Reverends
Corner
7/10/2010 - How about them
Mets?
How Bout Them Mets? Yes I am
a Met fan, but I’m a New York sport fan. Yankees are great, No
Doubt, but handed down from my Dad who was a major Brooklyn Dodgers
fan, but when they moved, he went to the Mets from day 1. I was
playing Little League at East Shore Little League when I turned 5.
Yes, I played Tee ball and was very advanced, so within 2 years, I
was brought up to the minors, which was supposed to be for 8-9 year
olds. I started at 7. And after 1 year I was advanced to Majors,
playing with kids that were 2-3 years older, but I played well and
was accepted. My first
baseball game that I ever saw at Shea was a birthday present from
Mom and Dad 1969, game 5 of the World Series. WE WON!!! What a
Rush!!! From then on, I was sold. I became a die hard Met fan and I
wanted to be a Professional ballplayer. Not that I don’t like the
Yankees. I do. Mark
Teixeira is one of my
favorites. He is also a big Twisted fan.
Well
to continue on, I also played basketball, but was told I was too
short. Played football, but even though I had great hands and scored
a lot of TD’s, I wasn’t big enough. I ran track the 100 yard high
hurdles and anchor on the relay team. YES, I was fast. Baseball came
easy. I was a utility player. I played every position, except
pitcher. But my main position was catcher. I had a rocket for an arm
and played like Yogi himself. Hit like Mantle and was as quick as
Robinson. But music came easy also and I was equally talented.
Played baseball through out High School and played in bands as well.
Was the only 14 year old around that could play Rush, ELP, Chicago,
Sabbath, Zep., ECT. Don’t ask me how, but I did. I also played on
High School All Star teams and was scouted by some major league
teams. Who had it better than me? Until I blew out my knee in Junior
year and that was that. That was the end of a baseball career. I was
down, but my Dad said “ Son, you have many special talents, but as a
drummer, you can be one of the best.” As a great musician himself,
I took this and ran with it. Music was #1 of many things I wanted to
pursue, but I chose music as my focus and here we are.
Heard about this great club
band and even had the opportunity to witness the power of TS.
Wanting to play with such a band seemed farfetched. I was only 18,
but knew I could do it. Never connected, hit the road for Hollywood
where I worked with some local bands as well as landed some odd jobs
roofing, landscaping, carpentry, ECT. Well we have to survive. I was
never afraid to work outside of my God given talent, but sometimes
we have to do what we have to do to survive. Even when TS broke up,
I continued to work in various fields outside of
music.
I worked for AT&T, where
I met a lot of great people, including my Bro Gabe. I learned a lot
and hold dear that time. People had faith in me as a Lab Tech/
Manager for which I was grateful. Then a layoff put me back to the
music when TS reunited (right place, right time) and you know the
rest. But to all my friends at the job, Thank You and we’ll always
be friends.
For
those out there that think if you do other things besides music, you
won’t be a success. WRONG!!! Total opposite. When we strive for what
we love, but have to do other things, it helps because it only makes
our character stronger. Never forget where we came from. These so
called successful people forget and become assholes. I’ve always
taken pride in being me which is down to earth, and appreciate the
support from my fans. Respect has to be earned not just given.
Always treat others as we want to be treated. I.ve met some great
people in this business and I’ve met idiots. The idiots I just walked away from, and
the great ones I’ve
become friends with. You could never have every like you. Don’t
worry; it’s the loss they must take. Not ours. Screw them. You don’t
need them in your life anyway. I’ve learned some hard lessons and
that’s what it is, a lesson. If I use that and go on, I’m better and
will have learned for the next time. Well, I’ve rambled on enough.
For
those who know or don’t know, I’ve been on radio in Long Island and
even had an online show. Had a great time and learned a lot. I will
be getting some things together when I have time in September, to
work on a local cable talk show. I already started putting together
a staff. Will keep you informed. With that I’ll be able to show a
different side of me. Hopefully this will lead to becoming a talk
show host in the future and possibly Radio as well. With the support
of the fans, friends, and family, I can achieve yet another dream.
With this, I leave you all for now. I’ll be out all summer with TS
all over Europe and USA. Doing what I love. PLEASE, have a safe
summer and God Bless. AJ
6/13/2010
I usually talk shop and emails, but this time I would like to
talk about a dear friend and one of the greatest singers ever.
RONNIE DIO, rest in peace my friend.
