Greg and Grohl ... and Ms. George, Too
-
Artist:
-
Track:Monkey Wrench (Live Acoustic)
One of the most gratifying things about my multi-tracked career is the ongoing opportunity to develop relationships - and, in some cases, enduring friendships - with some of the most talented people on the planet. You may not immediately know their names, and they may not be A-list celebs, but I assure you that they are prodigiously gifted in their respective fields - and I'm always confident that they're going to delight or surprise me when they put their skills on display.
For instance, I was ready for a fine time on Wednesday night when I attended the live chat show hosted by mercurially-witted comedian, actor, TV host, and all-around pundit Greg Proops. Greg and I have been pals for a couple of decades now, and I knew that his semi-monthly production at the Largo theater space on La Cienega Boulevard in Hollywood attracted some seriously hip guests and an equally cool audience.
Despite minimal advertising, the place filled up for a bill that featured Greg talking with comic actor David Cross of "Arrested Development" and "Mr. Show" fame; musician Jon Brion, who has produced recordings by Aimee Mann, Fiona Apple, and Rufus Wainwright; and, last but not least, singer/songwriter/guitarist/drummer Dave Grohl of the wildly popular rock bands Foo Fighters and Nirvana. Yes, that Dave Grohl. And this is a typical roster for one of Greg's Largo affairs. Previous guests have included Jack Black, Sarah Silverman, Flight of the Conchords, Jason Schwartzman, Russell Brand, Joe Walsh, Janeane Garofalo, Margaret Cho, Joan Rivers, Jeff Goldblum, Kathy Griffin, Lewis Black, Patton Oswalt and John C. Reilly. Not too shabby.
Proops pontificates.
Raised in the Bay Area, Greg initially found success in the San Francisco comedy scene, and, as a corollary, he appeared scores of times on the same radio program that foolishly gave me a regular forum to air my thoughts on film, music, comedy, and nightlife. I shared a common (sarcastic) sensibility, a love of arcane trivia and pop-culture references, and a healthy disdain for convention with Greg, so we got along. I was rooting for him when he flew off to the U.K. to appear at the Edinburgh Comedy Festival in Scotland. The acclaim he earned there led to a series of guest shots on British television, and eventually a regular slot on both the U.K. and U.S. versions of the long-running improv-comedy vehicle "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" He's hosted a couple of American TV shows, albeit merrily exploitive ones: "VS." and "Rendez-View." He currently plays the role of publisher Max Madigan on the Nickelodeon series "True Jackson, VP." And so on.
His numerous credits aside, stand-up comedy is Greg's true forte. He still tours the club circuit when he has the opportunity and the mood strikes him - and his chops are deadly. Following Jon Brion's amazing, spontaneous one-man guitar-and-piano rendition of "Free Bird" (inspired by an audience member's shouted request) which served as an overture, Greg hit the stage for a lightning-quick 20-minute monologue that bounced from contemporary politics and the crippled economy to his recent adventures performing in Sasketchewan, Canada and interacting with the local rubes.
Greg's subsequent conversation with David Cross was a pleasingly wry chunk of banter that culminated in Cross confirming the plans for an "Arrested Development" feature film. Then, Grohl came out, and the excitement ratcheted up even more.
Grohl drops some science.
If you've seen him in concert as frontman of Foo Fighters and listened to his between-song patter, you know that Grohl is a clever, funny guy. None of that could prepare you for the sheer entertainment of his interview with Greg. Simply put, Grohl is a fabulous raconteur.
Among the tales told was one about two loony encounters with prole-rocker Eddie Money (at the Grammys, then on a plane). Another concerned a literally shocking meeting with Gene Simmons of KISS. The show-stopper was a story about an unexpected meeting with U2 drummer Larry Mullen, back when U2 was on their "Zoo TV" stadium tour and Grohl was on drums with the groundbreaking grunge-rock trio Nirvana. The yarn climaxed with Mullen entering U2's dressing room and discovering Grohl there with his pants down around his ankles and a gigantic wheel of cheese in his arms. Ridiculous. Hilarious.
Speaking of climaxes, Grohl ended his segment with an off-the-cuff musical collaboration. First, he read the addled, self-aggrandizing lyrics to two songs by the lumpen heavy-metal band Manowar as Brion tickled the piano keys. Then, the duo - Grohl on drums and Brion on guitar - brought down the house with a bombastic, impromptu cover of Eddie Money's best-known single "Two Tickets to Paradise" that had bits of Rush, Foghat and Edgar Winter chestnuts tossed in for good measure. (All of the bands had been referenced in Grohl's segment with Greg.) Spectacular.
