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10/15/2005: "Hello Drew, Welcome to the Band"

So what's the first thing you should do when you're in a rock band and you lose your drummer? Why go out and book a show, of course! Preferably on a date that's only one month away! Hey I figured it was going to be a good show - and surely we'll find someone to at least sit in with us. At least this is what I told myself when I booked the show. But the truth is boys and girls, I was straight stressed out about this shit...

We talked to a couple different drummers early on. I was initially encouraged because they were both great guys with great ability. But we just never made it to the audition with them. Neither one could commit so soon.

So earlier this week I finally posted an ad on OklahomaRock.com. Why didn't I do this initially? Shit, I don't know. I guess I'm just a freaking idiot. My mental deficiencies aside for now, I did post the ad. And I'll be damned. The next morning I talked to Drew Simmons. It was almost like he had a cheat sheet. Everything he told me was exactly what I wanted to hear. So last night (Thursday night) he was already ready for the audition. DAMN! He learned the songs we gave him in one evening and was ready to go!
We get together around 7:30 and jam on the songs. And it sounds freaking great. So we're feeling even more positive at this point. Then - check this out - he's down with the backup vocals too. Drew, please turn in your cheat sheet and report to detention. WTF? It pretty much continues this way as we talk shit over. So Karthik, Kenneth, and I step outside for a minute and have a little pow wow. Though there really wasn't much to say. "All in favor, say aye." And that was it.

Thanks Drew. You're a bad ass. Welcome to the band.

Everybody else, come check out our show at Bricktown Live on 10/30 and see for yourself.

cF

Replies: 14 Comments

On Saturday, December 24th, wannabe said: I am hetro by the way...and it wasnt my mom...have no idea who it was...i had sex with a couple of girls named stacy.....but no one speaks on behalf of me....i think ballista is a great band

On Thursday, November 17th, cF said: Never a dull moment when there's drama! Oh and, Rich - we'll definitely take you up on that. We're trying to work up a few new songs but should be booking again very soon - thanks!

On Thursday, November 17th, Chaz Davis said: Welcome Drew and to kyle good luck and man....
this drama is good reading...At least I was not bored here.

On Tuesday, November 15th, Rich Hill said: I knew Drew was a badass when I played with him back in the day... and he was like 12 years old then, so I'm certain he's gotten better. (Just kidding... he was at least 16).
Wanna do a show in KC? I can hook you up.

On Monday, November 14th, cF said: Brian's mom - well now. She's a saucy one ain't she? You know it just so happens, I saw her last night...

On Monday, November 14th, V&M Crew said: Yeah I was just playing about that stuff! I know Kyle is not gay or anything like that I was just trying to get a rise out of whoever "stacy" is. Kyle was a bada$$ when it came to drumming and promotin' the band. BUT if you can't count on the guy from one day to the next & you gotta act like his personal assistant making sure he is not getting into trouble and making sure you have a drummer for the next gig. I wish Kyle luck in his future endeavors.
BTW- How is Brian's mom doing??? Have not got to hear what she has been up to.

On Friday, November 11th, cF said: Well... I don't think it was Kyle's mom. And I feel pretty certain Kyle is 100% hetero. But V&M Crew, your support is heartfelt. (I'm saluting you right now.)

On Friday, November 11th, Voilence & Melee Crew said: It's about time you got that FAG(Kyle) out of the band. A band is the sum of all the parts and as far as Kyle "making the band" that Bull! Now if KARTHIK left you guys would be FU^KED!! Just playing!!
Just let me know if you want the V&M Crew to handle that nutty chick(Who I believe is Kyle's MOM) that thinks Drew can't RAWK! We get paid by the hour or you can block off an entire night's worth of V&M for a low low price.

On Friday, November 11th, M-Squared said: welcome to one of the best funkiest wildest best band in OKC....
oh and Rick...don't stress...it always works out!
M

On Thursday, November 10th, IV said: Im sorry that you feel that way stacy, apparently you might hold some ill regard for Kyle's absence, thanks for coming to the show though and for the unique ctritisism I guess...
-drew

On Tuesday, November 8th, cF said: Um. OK. Kyle is a good drummer. Drew is a good drummer. This band would not allow someone to join whose "performance sucks", I can assure you. I do appreciate your good luck wishes however. The industry of music is tough and ever changing - every unsigned band needs all the good luck they can get. So thanks Stacy! Have a fantastic day!
cF

On Tuesday, November 8th, Stacy said: You can drum your ass off Drew............you will never hold a candle to Kyle. He made the band. Sure Rick can write music and lyrics, but your performance sucks. Kyle made Ballista. Good luck, you will need it!

On Tuesday, October 25th, drew241@hotmail.com">IV said: Thanks Guys, Im exited about where the band is headed,
-d

On Friday, October 21st, KJN said: And it keeps getting better with each practice.
Yeah, Welcome to the band Drew!!