We had heard about his illness last year, but
he was fighting to get healthy. Never did he stop or look for
sympathy. He kept it pretty hush, even when we spoke briefly around
the holidays last year; we spoke about positive stuff and talked
about good things. Even talking about seeing each other on some of
these up and coming shows in Europe that TS and HH would be on the
same bill. Never once did he let me or his other friends on to how
sick he really was. This disease SUCKS!!!! Lost many friends and of
course my Dad to this nightmare. Ronnie is and will always be
one of my heroes. Rest in Peace my friend and we will continue to
keep his name in what ever we do, especially performing to the max
in his honor through out this summer and for years to come.
Well, I’m sad now and will sign off. But, I
will keep positive and live life to the fullest. If history and lost
family/friends have taught us anything, we move on, keep strong and
continue to do great, positive things, but always keep them dear in
our hearts. Again, to all the fans, Stay safe, Stay healthy, and
most of all STAY HUNGRY!!!!See you soon, with love and respect,
AJ
6/1/2010
Well, my bro Gabe had suggested that I take some questions. I
don’t usually do this because it always leaves me open for someone
to get pissed off because I don’t say what they want to hear. I tend
to voice my opinion. That’s all it is, is my opinion.
One question that peaked my interest is, “AJ,
you said you have another job besides Twisted “ Yes I do. And I’m proud of
it”. I’ve been interested in law enforcement for many years. . Besides baseball which I
loved and played since I was 4 years old, but blew out my knee in
high school and had to give it up as a career, so of course I
continued playing the drums. Well that for another subject at
another time. But I wanted to be a police officer, FBI or Secret
Service agent, but decided to pursue music and joined TS. For those
who don’t know, I took the NYPD test and did real well, and passed
everything, but decided not to do it. So next best thing at this
point in my life, I got my license for Security and I landed a job
in the city as Regional Manager/ Field Supervisor for an
International Security Firm. Sottile Security to be exact. I love
it. I have a lot of responsibility and still have the freedom to
continue playing/ touring with TS. Yes, rock and roll musicians can
have a responsible position in
society.
There was a time, about 2004,
when I met some great people in Jim Thorpe, PA. Treated us like gold
when we played there, and I got to know the folks in the Police
Dept. They’re a great bunch of guys as well as my friends, The
Leslie’s. Todd is a great guy with a great family (also a talented
drummer as well) What is it with drummers and law? Some of us join
and the others fight it.
I became friends with the rest of Jim Thorpe’s finest. I love
you Guys. They made us honorary officers and I still hold that
dear(check out the news article on my press page). I came very close
to joining the Jim Thorpe Police Dept (well gave it some serious
thought). The only problem was I didn’t think I would continue
playing the drums on tour with TS, and that would have pissed a lot
of people off. Needless to say, I’m still on tour with TS and hold a
great job with some new friends I’ve met and respect.
My point, you can do what ever you want if
you really want to. Some people feel that because they are a
musician, they shouldn’t do anything else. BULLSHIT!!!! Just do what
makes you happy. We can multi-task. There’s nothing wrong with that.
It’s kind of funny when people find out who I am and I’m doing the
security thing. I think they respect me more that I do have the best
of both worlds in the things that I love doing. Don’t ever let
anybody put you down for that. REMEMBER: If it is a positive
situation, you will have whatever you want. Stay away from negative
people and remain positive. Enjoy life and work hard to achieve
every goal. Yes you should have many goals in life. Each one
approached may work or not. If you have 10 goals and only 4 reach
achievement, that is 4 more goals reached in your favor. You never
would have reached them if you didn’t try. That is great!!! That is
success. I’m not saying that you won’t have disappointments, or
failures. It’s not a failure, just a learning experience. We learn
by our mistakes. But if you didn’t experience trial and error,
you’ll never know what is the right road next time around.
I still write stories for potential movies or
shows. I’ll still keep doing the acting which I love, Radio and
hosting various projects I’ll keep striving for. And most of all, I
play drums for one of the best bands in the world. They are my
brothers and part of my family. You can do it all!!!! Keep positive,
but always remember what it took and where you came from. Be
positive, but not an egotist. And most of all treat others the way
you would want to be treated. There are too many scam artists and
non talented individuals who thrive on seeing others fail or like to
ride on others success. STAY AWAY from them. I do. Trust your heart
and the higher power to guide the way. I can go on and on about
these A**holes. I’ve learned a lot about life by mistakes I’ve made.
