The New Jersey rock band Lost Romance has been plugging away since 2011, averaging close to 100 shows a year. On Saturday, March 30, 2024 they will have a show unlike any they've done before when they present a celebration of The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion album by The Black Crowes. The show takes place at McLoone's Supper Club in Asbury Park and they've put together a supergroup of Jersey musicians (Joshua Van Ness, Ryan Greg, Deseree Spinks, Kindra Rose, and Sandy Mack!) to be part of the night.
In addition to the songs by The Black Crowes, Lost Romance will do a set of their own originals as well. Their sound will appeal to fans of bands like The Replacements, Hüsker Dü, and The Lemonheads, as well as Jersey legends like The Smithereens and The Gaslight Anthem.
I reached out to Lost Romance founder Gerry Perlinski to learn more about the show.
What does The Southern Harmony and Musical Companion album mean to you?
This album to me is a moment in time and yet it is completely timeless at the same time. What I mean by that is that it is a snapshot of 1992, the era and all that goes with it, but still has a backbone that sounds as good today as it did when it came out because it contains a tried and true rock n' roll songwriting style, spirit, and vibe.
Have you ever played any of the songs from the album live before?
Actually, we have not. So this would be us going all in!
Has Lost Romance ever done a tribute night like this before?
Although we haven't done a show quite like this, we have done several Halloween shows over the years at an event called The Ghost Of Uncle Joe's in Jersey City. For those shows we picked a band that we enjoy and do a set of their music dressed up as them. We've done The Smithereens, Hüsker Dü and The Stone Roses. But as far doing a set of album material, this is the first time. I wouldn't really call this a tribute, but more of a celebration of the album and the band.
Did a new album by The Black Crowes inspire this show at all?
I would like to say it did, but to be honest, I had the inspiration about a year before we booked this show. Maybe I was tuned into something in the air? That being said, the new songs that I've heard by them are great!
I initially thought about doing this show while on a road trip in Upstate NY near the Canadian border. I was driving down this country road and the song, “Sometimes Salvation” popped into my mind so I put it on. I hadn't listened to that album in years and it just hit me in the best way.
You've got an interesting list of guest musicians playing with the band. Did you reach out to artists or put up a notice about the album to attract musicians?
We are lucky enough to know a lot of amazing New Jersey based musicians. So when I got the idea to play the album in its entirety, I pulled upon my friends to put together a killer lineup for this special show. Each player was either a friend or someone who was highly recommended by other musician friends we know.
Lost Romance will be performing an opening set of originals that night as well. I've noticed quite a few bands doing a combo of original songs and a tribute night. Do you see this as a good way of expanding your audience into fans of the Black Crowes?
Any chance we have of expanding our audience to me is a good thing. Whether it is opening up for larger acts or being on a diverse bill or festival, we love to play for new people. If those people happen to be Black Crowes fans and we win them over, all the better!
Your band has been around for over a decade now. What has kept you guys going?
Has it really been that long? LOL! I guess it has. Time flies when you are having fun. I guess what really keeps us going is the new music and getting to play it live. Coming up with new songs is always exciting and to play them in front of a live audience still gives us a thrill. Playing them all across the US in front of new fans makes it even more fun.
I know Lost Romance released a new single ("Limousine") a few months ago, any plans for an upcoming album? Or do you think you're more likely to releases singles from now on?
We will continue to release singles as well as full length albums. Releasing singles is a great way to present our music to the fans expeditiously. It gives them a taste of what's to come on our full length albums. It's a journey and we are taking everyone along for the ride.
Anything you'd like people to know about the show?
We would like people to know that this will be a special night in a special venue. Not only is Tim McLoone's a great music venue, but a fantastic restaurant as well. It is also an all ages event.
Tickets are available for purchase online (but going fast, grab yours now). McLoone's Supper Club is located at 1200 Ocean Avenue in Asbury Park, New Jersey. Showtime is 8:00pm.
