Pepper’s Ghost | Local Music Nation

Pepper’s Ghost Countdown: 3 Weeks!

Posted on January 1, 2011 by Kristen

Happy New Years!! We are now only three weeks away from what will surely be one of the highlights of my 2011, the reunion show for my favorite local Philly band, Pepper’s Ghost. The show takes place January 22nd at The Grape Room in Manayunk. I hope to see you all there! It’s a bit sad really having what could very well be one of the best days of my year so early on. Really, it could all be a let down from here.

Or maybe this event is just indicative of what kind of year this will be. I think I’ll look at it that way!

So let’s really start this year off right…with some Pepper’s Ghost tunes! Enjoy!

~ Kristen

Pepper’s Ghost Countdown: 4 weeks!

Posted on December 25, 2010 by Kristen

Merry Christmas Everyone! As a present to you, I’ll remind you that in just 4 short weeks Pepper’s Ghost will be playing at The Grape Room in Philadelphia.

To get you in the proper holiday spirit, one of my fave Christmas songs…

~ Kristen

Pepper’s Ghost Countdown: 5 Weeks!

Posted on December 18, 2010 by Kristen

Every year, Pepper’s Ghost wouldput on a Halloween show. These were some of the best, most memorable shows. They even performed a Halloween song entitled “I Am A Ghost”.

Here’s a video from the Halloween show they did at Milkboy Coffee. Let’s relive this memory and prepare ourselves for some new Pepper’s Ghost memories created January 22nd in Philadelphia at The Grape Room…!!

SO EXCITED!!

~ Kristen

Pepper’s Ghost Countdown: 6 Weeks!

Posted on December 11, 2010 by Kristen

I first heard Pepper’s Ghost when they came to play a show on my college campus. It was love at first note…during the soundcheck even. They were the first local band I “discovered” thus opening the portol to the world of live local music and beyond. Seriously, had I not stumbled upon this band, my life would probably not be what it is today.

This is one of the many reasons why I am so excited to see them play once again January 22nd at The Grape Room.

Pepper’s Ghost also offered me the opportunity to participate in my first concert shoot at The Trocadero the summer of 2006. Here’s one of the songs we recorded that night…

~ Kristen

Pepper’s Ghost Countdown: 7 Weeks!

Posted on December 4, 2010 by Kristen

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: 8 weeks!

Posted on November 27, 2010 by Kristen

go here and scroll down to January 22nd. Two words have never made me happier.

It’s been nearly 4 years since I’ve seen my favorite band take the stage. This little reunion show may not be exactly like the old days (Pawnshop Roses’ bassist Mike Walsh is rumored to be subbing in for David Hartley), but just the idea of hearing old favorites like “All I Know” be performed once again, makes me giddy with anticipation. Of course I will be there. In Philadelphia. It won’t just be a reunion for the band. I’m hoping all the old Pepper’s Ghost family shows up to celebrate. If you are one of them (or even if you’re not), mark your calendar now! Janurary 22nd. The Grape Room. ‘Cause you know, “it’s better when you’re here.”

~ Kristen

p.s. This video brings back SO many memories…FYI it was shot at my favorite venue (RIP The Point)

p.p.s. look forward to weekly reminders of this, one of the most anticipated events of my year.

My Ideal Birthday Concert

Posted on March 19, 2010 by Amanda

It’s my birthday! What I’d really like to be doing to celebrate is watch all the fantastic bands that are playing SXSW today (including faves The Crash Kings and Carney). Then I thought, as long as I’m wishing for the impossible, I might as well go all out. The best way to celebrate my birthday would be by watching the following three bands (one of which no longer plays) at the now defunct Grape Street outside Philadelphia, PA. That’s how I’d really like to celebrate my birthday…yes…
You can give to me a birthday gift by checking these bands out !

1. Pepper’s Ghost– “Everything and Anything” at The Trocadero