A Star is Born

Yes, this is yet another post about The Go-Go's. But I've got actual news to share. Rather cool news, in fact. At least I think so and since this is my blog, I'm going to write about it.

Picture it, February 2002. The Go-Go's had recently released their fourth CD and I, along with a couple friends decided that they deserved a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. DeDe, who lives in San Jose, Joseph who lives in Las Vegas and me, here in Chicago, decided to research how one goes about getting a star. I won't bore you with all the details about what qualifies a celebrity for a star, but there has to be a nomination document prepared, the celebrity has to be willing to appear at the ceremony (unless they're dead), and the nominating party has to be able to write a check for $15,000 over to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. Hmm...

So we brainstormed and came up with some ideas. We contacted members of the band and since they were scheduled to perform a handful of shows around the country, we asked them if they would let us auction off "Meet and Greet" events at each of their shows. They were 100 percent on board and agreed. We set up a Paypal account and created a website and people donated. Much to our surprise, we raised OVER $15,000 in 34 days.

Then it was up to us to write the nominating document. It was a labor of love for us. We poured over articles that chronicled their Los Angeles roots and their rapid rise to fame. The end result was a great presentation. We even solicited for celebrity testimonials and we got them. Finally, we got a letter from their management stating the band's committment to appear at a ceremony, should they receive a star. I organized the box, which included CDs and a DVD of their work and sent it to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce. We were thrilled with our work and felt like we were a shoe-in.

Nope.

Undaunted, we knew we needed to do nothing but send a letter during the next year's nomination period to have our nomination renewed. We did, again feeling very confident.

Nothing.

Each year, we kept it up. We tweaked the nomination, updated it and kept submitting it.

No-go.

Back in 2008, I spoke with their current manager, who was committed to see this through. By now the fee had been increased to $25,000. He said that the balance would be raised elsewhere. At that same event, I had a brief chat with Belinda Carlisle about it and she was so surprised that they hadn't been awarded their star but thanked me for my continued efforts. The nomination period came and went and again, no star.

2009 - no star.

Earlier this year, it was announced that the band, who had been working together a few weeks each year, would embark on their final tour, dubbed "Happily Ever After - The Go-Go's Farewell Tour." The Star would be a do or die effort as far as we were concerned. Having raised the money, thereby making a committment to all of the investors, we knew we would have to continue, but with the band finished, the chances of getting the star would have been even worse.

The band's management has been doing their part to keep the nomination alive. Not having seen what was submitted, we were nervous but hopeful.

Unfortunately, The Go-Go's had to cancel their "Farewell Tour." Guitarist Jane Wiedlin was injured in an accident while hiking near her home and tore the ACL in her left knee. Surgery was done on July 16, she is recovering at home.

Thursday July 17, a headline appeared online that The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce announced their 2011 nominees for Stars. 30 recipients were announced, the article named about 10. I glanced through the list, shrugged and went back to my work.

I received a text message from a friend who said "Jane just posted on Facebook that The Go-Go's are getting their star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Is it true?"

"What?"

I began to search online, I could not find a complete list of nominees. Thankfully the work day was over so I left for home, but before I got there, I had an email from DeDe telling me that it had finally happened.

The Go-Go's got their Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!!

I still can't believe it. If it hadn't been for us brainstorming one night, this would never have happened. Because of our efforts, the band that has meant so much to us for nearly 30 years will finally be immortalized in the very pavement where they, as a band, were born. Let me tell you, it's a great feeling knowing that I played a part in that.

Next up, the placement of the star. It probably will be a few months before it happens. I will be there. I can't wait!

Madison Madness

Saturday, I took a little road trip with my friends Anthony and Vahona. We traveled up to Madison Wisconsin to visit our friend Jane Wiedlin as she performed with her band Lady Robotica. They were taking part in a benefit for the Dane County Humane Society. It was billed as "Dogtoberfest," and guests were invited to bring their dogs to hang out and participate in contests and games.

