MUSIC EVENTS AND FESTIVALS ALL FREE IN BUFFALO CLICK HERE
Hailing from Buffalos' East Side, Johnny Rzeznik youngest of a stoutly catholic polish family raised in the vicinity of the old Broadway Terminal, and Broadway market, founded a succession of bands that would be called the Goo Goo Dolls. The first pic is a very early pic 80's? really as i remember these guys, in their punk days, about the time they played places like Laurel and Hardys' on Broadway, (yours truly also played there with the band Sleeper also from East Buffalo) and cut their teeth at the Continental on Franklin, Buffalos version of the new york club CBGB's. While currently living in the Los Angeles area, the goos can be found in an around Buffalo from time to time supporting local charities, appearing for cd signings and festivals, most notably the Music is Art Festival during the summer. Matter of fact, late 2,006, Johnny had to return to his home town to cure a case of writers block, in the winter before the release of Let Love In. If you don't believe it, just listen to We'll be there (When You're gone), a song written about Buffalos Bethlehem Steel plant.
Rick also hailing from Buffalos east side, one of the early pioneers of Funk style music that predated Rap. There is still a Rick James street located in East Buffalo. Rick James got an early start on his music career, forming the Mynah Birds with future Buffalo Springfield members Neil Young and Bruce Palmer while still in his teens. Though signed to Motown, the group fell apart when James got in trouble for draft-dodging. He rebounded in the '70s, eventually becoming a solo star with his winning combination of rock, pop, and funk (which he called "punk funk"), scoring numerous hits in the '70s and '80s. He became quite the impresario, producing Teena Marie, the Mary Jane Girls, and others. James's biggest visibility in the '90s came from being sampled for M.C. Hammer's megahit "U Can't Touch This," and then from an arrest for drugs and various other more violent crimes. By the end of the decade, however, he was free, clean, and back to recording and performing, getting the chance to clean up his legacy before passing away in 2004. Yours truley owns a custom shop Jackson originally owned by Kenny Hawkins, guitar player in the Rick James Band.
Billy Sheehan hailing from just north of the city, I am gonna guess and say Kenmore, (correct me, if i am wrong), the bassist extrordinare played in the band Talas. Anyone, myself included has seen him at Uncle sams, on Walden, accross from the flea market, and other places. The Tweeds with Dave Constantino and Paul Varga, continue to play today in and around Buffalo. Billy went on to play with Mr. Big, Steve Vai and of course David Lee Roth, he now makes his home in Los Angeles. Billy will often show up for holidays to see his family and have an impromptu Talas reunion with original members Paul Varga and Dave Constantino. Original publicity photo of Talas above. Both those guys play in local band Shy Boy, and can be seen having a blast all over the area. If you would like to see Billy go to his website (link above) and signup, he will notify you when he comes in town.
Ani, hailing from Buffalos West Side, is an accoustic, folk, original virtuoso. Her willingness to stay true to her roots refusing record deals from larger record companys has earned her tons of respect and loyalty from her fans who value her sincerity. Very popular especially on the college circuit and the Bohemian crowd. Ani has shown her Buffalo loyalty by saving a beautiful gothic architecture church on the west side and converting it to a state of the art concert hall.
