Tuesday September 15th, 2009
JUST ANOTHER DAY LIVE
Jon Secada - Just Another Day (Live Version)
1997 I think. Don't remember where and I don't remember how. All I remember was it was fun
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Wednesday September 9h, 2009
YMCA
I have been asked to run the pilot program for the Paul Green School Of Rock Music at the YMCA in Weston. It is affiliated with all the great folks at the Coral Springs PGSORM. Program begins October 8th. Sounds like fun.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________August 25th, 2009
BRAVE NEW WORLD
With all the Twittering and Facebooking I have completely neglected this site. I will be more attentive now. BTW the Takanaka Vids I had posted here were removed by youtube for violation of their copyright rules.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Thursday March 5th, 2009
AINHOA
This is a video from a Spanish artist [actually FROM Spain] named Ainhoa. I co-wrote and produced this track for her debut album. Someone sent me the link so, I figured I would post it here. Apparently, during board meetings in Spain anything can happen....even spontaneous dance routines.Gotta love that. Actually, Ainhoa was great to work with and I wish her continued success.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Saturday February 8th, 2009
LA STORY
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Saturday February 8th, 2009
LAUREN FHM
Here is a photo from Lauren's FHM piece. It appeared last month in the UK version of the mag. It's a very tasteful layout with some fantastic photos. FHM in the UK is in every garage [ British for gas station] ,Tesco [grocery chain] and everywhere fine periodicals are sold. Unfortunately only in the UK. Here is a link to the article online Lauren Harris FHM
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Friday January 23rd, 2009
LAUREN ON THE 'BLAIRING OUT' SHOW
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Thursday January 8th, 2009
NARAS EVENT
I am hosting the monthly NARAS networking event for January at the Hard Rock in Hollywood. I want everyone to come out to this one. We will have dancing girls, acrobats and maybe even a celebrity or two. OK...maybe not acrobats.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Thursday January 1st, 2009
LAUREN WORLDWIDE SINGLE RELEASE
Lauren's single 'Your Turn' is officially the first single of 2009.
This from the British Press....Lauren Harris look all sat to be the UK's next rock chick and our answer to stars like Pink, Katy Perry and Avril Lavigne, is set to 'rock around the clock' on New Years Eve. A worldwide campaign is being launched and her debut single 'Your Turn' is the track that has been chosen as the first single to be released this way. This is the first time anything like this has ever been done on this scale and a first for worldwide distributor 'The Orchard' who will coordinate all of the digital downloads.
"The recent global success of American female rock/pop artists such as Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus and Pink has opened up the rock genre to a far more mainstream market. More importantly, there is a gap in the British market for our very own Rock Goddess. We are proud to be working alongside Demolition Records and The Orchard with a British artist who can rival these American acts. What better way to bring in 2009, than with a new star born at midnight!" Taken from her critically acclaimed debut album, 'Calm Before The Storm', which features performances from her father, Iron Maiden founder and bassist, Steve Harris on a number of tracks - the first time he has played on anything besides a Maiden track, ever! An original rock chick, Lauren is no stranger to touring around the world. She has already performed in front of millions worldwide and will again be wowing audiences with her energetic stage presence on her upcoming world tour. 'Calm Before The Storm'is an eclectic mix of high-energy pop-rock tracks and has already received rave reviews in the alternative press. Lauren is now launching a full on assault on the British public. Her catchy power-pop songs draw comparisons to American acts such as The Donnas and Paramore as well as more mainstream artists such as Avril Lavigne and Pink but with a distinctly British attitude and sound. "She has the lungpower and poise to roam the heartland of American rock radio" - Kerrang! "Watch out - there's a new rock chick in town!" - Rock Sound Magazine
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Wednesday December 31st, 2008
HAPPY NEW YEAR
Here we go... a whole new year coming up. I want to thank everyone on the Lauren Harris tour for making it one of the highlights of my musical career. Thanks to all the Maiden fans who made us feel amazingly welcome as the opening act for their last couple tours. Special thanks to Steve Altman and Geoff Robinson for all the logistics ETC!!
