on people and critique them without knowing what they truly have. Well, now we know. I think next week will be a bit "rougher" on the contestants, but way more helpful in terms of preparing one of them for this job. Someone asked how it sounds in the house. It sounds way different in the house than on TV. It is much more forgiving live. Mental note taken. I have been criticized by some for being too "flirty" with some of the female contestants. HAHA. My response is... Get over it. It's a rock show! I'm just kind of, "that way". Thanx for all your interest and support. As soon as I have a Panic Channel update, I will for sure bring it. There is a new video on the 6767TV of Glen Hughes' Soul Mover featuring Chad Smith and yours truly. I went to a big CBS party last night. Met Jennifer Love Hewitt. She was very sweet. I was this close to asking her to do the "What are you waiting for?" thing, but I figured it would probably be inappropriate. Brooke and the guys from INXS came down and we had some laughs, some diet cokes and rolled right outta there. We got a little family type thing going, which is awesome. My wife is still shooting her movie in Toronto. I sure do miss her. Honey, if you are reading this... I love you.
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July 20, 2005 at 05:42 AM | Comments (95)
Tuesday Morning
Recently Finished Box Set of Episodic Television: "Rescue Me" - Highly recommended
Rockstar: INXS - Tonight, another performance show.
1. Dave, what happened to Ana Voog?
God, I don't know. We lost touch several years ago. If anyone has an update I'd love to hear it.
2. Hey Dave, still waiting to hear where you got your latest tats done in Vegas!
I got the bats and the "Don't Try This At Home" at Hart & Huntington located in the Palms Casino. Thomas hooked me up but I don't think he is there anymore.
3. When do they tape the performance show? How long does it take to tape the performance shows?
The performance shows are about as long as they are on TV. We tape Sunday, they air Tuesday and the elimination show is taped and aired Wednesday.
4. Loved the lesson you shared during "peacock" clinic! Was that something that you came up with yourself, or did someone once pass it onto you?
Peacocking is a term that came from the upcoming book by Neil Strauss called The Game.
5. With the new show, recording of the TPC album, and CFR every weekend; is the Camp Freddy record being put on hold indefinitely?
Well, the band is finished with everything. We are just getting all the guest vocals done but it takes time to try to get everyone's schedule together. I'd say we are like 45% done with the vocals.
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July 19, 2005 at 10:24 AM | Comments (51)
CFR Saturday
Another day off, kind of. Hitting the gym, taking a nap and then rolling down to Indie for CFR with Matt Sorum. Billy is out of town this week. Tomorrow is another performance taping for Rockstar. I am looking forward to see what songs the contestants do. Voting results from the performances will be revealed live on Wednesday, followed by another elimination.
Last Saturday's CFR loaded now!
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July 16, 2005 at 10:32 AM | Comments (76)
Vegas Poker
On August 26th I am doing that Vegas Rockstar Poker thing again in Vegas with Gene Simmons and Jerry Cantrell. I have added a link for those interested in participating. The winner takes home $10,000.00! Hope to see some of you there. We had a blast last year.
Last night I finally saw Batman Begins. I really loved it and would go so far as to say it was the best super hero film I have ever seen. I almost liked it better before he became Batman and it was all back story. Christian Bale made for an awesome Batman and portrayed the damaged and tortured soul quite well. My only two criticisms: The cowl really fit his face in a strange way, like it was almost too small. Also, the whole Katie Holmes speech at the end was kind of lame. "One day, maybe I will meet him again, la la la..." and all of that. Just poorly written... not a dig at her acting. The toys were dope for sure.
1. In the first show you told them all that they could come to you with questions. Have any of them, without being specific, requested your input, asked for help, pointers, direction, or opinion yet?
Yes, for sure, but I cannot get specific. Sometimes they take it, sometimes they don't. It's all good. We know that this job isn't something that can be taught and they understand that my voice is but one humble point of view.
2. Do you get nervous/anxious when they get ready to announce who is going to be eliminated?
Well, I don't find out until the band makes the choice live, so there is very little time to get all twisted up about it. The comedown, however, does sting a little bit for a while.
