DECEMBER - 2003

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12/21/03 - HOME FOR THE HOLIDAZE  - Home

Hello friends, kicked back in my office as the Eagles version of "Please come home for Christmas" echoes through the room. It's a new double CD that was a early Christmas gift from my wonderful mother. She knows exactly what I like, she should know cause she brought me up on the Eagles music. It's a song that rang out in Charleston, WV on Friday night when we played our last show before the Christmas break. It really didn't feel like a normal "gig" that night. It was more like a party that we were invited to play because the boys in the band spent most of the afternoon and the night before the show in the bar area playing a mini pool tournament. Jeff is the man at billiards, so I beat him once after endless beatings from him through out the years, and it was a wonderful victory being that it doesn't happen that often. I beat Glenn, but then Rod got me on both games, and Rod even beat Jeff in the end, so I would crown Rod the victor on this one, but we'll be back. The gifts seemed to be a never ending streaming being showered upon us from fans. I even received a tie that reads, "#1 Dad", I mean, how cool is that!!!! As far as Christmas goes, not gonna lie to you, not excited about it at all. I hate the crowds in the shopping areas, traffic and never ending bills for buying gifts and the never ending headache of the sound of the pounding, ripping and tearing on my one last little nerve. Ba Hum Bug is not my tune, just not really wanting to make a spectacle of what everyone has already beaten to death. However, I do have a Christmas list...and it goes as follows. - The Miami Dolphins to make the Play Offs - The Titans, Colts, Broncos, Jets, Cowboys, Patriots, Bills and Chiefs to NOT make the Play Offs - A phone call from Sammy Hagar - One bottle of Cabo Wabo Tequila -  One bottle of Jack Daniels (with Cola and Sprite) - A chance to gig with Delbert McClinton - 5.5X14 Ludwig Tube Lugged Black Beauty Hand Engraved Snare Drum (hey santa, just put that in my stocking will ya?) - The Kickback Jack record to go Gold and we get asked to tour with Van Halen on the reunion tour with Sammy - oh yeah, one last thing, Van Halen to get Sammy back and tour and record again...that is all. I hope I get at least one of those things, it sure would be nice to see ol' SAMMY CLAUSE put a few of those things under my tree. Have a great holiday everyone and thanks for reading, enjoy the photos from Charleston below. Rock on...Merry KISSMAS...dp

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PHOTOS FROM 12-19-03 Charleston, WV

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1. & 2. Do I really make these faces when I'm in the groove?  3. HEY BABY, COME HERE OFTEN?  4. AAAAA!!! JEFF WINS AGAIN!!!!!

12/15/03 - THE LAST RUN OF THE YEAR  - Knoxville, TN

Hello friends, we're out on our last run until the New Years show. Talk has spread through the band about all the projects that will be on the drawing board for 2004. I can't talk about any of them as of right now, but it looks to be a pretty big year next year if even half of them see the light of day. Our time in Biloxi was a lot of fun with all the holiday spirit in the air. Friends of the band entertained us for a change with an invitation to their home for some home cooking and relaxation. It was a nice detour from the day to day life we live on the road. I haven't been fishing in over ten years, but that streak has been broken. It was such a great time to sit on the bank of the lake and fish for a few hours, even though it was cold and raining, it was a nice reminder of the things I used to do. No big fishing stories though, just caught one bass. The photo proves below, and for all those who are concerned, yes I let it go. That night I was once again visited by Larry Grisham of the Beat Daddys along with his family and friends. It's always good to see him. He was approached by many fans that night as we could see people stopping and pointing him out as we talked.   Rock on and happy holidays...dp

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12/06/03 - DECEMBER, AGAIN?  - Home

Hello friends, once again I'm baffled how quickly a year can disappear into a book or (web site) full of memories. It all drags along, but yet seems to race by so quickly. The annual Thanksgiving shows went wonderful, probably the best yet. Not to sound burnt, but by that point, I was very much so. I had played 9 nights in a row, 4 in Biloxi, 5 in Atlantic City, NJ along with plenty of jet lag and not to mention the driving from Biloxi to Cincinnati, then the trek to Owensboro, KY for the studio sessions, radio promotions and video shoot. This all had me taken over quickly and drained me of every bit of energy. I had made it back home mid day on Thanksgiving day. After spending time with my family, watching the Dolphins game (kicking the Cowboys butt by the way), it was time for me to regain my strength. No can do, I had three shows to perform starting the next night. Whew, I did NOT want to even move for the next five nights, much less play three shows back to back. Well, the fans once again pulled me through, after our first note, I had a feeling it was gonna rock, and rock it did. The fans energetic, like I hadn't seen them be in a while and it return, it made me hungry to put all I had, "or didn't have by that point" right back into the gig. This past week has flown by also as I received a call from a buddy "Zack". He called to let me know that "Dream Theater" drummer "Mike Portnoy" would be in town doing a meet & greet. We both jumped at the opportunity and went to meet Mike. You can check out more on Mike at www.mikeportnoy.com and see my buddy Zack at www.zsradpercussion.com After the meeting with Mike which Kasey Todd attended also, we had some dinner and then on the the BonePony show. How many times do I have to scream their name? Go to www.bonepony.com right now and order a CD or four. You'll love this band, I do!!!! We walked in and found a seat at the bar and mid way through a chat with the bar keep, I feel a tap on my shoulder, it was Nick, "Hey Dave", we caught up on things and one by one, each member and even their crew guys made their way over to say hello. They had heard through the grape vine about my news about becoming a new dad soon, they congratulated me. Tramp had complimented my work on Kickback Jack and GSP CD's as he said he had been listening to them just that day on the drive up. Once again they put on a wonderful show and they NEVER get old. I've got the weekend off, but come Tuesday, we'll be hitting the road for one last trek out before the holidaze. Here are a few shots from the past week, hope you dig 'em. Rock on...dp

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