I know this upcoming year will bring some new challenges. I can't wait to tackle it all
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Saturday December 20th, 2008
LAUREN SINGLE RELEASE
Lauren's single will be the first single released in 2009. Click on the link at her myspace page and be the first on your block to have the new Your Turn single. But you have to wait till 12:01 am on the first of January.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Sunday December 7th, 2008
OLIVER SMYTHINGTON-SMITH
Lauren starts her UK headline tour tomorrow. I wanted to wish all you guys a fun rockin time. I , of course, won't be there......but the good news is Uncle Olly is filling in on the kit. The above pic is said Uncle Olly on our trip to Moscow a few months ago. So.... have fun kids and take photos. I can't wait to hear all about it.
And Randy - t's too late you have already grown up and guess what ...you ARE just like me. Love to you all!!
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Friday November 14th, 2008
PROP 8
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Tuesday November 4th, 2008
DECISION DAY
Today is the day!!!
Poster Art by Shepard Fairey
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Wednesday October 22th, 2008
I'M JUST SAYING [OR MR LEFSETZ IS JUST SAYIN]
You've got to start making records for yourself. Forget satisfying the system. The system is decrepit and falling apart. IF you homogenized your sound to fit radio...you'd find out that the radio in your mind has already evaporated and what is left is highly formulaic, doesn't include many genres and is listened to fewer people than before. The story of the summer isn't that Kid Rock had a hit without iTunes, but that after a year in the marketplace, "Rock N Roll Jesus" has sold a mere two million copies. That's with the biggest hit of the summer! A multi-format smash! You're better off buying Seth Godin's "Tribes" than reading "Billboard". The question is, not how can you get on the radio, but how can you build your own coterie, your dedicated tribe, that will keep you alive. And how they remunerate you might not resemble any of the twentieth century business models. Make music that satisfies you. Forget the media outlets, go directly to the consumer. Can you get people excited? If you can, they will tell other people. It is very important that you abandon old wave marketing techniques. Street teams, carpet bombing, unsolicited e-mail and MP3s... You can try these, but they don't work, they just serve to alienate people. Your community must drive your career. Not your label, not radio and not "Rolling Stone". Sure, the old outlets still have some power, but it is rapidly fading. And unless you want to have a one year career, NEXT YEAR, you're better off abandoning the old game and going your own way. You don't want to hear this. You want it to be easier. You want to be rescued. But there's no government bailout for artists. You're lucky if people steal your music. Then maybe they'll become fans, and buy tickets to see you live. A fan will send you e-mail, which you must answer. A fan will sign up for your tweets. A fan will befriend you on Facebook. A fan will buy your merch. T-shirts as a badge of honor. Special edition packages, books. Instead of lamenting your inability to sell CDs, construct other products that fans can buy. Even at the micro level, 100 copies of a $100 package is TEN THOUSAND DOLLARS!! In the old days, you sold a person a CD and then they were done. Your fan will buy the special package AND additional merchandise. A fan will pick you up at the airport. A fan will let you stay at his house. A fan will bring all his friends to the show. A fan wants access. If you provide this, you'll be stunned at what you get in return. But you've got to give something in return. You can't be aloof. You've got to get down into the pit with your fans. And not worry whatsoever what the mainstream media has to say about your success. Not worry if the A&R man comes to your show. Not worry about hiring a promo man to get your song on the radio. Your goal is no longer to get paid by the label, but to get paid by your audience. Figure it out.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Monday October 20th, 2008
LAUREN TOUR
Lauren is doing a headline Club tour in the UK and Europe.I will not be on this one. I have a project that keeps me here in the States. Make sure you get out to see her. I know that they are going to be featuring songs from the album that she has not done live. Should be great. Write in and let me know how it's going!
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Tuesday September 16th, 2008
BUDAPEST BLOG
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Saturday August 30th, 2008
ALL DONE
We are all finished with the Maiden support slot. It was an exhilarating 6 months. We did 68 shows in 35 countries. Including Moscow which was absolutely amazing. I have to personally thank all of the members of Lauren's band and all of our crew including Olly 'Camp Hands' Smith, Greg'Essay' Caley, Johnny B [who is technically on the Maiden crew]. Also all of the Maiden crew who worked our set also; Doug Hall [FOH], Squid [who did our monitors], Rob Coleman [Lighting Director],Bill Conte [Stage Manager], Peter Lokrantz for helping me keep my head on straight, Jason Danter [Production Manager] who always treated us with respect. And of course all of the rest of the Maiden 'Killer Crew'.
