Kellie Levans with Joe Leste and Lance Eric from Bang Tango
Kellie Levans with Bang Tango at a practice gig.
Trent Anderson (drummer for Bang Tango ) pointed to Joe Leste (lead vocalist for Bang Tango ) ,who was already being swarmed for autographs up at the bar.I took Trent Anderson's cue and sprinted over to Joe Leste, before he was engulfed with Aqua Net blonde's and bandanna boys alike. “Joe, I have a couple of questions, for you. What song would you be cranking if you were cruising down Sunset Strip having the time of your life?” Joe Leste thought , as he quickly downed a shot of something, and grovelled with a smile and a hint of a good memory, "Back in the Saddle by Aerosmith."
So began my two night rendezvous with Bang Tango.
In the middle of no-where, on a highway in Janesville, Wisconsin , one could have easily missed “The Back Bar,” with a punch of a key on a cell phone.
James Strebel, my camera guy and myself entered the Coyote Ugly type club, received our ALL ACCESS Bang Tango passes, went to the bar and ordered an O’Douls from a tall blond bartender, took a seat at “exit stage left” and watched.....for the first time , BANG TANGO.
Bang Tango is on their well awaited practice gig, (old Motley Crue trick) in preparation for the new LP and arena tour .Joe Leste really reminded me of a Jim Morrison type, smoky, sexy, stunning, and yes, his seductive voice still as whiskey lit as the days on Headbangers Ball. I reached in my Guess bag and sifted out my Canon power shot to capture forever, “Someone Just Like You,” for an upcoming video feature in ALL~MOST FAMOUS VIDEO REVIEW MAGAZINE, viewed on You Tube , Myspace, Facebook, and 1000 other popular internet networks.I swayed up the stage stairs and stood left of the five man underground melodic metal band jam , Bang Tango.I could write you a review, but you can do your own review by pressing play on the videos below.It is already obvious, I was blown away to Rainbow Room heaven.I was there for another reason . I wanted to get to know the guys who really worked for, and lived the rock and roll fantasy .I quickly approached Trent Anderson, Bang Tango drummer , as he completed the set."Can I get all five of you backstage for 7 minutes." I loudly and clearly asked. Trent Anderson looked at me as if to say “good luck. ”
Joe Leste was dynamic , attentive, and really a professional.I then had more time with Trent Anderson, the upbeat, fun loving, drummer, who really is personable and real.The same question addressed to Trent, “what song would you be cranking if you were cruising down Sunset Strip having the time of your life?” “Wasp.” Trent Anderson, who really is a rock addict, currently plays drums for three bands. Trent Anderson was the most fluent and respectful of the five some.Trent led me to Alex Grossi, the guitar player for Bang Tango, Beautiful Creatures and in the past, held a five year gig with Quiot Riot. Alex Grossi was animated and confident . Alex Grossi was really a rocking presence. All was well, until Alex Grossi realized we were on camera. Then came the Sean Penn hand and Alex ranting about , not having his permission to film him. I asked him if we should erase his interview. He quickly relinquished and continued to share his exciting and admirable rock history with us.Alex Grossi's interview led into Anthony Focx, the ex-drummer for Alice Cooper and current guitarist for Beautiful Creatures and Bang Tango. Anthony Focx was really gorgeous and sweet. Anthony was soft spoken and starry -eyed. Anthony Focx seemed a little on the spot and confused and answered each question to the best of his ability at the time.
I was apprehensive about Lance Eric the bassist , because he looked so tough . I thought he was going to roll his eyes at me, think I was a groupie and tell me to get out of his face. Wow, was I wrong. Lance was the big brother of them all, down to earth, fascinating, and light-hearted. I felt instantly comfortable with him and could have talked to him about music for hours.
Gig two, November 24th , Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Job almost not done
ALL HELL BREAKS LOOSE at Vnuk's
I Get to the club, with James the camera guy and Jeff Martin from ALL~MOST FAMOUS VIDEO REVIEW MAGAZINE crew.
Our ALL ACCESS BANG TANGO passes , do not work at door, I cannot reach Trent (the drummer of BT) on his cell phone because he is rocking on the stage . After almost being bounced out (Jeff, James, Kellie) by a HELLS ANGEL look alike , we (Jeff, James, Kellie) relinquish real money for our story.
The three of us(Jeff, James, Kellie) approach the stage, and are ready to rock. James gets out the camera, I fumble for a cigarette and am quickly bounced upon to go to the smoking corner about a block away from the stage. Jeff is all good, jamming.
I finish my smoke and go back up by the stage and my magazine team. At this time my jaw drops , my head spins , and I am aghast as Alex Grossi (guitar, Bang Tango) addresses James (camera guy) from the stage and in an Axl outburst , into the mic.... “ and Mr. You Tube over there has no permission to film us.”
Joe Leste reiterates Alex’s snarls and says “We do not want our rehearsals taped.”
Bang Tango exit’s the stage.
Big bouncer guy grabs James and asks for his video camera. James cusses "you're not getting my camera." I assure the bouncer we had permission from one of the BANG TANGO guys for a story. James is still in a cussing state "Get your hands off me." Jeff (promoter) is trying to settle James down.
To our shock we were not being escorted out , but back stage to be verified (media).
I’m met face to face with Alex Grossi
“Alex, don’t bite the hand that feeds ya,” I retort in a bitchy tone.
I proceeded to cry and tell Alex Grossi how he hurt my feelings by making a public scene. I reminded him ALL~MOST FAMOUS VIDEO REVIEW MAGAZINE had already interviewed him last week and he was cool about it. I also told him if he wanted to treat me like some teenage groupie, I would walk.
Alex Grossi shakes his head from side to side, hands on hips, “who gave you permission, the drummer? Which I might add, has been in the band for two months.”
At this point Jeff (promoter) breaks the ice. He tells Alex congratulations, on the song "Anyone" (Alex Grossi) wrote by Beautiful Creatures . Jeff tells Alex Grossi , how cool it is, that "Anyone" is being featured on the hit series "Sons of Anarchy."
Now, I felt at home in the middle of the chaotic rock jungle.Alex Grossi and I hugged and made-up.
I moved up to the bar by Joe Leste (lead singer)Jeff , James and I hung out with Joe Leste the rest of the night. We talked about Joe Leste's Rolling Stone feature and other memorable music days . Joe Leste told some great stories about the Bang Tango tour in Europe.
Lance Eric informed me that Joe Leste really didn’t mind about the filming. Joe Leste did have a tendency to jump on Alex Grossi's “Axl Outburst” band wagon. Lance informed me, “Joe doesn’t give a shit, and I don't know what the hell is up with Alex."
Anthony Focx (guitar) was listening in on Lance and I, and says “I never did an interview with you.” I gasp, “Anthony, Google “Bang Tango" and see for yourself, the video is all over the internet." “Was I drunk?” Anthony Focx really looks confused. “You tell me?” I laugh , walk away and head back over to Joe Leste. Joe, who was now telling some pretty funny jokes, and I wanted in on all the fun.
Well all bands have their drama
I’m glad I was in the middle of it all.
Alex Grossi rules as a showman and a performer, and has a right to be pissed if taken advantage of.
Which was not my crew’s purpose.
The purpose was to get to know the band that will soon be going platinum with their new album coming out in 2010, Bang Tango is the real thing.
Bang Tango was a trip to hang out with and I would do it again and again, anytime anywhere. These guys are rock and roll direct from the hey day of Sunset Strip. I am here to tell you and show you that BANG TANGO's talent screams volumes above the rest.
Comments