Post by jptheprofessor on Apr 4, 2007 1:41:29 GMT -5
Monday, April 2, marked the second anniversary of the passing of local guitar great Jeff Wallack. Jeff’s life was cut short by an apparent brain aneurysm on April 2, 2005. He was 40.
On Saturday night, March 31, Aldo’s Place in Juniata hosted the third annual Jeff Wallack Tribute Show, with all proceeds going to the Altoona Food Bank. This was a special evening, as many of Jeff’s former bandmates, friends, fans and musical contemporaries, plus younger musicians influenced and inspired by Jeff, came together to celebrate his memory and the music he loved to perform on stage in such area bands as Rapid Fire, Shattered China and Dash Riprock.
Kicking off the night was young Williamsburg-based heavy metal quintet Death Upon Arrival. Featuring lead vocalist Mick Stayduhaur, guitarists John Liebal and Rory Dalansky (son of Half Tempted’s Ron Dalansky), bassist Mike Liebal and drummer Randy Saylor; Death Upon Arrival performed a short set featuring two of their original metal compositions such as “Riders of the Apocalypse,” plus a Lamb Of God cover. Their style was intense and brutal; and they were well received by the large Aldo’s audience.
Next was Altoona’s Choking Faith. Lead throat Jason Mittan, guitarist Dan Miller, bassist Steve Seymore and drummer Joe Richards also did a short set, commencing with their intense metal original song “Trainwreck of Life” and an equally punishing take on Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls.” The group then welcomed some guests onstage; first, former Fatal Maim guitarist Jody Earnest on a Slayer number, and then Jody’s brother, former Fatal Maim/Riot Act singer Troy Earnest, for an edition of Dio’s “Rainbow in the Dark,” with both Jason and Troy sharing lead vocal duties.
Half Tempted then took the stage, and more guests would soon join them. First, singer/guitarist Ron Dalansky, drummer Steve McCulley and new bassist Paul Barsom kicked off their set with renditions of Kiss’ “Detroit Rock City” and Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion.” Then, Jeff’s former Rapid Fire/Shattered China bandmates, singer Steve Oswalt and bassist Joe George, along with guitarist Doug Tussey, joined Ron and Steve for two songs by one of Jeff’s all-time favorite groups, Iron Maiden; doing “Children of the Damned” and “Run to the Hills.” Then some more musical guests platooned on and off the stage. Joining Ron, Steve and Joe were Ron’s son, Rory (of Death Upon Arrival) and former Anaconda/Strickly Wikkid guitarist Tom Brown on additional guitars, and former Black Diamond/Cut The Mustard singer Denny Frank, making his first appearance on area stages in over 20 years! Together, this combination of musicians performed a rip-roaring edition of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid.” Keyboards then joined the mix, as former Five Nations keyboard man Phil Steele joined Ron, Paul, Steve and Denny on a rendition of Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” to close out the set.
Up next was The Flame Sky. This group also featured some guests; joining singer/guitarist Ed Brinkel, lead guitarist Jason Feathers, bassist Shawn Shultz and drummer Nate Woods were Steve Oswalt on lead vocals, and guitarist Scott Botteicher to contribute more lead guitar alongside Jason. This grouping of musicians did more of Jeff’s favorite music, including another Iron Maiden number, “Phantom of the Opera,” Ozzy Osbourne’s “Mr. Crowley,” Pink Floyd’s “Pigs (Three Different Ones)” and UFO’s “Let It Roll.” They also did a more recent number, Black Label Society’s “In This River,” which they dedicated in Jeff’s memory.
Capping the evening was a short set by a new band, Vengeance. Featuring lead vocalist Frank Rumfola, guitarists Shawn Doran and Brian Weibley, bassist Todd Clavarella and drummer Andy Hicks; Vengeance showcased their brand of metalcore-flavored original music, playing several original numbers to close out the night.
This was a very memorable night! All the musicians who took the Aldo’s stage this night left their hearts and souls there, as they poured it all out in honor of Jeff Wallack. Often the performances were stellar, and even when they weren’t, it was joked that Jeff was probably looking down from the heavens, laughing his butt off at the miscues. The evening rode at a constant adrenaline rush high, with musicians giving all and the audience rabidly cheering after each and every song. It was cool to witness the camaraderie this night, as veteran musicians performed alongside younger musicians, and veteran performers who hadn’t been onstage in years resurfaced from the mothballs to be a part of this special occasion. Stories about Jeff Wallack were shared, and even people who never met or knew Jeff came to know and appreciate this talented musician and what he contributed to the area music scene, both onstage and as a friend.
