Author Archives: Salvi C.

by Salvi C. | May 18, 2012 · 10:44 am

It’s Showtime

We here in Boston are girding our collective loins, whatever that means, in anticipation of the upcoming Manitoba invasion. It’s been 9 years since the loud and the proud have graced us with their presence.

Boston has always had a weird relationship with the band, and vice versa. The music and musicians are always welcomed with open arms. The “Yankees Uber Alles” attitude, not so much. Over/under on the length of time between them hitting the stage and the first insult exchange = 2 minutes.

While we wait, those of you in the NYC area have pul-enty of ops to see our boys. Tonight, Andy and the Master Plan are playing their first gig in two years at the Bowery Electric, in support of Denis Tek of the legendary Radio Birdman. It’s an early show. Tomorrow night, you can head to Webster Hall for the Joey Ramone Birthday Bash, which will feature both JP and RTB.

— Salvi C.

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Filed under 'Tators Tracker, Adny

by Salvi C. | April 11, 2012 · 9:38 am

In Appreciation of Richie Teeter

Rich Teeter performs at the Left Bank in 1980

Photo by Jim Bradt, from the Cincotta Archives

We’re reeling from the news of Rich Teeter’s passing after a struggle with esophageal cancer.

Rich was the rarest of musicians, a singing drummer who didn’t sing enough. He was blessed with a tremendous voice, and we were so lucky to be able to hear him sing lead on 3+1/2 songs on “Manifest Destiny.”

Richie was a member of the Dictators from 1975 through 1978, and played on their 2nd and 3rd albums. He had many credits after his initial stint with the Dictators. He did some time in Twisted Sister, was the studio drummer for Tom Verlaine’s 1981 “Dreamtime” lp, and played around the tri-state area in VHF. Rich was the drummer for all Dictator reunion shows up through the middle of 1991, and went on to play in cover bands on Long Island for years. In what was probably both his most high-profile and most anonymous vocal ever, he sang an uncredited version of “Shout” during the opening scene of 1982’s “Diner.”

Our condolences go out to Rich’s loved ones, his band mates, and to his many fans.

We’re all heavy of heart over this. We lost one of the good ones.

— Salvi C.

P.S. There’s also a fantastic tribute to Rich, written by our good friend Lindsay Hutton, at the Next Big Thing blog: http://nextbigthing.blogspot.com/

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Filed under RIP, Ritchie Teeter

by Salvi C. | April 10, 2012 · 12:54 pm

Rest in Peace, Rich Teeter

We are so, so sorry to be the bearer of sad tidings, but we have to report that former Dictator drummer Rich Teeter has passed away. More details as they unfold. Rich was one of the truly nice guys. R.I.P buddy.

UPDATE: In Appreciation of Richie Teeter

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Filed under RIP, Ritchie Teeter

by Salvi C. | April 5, 2012 · 2:20 pm

Ring a Ding Ringwood!

(alternate title: J.P. Brushes With Greatness)

Images with the kind permission of Dorthy Lee @ Nuclearjackalope.com

Three days later, and I’m sitting here reminiscing about what a great time I had at the Manitoba gig on Sat, 3/31. As much as I love the band and their music, it was the unique circumstances of the gig that make it such a special memory. It was a house concert, the first ever for Manitoba. Drew Eckmann, my new hero, was our host for the evening. Drew takes it upon himself to do his part to try and preserve rock + roll by opening up his home in Ringwood, NJ, for concerts.

The more I think about it, the more astonishing the whole concept is to me. I mean, I don’t like it when people I KNOW come in my house, and this guy is generous and kind enough to open his house up to complete strangers. And he’s done it 107 times!! As a result of his dedication, 75 or so drooling, screaming idiots were able to share and enjoy the primal, communal experience that a great concert provides.

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Cub Reporter Wanted

Are there any Jimmy Olsen wannabes in the crowd? If so, then we’re here to make your dream come true. Due to scheduling conflicts, no one from the DFFD staff will be able to attend this Saturday’s Manitoba show at Café Nine in New Haven. We need someone to cover the night.

Job requirements: Review(s) and picture(s). Make it fun, and no bad words allowed. This is a PG site. My mom reads this.

Job perks: your own byline, use of the executive parking space at DFFD headquarters for a full week, your own bow tie (clip-on only), and a 25% off coupon for the DFFD cafeteria. Alright, 50% off, but that’s as high as we can go.

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Filed under PSA

by Salvi C. | March 5, 2012 · 11:04 am

“I am right!!” “No, I AM RIGHT!!”

Cue the theme from “Deliverance:” It seems that another band has foolishly adopted the name “Manitoba.” I caught this listing from last Friday’s lineup for Ralph’s Diner in Worcester, Mass. Ralph’s is one of the last remaining rock dives in the US of A, and we hope to one day catch the real Manitoba there.

Accept no substitutes, my brethren and sistren — while there may currently be dueling Manitobas, there is only one MANITOBA. Expect Manitoba (formerly The Silence) to soon be Manitoba (currently the Silenced).

— Salvi C.

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Filed under Tomfoolery

by Salvi C. | February 24, 2012 · 1:15 pm

A Closet Patriot Fan?

Feb. 23 was the 10-year anny of this gig, which was the only show ever attended by all 3 members of the DFFD editorial staff. This was the Dictators’ first Boston show since the release of “DFFD,” and Axis was packed from the get-go. HDM offset the usual Boston hecklers by congratulating the Patriots on their 1st Super Bowl win, and by declaring that he’d won $500 betting on the game, so maybe he was “a Closet Patriots fan!!”

WMBR heavily promoted the gig, and a couple of the djs were walking around with their little kids in tow. I wonder what those 4-year-olds with Mohawks think about those days now.

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Filed under Dictators Assembled, Live, The Cincotta Archives

by Salvi C. | February 9, 2012 · 4:05 pm

Axyl Rosenburg in the House!

MANITOBA will be the opening act for Guns N’ Roses this Friday, Feb. 10, at Roseland Ballroom. The jam portion of “Slow Death” could run anywhere from 4 minutes to 3 hours to cover for GnR’s reputation for infamously late show times.

— Salvi C.