For the ride, we had drinks and snacks and good music. We get together and laugh our butts off, it was much needed time together which doesn't happen all that often. We all met at my house and hit the road, accompanied by Vahona's GPS, which spoke to us in multiple languages. During our drive, we found rain, and then snow but once we got past it, the day was cold but beautiful.

We enjoyed seeing the dogs, many of whom were dressed in coats and costumes. But we were all happier to see Jane. She arrived and came right over. We chatted for a little while before she had to set up for her show.

Afterwards we visited a while longer. She signed autographs and took pictures with people, then when it came to us, we took all sorts of pictures together. She was really happy to see us and thanked us for making the trip. It was definitely worth the drive.

Dog in a fancy red coat.
Little bulldog.

Jim and Jane - Yes, the picture is crooked, thanks to the yellow-toothed woman who told us she was a "professional photographer." Oh I get it, crooked = artsy.

Jane and Vahona. Jane decided she would make funny faces in her pictures with Vahona. When Jane wants to make funny faces, you let her.

Three geeky fans and the object of their affection. Yes, the "artsy" photographer took this photo, too.

(photo courtesy of Anthony. He actually let the "professional" hold his camera. )

Happy Birthday Belinda Carlisle - August 17, 2009

While most of the gays celebrate Madonna's birthday (August 16), I practice a different religion. On August 17, 1958, Belinda Carlisle was born. She just turned 51.

She looks pretty damn great for 51, too! This is video that was shot during the Go-Go's recent round of shows back in April. She had just finished her (very brief!) stint on Dancing With the Stars. This video shows that she learned a little something from it. I think her fringe skirt is an homage to her dancing days, look how she shimmies in it.

Vocally, Belinda sounds really good on this clip. I wish the audio was better. It's still fun to watch so please enjoy it!

Songs of Summertime

"Mad About You" - Belinda Carlisle

During the summer of 1986, I became "Mad About" Belinda.


The demise of The Go-Go's during the spring of 1985 was sad, but the career of the band's lead singer was about to skyrocket. Right away, she was signed as a solo artist, set up with producers and writers, and primped to be the new "it" girl.

Late May 1986 was the first time I heard "Mad About You" on the radio. I was hooked. Different than anything that the Go-Go's released. The song was decidedly pop, Belinda's vocals were soft and sweet. I couldn't wait to hear it again. Here was the voice of my favorite band doing something completely different.

About a month later, my family was taking a road trip to Gatlinburg, TN. We stopped in Louisville for the night. The hotel had a video channel. I turned it on and the next video played was "Mad About You." The Belinda that I knew so well was different. She was slim, her hair was longer and very blonde. She looked amazing. The video was fun...dancing on the beach, dancing with her husband (another change since the band disbanded), hanging out with her pal Charlotte (former bandmate).

I was 19 during the summer of '86. I was taking night classes so I could get ahead with school. I was working full time, and spending my free time just hanging out with my friends.

I remember buying tickets to see Robert Palmer in concert. I had heard that Belinda was on tour with him as his opening act. My sister Georgette and our friend May went to the show with me. Unfortunately Belinda had only committed to playing half of the shows, and my show was the second one she didn't perform. We still enjoyed the show.

To this day, it could be the coldest winter day if I hear "Mad About You," it puts me in a good mood and makes me feel warm all over.

"Something 'bout you, right here beside me, touches the touched part of me like I can't believe."

Songs of Summertime

"Vacation" by The Go-Go's

By the summer of 1982, I was completely enamoured by The Go-Go's. I had played their debut album "Beauty and the Beat" until it was worn and skipping. There was talk on the radio that they band had gone back into the recording studio to record their second album.

Sure enough "Vacation" the album was released, as was it's lead single "Vacation." It's an uptempo song beginning with a flourish of peppy guitars and drums. I was hooked. As is true of many Go-Go's songs, the songs sounded happy, but the lyrics were sad. "Vacation - meant to be spent alone..."

The time period I associate with the song was happy. I had just finished my Freshman year of high school. I had a summer job, working as a file clerk in the Payroll office of Edgewater Hospital. I was excited to be making money and I could finally buy things like a new stereo and Izod shirts.

