What the hell is this you ask? It's an Old VINNYTOONS poster I did back in the late 1970's. Why are you seeing this? Well, the bands NERVOUS EATERS and VINNY are the bands playing on the new Hurricane TEDDY video above. There's some history here. I've known Steve Cataldo for well over 40 years now. We go way back. Our bands played together many times over the years back in the RAT and CANTONES days.
And Steve and I were once roommates. We not only played together but worked and lived together. Steve produced some of my demos as well back during the heyday of Boston Rock and Roll.
This is a pic of Steve and I at a WERS LIVE Broadcast show in 1980.
And here's another historical photo. That's Richie Bartlett from the FOOLS, Steve Cataldo from NERVOUS EATERS, and me from the VINNY BAND. Ironically, Richie and I ended up being roommates after Steve moved out.
And here's something that not many people remember. I actually joined the FOOLS for a brief period of time when they were just getting off their tour with Van Halen. This is Rock and Roll history
my friends.
And speaking of history Jeff Wilkinson (the drummer you hear playing in the HURRICANE TEDDY video) was the drummer for the NERVOUS EATERS and the FOOLS when I was playing in the band. Jeff passed away way too early in life and he is arguably known as one of the BEST Rock and Roll drummers in the history of Boston Rock.
And speaking of Boston Rock and Roll drummers. There's nobody with more R&R credentials than this man standing in the middle. David Robinson of the CARS and The MODERN LOVERS. David produced all of my (VINNY) singles and our LP "OLAS DE SEXO" And to add more irony, standing next to David is Rick Harte who has recorded more Boston Rock and Roll bands than anyone. Including the NERVOUS EATERS with his recent release HOT STEEL AND ACID. Watch the video and listen to the audio track. Both of these producers work will fill your ears with some great sounds and remind you all of their role in Boston Rock history.
Rick even recorded the VINNY BAND'S song "NO FUTURE" (which could still be a noteworthy release today considering the climate we all live in).
*The ACE OF HEARTS story along with the NERVOUS EATERS
"Hot steel and Acid" CD can be purchased by clicking on the images down in the right hand column of the Blog.
And last but not least. The other connection to all of this Boston R&R History.
33 years ago this coming Saturday October 10th, 2020
Cory and I will be celebrating our 33rd Wedding Anniversary. My best man was my brother Johnny (who plays on the VINNY songs in the video) and Cory's Maid of Honor was none other than WBCN DJ Tami Heide. And...(what there's more?) Yes there's more. The photo up in the beginning of this column? The Black and White pic of Steve and I at the VINNY LIVE BROADCAST at WERS? Well...young Tami Heide was the DJ that night.
Now you know the REST OF THE STORY.
I LOVE you baby, HAPPY 33rd! It's been one hell of a ride so far. I can only imagine what the future will bring us. But I know we will be ready with whatever comes our way, as long as we're together. Here's to many more!
"HURRICANES, ROCK AND ROLL, SURFING, AND LOVE HEALS
ALL WOUNDS!"
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This week's Ed's corner is Phil Carey (who gets some good waves in the TEDDY video). This was shot on September 28th, 2009. Phil's such a good guy and a great surfer.
Photo by Ed O'Connell
*Click the photo above to see a larger version of Ed's Pic.
Now for Some Local and National News
That presidential debate? Was anything but Presidential. What a complete embarrassment. For both sides. If you think your man did better than his opponent you need to watch it again. I'm convinced more than ever, that we are in a world of shit. They were both awful. Just awful. They both lied through their teeth. They both talked over one another, and they both said some incredibly rude remarks to one another. There were no winners that night. Only losers. And nobody lost more than the very fabric of America that night. God Help Us All.
One of these two lying sacks of shit will be our next president.
And just when you thought the "theater of the absurd" couldn't get any worse? 45 goes and tests positive for COVID. You know, you just can't make this shit up. Good Lord...
Here's 45 stepping off MARINE ONE as he walks off to an uncertain future at WALTER REED HOSPITAL. My belief is he will beat this like millions of others in the US already have. We might be more concerned if he was elderly, and overweight. Wait...Damn you COVID!
And speaking of COVID...Cam Newton of the Patriots tested positive for COVID. What the ever loving hell is going on? Has the world suddenly turned upside down on us? Damn again.
But this just might be the biggest loss
to COVID for Surfers.
The following is an excerpt from surfertoday.com
Surfer Magazine announced the end of its regular print editions. It's the end of the surfing's golden era.
Todd Prodanovich, editor-in-chief of Surfer Magazine, revealed that issue number three of volume 61 will be the legendary publication's farewell issue.
"The whole staff got let go yesterday, but I feel like we're ending on a high note with this one," Prodanovich wrote on his Instagram page. Surfer Magazine was founded in 1960 by surfer-writer-teacher John Severson.
In February 2019, American Media announced the acquisition of Adventure Sports Network (ASN), the owner of Surfer Magazine. Nevertheless, the iconic surf publication changed ownership and management several times throughout its history.
However, declining sales and the introduction of a global pandemic in an already fragile industry put an end to the longest-running surf magazine.
ON A PERSONAL Note: This is part of my youth. SURFER was the Bible of Surfing for 60 years. I grew up reading it and anxiously waiting for each new issue. I think that of all the incredible losses due to the Pandemic, this one hurts the most. It's truly an end of an era. And not for nothing, but to end 60 years of SURFER with this issue? I think was a sad way to go out. They should have stuck with their original plan to do a recap on the last 60 years. Instead of getting caught up in this political wave. Yes that pun was intended.
Goodbye SURFER...we are going to miss you.
ESM (Eastern Surf Magazine) using a READY MAG format did the Best of Ralph's Pic. And while they couldn't possibly use everything thing I've ever done, they did manage to put up some 50 pics of mine, plus two videos. And I was truly humbled by their intro. Mez said some nice things about me. CLICK ON THE IMAGE ABOVE TO SEE THE WHOLE Spread.
KSM Photoshop of the Week
The debate last week was such a debacle the only thing that might have saved it would be to have Khaliddy replace Chris Wallace. Wallace had NO control of those two geezers. At least KSM would have made them shut up when they needed to shut up. I swear, the absurdity never stops. And I am guilty of this absurdity. But admit it, this is what you like. The absurd.
And so my friends, please take advantage of this weekly photo shop of the mastermind who planned 9-11 and resulted in the deaths of 3,000 innocent civilians by KSM (Khalid Sheik Mohammed).
*Note to self -must pick up a case of HOW TO DEBATE FOR DUMMIES books at Home Depot this week.
HAPPY 10th BIRTHDAY Patch September 23rd, 2020!
HAPPY 7th BIRTHDAY Avery September 25th, 2020!
HAPPY 33rd Anniversary Ralph and Cory 10-10-20!
HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY October 19th, 2020.
PLEASE Keep 97 yr old Frank Grondin in your thoughts and prayers, as well as Chuck (Kim's dad) and Mrs Berardini (Tony's 99 yr old mom) in your thoughts and prayers.
We'd all love to see her make it to her 100th Birthday in December. She's a fighter, but she could use some help. Your prayers can help. Thank you.
PLEASE Keep longtime NH Surfer Greg Smith in your Prayers.
Please
Support ALL The photographers who contribute to
Ralph's Pic Of The Week every week for the last 16 years.
** BUY a HIGH RES Photo
from any of the weeks on RPOTW.
Remember
my friends... Surfing Heals All Wounds.
Pray for Surf. Pray for Peace. Surf For Fun.
Ralph
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