I’ve met s***heads which I avoid now, but I’ve also met some great
people who are still in my life. Live life, don’t judge or abuse
others, and stay safe. Everyday above ground is a good day. Thank
you for the support and be safe. I’ll see you out on tour this year.
Keep those questions coming in and I’ll will pick the best ones to
answer through “ The Reverends
Corner”
5/1/2010
My man Gabe has
complimented me on these advice stories. Remember, these are stories
about things I’ve been through. I don’t claim to be
Dear Abby, but I have always listened to advice from my elders whom
have been through certain things and I could take it or leave it.
It’s always been up to me. It should always be up to You. Listen to your heart, it will never steer
you wrong. BELIEVE ME.
Here We Go!!! Made it through all
the snow storms and severe rains. Busted my ass shoveling and
pumping water. Even had to chop some trees. My heart goes out to the ones
that lost everything they’ve worked for all these years. May they
get their lives in order. You all are in my prayers, ALWAYS. Which
leads me into this.
Sometimes when I feel down and say “ Why Me”
I think about the people that have all these tragic things happen.
OK, Got it!! That’s the
way it is. I know that God only gives us enough that we can handle.
Well, what about those who choose to end it. That scares the F**K
out of me. I lost a lot of friends due to natural and un-natural
occurrences. What goes through their minds? What might seem not
important to me can be life threatening to someone else. You know,
we can knock ourselves out by trying to figure that out. There are
so many things in life I would like to do. I feel that we can do
whatever we want as long as we stay focused. Yeah I know that’s
tough. I go through it everyday.
I love sports, and police work. I'm into
forensics and law. I always wanted to be a Police Officer. I felt I
could have been a good one. I could have helped a lot of people.
Well, I choose music and have changed/ influenced thousands of
people. I am proud of this, yes I am. I thank and have always
thanked the hundreds of thousands of fans for the support.
I love movies, acting, writing movies, and
radio. Right now I’ve reached a lull, but will continue to pursue my
life’s’ goals. I
am in the process of writing a book about my life. My friend, Brent
Williams will be the writer of this project. He is a great, talented
writer. I will keep you posted. I know I am babbling.
1 subject that I would like to talk about is
this bullying shit. Nothing makes me angrier then womanizers,
pedophiles, and Bullies. Guys who beat up women are pussies, yes you
heard me. I’ve come across a few. Just use your imagination what
happened. Pedophiles, you have a problem. Stay away from anyone I
know. Bullies, I was bullied in grammer school and High School.
Well, that was before martial arts. By the way, I studied Vadha
Kempo for years and Aikido. Next installment I will get into that.
But the bullies have to stop. Sad what happened to those who did
take their own life because of the torment. Why the F**K does this
have to happen. I learned how to fight for the discipline not to be
a bully. But these kids that are be tormented just want to fit in,
be accepted. Assholes, try to understand that bullying is a pussy
act. Leave these kids alone. You want to fight, join the armed
forces and fight for your country. Learn some honor and respect.
These assholes that bully don’t even respect themselves, so how can
they respect others. Our soldiers are laying down their lives for
us, God Bless Our Troops. They are soldiers, our soldiers. They
know. They understand. Follow their lead and you will have a better
outlook of what life is all about. Remember, what ever you give out,
you get back threefold. I live by that rule. OK, I’ve talked enough.
If anyone would like to share stories or need
to unload, please email me. I’ll try to relay life experiences the
best I can. I can only share what I have been through. Anything that
I say is only what I went through, right or wrong, I lived by trial
and error and should only be taken as my experiences, not law.
Next installment, I’ll touch on being down
and out, and how I just kept going to climb above. I never
considered suicide a solution. Honestly, I’ve pondered, but always
came up with a million reasons why it SHOULD NOT BE THOUGHT ABOUT.
God
Bless.
4/10/10
I’m
I’m Back!!!
Finally able to sit again and talk some more. Now I know what you’re
thinking. And the biggest question I am always asked,” How Difficult
Can A Rockstars life be.” Well to tell you the truth, I am a human
being that does a job well. But music is not my life. Family, Sports,
Karate, Working out, and friends take on a bulk of my time.
I also have other
interests that keep me busy. I write stories that I hope will get
some interest for shows and movies. I get on the Bike and ride with
friends, and I work at a security firm where I’m a Supervisor in
charge of keeping accounts happy and in check. Yes, Rock and Roll
musicians can hold an important job and do it well.