Today when I hear the song, I still think of summer fun. I saw my first Go-Go's concert in the summer of 1982 and "Vacation" was the song that opened the show. Even when I saw the band back in April, "Vacation" is one of those songs that generates a lot of excitement throughout the venue.

It's definitely one of my essential summer songs.

"A week without you, thought I'd forget. Two weeks without you and I still haven't gotten over you yet."

My Mirror

File Under: Reflection

Recently I received an odd email that included the question “when you look in the mirror, do you like what you see?” I didn’t directly reply to the email but since the composer was commenting on things that were read in my blog, I guess this is a reply of some sorts. Perhaps it will be seen, maybe not. I was going to leave it alone but even weeks after the email, friends are still talking about how bizarre it was. This could go on for a bit, go get yourself a drink, or scroll on to the next post.

Alright, let’s start with the physical analysis. I’m 5’9” tall. I weigh 158 pounds. I was 165 back in December but imagine that, I lost weight over the holidays and I’ve kept it off. Yay me! More on that in a bit. I’ve got thinning hair. I’m okay with that. I know, if I had hair it would be great hair but I don’t and what I have is fine. When I let it get long, it stands straight up and it looks Muppet-like. I have green eyes. Sometimes I wear glasses because my vision sucks. I have to wear some sort of prescription lenses in order to not walk into walls. I’m not legal to drive without glasses or contact lenses. I have a mole on my left cheek. Every so often a hair grows out of it and I need to pluck it. It’s hard to shave a mole. Aside from the occasional hair, I like my mole. It makes me unique. I’ve got good teeth. My upper teeth are nice and straight my lower teeth are crooked but they don’t look too bad.

I’m of average weight for my body size. I look pretty good at this weight. I work out regularly, my upper arms are defined, and my chest looks okay. I don’t have great pecs, but at 42, I don’t have man boobs, either. I’ve got a tummy, it’s a family trait, my dad had one too. I do ab crunches and sit-ups at the gym but it will never be gone. I guess I just do what I can to keep it at a minimum.

(This part gets a bit personal but I’m going for full disclosure here so skip this next paragraph if you’re sensitive)

I’ve got a decent penis. What I lack in length, I make up for in girth. If I had another inch I’d be really happy but I don’t and that’s alright. What I have works just fine and received generally favorable reviews of it. I’ve got a nice ass. This I know. It’s round and not flabby. It’s not as great as Dan’s but It looks damn good in a pair of jeans. Again, given the fact that I’m 42 and my ass isn’t sagging, I’m rather proud of it.

Not sure what to say about my legs. I suppose they look good. My feet on the other hand are ugly. I do not have pretty feet. I’ve broken my little toes on both feet so many times they kind of fold under the 4th toe. My big toes bend inward and my right big toe is calloused. Having said that, my left foot was pretty enough to garner some attention at the gym a while back. While the whole foot thing isn’t my cup of tea, who am I to deprive someone else their pleasure.

Okay, I don’t have a special mirror that allows me to look inside, this is just my observation of what’s going on inside.

I’m a good person. I am responsible; I work in a profession where people depend upon me to receive a paycheck that is on time and correct. Further, some depend on me to perform my tasks on a timely basis so they can begin working. I’m the face they see after they’ve been offered a job; I’m the face they see when they are learning about their benefits.

When I’m not at work, I’ve got family responsibilities. My elderly mother lives with me. She’s mainly self-sufficient; I just make sure that she does things like take her pills, check her blood sugar and eat when she’s supposed to. In doing so, I have given up the freedom a 42 year old single gay man might have. For now, it’s the way things have to be. (Improper English, ending a sentence with a preposition).

I balance things out with the most amazing group of friends a guy could want. My best friend Dan is my defender, my confidant and my rock. My partner in crime and the person with whom I share a brain is Vahona. To this day we can get together and finish each other’s sentences. She and I get together and just laugh until it hurts. Steve is another friend with whom I share a brain. We meet for happy hour martinis and just laugh at the most insane stuff. What’s funny is that Steve and Dan are friends from way back, before I knew either of them. When we’re all out, Steve and I will go off on some tangent, resulting in a great deal of laughter, Dan will look at us and just shake his head.

