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Johnny Heffernan
Tribute Concert
CONTINENTAL - Sept. 14, 2002
A year after the death of Bullys
guitarist and songwriter Johnny Heff in the WTC terrorist attack, a tribute concert
organized by lead guitarist Walt Stack was presented at the Continental. Trigger
had a beautiful memorial plaque made for the occasion, positioned on the wall near
a similar plaque honoring Joey Ramone.
Johnny's spirit inspired
all the musicians to deliver their best, as always. Superthrive kicked off the night,
lead singer Matt tearing through his songs with amazing fervor. Next up, after some
words from lead growler Pat remembering our departed friend and hero, Gaggle of Cocks
hit us with their unique hard sound. Original bassist Freddy stepped aside to let
their former stand-in bass player Paulie ("Beertruck", visiting from L.A.)
play a couple of numbers with them. Candy Ass rocked the house next - their new bass
player is great, and rounds out the vocals with great harmonies. By the time The
Toilet Boys took the stage, the place was jammed with excited rock fans, and Miss
Guy and the boys hit us with their rock and fire in memory of our slain firefighting
buddy (ironic, huh?).
When Johnny's own Bullys got
up to top off the night, the set was kicked off by a rare treat. After an introduction
by Joey, the evening's DJ Bobby Lundo clicked an iBook icon and the house was filled
with the voice of Johnny Heff himself doing one of his characteristic rants, this
one on "The Five Stages of Drunkness." You can hear other monologues on
www.thebullys.com under "The World According To Johnny." It was of course
a bit sad and eerie, but those feelings were overpowered by the laughter and cheers
provoked by Johnny's wit and attitude. The Bullys played one of the best sets ever,
and they were joined by long-time bassist Beertruck for several numbers. His joy
at playing with his old band was bursting like never before (exploding as though
he's been wound up like a spring after nearly a year in the City of Angels!).
Johnny would be proud and thrilled
to see his old friends rocking in his honor, inspired by his spirit and music. And
it was wonderful to see Johnny's wife and sister smiling, and grateful to their extended
family. As Joey closed the show, he announced the end of the "Second Annual
Johnny Heff Tribute". I'd love to see one of these every year, as I'm sure many
others would.
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