JOURNAL
THIS PAGE:
April 10, 1999 - Wisconsin Rapids, WI
May 15, 1999 - Madison, WI
May 21, 1999 - Madison, WI
June 5, 1999 - Oconomowoc, WI
June 12, 1999 - Wisconsin Rapids, WI
June 19, 1999 - Madison, WI w/pix
Next Journal Page
(June 26, 1999 - August 28, 1999)
Journal Master Index
| Saturday, April 10, 1999 "Four Stools Short" Wisconsin Rapids, WI Opening up for Mission Blue SET LIST: |
Sound: Mighty Decent Sound - operated by Jerry St. John, assisted by Pat Bienzen Lights: Josh Becker - operated by Tom "Hog" Hilber |
| High Wire - Badlands Monkey Business - Skid Row Photograph - Def Leppard Seventeen - Winger Looks That Kill - Motley Crue Calling Dr. Love - Kiss Faithfully - Journey Here I Go Again - Whitesnake New Girl Now - Honeymoon Suite Smokin' - Boston Uncle Tom's Cabin - Warrant Bulls On Parade - Rage Against the Machine ------- Wicked Sensation - Lynch Mob |
| Hit Squad's first show! - And we couldn't have asked for a better debut. The great guys from Mission Blue let us open for them up in the Rapids and we weren't sure what to expect from ourselves or from the audience. Well, any doubts were quickly washed away as the crowd immediately responded to our brand of commercial pop metal better than we could have hoped. It didn't hurt that, fresh out of the basement, we were able to keep rough spots in our performance to a minimum. One high point was when John left the stage and got audience members to sing the "whoa" parts near the end of "Faithfully". At the end of the set we were honestly stunned as people wouldn't let us go without an encore - Very flattering for an opening act. Somewhat unprepared for the situation, we huddled for a moment and pulled "Wicked Sensation" out of our ass. We had a great time and definitely look forward to returning to "Four Stools Short" on June 12, when we'll be playing three long sets. Hope to see you there. -JB |
| Saturday, May 15, 1999 "Badger Bowl" Madison, WI Opening up for Mission Blue SET LIST: |
Sound: Intellasound - operated by Tim Woodworth Lights: Intellasound - operated by Tracy Roudebush |
| High Wire - Badlands Monkey Business - Skid Row Photograph - Def Leppard Seventeen - Winger Looks That Kill - Motley Crue Calling Dr. Love - Kiss Faithfully - Journey Here I Go Again - Whitesnake New Girl Now - Honeymoon Suite Smokin' - Boston Uncle Tom's Cabin - Warrant Bulls On Parade - Rage Against the Machine |
| Again we opened up for Mission Blue in an attempt to gain exposure in anticipation of an upcoming show. In this case, we would be returning to the Badger Bowl in just six days - so we looked at this set as a bit of a "sneak preview". Madison is John's & my hometown so many friends were in attendence including Brian Bentzler & Wade Otis of Hotter Than Karl, Sue Peterson of WIBA-FM, Jimmie of Method, Jim Keifer, Maxine & Rich, Char Cleek and Paul Schluter among others. Of course, they all came out primarily to see Mission Blue so it will be interesting to see who will come out to our show next Friday (hint, hint). Anyway, the show went well and we were well received. John took the stage sporting an imposing-looking hinged brace on his left arm, making him look a bit like Robocop. Why? Well, he explained his version of the story to the audience. Suffice it to say that we're glad he's just a singer and not a musician (tee hee). -JB |
| Friday, May 21, 1999 "Badger Bowl" Madison, WI Opening Act: Howler |
Sound: Sticha Brothers - operated by Rufus Peterson, assisted by Jared Kubokawa Lights: Josh Becker - operated by Joe'l Hoesly |
| SET 1: High Wire - Badlands Everybody Wants You - B. Squire Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple New Girl Now - Honeymoon Suite Jamie's Crying - Van Halen Round & Round - Ratt Looks That Kill - Motley Crue Beth - Kiss Still of the Night - Whitesnake Wicked Sensation - Lynch Mob Tie Your Mother Down - Queen/LM Getting Better - Tesla Photograph - Def Leppard |
