While no one involved with quirk-rock kings Pallet will officially sign the band’s death certificate, the dust certainly seems to have settled on the “news” and “gigs” buttons that adorn the band’s Myspace.
According to percussionist Rob “The Leprechaun” Allen, Pallet has actually splintered into a host of audio-visual endeavors these days. Always a sketchy character in his own right, Allen says he and former Pallet six-stringer Marc Bode actually ventured off into the world of animation.
“We have a new cartoon called Hell’s ? Acre that premiered on Youtube in May and episode two dropped on Dec. 13,” Allen explains. “Of course, the goal is to eventualy get the show on Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim, and we are currently working with an entertainment lawyer to help make that happen.”
When not running with the devil, Allen also rocks the music of Ramones with former Pallet bassist Craig Chapman in a tribute project dubbed The Remones.
As previously reported in this very column, singer Jay Tarrant is currently fronting the fledgling rock outfit Odds of Eden and Pallet rhythm guitarist Kevin Bias lays down keys for the much ballyhooed bluesman Chris Piquette.
“Will Jay and I every put Pallet together again?” Allen asks. “Maybe someday… but don’t hold your breath.”
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Speaking of running with devils… such optimism-challenged observations sound eerily similar to those uttered by the Van Halen camp for many a year. Then, in 2007, all detractors were swiftly silenced by a full-fledged reunion tour with flamboyant frontman David Lee Roth. It was the first time the founding foursome had performed since 1985. On Tuesday, Dec. 27, the boys announced via their online home, van-halen.com, that they will do it once again in 2012. Official tour dates were not available as of press time, but the band states that by Jan. 10, 2012, not only will the first series of venues be announced, but the corresponding tickets will also be available for purchase.
In stark contrast—and a rather thinly veiled package, if the Crawler does say so himself—troubadour Glen Campbell will bring his “Goodbye” tour to the Mohegan Sun Feb. 24. In addition to being an opportunity to say goodbye to fans, the farewell trek also supports what Campbell says will be his final studio effort—the recently released Ghost On The Canvas. Tickets are $30 and available at ticketmaster.com.
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Rounding out this week’s national news, the J.D. Souther concert originally slated for Jan. 12 at Noho’s Iron Horse has been postponed due to a “scheduling conflict.” The powers that be promise a new date for spring will be announced soon. Ticket holders can either hold on until then or opt for a refund.
For the uninitiated, Souther is regarded as one of the persons most responsible for the “Southern California sound.” In addition to co-writing numerous hits for The Eagles (including “New Kid In Town” and “You’re Only Lonely,” to name a choice few), Souther has collaborated with the likes of Roy Orbison, Brian Wilson, Trisha Yearwood and Crosby, Stills & Nash along his sonic sojurn of 45 years and counting.
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Last up, Greenfield’s Pushkin literally presents a “lights out” performance by celebrated cellist Claire Bryant and pianist Elizabeth Joy Roe, named “young artist to watch” by Symphony Magazine, on Saturday, Jan. 7. The talented twosome will combine for an evening of music dubbed “Artists From The Declasified” which, in addition to boasting selections by Adam Schoenberg and Francis Poulenc, will effectively mark the closing of the Pushkin’s current lighting installation as designed by Peter Kitchell and Gayle Kabaker. Tickets, available at pushkin.com, are $15 for adults, $10 for students.
Send correspondence to Nightcrawler, PO Box 427, Somers, CT 06071; fax to (860) 394-4262 or email Garycarra@aol.com.