The list of friends goes on and on, from Lynn, with whom I’ve known since our first day of Kindergarten, to my pal Patrick, who, when we’re imbibing in adult beverages, is the “Patsy” to my “Edina.” I have great coworkers who I consider to be great friends. We go out and have lots of fun, but when we’re at work its all business.

And, imagine this. As an angst-ridden 14 year old, I found comfort in the music of The Go-Go’s. They broke up, the reunited, they broke up again, and reunited again…the story goes on and on. 28 years later, they’re still around, somewhat. I somehow managed to become somewhat familiar with the band and consider Jane to be a friend of mine. In my book, that’s pretty damn cool. :)

Even with all those friends, I can go out by myself and still have a good time. I’ll strike up a conversation with anybody when I’m out, and I find entertainment in just watching the crowd. Sure, I’d prefer to be out with friends but rather than sit home, I will go out and perhaps make a new friend.

Are there things I don’t like? Sure. I wear my heart on my sleeve. I fall fast and hard when I meet people, even when I try to hold back. I am generous to a fault, sometimes when it means having to give up something for me. I’m also kind of messy. Not dirty, I’m just not good about managing clutter. I have a bit of a short fuse; I get easily frustrated with people. Not all people, just the stupid ones. As a result, I swear a lot.

But, going back to paragraph one and answering the question “when you look in the mirror, do you like what you see?” Let’s see… I’m 42 years old and I’m a reasonable attractive guy with a decent body. I’ve got flaws but I can identify them. I don’t stress over them. I’ve got a big heart, a fun loving personality. I love to laugh, and I’ve got a diverse collection of friends who enjoy spending time with me. Rock stars know my name and hug me when they see me. So yes, I like what I see. As a matter of fact, I LOVE what I see. I fucking ROCK!

Any further questions?

Song Lyrics

...and now I've got to to turn my head
and start to pretend.
I've never seen you
You're someone I don't know.
Are you just another boy
that I met long ago.
You can talk about old times,
they don't mean a thing to me.
You're fading fast out of my memory.

Mother's Day

File Under: Mom

December 1931

1955

1988

With my sister Georgette, May 2007

Today is Mother's day. Happy Mother's day to all of the moms out there who read my blog. Happy Mother's day to Z, aka my Mom.

Beth's blog, found HERE, inspired this post. I commented on one of her blog entries (sadly I can't remember which one) and it brought back memories from the 80's with my mom.

My oldest sister and I are almost 8 years apart. My mom didn't take a great deal of interest in my sister's taste in music, though she was fully aware that my sister liked "that disco music."

My mom drove me to school every day. On car trips, I always sat in the front seat (I was the kid who got car sick so I was put up front to curtail the urge to barf.) I controlled the radio. I listened to "Top-40" radio. Remember when that term was inclusive of everything popular? It wasn't just dance, or rock or country, it was a mix of all of those sounds. My mom became familiar with the songs I liked. And when I really liked something, I controlled the tape deck in the car, too.

Mom learned to like The Go-Go's. She knew their songs, knew the names of the band members, she could even tell me when she was someplace and heard one of their songs being played. And she knew the difference between The Bangles and The Go-Go's! She also liked Genesis, Billy Joel, Cyndi Lauper, Tina Turner, and The Thompson Twins. She enjoyed their song "Hold Me Now." She commented that the falsetto voice that sings the follow lines in the last chorus sounds like the Monty Python men when they used to do skits as women and speak in high voices. That image became forever solidified in my mind. She wasn't a big fan of Madonna (though she loves her in the movie 'A League of Their Own' - that's one of her favorite films), and like me, wasn't a fan of the hair bands. She did like Van Halen for some reason. Not sure where that came from.

