popdude Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 This on Billboard Online today:The Raspberries Blossom Once MoreWith a smattering of recent live shows receiving rave reviews, reunitedpower pop quartet the Raspberries have fans clamoring for a full-fledgedtour. It may very well happen, but before committing to such an endeavor,singer/guitarist Eric Carmen, guitarist Wally Bryson, bassist David Smalley,and drummer Jim Bonfanti want to make sure things are just right."We are discussing it," Carmen tells Billboard.com. "There are a number ofways we can go about doing this. We've played three shows so far, andthey've all turned out great, and I want to be able to keep that qualitylevel where it is. We're talking to a number of different people; we've gota bunch of offers from agents, managers. Over the next few weeks, we will bediscussing all those possibilities, and what we can do."Understandably, since the group hasn't issued a full-length studio albumsince 1974's "Starting Over," Carmen is concerned about the demand not beingas high as it could be. "I'm not really concerned about playing New York andLos Angeles -- those are media centers," he says. "But I've always been alittle concerned that in secondary markets like Denver, Milwaukee or placeslike that, this isn't going to fly unless there is a concerted overallnational publicity campaign of some sort. I just don't think we're going tofly into Milwaukee and set up shop on a stage somewhere, and people whohaven't heard of this band in 32 years are going to come in droves to seeus."That said, Carmen figures there are several ways to boost the veterangroup's profile. "I think the way to do it is to maybe talk to Capitol abouta box set, including some of the live tracks that we recorded, maybe with aDVD involved. Then perhaps couple that with something like 'Behind theMusic' on VH1 [and] maybe a 'Conan O'Brien' appearance [laughs]. Then do atour, so that you've raised the awareness of the band."One Raspberries-related release that does seem to be forthcoming is either alive CD or DVD comprised of the two homecoming Cleveland shows the groupplayed on Nov. 26 and New Year's Eve."I've heard a rough mix of the first show, and I'm waiting to get the roughmix of the second show," Carmen says. "We might want to do a few more showsand get them recorded before we actually seriously sit down and pick whichtracks and whatever. And then it's going to be, can we work something outwith a record label that will actually promote this? I think at some pointit will happen [but] I'm just not sure where or how yet."It also turns out that the shows have put Carmen back into a "power popframe of mind," songwriting-wise. "Playing with the band has certainlyrekindled some of the rock'n'roll thoughts that I used to have," he admits."I think if I were to do anything now, I would think about writing somethingfor this band, which would be fun to do. We haven't gotten to anythingspecific. But I think we could do that. We just have to see if there'sanybody there who wants to buy it."-- Greg Prato, N.Y. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marlene Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Thank you, thank you for posting the article, popdude !! How exciting !! I just love hearing this kind of news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
blackhawkpat Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 I'll buy the first one, Eric! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 "I think if I were to do anything now, I would think about writing something for this band, which would be fun to do...."That's what I like to hear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darlene Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 POPDUDE: THANK YOU for finding and posting this! It ain't just lemonade, folks! Predictions are coming true! And in BILLBOARD! Wahoo! Yep, WAHOO! --Darlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aggiesjc Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 That's the most encouraging interview I've read yet! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Raspbernie Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Greg Prato culled those quotes from a recent interview he did with Eric for a feature piece he is writing for CLASSIC ROCK magazine on the history of the band. He also spoke to Wally. All of this GREAT press will certainly help grease the reunion wagon's wheels.Bernie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darlene Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Knowing Eric, even putting "I would write something for this band" into actual words, means he's more than thinking about it. --Darlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mymooladi Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Yes Eric, there "are" those who of us would love to hear any new music you would like to do. Great article! It's good to see the wheels are turning.June Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordharris Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 All you guys, I'm really excited to read POPDUDES ARTICLE, it really is uplifting to know that Eric would consider to actually write songs for a hopefully NEW Raspberries record.And one other thing, he agrees the DVD be put out first.I'll dance to that.hey why not.After all, my television is hooked up to STEREO.AH HA, speakers are in full.Interviews are first.Then a record lable, oh my, c'mon, EricI know you can do it.I wonder which record label, if chosen?Any how, I wonder when the DVD will actually be put out, what more does it need, as of right now to complete it's packaging.This all is great news. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordharris Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Bernie, you will have to make a little space, right after,"STARTING OVER" LP on the side line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trindy Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Three thoughts:1. OK, so I was probably too f**king optimistic, but I thought the live CD/DVD was a done deal. I thought they were putting THAT out come hell or high water, even if they had to spend their own money. Yeah, I know, call me crazy. It was just a bit depressing to hear Eric saying "I think it will happen at some point but..." and imply that if no label expresses interest, it won't see the light of day.2. At the same time, I feel as if publicity like this makes it more possible that it WILL happen. That someone somewhere will be smart enough to get on the bandwagon and realize these guys have something worth selling and trying to sell.3. The idea that "if" Eric writes again, he might actually be in the mood to write some power-pop songs for a Raspberries album...oh God. My dream.Come on, Eric. It's like riding a bike. You never forget how.Please...go all the way... