Club N

Club N.C.I

AmeriCares Fund Raiser 11/23

Club N.C.I was our first show back in New York since the spring of 2001. I decided to make this night a fund raiser after the tragic events of September 11th. We hooked up with WBAB radio (who promoted the event) and AmeriCares ( which is a relief fund for the victims families of the W.T.C tragedy.) After I decided where the money was going I contacted Nicola at Eel Pie ( Pete Townshends personal Assistant) and told her what we were doing. Pete graciously signed three photo's and three Scoop 3 CD's for this event.

Dave and myself went down to WBAB on Wednesday for a radio interview with Roger and J.P. They had us on around 8:25 and talked about the up coming show and fund raiser. We brought an Autographed CD of Scoop 3. The CD was given to the tenth caller live on air. The radio spot brought in many listeners and money to this charity.

The day of the show was a long set up. We have played this venue two times before. Once was Quadrophenia and the other was a best of show. Each time I recalled having horrible problems on stage with sound. So this time we were prepared for a long sound check, I mean a two hour monitor check with extra monitors brought in for enhanced sound on stage. The sound check went great and we left the club around 8 o'clock.

We returned to the club around 10:15 to an anxious packed house. There were many people who I haven't seen in a while, Scott, Chris, John, Steph, and many others who were in attendance. Prior to this night I was in contact with Stoney, who is the Bass player for the Washington D.C Who tribute The Quadropheniacs. I asked him to join us for Summer Time Blues. I meet up with Stoney and his wife Susan after sound check early that evening.

We hit the stage around 10:45 as the opening video introduction lead us on to a dark stage. The opening chords to "Substitute" rang out as we hit the skies flying without wings in classic Who form. Our two hour sound check could have been a two minute check cause everything was Fucked. Couldn't hear a thing, just MUD. I promised myself NOT to drink this show and enjoy everything. Minutes later I was calling for a Jack And Coke. We fought through a rough first set of sound problems and my lack of passion. We took a quick ten minute break as Margaret did the first raffle. I remember cursing as I was changing into my Pete Townshend 1970's outfit.

The second set opened with Baba and was compiled much of Who's Next songs, Quadrophenia selections and others. The sound got better as we adjusted to the room. Our momentum in set two was at high level. After Quadrophenia was done we did the final raffle. I think Stoney and His wife won the CD and Photo. We broke into "Let's See Action." We have been heckled to play this song many times and we thought that this night would be an appropriate time to debut it.

After "Won't Get Fooled Again" we invited Stoney up for "Summer Time Blues." Stoney strapped on his Alembic Bass and thundered through the song as if we have rehearsed it several times. After the song was done we broke into " Young Man Blues. " with Stoney. Not only is he a great guy, Stoney is an incredible Bass player. His John impression was superb looks and all. If anyone lives near the D.C area check out these guys they sound great.

At this point of the night it turns into a free for all. We finished our 2 set's and now the hecklers come out . Play " So Sad About Us", " Dogs part 2 " "Fortune Teller" " Tattoo", " Naked Eye" " Seeker " " You Better You Bet" "What I say !!!" " You Better You Bet" "Who does that song I say?" Haven't you people realized yet we don't play anything past "WHO ARE YOU." Usually people yell out "Emmince Front", but this was the first show someone didn't yell it or I just didn't hear it. Some did ask for "Let My Love Open The Door." I just didn't know how to respond to that one, so I said nothing.

In all the night was a great Success Story. We raised over $1000.00 for the victims families of the World Trade Center Tragedy. I would like to thank everyone who was there, My Dad who is always giving my the Windmill sign, Uncle Phil who drove down from Saratoga, Margaret who did all the raffles and much more, Debby and Magic who caught the night on film, Brett, Stoney, all my other friends who I didn't even get a chance to say hi, my cousins, aunts, and of course Jim and Frank for their jobs well done. Thank you WBAB for your support and help.

The Raffle Table

Tee Shirts, Hats, The Pete Townshend CD's & Photo's