To this day, my mom still recognizes those singers. Yes, it would be difficult for her to forget The Go-Go's. She has decided that Jane is her favorite (sorry, Belinda). Occasionally she'll watch VH1 Classic and excitedly tell me if she saw a video she remembered from back in the day. She even went so far as to scramble to video record a segment on The Go-Go's that was airing, she proudly said "I got most of it, I managed to get what Jane was saying, and the video they played, it was 'Our Lips Are Sealed.'" And to show her support, she even watched Belinda dance on "Dancing With The Stars," and booed when she was voted off, calling it "stupid and unfair!"

I guess I'm pretty lucky. My mom accepts me for who I am, she loves my friends, and she makes VHS tapes for me. Happy Mother's Day, mom! I love you!!

That Band

File Under: Why, after all these years, they matter to me

This is a selfish post. I'm entitled to one ever so often. Read on if you wish.

I've been a fan of The Go-Go's for a really, really long time. The first time I saw them in concert was in 1982, on their Vacation tour. On Saturday April 25th, I saw them again, my 30th concert.

At first I would go to shows, stand there, dance, scream my little teen head off and pretend I was at the best party I'd ever been to. Then I got wise and started bringing a camera with me to shows. So I'd scream and dance and take blurry pictures. The best (blurriest!) were the ones snapped with my Disc camera. Remember those?? Digital photography came along and my pictures got a little better. Perhaps if I stood still when I took pictures they would get better.

The nice thing about my digital camera is that I can now capture video. I've become really good at standing still and keeping the camera stable. I've been able to compile some great song clips that capture the band doing just what it is that makes me a fan.

The show on April 25th was special in a lot of ways. The House of Blues was strangely lax on their "NO PHOTOGRAPHY" rule. So, I'm going to share the fruits of my labor with you, and share a little story with you about each.

My first video was for a song called "Forget That Day," a song that was long rumored to be the one that broke the band up in 1984. Jane wrote it, wanted to sing lead on it and it was decided that Belinda should. Jane's backup vocals are prominent in the original recording. They haven't performed the song live in 25 years. Jane explained that they don't get together often enough to record new songs so they like to treat their fans with some of their lesser-performed songs from their catalog and this song was chosen. Excellent choice because the performance was haunting and beautiful. The lyrics are so sad. Mind you, I had just decided that it was safe to take video so I only have the second half of the song, but you get enough of a feel for the song. My lens setting was a little close and once taping starts, it's fixed for the entire recording.

Charlotte is the blonde, off to the left, she plays keyboard and lead guitar. Gina's in back, on drums. Kathy works just to the right of Belinda, she plays bass. Jane is the little firecracker off to the right, on rhythm guitar. As you'll see later on, she's very active and moves around a lot on stage.



This next clip is a song that Jane brought to the band. She recorded the song "Cool Places" with new wave band Sparks. A couple years ago, The Go-Go's added it to their set. It's a true duet between Belinda and Jane, and they have fun performing it. Check out Charlotte's groovy synth in the song. Totally 80's! And in the total rockstar move, after Belinda finishes her strut at the start of the song, she gets behind her mic stand, turns and tosses her hair with a flip of her head. HOT!



They often bring to each new "tour" a remake, and this time they did their own version of the Rolling Stones song "Mother's Little Helper." This showcases the talents of the entire band. Dig Belinda's ittle walk during the instrumental bridge. LOL



This next song is one they've been performing in concert since they began as a band, it's one that they made their own. "Walking in the Sand" was originally done by a girl group called the Shangri-Las and when the Go-Go's introduce it, they always pay homage to them, giving credit where credit is due.


(note to Joy, if you watch this video, notice that she's swiveling her hips, she learned that on DWTS! Len would be proud.)

