Raising a bevy for Frank

Hey Everybody, Gord Lewis here. I realize its been a long, long time since I've posted on this blog. I'd like to thank The Hamilton Spectator for being patient. It has been a very strange and trying year for me.

As a band, we were very appreciative to the great response we received from the release of our album Teenage Head with Marky Ramone in April, 2008, and we had a wonderful time playing across the country again to so many happy crowds in rooms, bars and at festivals. Teenage Head had never quit and we played gigs regularly, but to receive such large, warm, and enthusiastic greetings again wherever we were was so gratifying.

Tragically we lost Frankie Venom in the fall. As fans of the band may know, Frank Kerr was not only a band member to me, and co-founder of what critics and you guys have called one of the most influential bands Canada has produced, but he was my best friend, and I consider him family. His passing was, and still is, very emotional. The outpouring of support in the time since his passing has helped me, Steve, Jack, and Frank's family so much.

With the help of family, friends, musicians, and others, I am working to get to a place from which I can move on. I have a number of projects I am involved with: whether it be playing on a stage somewhere, recording, teaching, as well as working with my brothers in continuing efforts to establish a foundation to support Canadian musicians in need (something we will have announcements coming this summer).

I will be on this blog regularly now, and you can also check out www.teenagehead.ca for updates on what I am up to.

Thank you to all those who have supported me and the band for years, and to those who have reached out over these past months. I hope we all touch base soon.

Raising a bevy for Frank,
Gordie

Comments

[OliverPinkStuff]

Hi Gord,

It was a nice time @ PIER 4 w/Sonny and all... I followed all these old classic cars that finally led down to you. Good to catch up after what seemed yars now. I'll have to stop by THE GORD LEWIS SONGBOOK THIS AIN'T HOLLYWOOD. Sounds like a good time. Here's a pic from the other night(a link to it) See you soon Gord.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/38711022@N03/3797230270/

Get Back!

Dave/Scooter (.Y.)

[christine crayford]

Hi Gord,

What a great tribute to Frank, he would have been proud. I know he felt that same way about you, he looked to you as a brother.
It has been a tough year for us all, we can only hope his spirit will live on in the music you created. There are not too many days where someone doesn't mention Frank and the love of the band. I truly wish you peace and happiness with your future endeavours.

Christine Crayford

[James]

I'm happy you re-surfaced Gord. What a Teenage Head year it's been. I never read blogs, but came across this one somehow after seeking more info on Frankie's passing, which I can't seem to get out of my mind. "I should say, there's something on my mind!"

It only seemed like a couple months after we saw your show at Mount Royal College in Calgary that we heard of his passing. My condolences to you, his family and all of Canada.

In my headspace, first it was Rickie Wilson of the B-52s who passed away back when. (I believe he was a far more influential guitarist than what history has thus far acredited) - then DeeDee, Joey, Johnny Ramone. Now Frankie. Now Lux. Such losses to endure.

So...attention "Gord and Steve". Please take care of yourselves. The Lord seems to have it out for my legends.

It was a treat to be able to chat with you and Steve after the Calgary show - There's nothing like that thrill of seeing your guitar on the stand in front of the amp before the show and realizing, "...my god. we're actually going to get to see these guys again.." Looking at that amazing Teenage Head scrapbook diary that someone brought was also bizarre. Yet I was still taken aback at the opportunity to actually chat with you and Steve - being unprepared - not knowing what to ask. What would I have asked Rickie Wilson if I had ever had the chance? "How did you get to be like the way you are?" It just doesn't wash.

Three days later, good questions finally dawned on me - questions I always wanted to ask - like... where the heck did that name come from "Teenage Head". Perhaps I will have a chance to meet up with you and your buddy Steve again. Who knows.

The Marky Ramone cd is amazing. I can't help but want to dissect his rhythym and compare it to Nick's. There's no doubt about it, he's an awesome player, but as for the Let's Shake opening, I'll still go with Nick's. Equally that new song Fulltime Fool song is wonderfull. Was that a Frankie written song? Is there any biographical truth to his reflection on "what his daddy once told him"?

When I make it back to my home town of Ottawa this summer, my band will certainly be lifting a glass to Frank & Lux and indeed doing our best to hammer out a few Teenage Head and Cramps tunes. We'll be at the Clocktower Restaurant on August 2nd if your interested.

Cheers to Teenage Head nation and all those who tune into this blog! Those who know and love your band Gordie share a bond no doubt. I hope you find the "space" required to move forward. And I will monitor this blog for news.
cheers to all
James