First/Last-Bill Deasy

 Bill Deasy 'Live By Request Show'

Club Cafe

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Southside

"The show where the audience picks the songs! Put your name on the "request" form and throw it into the guitar case up on stage when you enter the club. The set list is up to YOU - and a surprise to Bill! Bill Deasy is the former lead singer/songwriter of the Gathering Field, whose regional hit "Lost in America" led to a deal with Atlantic Records. Performing Songwriter Magazine says: "He calls to mind Paul Westerberg and many of the finest rock songwriters who mix poetry and drunken bluster, yet somehow sound macho and sensitive at the same time".

Bill is a Pittsburgh musical legend in my opinion and he returns to tomorrow night's early Club Cafe show with his popular request gig. My sincere thanks to him for taking the time to participate in this edition of First/Last.

The first album you ever bought?
Elvis Presley, “Legendary Performer, Vol. 1”.

Your last album bought?
James Vincent McMorrow, “Early in the Morning”.

Favorite album of all time?
“Astral Weeks” by Van Morrison.

Least favorite/most disappointing album?
Nothing really springs to mind.

First concert attended?
Elvis Presley at Pittsburgh Civic Arena. His last New Year’s Eve on Earth.

Last concert?
Springsteen’s “Wrecking Ball” show in Cleveland.

Favorite concert ever?
I opened for Bob Dylan at Palumbo Center once and he did true, awesome versions of many of his classics and I felt lucky to be there.

Least favorite concert?
I am always so pumped for artists I really want to see that it’s hard for them to let me down!

Favorite thoughts, experiences about Pittsburgh?
Just a general love for the city and appreciation for the humble, good-spirited vibe of its natives…and the beauty of the rivers and the hills and the changing weather.

Thanks, Bill. It amazes me how long you have been a part of the Pittsburgh music scene. I think the first time I saw you play was with The Gathering Field at Mad Mex in the North Hills? Too cool. And Elvis? Really? Unbelievable!

Image Of The Day-TRAF 2010

So as the Three Rivers Arts Festival came to a close last night, at least for me, I am kicking myself as I write this. Some of my favorite bands and friends are playing on the main stage and I am not there. No worries. I just had to take a break from the picture taking to hang with my lovely family. Some things are more important ya know. Tomorrow as the fest ends officially with Patty Griffin and Buddy Miller, I am taking the less popular route and checking out Dawes at Hartwood. Call me crazy but 'North Hills' is totally kicking me arse. Here are my thoughts and images on this year.

• Bill Deasy is a Pittsburgh treasure. The guy is humble, nice, and talented as any musician we have here. His son running up to the stage right before the music to say,"Hi Dad!" was endearing as you can get.
• Alejandro Escovedo should have canceled due to the weather. He didn't. One of the many reasons why he's incredible.
• Matt Morris was the only national act I saw who came out to greet fans. Note to bands: Do this and you will be successful beyond belief!
  
• I would kill to have a WYEP studio cam on Cindy Howes in the morning just to capture her infinite hand gestures.
• The pure joy and volume of Ingrid Michaelson's fans screaming was my favorite part of the festival run.
• City cops don't like fans asking Justin Townes Earle for his autograph. Not one bit.
• Kris Kristofferson could use a kick-ass band.
• I discovered THE best parking spot for the fest this year. Free, closer than any of the garages, and it's right in front of...yeah, like I would tell you. If you really have to know, email me.
  

My sincerest of thanks go out to my friends at The Cultural Trust who actually have faith in my photographic abilities. It means everything to me. You are wonderful.

Image Of The Day-"Sweet Salvation"

Bill Deasy
Haiti Benefit Concert
Sunday February 28, 2010
Soldiers & Sailors Hall
Oakland

I used to see Bill's old band, The Gathering Field, all the time back in their heyday. I haven't seen him for years but this guy's 'blue collar working man' ethic still appeals to me. Cool dude. More pics here.