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Show #03
Paladino's Nightclub - Tarzana, CA
May 20, 2006

Don't tell me about the pain...
just show me the baby!

Sometime in early February 2006, Gary called drummer Richard Wright to see how he was doing. His long time buddy had faced continuing challenges with his illness ever since the Aura Nightclub show (# 02). Their conversation quickly confirmed that the situation was indeed getting worse. During their chat, Rich decided to bow out of the project so he could focus on his medical situation. Gary told him that he would hold his permanent position until he was well, but that in the meantime, the band must move forward and hire a temporary drummer. Rich was appreciative and wished everyone the best.

Gary Brandon and Richard Wright - Sound Arena Rehearsal Studios - Van Nuys, CA March 2005

The Paladino's show marked the first time the band would be on the bill with a prominent artist (The Eric Martin Band) and although thankful for the opportunity presented to them by promoter Jimmy D of Jimmy D Productions, they found themselves in a bit of a quandary without a drummer. During their discussions, Jimmy was positive and encouraging so Gary uneasily accepted the date (May 20th).

Thankfully, Rich had left the group with plenty of time to find a replacement and so the search was on.
Gary sought out a friend who had actually been rehearsing with the group during the early formative period prior to 2005. One phone conversation later drummer Nick Hollister was on board for the show. Since Nick knew some of the older songs he was the perfect choice and immediately put the band on the fast track to recovery.

This feeling of relief was ephemeral. A few days later the band's keyboardist and backing vocalist Tilford J. Jackson declined to confirm himself for the show.

Nick Hollister (photo date unknown)

They say trouble comes in 3's and so it seemed to be true when on April 27th the final blow materialized. Lead guitarist Frank Galuppo was on the line, a mere 23 days before the show, saying he also was going to miss the show. Gary was confounded and despite his best efforts to dissuade, his guitarist's mind would not be changed. Now it was serious... Rome was burning!

Friends who knew of the band's troubles asked "What will you do now?" This question, and countless others which permeated the minds of the remaining band members, could not readily be answered. But one thing was clear... canceling the show was not an option. Gary committed to fulfilling the old business maxim, "whatever it takes". He told the band that they would play in whatever fractured form they found themselves in on May 20th and it may well have been that decision that spoiled Murphy's fun and turned the tide of fate for this show. Things suddenly began to fall together, piece by piece.

Enter guitarist Ali Nikou. Ali is part of a unique business called backingband.com which caters to solo artists and fractured bands who need replacements in a hurry. This seemed a prudent option to Gary since the likelihood of Ali canceling would probably be fundamentally against their business credo. The question was how good was he? On May 4th, Ali auditioned and it went well so Gary sealed the deal and hired him for the date. New drummer Nick Hollister also had a friend he wanted to bring in as a rhythm player and so Pete Freeman would enter the mix a week later at the band's next rehearsal. May 11th (only 9 days before the show) both guitarists played their first notes together.

Ali Nikou (photo date unknown)

Pete Freeman (photo date unknown)

Gig day, Saturday May 20th arrived way too fast, and if a reality TV camera had been following the band around it would have filmed Gary and his two new guitarists sitting on the curb behind Ali's van outside the venue going over the tunes (acoustically) just one last time. An hour and a half later, the band was introduced in the dark and when the lights came up they were off and running to play another great set.

Gary, Pete ... and somewhere behind all those drums... Nick. Paladino's Nightclub May 20, 2006

Musically all the hard work and determination had paid off in spades and the club provided the band's first professional backdrop in terms of lighting and sound system capability. The only real downside was that the band's door count was abysmal. Understandably, the promoter was unhappy, not only with Fast Machine, but with the whole bill that night for lackluster ticket sales.

Even so the band tallied it up as a victory. They would deal with improving their door count later. Together they had navigated their way through the perfect storm by heeding the impelling words of one of pro football's greatest coaches, Bill Parcells... "Don't tell me about the pain... just show me the baby." And now, instead of being a demoralized, or worse yet a defunct group, they were replenished and ready to go out and slay their next dragon.

Gary looks back to pickup Nick's cue - Paladino's Nightclub (show #03) - May 20, 2006

Show #03 Detail
Band Lineup
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Gary Brandon - Acoustic Guitar, Lead Vocals
Chris Cilibrasi - Bass Guitar

HIRED MUSICIANS
Nikki Olivia - Backing Vocals
Nick Hollister - Drums
Ali Nikou - Lead Guitar
Pete Freeman - Rhythm Guitar

Show Date: Saturday - May 20, 2006
Set Length: 7songs (40 minutes)
Set List: Still She Believes, Angela, Suddenly, Do or Die, Lonely Life, Rose Coloured Glasses,
Regular Guy
Stage Time: 9:00 PM
Capture: [x] Still Photography [ ] Live Recording [ ] Video
Promoter: Jimmy D Productions (Jimmy D)
Venue Name/Location: Paladino's Nightclub, Tarzana, CA USA
Venue Capacity: 300-500 (21 and over)
Venue Purpose: Live Music, Bar, Billiards

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