SET 2: Fantasy - Aldo Nova Monkey Business - Skid Row My Sharona - The Knack Uncle Tom's Cabin - Warrant Turn Me Loose - Loverboy Faithfully - Journey Helter Skelter - Beatles/Motley Crue Everything About You - Ugly Kid Joe Smokin' - Boston Here I Go Again - Whitesnake Calling Dr. Love - Kiss Right Now - Van Halen Bulls on Parade - RAtM ------- Round & Round - Ratt |
| This was a very significant show for us. Not only was it our first show ever as a headliner, but it also marked the debut of our new bass player Shane Loy. Shane did a great job, especially considering he only had two weeks to prepare (long story). Former bassist Don Peaslee has gone on to pursue other interests and we certainly wish him the best. Anyway, the crowd at the Badger Bowl helped turn the night into a rousing success all the way around. First, the opening act Howler won over the crowd with their renditions of classic blues/rock tunes such as "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Little Wing". Our sets were also well-received as we kept the dance floor hopping for most of the night with our selection of pop-oriented hard rock tunes. However, the dance floor was never more packed than when we played the slow songs "Beth" and "Faithfully". Wow, the floor was wall-to-wall full of affectionate couples for both of those numbers. It was quite a heart-warming sight (sniffle, sob). We were very pleased to see many fellow musicians in the crowd including Shelly Emerson & Jim Zirbel of Jester; Jim Bandt of Mission Blue; Scott, Lisa & Blaine of Rock Bottom; Brian Bentzler of Hotter Than Karl and Kurt, Joe & Shane of Livewire. Other friends and family in attendence included Kay & Karen Juhnke (who came down from Steven's Point); Sue Pieper; my Dad David & Brother Jason; John's Brother Jim & Sister-in-law Ann; Dave's Cousin Carla & her friends Amy, Tom W, Tom R, Kent, Sarah, John & Chad and a large contingency of players from John's Softball Team from Jeffery's Tavern including "Boar", "Cat", "Sys" & "Bud-Z". John was still wearing the somewhat cumbersome brace on his left arm - This time he explained it as a "Gwar start-up kit". On that same subject, Nick's Mom recently Emailed from California to remind John that, as a performer, he's supposed to "break a LEG, not an ARM"! -JB |
| Saturday, June 5, 1999 "Main Attraction" Oconomowoc, WI |
Sound: Sticha Brothers - operated by Andy Worzella Lights: Josh Becker - operated by Andy Worzella |
| SET 1: High Wire - Badlands Everybody Wants You - B. Squire Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple New Girl Now - Honeymoon Suite Jamie's Crying - Van Halen Round & Round - Ratt Turn Me Loose - Loverboy Beth - Kiss Pour Some Sugar... - Def Leppard Everything About You - Ugly Kid Joe Wicked Sensation - Lynch Mob Sweet Emotion - Aerosmith |
SET 2: Fantasy - Aldo Nova Photograph - Def Leppard Seventeen - Winger White Wedding - Billy Idol Looks That Kill - Motley Crue My Sharona - The Knack Smokin' - Boston Faithfully - Journey All She Wrote - Firehouse Helter Skelter - Beatles/Motley Crue Uncle Tom's Cabin - Warrant Monkey Business - Skid Row |
| SET 3: Love it Loud - Kiss Tie Your Mother Down - Queen/Lynch Mob Still of the Night - Whitesnake Calling Dr. Love - Kiss Right Now - Van Halen Final Countdown - Europe Here I Go Again - Whitesnake Still Loving You - Scorpions Rebel Yell - Billy Idol Getting Better - Tesla Shot in the Dark - Ozzy Osbourne Bulls on Parade - Rage Against the Machine ------- Round and Round - Ratt |