These types of tours take their toll on everyone. They are exhausting, debilitating, tedious, thrilling and more satisfying than anyone can imagine. So thank you Iron Maiden and especially thank you Steve Harris for giving us the opportunity to be part of this historic extravaganza.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Thursday August 7th, 2008
ATHENS AGAIN VBLOG
We are in Warsaw, Poland today. We started two days ago in Bucharest, Romania drove 14 hours to Budapest, Hungary. Stayed in Budapest for 11 hours and then drove 16 hours to get to Warsaw. ANd I might add over some of the worst roads I have ever been on, but we are here.These crowds in Eastern Europe have been just fantastic. Can't wait for the Czech Republic and even Russia.
The video fottage is from Athens. I am getting footage of all these countries that are currently in and I will post that as soon as I have enough.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Saturday August 2nd, 2008
ATHENS,GREECE
We are in Athens today. We had a 5 and 1/2 hour delay yesterday leaving Berlin Airport so we arrived in Athens around 2 in the morning.
We did our last show with the Avenged Sevenfold guys at the Wacken Festival in Germany. If you have the chance to see Avenged live you should go they are great.
Off to Bucharest, Romania tomorrow. The photo is me with Richie and Syn Gates of Avenged.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Saturday July 26th, 2008
In Gothenburg, Sweden today. We are about half way through this European run with Iron Maiden. We also have Avenged Sevenfold out here with us since Italy. Great guys from Orange County and fantastic musicians. After today's show we are off to Horsens in Denmark. Which means another 7am ferry and 4am bus call which really means no sleep again. I am not really complaining, the shows are going great and we are also selling tons of CDs at the venues.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Saturday July 19th, 2008
STOCKHOLM SILLYNESS
In Tampere, Finland today. All is great. On to Norway with a 24 hour or more bus ride.....Great , that means more time for VBlog footage.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Monday July 7th, 2008
PARIS TRIP VBLOG
Here is the Paris VBlog. I was filming Sharon Richardson in front of Notre Dame cathedral and I inadvertently caught this poor woman fall. Now I take no joy in watching people get hurt but, there IS a comedic aspect to someone losing their footing. I think it's all those years of watching America's Funniest Home Videos. So, in that spirit, I left the footage in. The woman was not hurt. As a matter of fact, you can see her get up and continue in the video. She was fine and everyone just went about their business.
The Twickenham show near London was really great. The audience was the best London audience we have ever had. We had a lot of our friends come out and met a whole lot of new ones. Thanks to all. We are off to Portugal tonight.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Wednesday July 2nd, 2008
GRASSPOP
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Monday June 23rd, 2008
'CALM BEFORE THE STORM' ON ITUNES HERE
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Wednesday June 18th, 2008
NY VBLOG
All the Jersey shows including Madison Square Garden are finished. I want to thank everyone who came out early to see Lauren perform. I also want to thank all the people at Big Machine Media, Munsey and all at Super D distributors. And of course, Brian and Shannon for always brightening up the backstage area.
We are in Maryland today and then it's off to Boston.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Monday June 9th, 2008
CANADA OR BUST VBLOG
Here is a new VBLog on the road to Canada.
We are in Winnepeg tonight. These Canada shows are going really well, everyone is playing really well and the crowds are great.
Lauren's album is offically realeased tomorrow.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Monday June 2nd, 2008
THE OC VBLOG
Today we are in Seattle. Spent the day off driving 22 hours from Orange County ,California. Thanks again to all who made it out to the shows at Irvine Meadows. All the fine folks from Super D, Bobby Boos from Sabian [ who brought some beautiful shiny new cymbals] , Christi and crew, Rebecca. We missed you Mel..sorry about the car issues.
We also had Anthrax on the bill with us. They were fantastic. Got to meet Charlie, Frank and all the guys from the group and John Tempesta to boot. It was a drummers convention.
After tonight's show it's over the border to Canada!!!
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Tuesday May 27th, 2008
WRONG TURN AT ALBUQUERQUE
Here is a combination Albuequerque/Phoenix VBlog. The interview footage is Eric from 'Brave Words Bloody Knuckles' with Lauren and Dave from Peavey. We also got some shweet leather cuffs from celebrity designer Alan. Fabuloso.