This was a special night that lived up to its billing and promise. The Jeff Wallack Tribute Show delivered hard-hitting guitar rock, memories, and a good time. Hats off to Ron Dalansky of Half Tempted and Rich McGarvey at Aldo’s for putting this night together; also all the musicians who took part; and all the fans and friends who showed up to be a part of this unforgettable night. I’m already looking forward to next year!
Here is some rough footage of the aforementioned rendition of “Paranoid,” filmed from Aldo’s upstairs ‘peanut gallery’:
www.rockpage.net/users/jprice/video/MOV09522.MPG
Here are some photos from this memorable night:
Williamsburg’s Death Upon Arrival kicks off the evening.
Choking Faith frontman Jason Mittan.
Choking Faith.
Steve Seymore of Choking Faith.
Jody Earnest (right) joins Choking Faith’s performance.
Troy Earnest joins in with Choking Faith.
Joe Richards of Choking Faith.
Choking Faith frontman Jason Mittan and Troy Earnest.
Half Tempted commences their set.
Ron “the Budman” Dalansky of Half Tempted.
(left to right) Guitarist Doug Tussey, bassist Joe George and singer Steve Oswalt join Half Tempted.
Doug Tussey and Joe George.
Doug Tussey and Steve Oswalt.
Tom Brown (left), Denny Frank (center) and Rory Dalansky (right) join Half Tempted onstage.
Making his first appearance on Altoona stages in over 20 years, Denny Frank.
Happy to be a part of the festivities, Tom Brown.
Like father, like son; Ron and Rory Dalansky.
Also making his first appearance on area stages in a few years, Phil Steele on keys.
Singer Steve Oswalt (center) and guitarist Scott Botteicher (right) join The Flame Sky for their set.
Jason Feathers and Scott Botteicher.
Nate Woods of The Flame Sky.
Again, Jason Feathers and Scott Botteicher.
Capping the evening, Vengeance.
Frank Rumfola of Vengeance.
Having a good time and taking in the Jeff Wallack Tribute Show, yours truly and Kathy from The Underground TV.
On Saturday night, March 31, Aldo’s Place in Juniata hosted the third annual Jeff Wallack Tribute Show, with all proceeds going to the Altoona Food Bank. This was a special evening, as many of Jeff’s former bandmates, friends, fans and musical contemporaries, plus younger musicians influenced and inspired by Jeff, came together to celebrate his memory and the music he loved to perform on stage in such area bands as Rapid Fire, Shattered China and Dash Riprock.
Kicking off the night was young Williamsburg-based heavy metal quintet Death Upon Arrival. Featuring lead vocalist Mick Stayduhaur, guitarists John Liebal and Rory Dalansky (son of Half Tempted’s Ron Dalansky), bassist Mike Liebal and drummer Randy Saylor; Death Upon Arrival performed a short set featuring two of their original metal compositions such as “Riders of the Apocalypse,” plus a Lamb Of God cover. Their style was intense and brutal; and they were well received by the large Aldo’s audience.
Next was Altoona’s Choking Faith. Lead throat Jason Mittan, guitarist Dan Miller, bassist Steve Seymore and drummer Joe Richards also did a short set, commencing with their intense metal original song “Trainwreck of Life” and an equally punishing take on Queen’s “Fat Bottomed Girls.” The group then welcomed some guests onstage; first, former Fatal Maim guitarist Jody Earnest on a Slayer number, and then Jody’s brother, former Fatal Maim/Riot Act singer Troy Earnest, for an edition of Dio’s “Rainbow in the Dark,” with both Jason and Troy sharing lead vocal duties.