Greg said his thanks and good nights, and the crowd dispersed, except for a large contingent that waited in the lobby area to meet and greet the performers. After a short catch-up with Greg, I decided to head out rather than hang out and speak with Grohl. As I made my way to the exit (past a group of young actors from a current network TV procedural drama, some fledgling comedians, and a wizened session musician I recognized), I was stopped in my tracks by the beaming visage of a chic-looking young woman. Could it be? Was it really her - my biggest musical crush of the past few years?
I went up to her and asked if she was that singer I like so well. "It depends," responded the quite-lovely-in-person Inara George of The Bird and The Bee, tacking on a smile. "Oh, you're definitely her," I said, then revealed how sorry I was that I missed the duo's most recent gigs on the West Coast. "That's too bad," she told me. "We had a wonderful time." "Next tour," I promised.
I added that I've thoroughly enjoyed the YouTube clips of her and her partner Greg Kurstin performing the Hall & Oates hit "I Can't Go for That (No Can Do)" in concert, and she confided that an entire TBATB album of Hall & Oates covers might be in the works. I endorsed the idea, and threw in a little comment about her popularity at MOG.com. She expressed her gratitude and suggested that she might surf on over and take a peek at the site.
We ended with what would usually be the introductory handshake. She was as cordial and gracious as could be. And I departed the venue, as if on a cloud.
All things considered, I'd call that a decent night out.
(Just for fun, I've tossed a blistering acoustic version of Foo Fighters' "Monkey Wrench," one of my fave up-tempo rockers by Grohl and the band, into the MOG Player. It's even got a mini-anecdote about The Police in the bridge. As Mr. T says, I pity the Foo who doesn't enjoy it.)
Comments (35)
damn, that is a good night mike, thanks for sharing
wish they videotaped that thing
would love to have seen two tickets to paradise!
awesome post Mike, sounds like a really great night.
Well, I have had the pleasure of experiencing Grohl's "between-song patter," and I've got to agree that he's a charming, witty, funny guy. Sounds like a great night.
Where's this acoustic from, by the way?
Neil: It was a corker! I don't think Greg has a camera running, which might account for the spontaneity and unfettered conversation with his guests. I'd call that a fair trade-off - if you happen to attend the show.
msquared64: Thanks! It was definitely a diamond.
Troy: Now, I'm wishing there had been a video. The track (and an equally hot version of "Everlong") originate on something called Acoustic Set from AT&T - but it's not tagged with a locale or date. If anyone has that info...
Please tell me there's a clip of this somewhere! Current TV? Somewhere? Love Cross, Proops, and Grohl!
I saw Grohl play drums for QOTSA when e produced "Songs For The Deaf", and he was amazing, and he just hung back and stayed out of the spotlight. Amazing. I've always enjoyed interviews with him.
You rub shoulders with some of my heroes! Last time I saw Cross, was in The Mellow Mushroom in Atlanta and he was interviewing local legend/stripper/comic book artist, Blondie Strange, for some project (I think it was for Showtime or perhaps Vice - never saw what became of it). I stayed back and let him work, since I really don't know him, and hate being one of those "you're so great, I like you" type of fans.
Well, a quick search didn't turn up that recording, but I did happen upon the audio from a dvd called "Quiet Before the Storm" that I was previously unaware of (not sure if it's been released yet), and also found out that their performance at Wembley Stadium last summer is currently out on DVD and Blu-Ray, and it's supposed to be pretty kick-ass. All-in-all, worth a few minutes of searching.
c.b.w.: I know what you mean. Even a guy who has dealt with the famous and near-famous for ages can feel a bit silly going up to someone like Inara and veering perilously close to gushing. I guess the informality of the lobby scene, the fact that it wasn't her show, and the additional fact that we have mutual friends, inspired me to say "Hello."
Troy: Wow. That was rock detective work worthy of Joxley. And I'm gonna look into that DVD.
Forget about the Foo Fighters, you touiched the naked hand of Inaura George! OMG, fainting here.. LOL Did you give here my email addy and phone number??? Bigger LOL. Great post mate! Cheers, INdy x
Indy: I'm surprised that I was comparitively unflustered. Heading to the car, I asked my companion if I had embarrassed myself, and she said no and added that Inara seemed happy to meet a fan. "I like to think of myself as a supporter, rather than a fan," I replied. "Whatever," she said.
and 'whatever' says it all :0)
what an great night! so...looking forward to Arrested Development the movie? hmmm.
Does he burp halfway through?!? I think so and how brilliant is that?!
