Review and Photos by Fred Kuhlman
Promoter: Danny Zelisko Presents (https://www.dannyzeliskopresents.com/ )
Venue: Celebrity Theatre (https://celebritytheatre.com/ )
Date: Friday February 3rd, 2024
Tommy James and The Shondells
If you grow up in the 60s and listen to Rock & Roll music, then you probably hear Tommy James and The Shondells’ music on the AM radio. When the British Invasion was trying to take over the music airwaves, a few bands from the US were able to break through, include The Byrds, Mamas and Papas, The Beach Boys and Tommy James and The Shondells.
Tommy James has had a really interesting life and musical story. He signed with a little record label called Roulette Records. The interesting thing about Roulette Records is that it was a front for the Genovese New York crime family. Tommy has an auto biographical book that talks about his relationship with Roulette Records. The book is Me, the Mob, and the Music: One Helluva Ride with Tommy James & The Shondells. I have read the book and it is extremely interesting because it also talks about how the record companies and radio stations controlled what music we got to listen to. If you get the chance, please read this book. Also, they are making the book into a movie and hopefully it will be out soon.
One of the interesting things about Tommy’s music is that it is one of the most covered music by any artist. The artist that covered his music and had hits includes Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, Tiffany and Billy Idol.
When you go to see Tommy James and The Shondells, you will get to hear all of those fantastic hit songs including “Draggin’ the Line”, “Crystal Blue Persuasion”, “Say I Am”, “Gettin’ Together”,”I Think We’re Alone Now”, “Tighter, Tighter”, “Crimson & Clover”, “Hanky Panky”, “I Think We’re Alone Now”. During “Hanky Panky” Tommy got off the stage and went into the crowd to shake hands with his fans.
This was not my first Tommy James concert. Each time I really enjoyed it. I love his music because it is just fun music that I grow up to. So, if you love 60s pop music, then I HIGHLY recommend going to see Tommy James in concert. You can check out more about Tommy James and if he is coming to a city near you on his social media web sites.
If you love 60s pop and early rock & roll music, then tune into Tommy James’ Sirius XM Radio Show every Sunday Night between 5 & 8PM (EST) on Sirius XM Radio Channel 73 – 60s GOLD.
Tommy James and The Shondells Social Media sites:
Website: https://www.tommyjames.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TJandtheShondells
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommyjamesandtheshondells/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/TJShondells
Tommy James and The Shondells
Photos by Fred Kuhlman 2024, All Rights Reserved
Max Gomez
Max Gomez is a singer songwriter from Taos, New Mexico. Max has become a Phoenix favorite in the recent years. In the long line of folk guitarists like Hans Olson, Jackson Brown or John Prine, Max performs as a solo singer songwriter. He plays acoustic guitar and for some songs harmonica just like a young Bobby Dylan.
I have seen Max multiple times as Danny Zelisko brings Max in as an opening act for some of Danny Zelisko Presents concerts here in Phoenix.
One of my favorite songs is a story he tells about his troubles at the airport when they request a passport instead of his driver license since he is from New Mexico and not a US citizen. This goes to show that we need more US history and geography in our schools.
If you get the chance to see Max at one of Danny’s shows, I believe you will also learn to like his music. You can find out more about Max on his social media site.
Max Gomez Social Media sites:
Website: https://maxgomezmusic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxgomezmusic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxgomezmusic/
YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/maxgomezmusic
Max Gomez
Photos by Fred Kuhlman 2024, All Rights Reserved