Half Tempted then took the stage, and more guests would soon join them. First, singer/guitarist Ron Dalansky, drummer Steve McCulley and new bassist Paul Barsom kicked off their set with renditions of Kiss’ “Detroit Rock City” and Aerosmith’s “Sweet Emotion.” Then, Jeff’s former Rapid Fire/Shattered China bandmates, singer Steve Oswalt and bassist Joe George, along with guitarist Doug Tussey, joined Ron and Steve for two songs by one of Jeff’s all-time favorite groups, Iron Maiden; doing “Children of the Damned” and “Run to the Hills.” Then some more musical guests platooned on and off the stage. Joining Ron, Steve and Joe were Ron’s son, Rory (of Death Upon Arrival) and former Anaconda/Strickly Wikkid guitarist Tom Brown on additional guitars, and former Black Diamond/Cut The Mustard singer Denny Frank, making his first appearance on area stages in over 20 years! Together, this combination of musicians performed a rip-roaring edition of Black Sabbath’s “Paranoid.” Keyboards then joined the mix, as former Five Nations keyboard man Phil Steele joined Ron, Paul, Steve and Denny on a rendition of Deep Purple’s “Smoke on the Water” to close out the set.
Up next was The Flame Sky. This group also featured some guests; joining singer/guitarist Ed Brinkel, lead guitarist Jason Feathers, bassist Shawn Shultz and drummer Nate Woods were Steve Oswalt on lead vocals, and guitarist Scott Botteicher to contribute more lead guitar alongside Jason. This grouping of musicians did more of Jeff’s favorite music, including another Iron Maiden number, “Phantom of the Opera,” Ozzy Osbourne’s “Mr. Crowley,” Pink Floyd’s “Pigs (Three Different Ones)” and UFO’s “Let It Roll.” They also did a more recent number, Black Label Society’s “In This River,” which they dedicated in Jeff’s memory.
Capping the evening was a short set by a new band, Vengeance. Featuring lead vocalist Frank Rumfola, guitarists Shawn Doran and Brian Weibley, bassist Todd Clavarella and drummer Andy Hicks; Vengeance showcased their brand of metalcore-flavored original music, playing several original numbers to close out the night.
This was a very memorable night! All the musicians who took the Aldo’s stage this night left their hearts and souls there, as they poured it all out in honor of Jeff Wallack. Often the performances were stellar, and even when they weren’t, it was joked that Jeff was probably looking down from the heavens, laughing his butt off at the miscues. The evening rode at a constant adrenaline rush high, with musicians giving all and the audience rabidly cheering after each and every song. It was cool to witness the camaraderie this night, as veteran musicians performed alongside younger musicians, and veteran performers who hadn’t been onstage in years resurfaced from the mothballs to be a part of this special occasion. Stories about Jeff Wallack were shared, and even people who never met or knew Jeff came to know and appreciate this talented musician and what he contributed to the area music scene, both onstage and as a friend.
This was a special night that lived up to its billing and promise. The Jeff Wallack Tribute Show delivered hard-hitting guitar rock, memories, and a good time. Hats off to Ron Dalansky of Half Tempted and Rich McGarvey at Aldo’s for putting this night together; also all the musicians who took part; and all the fans and friends who showed up to be a part of this unforgettable night. I’m already looking forward to next year!
Here is some rough footage of the aforementioned rendition of “Paranoid,” filmed from Aldo’s upstairs ‘peanut gallery’:
www.rockpage.net/users/jprice/video/MOV09522.MPG
Here are some photos from this memorable night:
Williamsburg’s Death Upon Arrival kicks off the evening.
Choking Faith frontman Jason Mittan.
Choking Faith.
Steve Seymore of Choking Faith.
Jody Earnest (right) joins Choking Faith’s performance.
Troy Earnest joins in with Choking Faith.
Joe Richards of Choking Faith.
Choking Faith frontman Jason Mittan and Troy Earnest.
Half Tempted commences their set.
Ron “the Budman” Dalansky of Half Tempted.
(left to right) Guitarist Doug Tussey, bassist Joe George and singer Steve Oswalt join Half Tempted.
Doug Tussey and Joe George.
Doug Tussey and Steve Oswalt.
Tom Brown (left), Denny Frank (center) and Rory Dalansky (right) join Half Tempted onstage.
Making his first appearance on Altoona stages in over 20 years, Denny Frank.
Happy to be a part of the festivities, Tom Brown.
Like father, like son; Ron and Rory Dalansky.
Also making his first appearance on area stages in a few years, Phil Steele on keys.
Singer Steve Oswalt (center) and guitarist Scott Botteicher (right) join The Flame Sky for their set.
Jason Feathers and Scott Botteicher.
Nate Woods of The Flame Sky.
Again, Jason Feathers and Scott Botteicher.
Capping the evening, Vengeance.
Frank Rumfola of Vengeance.
Having a good time and taking in the Jeff Wallack Tribute Show, yours truly and Kathy from The Underground TV.