| This show marked the debut of Hit Squad in Nick and Dave's neighborhood so, again, friends and family were plentiful - Including Ed & Ronda de'Bie, Tim & Coreen Gartzke, Jeff Kaminski, Dave Fazio, Eric & Karen Widas, Heather Bucket and Nick's Cousin Jason & Brother Mark. Original Hit Squad bassist Don Peaslee came out to show his continued support along with his wife Heather as did Steve MacDonald of John's & my other band Beyond the Mirror. The sizeable crowd also included John Rankin, one of my young guitar students who attended with his mother. Of the new friends we made that night, none were more boisterous than Jamie Harland, Carl Zahn, Lisa Harseny and "T-Bone" - Winners of the "Party Table from Hell" Award. The show itself overcame some early technical problems to really get rolling by the end of the first set. The momentum carried over into the second set as the crowd cheered loudly after every song. The problem was that, despite the fact that many people were hopping, singing and grooving throughout the building, for the most part they refused to come on to the dance floor. Karen to the rescue! Club manager Karen McNitt had been at a friend's wedding reception much of the evening but came to the bar in time for our last set, where she personally led by enthusiastic example and helped to keep the dance floor rocking for the rest of the night. It was a blast. Also, all night, scores of people talked about the anticipation for our July 2 show at the Firemen's Festival in Oconomowoc. Judging from the enthusiasm at the Main Attraction, July 2 should be absolutely spectacular. 'See you there :-) -JB |
| Saturday, June 12, 1999 "Four Stools Short" Wisconsin Rapids, WI |
Sound: Mighty Decent Sound - operated by Jerry St. John Lights: Josh Becker - operated by Joe'l Hoesly |
| SET 1: High Wire - Badlands Everybody Wants You - B. Squire Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple New Girl Now - Honeymoon Suite Jamie's Crying - Van Halen Round & Round - Ratt Rock Me* - Great White Beth - Kiss Sweet Emotion - Aerosmith Everything About You - Ugly Kid Joe Shot in the Dark - Ozzy Osbourne Final Countdown - Europe |
SET 2: Fantasy - Aldo Nova Photograph - Def Leppard Seventeen - Winger White Wedding - Billy Idol Looks That Kill - Motley Crue My Sharona - The Knack Smokin' - Boston Faithfully - Journey Pour Some Sugar... - Def Leppard Helter Skelter - Beatles/Motley Crue Uncle Tom's Cabin - Warrant Monkey Business - Skid Row |
| SET 3: Love it Loud - Kiss Tie Your Mother Down - Queen/Lynch Mob Still of the Night - Whitesnake Calling Dr. Love - Kiss Right Now - Van Halen Wicked Sensation - Lynch Mob Here I Go Again - Whitesnake Still Loving You - Scorpions Turn Me Loose - Loverboy Rebel Yell - Billy Idol All She Wrote - Firehouse Bulls on Parade - Rage Against the Machine ------- Getting Better - Tesla |
* - Debut |
| Ah, returning to the scene of Hit Squad's first crime. We made a surprising impact at Four Stools Short in our April debut and this follow-up appearence continued a positive trend. One major player in our "Rapids Success" has been Cheryl Mehlbrech, the most vocal party animal at the show back in April. Her newfound devotion to the band led her to do all she could to ensure that this gig would be even more memorable, well-attended and exciting. Well, mission accomplished as this delightfully seedy rock club filled with a wide variety of hard-core music lovers. There was Bonnie and Joe, regulars at Chris Aaron Band shows. There was Diane Spray, an old friend, for years a regular at the Madison area clubs, who recently moved to Wausau. There was Billy Tork, an area musician who showed up early and volunteered to help us set up our gear. There was Ken & Sue Barron, Dennis Nesbit, Kay Calloway and Brian McConnell. Oh yeah, there was also a determined little fireball named Liz who, during the second set, seemed to have some difficulty keeping her shirt on :-o