By Danny Coleman
originally published: 07/03/2015
"Known for living up to their name, the band partied so long and so hard that even Keith Richards thought they needed to slow things down."
The above quote is from the FX Network's website as it "Amps up" the promotional volume for the debut of "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll;" starring comedian/actor/musician Dennis Leary and Nickelodeon's Elizabeth (Liz) Gillies.
The show is based on a fictional '90's New York rock band called The Heathens, whose claim to fame is that they fell apart and broke up on the same day their first album was released. Leary plays lead singer "Johnny Rock" whose on and off stage antics added to the bands reputation as a "Kick ass" live act and hard partying mythical force.
Leary, Gillies and band drummer Bobby Kelly recently held a New York City press conference where members of the media were privy to the first three thirty minute episodes prior to the show's debut on July 16. Episode 1 provided feedback on the band's background; minor details such as, the band's break up ensued because Leary's character was found in bed with the wife of "Flash," the band's lead guitarist (played by John Corbett). We also discover an amazing ironic twist existing between "Gigi" (Gillies) and Leary's character.
The cast, rounded out by bass player "Rehab" (played by John Ales), Johnny's longtime girlfriend "Ava" (played by Elaine Hendrix), Leary and crew do an outstanding job at recreating the sometimes drama filled life of a rock band. One particular scene where the band discusses the ground rules on dealing with Gigi and parts of her anatomy stands out in particular, if you've ever been in a band you'll understand; if not you'll still see the humor.
Episodes 2 and 3 reveal more of the shows subplots involving drug use, egos, shattered and potential dreams. Here again the cast is superb and are a perfect dysfunctional family, a marriage of people who fight for one another; yet will not trust each other one iota. The use of classic rock stars both in name and in cameo appearances is both well done and well timed. The show is fast paced, much like Leary's old stand-up routines but easy to digest. They mince no words in the script nor in Episode 3 where some strong character development takes place, if you're not sucked in fully by the end of Episode 1; you'll be totally addicted by the end of the third.
Post previews; Leary, Gillies and Kelly held an old fashioned Q & A where Leary took the lead and was his classic self. Using expressive, colorful and quite descriptive adjectives; Dennis explained the premise and experiences that led up to the shows concept and development. "I've been in the same band for twenty five years," he started; "This whole thing came very easily to me."
Confessing that he found Gillies from the recommendation of two younger children who were fans of the Nickelodeon show "Victorious" and comedian turned drummer Bobby Kelly from working the circuit together; Leary is rightfully pleased with the ensemble cast. Gillies, along with John Corbett and John Ales all had a variety of entertainment backgrounds; while Kelly learned to play the drums for his role on the program. "Who thought that at my age I'd learn to play the drums? It is the coolest thing I've ever done! It wasn't the easiest but it's definitely the coolest," said an obviously happy Kelly.
Overall, the show really delivers. The cast is spectacular, Leary is outstanding as a washed up rocker trying to make a comeback, Corbett is the perfect antagonist, Ales the unassuming one and Kelly the lovable glue who tries to hold them all together. Musicians and non-musicians alike will love this program; it packs a lot of thought provoking laughs and moments into thirty minutes. This program is definitely Emmy worthy and much more.
For more info about "Sex & Drugs & Rock & Roll," and the July 16 premier; please go to www.fxnetworks.com/shows/sex-drugs-rock-roll/episodes
That's it for this week! Please continue to support live and original music and until next week....ROCK ON!
THIS WEEKS CALENDAR LISTINGS
Alchemist & Barrister
28 Witherspoon Street Princeton
(609) 924-5555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Spanky's Garage
All shows 21+
29 Church St. Windsor
Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
(609) 448-7144
Thurs. 6:30 p.m. "Country" Ron Crites
Fri. 8 p.m. Lonnie Youngblood
Sat. 8 p.m. Closed due to July 4th. Holiday
Tues. 8 p.m. Ambiance the Duo
Blend Bar & Bistro
911 Highway 33, Hamilton
(609) 245-8887
Tues. 8 p.m. Triviajam
The Backstage at Championship Bar
931 Chambers St. Trenton
Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
Fri. 7 p.m. The Shit Show, Forsaken By Destiny, Reverse Psychology, (TBA). All ages, $10
Candlelight Lounge
24 Passaic St. Trenton
(609) 695-9612
Sat. 3 p.m. Annual Jazz BBQ Special
Chickie's & Pete's
183 US Highway 130 North Bordentown
(609) 298-9182
Tues. 8 p.m. Acoustic Music Night feat. The Dawgs
Wed. 9 p.m. Trivia Night
Dog & Bull Brew House
810 Bristol Pike (Rte. 13) Croydon, PA.
(215) 788-2855
Thurs. 8 p.m. Dane Rosenfeld
Fri. (4 p.m.) "Happy Hour Jam" feat. David Dzubinski Group (9 p.m.) Johnny Moskal
Sat. (11 a.m.) "Saturday Brunch Jam" feat. David Dzubinski Group
Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
Sun. (11 a.m.) "Sunday Brunch" feat. Dick Gratton (3 p.m.) Tommy Griggz
Mon. 8 p.m. The Keith Lesnik Trio
Tues. 8 p.m. Sister Blue
Wed. 8 p.m.
