WHO ME

I was born in the year of Rock’n’Roll. Elvis was taking his first shot at punching a hole in the Universe, and Dion, with a few of his paisanos, was a few blocks North and a few years away fromcreating Bronx Soul Music on the streets of Little Italy. The Yankees were my neighborhood team & my religion & Mickey Mantle was my god–In 1964, I saw The Beatles on Ed Sullivan and my world exploded into fire & light. I was born anew, or maybe for the first time. Everything changed, and it still hasn’t changed back. I suppose it never will.–In 1967, I saw The Who and my world shifted one more time and this time I end up buying, or rather my grandparents buy me a walnut Gibson SG Standard. Just like Pete’s.

In 1970, I see The Stooges at a small club called Ungano’s. They’re promoting their upcoming album, Fun House. My world is turned upside down by the possibilities they show me that Rock’n’Roll contains. The picture is getting clearer. The sculpture is taking shape. –In 1972, I join with Andy Shernoff & Ross the Boss, in a house in the middle of nowhere that becomes the laboratory that hatches The Dictators, a full-throttle, pop culture, Rock’n’Roll as lifestyle, mega-volume, high energy two guitars, bass & drums band. We add my childhood best friend, Handsome Dick Manitoba & it all comes together. We are still riding the third rail some 37 years later. I play rhythm guitar, keep that train on the tracks. I take my job very seriously.–In 1975, I become aware of Bruce Springsteen. My painting is done, the sculpture is recognizable as me. –In 1982, I hook up with Manny Caiati, Frank Funaro & Eric Ambel with the modest goal of becoming the perfect American Rock’n’Roll Band. Two guitars, bass and drums, of course. I sing, share guitar duties with Eric, and write the songs this time.

In 1995, I get a phone call from my childhood hero, Dion DiMucci. He wants to start a band. Let’s do it, D. We write some songs, call Frank, & Mike Mesaros to handle bass chores, and we become Little Kings.–In 1992, I release the first of my solo albums, called TENEMENT ANGELS. I release another in 2007, called SAVING GRACE.–It’s 2009, and The Del-Lords are back together, making a new record, and about to hit the road to see what we’ve got left in the tank. Word of caution: Don’t underestimate us! Or me.