Well, we certainly don't want to discourage her or that type of activity in general, but I must admit that she severely tested our professional resolve to keep singing "Pour Some Sugar on Me" with a straight face :-) I'm sure you get the point that we had a great time. The crowd was thick and spunky, just the way we like 'em, giving John plenty of opportunities to interact from the stage. A couple of times he went out and sang from atop a covered pool table in the middle of the room - Sort of like Theater in the Round. It's probably safe to say that Hit Squad is currently on a bit of a roll, as our performances have improved with each show as have the sizes of the always enthusiastic audiences (knock on wood). Veteran sound man Jerry St. John confessed to getting goosebumps from our rendition of "Still Loving You" by the Scorpions - High praise indeed. Anyway, we'd like to thank all the folks who helped us and supported us on this day and we definitely look forward to returning and seeing if things can get even wilder. -JB
PS: Email message from Nick's mom (6/14): "...I wish my Nicki wouldn't have to see women baring all... but I suppose that's show biz." |
| Saturday, June 19, 1999 "Badger Bowl" Madison, WI |
Sound: Lewis Audio - operated by Jason Depner Lights: Josh Becker - operated by Tom "Hog" Hilber |
| SET 1: High Wire - Badlands Everybody Wants You - B. Squire Perfect Strangers - Deep Purple New Girl Now - Honeymoon Suite Jamie's Crying - Van Halen Round & Round - Ratt Rock Me - Great White Beth - Kiss Sweet Emotion - Aerosmith Everything About You - Ugly Kid Joe Shot in the Dark - Ozzy Osbourne Final Countdown - Europe |
SET 2: Fantasy - Aldo Nova Photograph - Def Leppard Seventeen - Winger White Wedding - Billy Idol Looks That Kill - Motley Crue My Sharona - The Knack Smokin' - Boston Faithfully - Journey Pour Some Sugar... - Def Leppard Helter Skelter - Beatles/Motley Crue Uncle Tom's Cabin - Warrant Monkey Business - Skid Row |
| SET 3: Love it Loud - Kiss Tie Your Mother Down - Queen/Lynch Mob Still of the Night - Whitesnake Calling Dr. Love - Kiss Right Now - Van Halen Wicked Sensation - Lynch Mob Here I Go Again - Whitesnake Still Loving You - Scorpions Turn Me Loose - Loverboy Rebel Yell - Billy Idol All She Wrote - Firehouse Bulls on Parade - Rage Against the Machine |
 John on stage  Band with Cheryl |  Nick on stage  Dave on stage Photos by Dan Mehlbrech |
| I should have known that I'd jinx the band by commenting last time that we we're "on a roll". This show brought us down to Earth a bit as festival season and good weather devastated the club scene all weekend. That makes us appreciate the folks who did show up even more. Diane Spray came down from Wausau to catch Hit Squad for a second consecutive week as did Cheryl Mehlbrech (see photo) who came down from Wisconsin Rapids with her husband Dan and his cousin Dean. Valerie Schultz came down from Baraboo. Uprooted Wisconsinite Wendy McCaffrey visited from her new California home along with some friends. In fact, early on it seemed as though more people were coming from out of town to see us than from the local area! My former Toys bandmate Tom Helvey was there with wife Lori. Sue Pieper made it to her second Hit Squad show and John Benson caught the band for a third time. Walter Cullen, Sandy, Becky and the rest of their gang made it out as did long-time Jukebox Heroes devotee Ellen Rasmussen. Hard-core rock'n'rollers Dave and Gin were out celebrating their seventh wedding anniversary with us. To them and the rest of the "small but mighty" crowd, we thank you for your vocal support on this beautiful June evening. -JB |
Next Journal Page
(June 26, 1999 - August 28, 1999)
Journal Master Index
UPCOMING DATES
[Home] [Members] [Journal] [Schedule]
©1999 Hit Squad