Ben Balyeat has been the drummer for Top Shelf since the beginning. He has given more to the band than we could ever ask of him. His perserverence, persistence, loyalty, and determination are, in large part, responsible for the success we've had.
Unfortunatley all things in life come to and end. And Ben's time with Top Shelf has.
So as a tribute to Ben I have created this short movie clip. Thank you Ben. We love you, and you will be missed.
As some of you know we drove to San Diego a little while ago; on 1 week's notice. We went to play some songs, and to back up a girl we had never met, who was going to sing during the Hawaiian Tropic Model Search Western Regional Finals.
It was a 21 hour drive each way, no stops, rolling in my '97 Chevy Siverado extended cab.
Well I just got my hands on the video footage they shot of the show. I've been cutting it down and I'm now ready to post some of it. In this clip we're just finishing Long Train by the Doobie Brothers. In a bizzare coincidence the Doobies played on the same stage the night before we did.
So without further adieu:
Here is a clip of us doing Respect with Cynthia. Please note if you are not farmilliar with the band, Cynthia does not normally sing with us. :)
Cynthia introduces the band and I fumble-fuck-up a little bass lick.
Honkey Tonk Woman with Cynthia
Here is a bit of jam. We're jamming grapevine. Pun intended.
Sheamus sings Empty Arms.
Top Shelf plays Bon Jovi !?! Only when Cynthia sings with us. :)
That's it for the Casino Model Search footage, for now.
I'm so stoked to rock out with you guys again next month! I WISH you guys were playing Laughlin this weekend with me for Blues and Brews festival. All BLUES tunes, would've been rad. Oh well, Tahoe is right around the corner!
Congrats fellas. Welcome to the new age of communication, booking, and networking. Your fans can now leave you weird comments about stuff you already knew like
"Whoa, Sheamus can really play the guitar!"
or
"Craig is the bassplayer?! Whoa, like I thought a bass was like a big violin! What gives?!"
(apparently both comments were left by Keanu Reeves)
and chicks will now send you pictures of their naked breasts via cyberspace.
In commemoration of the maiden voyage of your new website I will move you into our bands 'top 45323' list.
I <3 you guys (the <3 is supposed to be a heart) Its internet jargon, something you guys will have to get used to....
But seriously... be careful, this site is more addictive than the sweet sweet hops and yeast combo of beer... or the sweet blend of the worlds finest tobacco to bring you camel ciggarettes.... or crack... yo.
Good to have you aboard, Big Quinn and the (motley crew known as) broken hearts Band. Big Quinn
Tell Melissa at the Owl to get us back in there! We only played the hiat house 1 weekend in two years so its not like we are traitors or something! Hey a band has to make a living two!! If you could let her know that we would love to play down there again.
The Red Lodge gigs were the best our band has ever played. It was PACKED. The 14 bartenders they had couldnt keep up with the crowd. People were throwing money, flowers, and undergarmets on the stage. We had to kick several people off the stage. It was insane. Thank you so very much for hooking us up with that gig. We own you a big one!