Finally...I promise this is the last one, is their song "Our Lips Are Sealed." This was a hit for them back in the winter of 1981. It's one they have to do in concert and one that they enjoy doing, as evidenced in this video. Forgive the opening couple of lines, Belinda was having problems with feedback in her monitor so she was distracted and off-key. She gets right back into it. BUT...the part of this video that totally sums them up for me is after they last line is sung and the band just jams for another minute or so. Belinda's banging her tamborine, Jane, Kathy and Charlotte are bouncing around on stage and they play with one another. It's the fun that I saw the first time I saw them in concert, 27 years ago. It's the fun that brings me back again and again. It's my happy place. :)


(note the extra lyric in the live version. This was written into the original song but not recorded on the album. They always perform this version in concert)

Well, if you made it this far, whether you watched the videos or not, I thank you. I don't expect that a light bulb will go off above your head and you'll suddenly be a life long fan. I just hope that perhaps you'll find it cool or it'll make you smile. And smiling is good.

xoxo

Belinda and Jonathan - House of Blues

File Under: DTWS-a-Go-Go, again

In a previous post, I spoke of seeing The Go-Go's at the House of Blues in LA. Belinda's "Dance" partner, Jonathan Roberts joined the band on stage to dance with Belinda. I posted my video from the show, which did not include the introduction. I found one that does. Belinda brings Jonathan out and when she points, she's pointing at my friends and me, we're holding up our 10's. Also, this is better video of Jonathan, who's just so darn cute. So, watch the video, see the fun that the band has, especially when they bring a guest on stage. :)

Perfect 10's!

In my recap of my trip and my discussion about the judges paddles, I fully intended upon sharing with you a picture of us holding the paddles, but forgot. So here you go...


This was taken after the show. Kim broke the handle off of her paddle. I think she was spanking somebody with it. Oopsie. I think they turned out pretty good, don't you?

(Photo credit - someone else, but it was from DeDe's camera, I think)

More California Pictures

File Under: LA - the pictures

Friday's adventures included a trip to The Grove, an outdoor shopping venue, which is adjacent to the world famous Farmers Market.

The Farmers Market

The Grove

Next, we stalked...I mean visited the 3rd Street Dance Studio, rehearsal space used by "Dancing With The Stars!" We found where they park.

But...nobody was there. Just an empty dance studio.

So we left, and drove around, I snapped pictures of store fronts.

My new favorite name for a bakery - "Kiss My Bundt!"

We went to The Standard for snacks and cold beverages. Gnome came along, too!

Groovy, huh?

Walking back to the car, we found a dog park which was down the hill from us. We watched the dogs running around for a bit. See?

After dog watching, we drove back to Orange County in Friday afternoon rush hour.

Dinner that evening was at The Azteca Mexican Restaurant. It was both delicious and FUN!

Entertained and full, we stopped to buy some booze, then went home to watch the movie "Heathers." Bedtime followed.

The end!

LA Adventure - The Final Day

File Under: Beauty and the Beach

Sunday was my final day in California. Mark, Joel and I went to breakfast at a quaint little restaurant called Millie's, where I pigged out in a huge breakfast. This provided much needed energy for the next part of the day. Mark and I set off on a little road trip to Laguna Beach. This post is more of a photo essay with some commentary along the way.

Houses on mountains!


Gorgeous landscape with mountains as a backdrop.


As we went walking along the beach, we started to appreciate the sights. The ocean, the flowers, and the men at the beach.

The stud below is a papi I photographed for my friend and fellow blog buddy, David.



More scenery...

During our walk, we happened upon these handsome young surfer boys. I paused, noticing that they were about to change out of their wet clothes. Please enjoy this photo montage...

(paused the picture taking because one of them had turned in my direction and I didn't want to be obvious.)

So after all of the excitement of nearly naked boys under towels, Mark and I enjoyed some delicious gelato from Gelato Paradiso. Then it was back on the road. For the drive back, we took the Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1). Stunning!

Back at the house, I discovered that my cell phone was gone! I remembered having it at breakfast, so we called Millie's to see if it was there. It was, someone turned it in. Luckily it was close to the house so I was reunited with my phone in minutes.

A celebratory dinner was in order...at In-n-Out Burger! I love it so much!!

After dinner, we took one last walk through Downtown Disney, ending the weekend much the same way it started. Morbid curiosity dragged us into this store.

Where we saw these...

...and walked right out. SCARY!!

Back at the house, I packed my bag, went to bed and flew home the next morning.

A fantastic weekend. A big thanks to my very kind and generous hosts Mark and Joel.