2008....what a year!!!
WOW!! What a year!! SSP started this year with no drummer and 1 show scheduled!!
SSP started 2008 bent but not broken, due to The Powers that Be, our original drummer had to embark on a journey, and although to my dismay, we had to hunt and find another drummer to fill the spot. Many drummers tried out and many were extremely talented, but the fire in the eyes of Josh, caught my attention, that and probably our first meeting:
"The sun was shining, and the birds were singing, an ol' beat up Dodge Ram comes barreling down the driveway of SSP HQ, and out pops a cigarette smoking, head of hair with a beanie on. Upon introductions, Josh says, 'Hey guys, I really didn't practice your music, but I brought some beer...there's just something about drinking with the sun up!!' From that point on I knew our search was over!!"
Josh had 3 days to learn 8 songs, for our show on Jan 17, 08 @ Room 710...to my amazement, he mastered them and played them flawlessly....I have always said, and will continue to say, "Just when I expect him to fall flat on his face, he's like a cat...a drunk cat, but a cat nonetheless...he'll land on his feet!!" January brought our newfound brother/my partner in Crime:
Josh Fulp!!
February and March brought more shows with our "graduation" from weekday shows to weekend shows @ Red Eyed Fly, Red 7, Rock City Icehouse (sniffle), and other venues including our first show on 6th Street @ Chuggin Monkey. Although we weren't accepted to play SXSW in 08, we did enter the Verizon Wireless/101X SXSW battle of the bands where we won, thanks to your votes!!, and were givin free passes/wristbands...SSP painted 6th St. for 3 whole days, and I only called in to work once!! Good times were had by all!!
(note the fourth person in this pic was from Canada...writing on SXSW...go figure)
Show after show SSP burns Austin, and schedules a monumental show to become a part of South Texas Rock Fest. Playing along side of: Queensryche, Skid Row, Tesla and many others, SSP get's it's first taste of a big crowd at a big event!! People flocked to the stage when SSP ripped into their crowd pleaser "I Ain't Woriking No More!!"
The summer was full of whiskey bliss as SSP started scheduling shows outside of Austin to a great response, in cities such as San Antonio, Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth and San Angelo. And the Release of our first full-length album "Get Bit!!"
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SSP's CD Release Party (8/23/08 @ Red Eyed Fly)...the bar was packed and it was a night to remember!!!
Rock the Bayou came over Labor Day in Houston, where even the hottest of heat couldn't phase us. That weekend was a complete blast, again jamming with awesome rockers: Alice Cooper, Sammy Hagar, and Bret Michaels...
Upon our return to Austin, we were invited to sit in with Loris Lowe and Austin's number one Rock Station, KLBJ 93.7 FM. Here's the link to the interview if you're hankering for some classic raw footage of SSP in the flesh:
http://peachypcrepair.com/locallicks_ssp.WMA
Shows have continuously grew, our numbers are strong, and we're so thankful to all of you that come out and support SSP!! We couldn't have accomplished this all without you...and you can take that to the BANK!!
Our final show this past Saturday @ Red Eyed Fly was amazing, and the turnout was stellar as always!! We couldn't be any more pleased with everything we have been blessed to accomplish. I've now been in Austin Texas for a little over 2 years, if you would've told me when I set foot in this wonderful City that I would be a part of something so awesome, I probably would've laughed in your face and asked what you were drinking (and could I have some!)
There's alot brewing with SSP and 2009, keep a watchful eye on the horizon, for when you least expect it, the smell of whiskey and cheap cigarettes will infiltrate the room and you will no longer belong...but your ass will belong to
The Loudest Band in Rock N Roll...
Ladies and Gentlemen I give you:
From Keith, Josh and Myself:
Thank you all and have Merry Christmas and Safe New Years!!