Today we are in Newport Beach in the OC in Southern California.Day off.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Friday May 24th, 2008
HOUSTON WE HAVE A... NEVERMIND
A quick VBlog put together on the bus on a day off in Arlington, Texas
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Friday May 20th, 2008
US TOUR
We just got into San Antonio Texas. Tomorrow is our first show of the US tour with Maiden. I spent the day with tech Ollie sorting through all my new DDrum and Sabian gear. The kit looks fantastic. It's black , I wanted silver sparkle but all they had available was black. I want to thank Tim See at DDrum for making sure I got the kit on time. And also a big up to Bobby Boos at Sabian who always comes through. While I am at it ...a really big thanks to Marco and Ben at Vic Firth sticks for sending out all the drumsticks.
Everyone else went to the Riverwalk in San Antonio and I stayed on the bus to sleep. Our bus has satellite tv and internet. A far cry from the last time we did a bus tour. Tomorrow is our first show. I have to say I am really excited to see how the American audiences respond to Lauren's music. Back at'cha later!!
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Friday May 2nd, 2008
GEARING UP
OK, so now we are about 3 weeks away from our first ever tour of the US. It is gonna be fantastic. Plus, Lauren's record will be released while we are touring. I am hoping for a lot of press, a lot of talking with the people at the shows to really find out what everyone thinks of Lauren's music.
The photo is by John McMurtrie. John was with us for the whole 'Monster Plane' run. He is a great guy and a world class photographer. This shot was not "Photoshopped". It was taken in Sydney Harbor in Australia.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Tuesday April 22nd, 2008
LAUREN'S DEBUT RELEASE
This from the Iron Maiden website.....
LAUREN HARRIS DEBUT ALBUM "CALM BEFORE THE STORM" TO BE RELEASED SOON! FREE DOWNLOAD TRACK!! LAUREN CONTINUES TOURING WITH IRON MAIDEN ON THEIR SUMMER TOUR OF NORTH AMERICA AND EUROPE. Lauren Harris' eagerly anticipated debut album, "CALM BEFORE THE STORM", will be available for download on 19th May. The 11 song album, written over the past 3 years, has the album's lead track STEAL YOUR FIRE available for FREE download now! (go to www.myspace.com/laurenharrisuk) Lauren is the daughter of Iron Maiden's Steve Harris who guests on various tracks of the album, the first time he has played on any recording other than those of Maiden. The album includes FULL artwork and an EXCLUSIVE video show reel for download and is priced at just $5.00 USD for a limited period only. The CD version of the album will be released worldwide on June 23rd through Demolition DR2 Records and will include an extra bonus track, a cover of UFO's 'Natural Thing' and a seperate DVD disc which will include the showreel, 2 full promo videos and slide show.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Monday April, 14th 2008
VIC FIRTH
I wanted to let everyone know that the finest maker of drumsticks and mallets in the world ... Vic Firth has agreed to take me on as an endorsee. Which means I get to play Vic Firth sticks exclusively. It also means no traveling around Sao Paulo, Brazil trying to find the right size drumsticks on our only day off... right Greg!!
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Thursday April, 10th 2008
GALAPAGOS ISLANDS
Spent 10 days in the Galapagos with my family. We saw Giant Tortoises, swam with White Tip Sharks, hung out with Sea Lions and generally had a fantastic time. It was great to actually not have to worry about what time lobby call was in the morning. Although, we did have to get up every morning early to go on the shore excursions. We begin the US leg of the tour in about 5 weeks, so we are gearing up.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Sunday March, 23rd 2008
HARD ROCK MEXICO INTERVIEW
Someone put up some footage of an interview we did in Mexico. So, I thought I'd post it here. I also want to thank my biggest fan , purfekstranger, for keeping me honest.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Thursday March, 20th 2008
MONSTER PLANE TOUR IS OVER
We are done with the Maiden 'Ed Force One' tour. Thanks to everyone that came out to see us. Thanks to all the Maiden band, crew and support people that were with us. I have plenty of great footage from the flights, I am just not sure how much of it I can post.
The last two shows were particularly good. Although, once again, Richie couldn't do the Meadlands show due to visa restrictions. Dave Patenden filled in for both the Meadowlands and the San Juan shows. Dave did a great job and we really thank him for 'stepping up' and bailing us out.
The vid above is from Keith. It looks great ,brother. Thanks for putting it together and we will see you soon.
Next up is ..... I will keep you posted.
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Tuesday March, 11th 2008
CURITIBA CRAZINESS
Tommy
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_______________________________________________________________Friday March, 7th 2008
SAO PAULO VBLOG
Tommy