In my life, I’ve
worn many hats and have had a lot of people count on me. My point!!! You can do anything you
want to in life. My concept is to approach any type of position and
choose to do it well. Some people take the easy way and some (like
me) will take pride in what they do. RESPECT!!! You
have to earn it. I’m respected as a talented musician in one of the
biggest and baddest bands in the world, but also as a valued
employee in any thing I choose to do. There is nothing wrong with
taking on a wide array of careers or projects outside the scope of
your main choice in life. All I know and you can ask anyone, when I
take on a project or job, I do it to best of my ability. That’s why
I gained respect from many many people. Never judge a person, unless
you know what they’re all about. But then again we should never
judge, unless we are prepared to be judged.
There are too many
bullies, wannabes, power mongers, and plain out assholes that should
not be allowed to even be on the same level as the hard workers who
just want to have happiness in there lives. I respect those who
understand that life is tough, but still keep on keeping on. I have a lot of friends (you
know who U are) There R too many to list. I am thankful to have them
in my life. In my book, I will list each person and thank each
person for playing an important role in my life. MY
POINT!! Appreciate all that play an important part in your
life and remember why they are there, even if it’s a short time.
For those who
think that our parents are the enemy, think again, they're only
trying to share their life experiences. Respect them and appreciate
what they went thru in their life. They only mean to help and guide.
As a parent and Grandparent,( Yes I know, I look great for a
Grandparent. LOL), I only try to tell them the things that I’ve
done. The trials and Errors as well as the successes.
Don’t feel irate, just try to understand and communicate. Don’t burn
bridges; you never know when you will come in contact again. OK,
I’ve preached enough. Until the next installment, keep Positive, and
God Bless, AJ.
PS: If you have
any questions for Gabe(gpsd@comcast.net), ask him. He is
one of my closest Friends,
3/20/2010
OK.
Here we are, 2010. Another year of Twisted Sister shows and other
projects on the horizon. I know it's been awhile, and I apologize,
but as life goes, we tend to take on goals that were neglected and
put aside do to a busy schedule. My family has always been on a
major importance in my life. My fiancé Michele has always told me to
achieve my goals and dreams. With her support and my family, I've
been putting into motion things that I would normally put aside.
Being a human being, I tend to put others ahead of my needs. That's
good, but there comes a time when you have to get off the couch and
start putting dreams into reality.
So,
here's where we stand. I started writing that book, yes the life
story book. I've been told that my life was very interesting. As
rough as it was, I've worn a lot of hats. I've done things, jobs,
careers, that were outside the box. Things that musicians don't
normally do. Some out of necessity to make money to feed and house
my family and others to entertain talents that I have besides music.
Since 1987, I've been involved with businesses that I invested in or
helped out friends getting started.Band projects, some schooling to
better myself. Some successful and some failed, but always tried new
things to get ahead. In my book, I will go into detail, but for now
just know that I am human and believed in trial and error. Some
entertainers today tend to become successful and lose sight of what
is important. Some die, some try to get help and some, like myself,
keep on keepin' on. I am thankful for the friends that are
supportive.
My
family has always been supportive. So, with that said, I am
constantly writing. I hooked up with a writing partner, Andre
Joseph, who is an up and coming writer. He asked me to play a part
in one of his movies called "Priceless" which I played a Russian Mob
Boss. From that, we teamed to write a few scripts that are being
reviewed. My script, "3 Strikes" was picked up by a movie company
and will hopefully go into production some time this year. Bet you
didn't know I was that talented. Lol. Somethings I put on hold such
as radio which I enjoyed, but I'll get that going again as
well.
Right
now, I am looking forward to another bunch of shows with my
brothers, Twisted. I am also on the March of Dimes committee in
Staten Island to raise money for a great cause. Along with Dee and
Mark, we do a lot of Bike Rides for Bikers for Babies. I also Host a
concert in Staten Island called "Staten Island Rocks for Babies"
which will be held on May 21st at the St.George Theater on SI. You
came get info through my website. Check out the March of Dimes site
and also I have a link to SI/ Bikers for Babies.
I
will be trying to keep my site up to date, and add more info as I
can. With the help of one of my closest friends, Gabe, who happens
to be a talented drummer as well, I will be blabbing and boasting
about my current events as the year goes on.
Most
importantly, I want to thank all my fans for continuing to support
TS and myself in the projects hopefully brought to reality.
Remember, you can do anything you want, as long as its kept in
constant vision and sight. There are always side tracks and it my
seem tough at times, keep doing it and keep positive, and it will
happen. For now, be safe and I will add some more words
soon.
Thank You
and God Bless, AJ