I'm not a Dave Grohl follower but the few times he's passed my vision he has always been sterling. My favourite time was the Wembley gig last summer that you guys mention. He had Page and JP Jones on for the encore , so he finally got to play Zeppelin. I don't know if it's on the DVD but it made some of the TV stations here and he looked like such a happy kid - not a rock star, but a really happy kid who couldn't believe what he was doing. Awesome tune btw - wish I could remember what it was.
Greg Proops was great when he was on TV here. I believe he was deported by the authorities for being a foreigner. We have out own comedians, you know. They're (mostly) just not as funny as him.
brittany: He says it's a-comin', so get ready.
Jonh: I do believe that he gives it a little gas there. The better to fuel the song? I just like the guy. He could've packed it in after you-know-who did you-know-what, but he kept going and made a hell of a career for himself with a band of his own. I'd dig him, if only for the Foos' "Everlong," "Times Like These," and "Monkey Wrench," and there are even more FF songs that get me revving. As for Proops, I don't think he was deported from the U.K. unless it was for quipping without a license.
Ask Greg, but this addled brain remembers him making funny with tPublishhe fact that his visa expired and they didn't renew it. Our loss.
He just pinged me. so I'll inquire, although I certainly don't want to put salt in any wounds.
Great stories, Mike.
thanks for the post- a fun read.
TB&TB were playing in the town next to me a month or so ago and I couldn't talk any of my friends into going- and my wife was teaching her yoga class that night so...I missed it.
Last night I took her to see Art Garfunkel- that she would NOT have missed. Row 4, center. I'll post the pix at some point. the big news: he expects a Simon reunion tour and album.
As a friend said to me, "It must be the 'Oh-sh#t, I'm-gonna-outlive-my-money' tour."
Fasted7: You're welcome. I simply calls 'em as I lives 'em. Regarding S & G getting back together, it could be for the offspring - or maybe they both got burned by Bernie Madoff. :-)
What a keen evening, Mike...I really enjoyed reading about it, and listening to a bit of acoustic Foo's.
L.
Happy to have you drop by, lyrique. Hope to see you again in Le MOGiverse...
I'm sure you will...you know I don't stay away for long.
Lucy.
Oh you devil! Now doubly happy to have you in the thread!
Yep. I'm even wearing cute little horns :)
Awesome post, Mike, aka Supporter Not a Fan.
The only time I met anyone remotely famous was when Peter Jackson came to one of our schools to scope it out for using for filming of The Lovely Bones, and I spluttered away about LOTR, and was largely unable to be coherent. Kudos to you for keeping it cool with the lovely Ms. George.
lyrique: How lyrical - in a discordant way!
dharmachris: Appreciating the kind words. To be honest, I might have been blushing or flushed when I spoke with her. Without HD video, we'll never really know. Definitely coherent though.
sounded like an evening that would stick with you for ages
I'm SO jel, you bastard you, heh! You beat me to Inara! Awesome evening of hobknobbing.
Rawk: No doubt. Someone recently did a post about the most memorable shows that MOGgers have experienced. I couldn't do a list, but this is on it.
August: Now, now. Restrain the green-eyed monster. I was just in the right place at the right time. Really, I wish that you and a whole lot of others had been there, too. Except for that part when Inara and I slow-danced to "The Look of Love." (I know. I know. In my dreams.)
The monster has been restrained for now, hehe. I'm sure you had some connections though that got you into that show & not just a right place, right time sitch, no?
'The Look Of Love' slow-dancing, good one!
Well, a 20-year friendship with the evening's host didn't hurt my chances of being there.
haha yup, but did that friendship get you in for nada?
Nope. My lifetime of media clout took care of that.
THIS IS REAL MUSICCC! I have to replay this and put it into the (PENTHOUSE) , I seriosly thank you, I do hope to see you again.
Cool. . . .
Austin was fun, but this might have been funner. Next time you wanna hit one of these man, i'll drive.
Glad you finally got to meet Inara......told you she's not just an amazing talent but a total sweetheart and a fun hang. I'm sure you didn't stick your foot in your mouth, but if you did i'll get you out of that mess!
Grohl must have been a blast. Met him a bunch of times when he came to some Laurie Anderson shows that i was working on that passed through the northwest in the 90's. he was cool as hell and the fact that he was a fan of Laurie's says a lot as well.
psyched for the AD movie as well, man. thanks for the heads-up.
Robin: You're on for the next Largofest I attend. Now, you've gotta clue me in on your SXSW adventures. As for Inara, she was as billed - super-fine, super-cool, super-nice, and projecting a kind of serenity. I can only imagine what a pleasure it was to work with her in the studio.