Pepper’s Ghost Countdown: 7 Weeks!

I’m more than a little excited to tell you that my first favorite band (you know, the one that got me into…well every other band I’ve ever fallen in love with) is playing a reunion show January 22nd at The Grape Room in Philadelphia.

Pepper’s Ghost is a rocky/poppy/Beatles-esque band from Philadelphia, PA. The group centers around two brothers, Anthony and Michael Montesano, who share in the singing, specializing in catchy choruses and hypnotic harmonizing. Joining Anthony and Michael is Zil (Pawnshop Roses) on drums, Dave Hartley (War on Drugs, Nightlands) on bass, and Rob Bennett (Automatic Fire) on everything else (keys, guitar, mandolin, saw).

They released their first album, Opening Night, back in 2001. This recording was taken from a live show at The Trocadero and features a horn section and back up choir.  This was followed by an EP in 2002 (Bang) which offers one of my favorite, but rarely performed Pepper’s Ghost songs “Addiction.” In 2005, the band released their record label debut, Shake the Hand that Shook the World. This CD is full of fun poppy sing-along friendly tunes, including my college anthem, “Friday Night in Philadelphia.”

Shake the Hand that Shook the World got Pepper’s Ghost their first big national tour. It also got the band a number one hit on the singles chart in Canada with “You’re In My Heart (Little Pretty).” In the aftermath of this release, the band seemed to take a turn to an edgier, more rockin’ sound exemplified in their 2006 The Vet EP with songs like “Dirty Bomb” and “4 Letter Friend”. The following year they released their most recent CD, Let The Players Have the Ball. This CD was also a live recording featuring some old favorites, a few new tunes, and even a Bowie cover (“Cracked Actor”).

And now you know a tiny bit more about my favorite band. Only 7 weeks until I get to see them again. Let’s get excited!

~ Kristen

for last week’s countdown post

Pepper’s Ghost Countdown: 1 Week!!!

Only one week before I take off in a jet plane and fly across the country to see one of my all time favorite bands, Pepper’s Ghost, reunite for a special show at The Grape Room in Philadelphia. I’m starting to get nervous actually. I wonder what songs they will play. Will they have any new songs? Play any covers? Old stuff/new stuff? Will they play my favorites? I’m also wondering who will be there. The place is tiny…I hope we can all get in! I’m even wondering what they will wear. And this is when I know I’m over thinking things…

One week from now all these questions will be answered. I.cannot.wait.

For my final Pepper’s Ghost Countdown post, I will leave you with their music video for “4 Letter Friend”. Enjoy and I hope to see you next Saturday!

~ Kristen