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gene Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 I have a feeling the DVD/live album is all about getting it just right. There are all sorts of things that can spoil a good take and I bet the band wants a product they can be proud of! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Hmmmmmm .... the Raspberries fifth album -- "Starting Over ... Again" -- We can only hope Just the thought is electrifying. I think using Jims' wisecrack humour, and calling the fifth album "Elderberries" would be a good joke, but a bad idea Might be a cool name for the DVD, though ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gregkevinw Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 great article! even better news! c'mon ec,i'm sure you can make that video out of the three shows you have already... lets not get all "perfectionist" on us again! WALLY, JIM, DAVE HELP! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tiggsherby Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 I'm pumped reading this...this can all only be a positive.I agree with Trindy...get the DVD out, while the iron is hot, we lived it...it will be great. My wallet is open to buy it no matter what, and the sooner the better! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
darlene Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 When they were making the DVD, I understood that it wasn't even supposed to be out until sometime in the Spring. No one's "perfectionism" is holding anything up. These things take time. It's nice to be able to state our views, but, realistically, none of us is in any position to advise the band. As I've said before (here comes the broken record!), "we need to let everything unfold in its own time." Believe me, the guys know how to do it right. And they WILL.They ARE! Trust me. Haven't my predictions been coming true? Believe me, they know what we want. And they know what THEY want! Just EIGHT months ago we were saying:"If I could just see Raspberries reunite for ONE night, it would be a dream come true." "All I want is to see them live ONCE for my whole life. That's all I need!" "I'd be happy the rest of my life to see them in my lifetime."We got our "dream come true" THREE (count 'em!) times! And so much more: Dream meet-and-greets, more shows in the works, a DVD, tour in the works, talking about a CD boxed set (!!!), talking about writing new music (!!!!!) Come ON, guys, this is the kind of stuff Mary Poppins dreams are made of.They don't need us to tell them what to do. We don't always realize how negative some of what we say sounds. Artists need to avoid negativity like the plague! It's only been a little over 60 DAYS since the November 26th Reunion Concert! They know what to do. Give them a chance. That's what's wrong with human nature--always wanting more. But music is like love. (IS love!) It can't be rushed. I'm so happy with what's happening, I just want to "smell the roses," (I mean the raspberries!)and enjoy what we have right now for awhile, because I'm REALLY grateful. --Darlene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jeff Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Darlene, well said ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kazumi Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 popdude, Thank you for posting the great article.Eric, You don't need to see if there's anybody who wants to buy it. You know the answer, right? Kazumi Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kirk Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 I just like the vibe I'm getting from Eric. The possibility of more shows, of writing for the band; Eric sounds like he's really digging the rock star thing, again! Why not? If you still got it, crunch it! Kirk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gordharris Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Darlene, you are right about seeing the Raspberries for the first time.Even that is a memory, not to forget.You will definately see them, in New Jersey.I know it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paulguitar Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 It seems like they want to "resurface" nationally at a certain level. Can't blame them for that. They know they have something good and want to make sure it's presented in the right way so everyone can benefit... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trindy Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 Darlene, we're like the old fairytale about the fisherman and his wife...he caught the magic fish and she kept asking him to ask it to grant them bigger and bigger wishes, until he'd had it and sent them right back to the way they were...it's a human tendency. Once we had our "one night," we wanted two. Once we had two, we wanted three...At the same time, I think we are all grateful...If some of us are a bit impatient, it isn't just because of us. It's because we want so much for them.But it does require a certain bit of trust in the process...and while we may trust our boys, it's really the big bad music business that determines what happens from here...and can you blame us for being mistrustful of that after the way they got burned the first time? All we can do is say "they're older now, they're big boys, they know what to do this time..."I just hope the big bad music business appreciates the gem it has in them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dougjack Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 New Raspberries music???!! I can't even believe I'm saying that! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randy Posted February 10, 2005 Share Posted February 10, 2005 I still say they ought to be the warmup act for Paul McCartney's tour. You can't get much more high profile than that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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