Fran's Pub
116 S. Main St. New Hope, PA.
(215)862-5539
Thurs. 9 p.m. Curtain Call
Mon. 8 p.m. Open Blues Jam
All shows 21+
Havana New Hope
105 S. Main Street. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-9897
Thurs. 10 p.m. "Beat The Clock" College Night DJ Dance Party
Fri. 9:30 p.m. DJ Dance Party
Sat. 8:30 p.m. Coast 2 Coast
Sun. 4 p.m. Ladies 2000
Mon. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron
Advertise with New Jersey Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info
Wed. 8 p.m. Pat Foran & Friends
Hopewell Valley Vineyards
46 Yard Rd. Pennington
(609) 737-4465
Sat. 6 p.m. Deb & Mike
Ivy Tavern
3108 S. Broad Street, Hamilton
(609) 888-1435
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
Fri. 10 p.m. Papa Deluxe
Sat. 10 p.m. Perfect Strangers
All shows 21+
John & Peter's
96 S. Main St. New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-5981
Thurs. 9 p.m. Justin Pope
Fri. 9 p.m. Caffeine Machine
Sat. 9 p.m. Kuf Knotz
Sun. 3 p.m. Ran Tan Toon
Mon. 9 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Tim
Tues. 9 p.m. Front Royal, Patrick Leaver, Nick Voyack
Wed. 9:30 p.m. The Invitational
All shows 21+
JoJo's Tavern
2677 Nottingham Way Hamilton
(609) 586-2678
Wed. 10 p.m. Karaoke
Laurita Winery
85 Archertown Rd. New Egypt
(609) 752-0200
Sun. 1 p.m. Deb & Mike
Palermo's Of Hamilton
310 Klockner Rd. Hamilton
(609) 838-7979
Thurs. 9 p.m. Karaoke
All shows 21+
Patriot's Crossing
1339 River Rd. Titusville
(609) 737-2780
Fri. 7:30 p.m. Mike Macmanus
Pete's Steak House
523 Whitehorse Ave. Hamilton
(609) 585-8008
Fri. 9:30 p.m. The Separations
Sat. 9:30 p.m. Closed due to July 4th. Holiday
Randy Now's Man Cave
134 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 424-3766
Check web site for upcoming shows
RHO Waterfront
50 Riverview Plaza Trenton
(609) 393-7300
Fri./Sat. Closed due to July 4th. Holiday
Sun. Selecta Bamm Bamm Presents: "Foam Party" w/ DJs Volume 1, Young Rass, Banky Hype. $10 (Before 11 p.m.)
All Shows 21+
Tavern On The Lake101 Main St. Hightstown
(609) 426-9345
Fri. 9 p.m. (TBA)
Sat. 9 p.m. (TBA)
Wed. 8 p.m. Karaoke Night
The HOB Tavern
146 Second Street
(609) 291-7020
Sat. 9 p.m. Karaoke
The Ivy Inn
248 Nassau St. Princeton
(609) 921-8555
Thurs. 10 p.m. Karaoke w/ DJ Ron
Fri. 10 p.m. DJ Fatha Ramzee
Tues. 8 p.m. Quizzo w/ Bob E Luv
Wed. (8:30 p.m.) Tune Trivia (10:30 p.m.) DJ Rockn Ron
The Millhill Basement
300 South Broad St Trenton
(609) 989-1600
Fri. 9 p.m. Entropy, The Young Rochelles, (TBA). $6
The Record Collector
358 Farnsworth Avenue Bordentown
(609) 324-0880
Thurs. 8 p.m. Runaway Dorothy / Danielle Steward. All ages, doors at 7:30 p.m., $12 (advance)
The Sticky Wicket
2465 South Broad St. Hamilton
(609) 439-0007
Fri. 9 p.m. DJ Entertainment
The Sun National Bank Center
81 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 656-3200
Check web site for upcoming events
Tilted Kilt
557 US Hwy. 130 North, Hamilton
(609) 585-1800
Fri. 9 p.m. (TBA)
Tir Na Nog
1324 Hamilton Ave. Trenton
(609) 392-2554
Fri. 9 p.m. (TBA)
All shows 21+
Trenton Buzz702 Pine St. Trenton
(609) 392-6000
Thurs. 8 p.m. Open Mic. w/ Hek Cat
Trenton Social
449 South Broad Street Trenton
(609) 989-7777
Thurs. 8:30 p.m. Cinema Thursday Presents: (TBA)
Fri. 7 p.m. First Friday
Mon. 10 p.m. Service Industry Night w/ DJ-Jay Kountree
Tues. 7 p.m. Open Mic.
Triumph Brewing Company (New Hope, Pa. Location)
400 Union Square New Hope, Pa.
(215) 862-8300
Fri. 10 p.m. (TBA) ($5 cover charge)
Sat. 10 p.m. Spiritual Rez. ($5 cover charge)
Sun. 7 p.m. Open Jam Night
Wed. 9 p.m. Joshua Fletcher
All shows 21+
Wildflowers Inn
2572 Pennington Rd. Pennington
Sat. 9 p.m. Acoustic Rock
All shows 21+
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