3. Are you going to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory?
For sure. At first I was apprehensive about it as I loved the original so much and Gene Wilder was absolutely the perfect Wonka, but since it is Johnny Depp, I'm gonna do it. I have faith in his artistic choices. Plus, he is easy on the eyes!
4. Hey Dave, What's going on with The Panic Channel while you're doing the show?
We are still waiting on the Benson mixes, finalizing the deal points, getting the new site all in order and readdressing some of the earlier versions of the music with Josh Abraham. More adding and tightening than anything else.
5. Dave did you tape the auditions i.e. the people who didn't make it? Will we see any shows with "She Bangs"-types or just misses?
No, we are not that kind of show. We are not about humiliation, we are about constructive helpful critiques and helping these kids realize their dreams.
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July 15, 2005 at 10:41 AM | Comments (36)
Down Time
Well, week one is a wrap. Dana and Will have gone home. BTW, what a true gentleman Will was with his parting words to the band. Today I hung out at the house where all the kids are living. I gotta tell ya, man, I am in love with all of them. They are all such genuine and kind souls with a real passion for music and life. I sure am glad I don't have to make any decisions in terms of their fate. I am due for some down time and am off to see a movie with Riss. Just get out of my head for a couple of hours, ya know?
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July 14, 2005 at 07:59 PM | Comments (32)
Episode 2 Tonight
Thank you for all your comments and feedback. Last night's show was a lot of fun to put together and do, but tonight is all about performance with the remaining 14. Some good song choices, but we will be left with not knowing who will get the ax. That will depend on the votes and the final call from INXS tomorrow night. Tonight we hear more feedback from the band about each performance. There is so much I wish I could discuss, but I simply cannot! Just have to tune in.
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July 12, 2005 at 10:11 AM | Comments (134)
Tonight!
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July 11, 2005 at 05:50 AM | Comments (3146)
Sunday 10
1. Do you have any tattoos that don't have any meaning to you, but are rather purely decorative?
Yes, I do. However, even the purely decorative ones are symbolic of the time in my life in which I got them.
2. Have you watched any episodes of Blow Out?
Of course, I love that show. Carmen and I have known Jonathan for years. My hair stylist is Erica from the West Hollywood salon.
3. Since you endorse BOSS, is there any plans to have a Navarro pedal?
Not really at this time, but I like to think of the Digital Delay as "my" pedal. I have been using Boss delays ever since I was a teenager.
4. What's the story on that signature Yamaha acoustic? Is that something that you'll endorse and play wholeheartedly, or more of a business setup?
That thing is totally cool and I love it. My specs, my design. It's nice to be able to mix business with pleasure.
5. Anything in particular you've been listening to a lot lately? Just curious as to what you're current "playlist" may be.
The above screen shot just happens to be the Recently Played list on my computer. I am more of a random playlist fan than a particular band at a time, fan. Unless that band is, of course, Nine Inch Nails.
6. Are we going to get to see/hear you play on each and every show along with the band/performers or what?
No, not all the time, but I'm sure there will be times that I will hook up with the house band. At least, that is my plan!
7. Are there any tattoo's you have that you would UNDO if you could?
Nah, I don't really believe in that. I went over one a long time ago and I regret it. It was just an Egyptian symbol. I went over it to make something else fit, but for me, I dig the body art diary vibe.
Last Saturday's CFR loaded now!
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July 10, 2005 at 08:55 AM | Comments (34)
Episode 2
Today is the taping of our second episode. I'll be out all day. Not a bad job. Just hang out and listen to great rock songs all day. The INXS guys are totally cool to kick it with and are all very funny... Thank God. Of course I have my favorite contestants, but I am not at liberty to divulge that information. I will say that they all have improved already and I find that I have new favorites all the time.
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July 09, 2005 at 10:39 AM | Comments (20)
Friday...
