Tommy Last Call
Skirmish: Myths and Legends (@anakin)Liner Notes
I have a good friend that is a legend in the DC music scene. He's not like the character in the song but EVERYONE knows him. He goes to over 300 shows a year and takes amazing photographs. He always pays at the door. He always buys merch. And he shares his photos for free. But he's not really one to jump into the mosh pit. :-D
Check out his work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/roxplosion/
BTW, I want to rework the choruses so they are more reflective of each of the verses but ran out of time.
-- Update: I got the OK to sing so I laid down some vocals on the track I have been working on. I got a Boss VE-500 vocal processor to play with. That is what I used for the Lo-Fi main vocals and the gang vocals during the chorus. There is a weird effect going on because I didn't realize that I had my monitors on when I was recording the vocals so there is a slight delay and doubling effect - but it sounds kind of cool.
Drums and Bass were provided by Apple Logic Pro session players. Guitars are me.
Lyrics
[verse 1] He’s the first one through door Can’t believe that he’s coming back for more Neon hum and the smell of booze How can anybody take that much abuse
[pre-chorus] He knows all the bartenders by name When he fist bumps they all exclaim Good to see you again
[chorus] Tommy Last Call! When the lights go out Tommy Last Call! When the groupies shout Tommy Last Call! When the music starts Tommy Last Call Here to make his mark!
[verse 2] He’s the one to buy all the merch Never seen him wear the same t-shirt He’s the guy that has seen ‘em first Always there for the next concert
[pre-chorus] The sound guy listens to his thoughts Treats him just like he’s the boss Thanks for telling me
[chorus] Tommy Last Call! When the lights go out Tommy Last Call! When the groupies shout Tommy Last Call! When the music starts Tommy Last Call Here to make his mark!
[verse 3] First chord hits and he’s on his feet Can’t stop moving when he hears the beat Mosh pit churns when he hits the floor Fist raised high he’s calling out for more
[pre-chorus] His blazing heart burns like a flame All the bands know him by name Thanks for being here
[bridge] Everybody knows his face Everybody knows his name When the lights come up and the drinks are done Everyone’s gone, he’s the last one
[chorus] Tommy Last Call! When the lights go out Tommy Last Call! When the groupies shout Tommy Last Call! When the music starts Tommy Last Call Here to make his mark!
Comments
The unsung hero! The super fan! They are legendary. Great idea :) AHHHH!!! Just realized this is about Roxplosion! Even better! Hello from Takoma Park!
Thanks for the feedeback. Alec and I have been friends over 40 years now! Don't tell him, it would be weird. 😂 Maybe we will run into each other. I'm hoping to have my new project off the ground soon. Joy Destroyer!
Sweet take on the prompt. Love those legendary fans. Great details with the t-shirts and sound guy and all.
Such a detailed and intriguing look at a character. Though a lot of the details are prosaic, there is an underlying rhythm that moves things forward.
an apt and well done ode to this guy, you really make him come alive on the page- nice work!
I think we all know that guy -- or we've been that guy -- or both! The part about "the sound guy listens to his thoughts" made me laugh out loud. Looking forward to hearing how this one sounds! Great stuff! Keep em coming!