Thursday, September 2, 2010
Q+A Jay Reatard tribute goes down at Lenny's Sat., Sept. 4
Posted by Chad Radford @ChadRad on Thu, Sep 2, 2010 at 9:37 AM
Jay Day takes over Lenny's Sat., Sept. 4, with a tribute to the late Memphis punk icon Jay Reatard. Several bands, including Customers, Sarin McHugh and the Everymen and Hip to Death are playing a handful of Jay Reatard covers along with some original numbers as well.
There's also a pre-Jay Day happening show at Criminal Records on Thurs., Sept. 2, with Hip to Death and Mourdella previewing their Jay Reatard covers.
HTD singer and guitarist, and Jay Day founder John Breedlove set up the show as a personal homage to a fallen hero, and took a few minutes to answer some questions about the show...
Chad Radford: Why did you organize Jay Day?
John Breedlove: When I fell in love with my wife Kasey I put a few Jay Reatard songs on a mix CD for her. I know it sounds cheesy but she became an instant fan and bought us tickets to his show at Lenny's, and then for the final show at The Earl in December shortly before his death. Jay was a really nice guy and his music has been an influence on our band Hip To Death. With the loss of Corndogorama this year Kasey had some big ideas to fill the void. We couldn't seem to get over the loss of Jay to the music world, so our answer was found. A tribute show. One that would enlist the talents of friends and fans to help keep his memory alive. We chose Lenny's as the venue for two reasons: One, it was the first venue where we saw him perform. Two, Lenny's is working hard to stay in the game. They deserve a bone... A steak dinner. Ultimately, the purpose of this festival is to create a positive event for the community. Maybe by honoring his memory we will also let others know that they mean something to this scene too, and that you don't have to follow that dark road down. It has been very exciting to see Jay's supporters step up — we know who truly cared about him.
Blood Visions is one of the best punk albums we’ve ever heard. This guy really could churn out some punk anthems and Jay should be remembered forever. That’s why we are doing this thing, to remember the music and the life of Jay Reatard. It is a tribute to him, maybe he will be watching. I think he would be pleased.
How is Matador Records involved?
Matador is backing JAY DAY. When we wrote to them [Marketing Coordinator] Mike Venutolo-Mantova responded right away, and they’ve been very supportive. It is refreshing to know that a big label like them can be so down to earth. Mike said that Jay was a pal of his and that the idea is great. He is also going to come down and play a set, either solo or with his band Sarin McHugh and the Everymen.
Mike suggested that we contact Criminal Records as well and Eric Levin responded that they are super fans of Jay's and would do anything they could to help us. Emily Hogan has been kind enough to organize an in-store teaser show on Thurs., Sept. 2. They’ll also contribute some swag for the crowd.
Is this a one off tribute or are there other coordinated Jay Day’s going on elsewhere in the country? Is it a benefit show?
I have seen a few tribute shows online while searching for our Myspace page in the beginning. It's a good feeling to see people in other states trying to keep him alive.
This is not a benefit show but if we could send Mike home to Matador with a contribution that would be fantastic. We have a few bands coming in from out-of-town and it would be nice to help them out, too. Their hearts are in the right place and many times it's out-of-pocket love.
What Jay Reatard songs will you be covering?
Hip To Death is covering “It's So Easy,” “Bloodvisions” and “Puppet Man.” Mourdella is covering “My Shadow” and possibly a few more. Believe it or not everyone chose something different.
Have you faced any criticism about setting up a tribute show like this?
No, nothing regarding Jay Reatard himself. We did have to fight a little for support after a few people realized that the show falls on the same weekend as Dragon*Con. But with a little charm and honesty, we got it back. … And watch out Dragon*Con, Hip To Death will see you Friday night to promote the show in our own artistic way.
Essentially, a tribute like this is no different than if you were to organize an Ian Curtis tribute show and play your favorite Joy Division songs. But what's different about this is that Jay's death is still pretty recent and pretty of close to home. He had a lot of friends and colleagues here. Have you considered that it might be construed by some as a way to capitalize on Jay's death?
You know as well as I do that there is no capitalizing on music in this town. Even the bands that are doing great out there, and that have signed to record labels are struggling to get by. Besides, my Wife Kasey is all about contributing to the community and she loves to plan special events.
We will not let anyone control us, or try to make us think and act as they do, and that is the nature of punk rock itself.
He died and it is very sad. I know it is a recent death and we really don’t want to cause any harm by any means. If we thought we were doing this for the wrong reasons like money, fame, or whatever everybody in this town envies, we just wouldn’t have done it at all. We are reaching out to a fallen idol. His music is beautiful in the form in which he created it. Those who chose to be a part of the show definitely rise up and shine like chrome beneath the rust and dirt and all that shit. They have all been touched by his music in some shape or form. JR would be proud that we are not forgetting his legacy.
Comments (10)
Showing 1-10 of 10
John, you and Kasey are always so involved and thoughtful! This event is a stellar idea...glad you got it into Lenny's before their doors shut.
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I saw the instore on Thurs. Nice. I'll be there for the show at Lenny's on Friday.
wish you got good bands who actually knew jay to do this. The youtube videos that surfaced are awful.
hforheiny, you must not know anything about Jay Reatard. His friends - the ones that cared enough to be involved - were. It was a great show. But I'm sure you're too busy cowering behind your computer like a little girl and filing your nails inside a Starbucks to even know what punk rock is supposed to sound like. Better too soon than never.
Really? You know more about Jay than me? Which one of Jays close friends were involved with this? Mike at matador? get real.
You weren't - coward. I don't like to name drop - it's not my style. Shut your hole and get and life. Others are out making things happen while you sit at home. I like to see people that care about something step up to the plate. Keep sitting on the bench. Boo hooooooooo
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