Yesterday was a long day for me. I woke up at 5:00 AM to go do roughly 25 televised morning interviews. Morning shows mostly. Because of the day's events yesterday they were taped as it would have been way inappropriate to air news about an upcoming reality show on the day of such tragic proportions. They may run today, maybe Monday and maybe not at all. After the interviews I went over to the set of Rockstar for a full camera blocking rehearsal, no performances. The theater looks awesome. It's actually more of a big club than a TV set. It was a lot of fun as my job is really simple on performance shows. I just kind of get to watch the show, chime in when I want and pass the comments to the INXS guys. My real work on the show will take place during the clinics. These are the days when we take the contestants and give them a chance to work on a particular part of their craft, be it voice, stage presence or style. We don't attempt to teach anything, as this is the kind of a job that you either have "it" or you don't, but it is nice for them to be able to work on elements of their performance throughout the 13 weeks. Most auditions are like an hour in a rehearsal room, followed by, "Don't call us, we'll call you." These kids get a chance to vastly improve over the course of the show before the final decision is made.
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July 08, 2005 at 10:13 AM | Comments (38)
Prayers
Our prayers go out to London's victims and their families.
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July 07, 2005 at 05:58 AM | Comments (89)
Nothin To Speak Of
1. Dave, you are listed as the featured artist on The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson. Are you playing or just on talking about RockStar?
I'm going on to talk about the show. The first episode will have aired by then.
Today I am doing a bunch of phone interviews, gettin my hair did, going to the gym and chillin. Tomorrow is my last official day off for the summer. Yesterday I watched the entire Season 5 of OZ in one sitting. After about 4 episodes of that show, I start to feel as though I am in jail. What a way to celebrate our Independence. It was awesome!
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July 05, 2005 at 11:29 AM | Comments (71)
4th of July
Happy 4th of July! My wife went to a wedding and then flies from there to Toronto to finish her film, so today looks like a regular day. I'm gonna hit the gym and try to catch some kind of cable marathon. Rockstar: INXS episode 1 airs a week from today, but this week is a lot of prep work before we start up the live broadcasts. I recently shot this ad for BOSS. There is no other effect that I would ever look at so lovingly.
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July 04, 2005 at 11:22 AM | Comments (60)
War of the Worlds
No new CFR tonight. :(
After the studio last night, which by the way, went very well, Steve I. and I went to see War of the Worlds. If you don't want to know anything about it, skip this paragraph. Tom Cruise actually turned in one of his best performances to date I must say. He was kind of awesome. The special effects were also superb. Lots of destruction and some great camera moves, some that I have never seen done before and some that kind of tipped the hat to older Spielberg styles. Dakota Fanning as always, is just an unreal talent and almost steals the film. Also, WOTW bore very creative aliens, but as in most alien films, it was hard to picture these guys on their planet back home, building all of their high tech gear and asking each other to pass the wrench. The problems I had with the movie were these... No real story. We don't know why they are here, what they want or why they want to kill us. There is an implication that they have been here all along, but in the end, they just kind of... die. Something about the microscopic creatures in the water. At one point, as they are dying, Tom asks an army officer, "What's happening?" He literally replies, "I don't know... Something happened to them. They just started acting all crazy." Then they die and it ends. Also, not one spaceship! Not one. Instead, they have these giant robotic walking things that just blow everything up. In fact, the "tripods" look like huge mechanical aliens. Kind of like if we had huge people shaped modes of transport. Tim Robbins. Out of the blue, Tim Robbins just kind of shows up for a half an hour and it's really kind of a bummer. Hey, I don't know the original story and maybe that's how it all goes. It just seems to me that if they had all this technology, had been here for years and could travel light years to kill us, they would have figured out that our water would kill them. Whoever on their planet masterminded this attack without looking into the potential dangers on Earth, is so fired!
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July 02, 2005 at 12:01 PM | Comments (80)
Back To Work
Last night was an awesome time! Lots of people, fire marshals, girls, Tommy and Pam, Courtney, loud rock music, dancers and lights that flash and shine and flicker. A killer opening to what will more than likely become my second home. That's a lot of diet cokes. Earlier in the day Carmen and I went on our dream date. It seems that the whole auction got all fucked up as kids were bidding huge numbers that they couldn't pay. I happily stepped in and took my wife out for a nice dinner at the Geisha House in Hollywood, right down the street from Rokbar. Today I am going in to put the final touches of guitar work on a couple of songs with Howard Benson. I hear that the Camp Freddy show in San Francisco went well. I missed playing with those guys. I am looking forward to the next gig, whenever that is. OK. Shower. Guitars. Later.
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July 01, 2005 at 11:24 AM | Comments (44)