The Smithereens in VA Beach

[johneek]

The East Coast Surfing Championships in VA Beach have nightly entertainment. I noticed in yesterday's paper that the band playing that evening was The Smithereens. I packed up the wife and kids to headed to the beach...

They were on...the crowd wasn't that large (maybe 1000) but they were energetic and the band seemed to enjoy their time on stage. That seems to be the rule rather than the exception with these guys. Here are a few photos from the show that I thought you might enjoy.

[johneek]

Here are are a few more.....

Just before the show started, I got Jimmy's attention and waved him to the front of the stage. I help up my camera, and showed him this shot (which I have saved on my camera for posterity) and asked, "Do you remember this?" He smiled and nodded and asked, "How long ago was that anyway?"

[johneek]

If it's not obvious from the photos, there were no RICs to be seen anywhere. The sound was still quite good once you get away from the stage and back near the board....

[dswp]

Thanks for posting this John.

Did they do anything off of their new (second) Beatles tribute album?

[sloop_john_b]

Thanks John!

I played that Strat. Heavy, heavy flatwounds.

[johneek]

....Did they do anything off of their new (second) Beatles tribute album?

The only Beatles song I heard them play was "Hold Me Tight" off of Meet the Smithereens, but I did leave a little before the show was over (tired kids...).

[kennyhowes]

Most of y'all know this, but I moonlight as the Smithereens' stage manager when we both happen to be in the same place at the same time. Usually this is restricted to their west coast dates.

Jim, Pat and The Thrilla use their Rickenbackers for studio stuff and local Jersey/NYC shows, but use the Fenders for shows they fly to.

[phlemmy]

My band played the ECSC back in 1994.

[johneek]

My band played the ECSC back in 1994.

Hey Sean....our opening number on Sunday is "Ladies and Gentlemen" by Saliva....I think I need to borrow your vest .

[rickenbrother]

Very cool, John, thanks for posting!

You have a gig this Sunday? Have a great one and posts some pics after the gig!

[jps]

Great avatar, Joey!

[rickenbrother]

Thanks, Jeffrey!

[bobby_peru]

cool...