Category Archives: Thunderbolt

by | December 8, 2011 · 6:12 pm

Manitoba Debuts!! [Update: Not]

[12/12 UPDATE: Manitoba is unfortunately off the bill, so let’s hold this thought until next time … there WILL be a next time, right?!?!]

It could be great. It could be “Jazz Odyssey.” Either way, we’ve waited 5+ years for it. If this ends up being a one and out, or a living and breathing entity, will really hinge upon our acceptance of the band as, if not The Next Big Thing, then at very least, The Next Best Thing.

There’s no need for debate, or dismissing the project with a “It’s not the Dictators.” We already KNOW that. For us, your humble reporters, it’s all about the songs. We know and trust the guys involved to do justice to the old classics and then, if the project grows legs, to breathe life into new classics.

Whether or not you decide to embrace the new line-up is entirely up to you. You know where you can find me. I’ll be up front, on the Ross side.

— Salvi C.

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Filed under HDM, Live, Ross the Boss, Thunderbolt

by | October 12, 2011 · 4:48 pm

‘Tators Tracker: Herding Cats Edition

Where are the Dictators members these days? Where AREN’T they?

Personally, I’m having great difficulty keeping track of them and their many different projects. Here’s a quick snapshot of where to find who doing what when … if I missed something (and I probably did), please e-mail me or comment below!

In random order, because I love ALL my Dictators (separate but equal, yo!):

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Filed under 'Tators Tracker, Adny, HDM, Ross the Boss, Thunderbolt, Top Ten

by | July 26, 2011 · 5:15 pm

‘Life’s Rich Pageant’ Is Here!

The wait is over. “Life’s Rich Pageant,” JP “Thunderbolt” Patterson’s new smash summer single, is finally out. Back in the day, I would have been pacing the sidewalk in front of my local record store, with a fist full of ones, to grab a new release. Today, through the magic of the Interwebs, it’s available right here from Drug Front Records, for my favorite price — FREE.

— Salvi C.

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by | May 25, 2011 · 1:54 pm

Life’s Rich Pageant

It truly has been a long, cold, lonely winter.  Now that the overcoat and shovel are finally put away for the year, it’s time to start thinking about the summer.  As a sneak preview “must add” for this summer’s soundtrack, our favorite renaissance man, J.P. “Thunderbolt” Patterson, has sent along an early mix of his forthcoming single. The new tune is called “Life’s Rich Pageant,” and it is 2:40 of pure pop for now people.

Like just about every tune on his 2009 CD, “The LP is Dead,” which is still available from No Fun Records, LRP is right at the sweet spot where the Raspberries meet Thin Lizzy. A punchy intro, a soaring and ascending chorus, a ripper of a guitar solo, and the whole shebang is done before you have a chance to say “wow!” Multiple plays are obligatory.

The final format for Life’s Rich Pageant,” whether cyber-single or an actual 45, is still up in the air, but we’ll share those details once the dust settles. In the meantime, be sure reserve space for the tune on your next mix tape, so you’ll be able to blast it while cruising in your b*tchin’ Camaro with your main squeeze.

— Salvi C.

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by | May 19, 2011 · 11:30 am

Happy 60th Birthday, Joey Ramone!

Today would have been the great Joey Ramone‘s 60th birthday … if you’re in NYC, you can catch three Dictators (Andy, Ross and J.P. — not together) at tonight’s annual Joey Ramone Birthday Bash! More info here.

— DFFD123

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Filed under Adny, PSA, Ross the Boss, Thunderbolt

by | January 20, 2011 · 10:49 am

Thunderbolt @ NAMM: The Wrap-Up

NYC, 1/18/2011

Well, perhaps we should wrap up, since things got away from me after the post of 1/14…which ended with Grappa ? No wonder. Went to the Grove that night for Megadeth/Hell Yeah. At this point we can thank the “Coffin Case” girls for the backstage photo shoot and the free vodka tent for the free vodka.

Saturday dawned (haha) beautifully. It was lovely, low 80-degree weather the entire 4 days in Anaheim. An “Original” from Carl’s Jr. was the perfect noon breakfast. Best burger ever ? Well, I went back the next day. Made my Saturday rounds of sponsors (Pearl, Sabian, Vic Firth, LP, Evans) and checked in with some old friends. Gave a copy of my latest solo record “The LP is Dead” to legendary hard rock writer Lonn Friend. Had a few beers and a burrito. Went to bed before midnight, because…

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by | January 15, 2011 · 6:58 pm

Thunderbolt @ NAMM: Grappa!

1/14/11

Just finished my Evans autograph session with one of my boyhood idols, Carmine Appice, and the great Steve Gorman of the Black Crowes. Grappa!

Fun Bonham tribute last night. My favorites? Xavier from Buckcherry and the always awesome Jojo Mayer.

Thunderbolt

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by | January 13, 2011 · 9:22 pm

Thunderbolt @ NAMM: Anaheim

1/13/2011

Smooth sailing on the flights out. Yes, we did de-ice two times in Minny, but it’s routine for them. 72 and sunny in Cali. Went to the Bonham show with Marco, Jojo and the gang in the stretch Hummer, then met up with dozens of famous drummers.

Signing tomorrow @ 3: Evans booth w/ Carmine Appice and Steve from the Black Crowes !

Thunderbolt

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