Joeythunder's Blog

It's festival season for America!! Aka Coachella & Warped Tour season. In terms of dressing I kept it easy, cheap, and blue. Raggedy pair of jeans and a 90's inspired tank top with a hat. Not afraid to get em dirty. Easy to change in and out of.. Or wear the next day which I may or may not have done.

What's your favorite festival style?

Last Saturday I attended in an event for St. Baldrick's Foundation, which is a childhood cancer charity; funding research to help cures for kids with cancer. I had the honor of shaving a head to raise some money, meet some great new friends at 98.5 KLUC and eat the best Irish food in las vegas at McMullan's Irish Pub. 

 When you get a chance check out St. Baldrick's Foundation and if you ever get the craving for a good shepherds pie go to McMullan's Irish pub.

 

 

use these links to find ways to help out (and if you want some amazing irish food) mmm

 

http://www.mcmullansirishpub.com

http://www.stbaldricks.org

 

 

@McMullansPubLV

@StBaldricks

@baldvegas

 

It's basically general knowledge at this point to know that I am a super nerd when it comes to Marvel & DC. I'm not one of those guys who watched Christopher Nolan's Batman movies and then called myself an expert (which nothing is wrong with). No, I am the kind of guy that got hand-me-down comics from his cousins, collected for ten + years, pretend I'm Bruce Wayne when I walked the halls of middle school, would watch all the movies as if they were educational films and that's only the Batman franchise. 

So it's safe to say when rumors start roaring about Venom, who is my favorite Marvel villain MIGHT be referenced of more in the new Spider Man 2 movie, being stoked is an understatement. 

Not to forget that the movie isn't only having Jamie Fox as Electro terrorize the city but also The Rhino, played by Paul Giamatti. If we were to activate our detective mode and compare them to the comic versions of themselves we would find that Electro and the Rhino are almost always just thugs for hire, not having much imagination for anything more than robbing a bank or being paid to hold off Spider Man.. So who could they possibly be working for? Norman Osborn you say? Green Goblin you say? The plot already thickens you say? You want Venom to be played by an Osborn you say? I'm excited to find out! 

 

Lets look at spidey's biggest change for the movie visually...the costume! They have changed the thick rubber/ basketball-like texture from his previous movie to a more simple- comic book version along with his eyewear. No longer so reflective much more comic book-esq (large and white). Which I am a big fan of, I hope they go into details as to why he has changed his costume. It's the little things like that which always pump me up! 

 

What do you think of the new costume?

Taylor Swift opens the show with a very Disneyland+circus theme which is different yet same ol' show to expect, none the less solid opening act for what it's worth. Gets blown away by LL Cool J's humbling opening speech which reminds everyone how awesome this man is and how much he has influenced rap/hip hop music as a whole. 

 

 

The show takes a quick hard left right off the bat with Ed Sheeran playing "The A Team" but it's the Grammys, that isn't enough so what does he do? Oh he sings it with Sir Elton John, no big deal. Sir John is only a living legend. This performance is phenomenal and after such a great act I couldn't even recall how the show opened. Shortly after Adele picks up her very well earned grammy and Fun takes the stage. Let me add, I love how it seemed like an intimate show… til it started raining. Not a bad performance by any means. Just wish they played their single, I feel like it would have made a little more sense, less rain more old people dancing maybe? Bonnie and the snazzy John Mayer welcome Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert to stage, which is cool an all but I don't think the performance is what it could have been. Didn't sound big enough considering the circumstances. Maybe I don't think it's real country music? Having a southern accent/ cowboy hat doesn't make it country but what do I know!? Miguel quickly takes the stage and starts taking full control, then- of course Wiz comes in.. and makes me wanna punch myself in the face (although the dude has awesome style).  Shortly after we see the badass-pirate-lookin' Johnny Depp introduce Mumford And Sons to take the stage and they do a great job performing. Always a good time watching them-nothing over the top but they sound awesome, look great and have minimal production which is great to have them stay true to what they represent. Justin Timberlake takes the stage moments later and takes over the entire show. Steals it. Destroys it, rebuilds it and then conquers it. I can't believe how R&B he sounded. How fun/solid the band was. Frank Ocean gets his well deserved award before Maroon 5 takes the stage with Alicia Keys, which is a great collaboration, they sound great as always. Bit later on the five grammy award winning Black Keys with legendary Dr. John, and this performance is everything I want it to be. Fun, messy, bluesy, rock. Just a great performance. Which is quickly calmed down to chill mode by Kelly Clarkson,  stripped down to a great acoustic set; Her voice powers through every set I have heard her play. I have the most respect for her and her remarkable voice. Bruno Mars takes the stage and that feeling everyone felt when JT took the stage returns just as powerful of an emotion. The dance moves, the entertainment, the production all leads into a great Bob Marley tribute. Featuring not only Bruno Mars and his band but Rihanna, Sting and of course, the Marleys. As if the show couldn't get any more pumped it freakin' does, when Jack White takes over the stage! It is so rock and roll, it is so emotionally moving! It was a great performance nothing short of excellent! 

 

 

Prince makes a great appearance welcoming up Gotye and Kimbra for Breaking Mirrors. Which was by all means such a great moment from the audiences perspective. To top it all off Elton John is in company with T Bone Burnett, Brittany Howard, Mumford & Sons, and Mavis Staples, who all payed tribute the great Levon Helm of The Band and it was a great tribute. It was more than just a highlight to the Grammys, but highlight of any show I have witnessed in some time. Not too long after Frank Ocean plays his single "Forest Gump" and it only reminds me how great his album is. The production of this performance is so amazing although the version wasn't my favorite and wasn't how it should have been played in my opinion who knows what restrictions he had.

 

 

The show ends with LL Cool J taking hold of the stage with some great musicians, one of which is my favorite guitar players of all time, Tom Morello. LL Cool J has total control of the crowd and stage his entire set. It's phenomenal to watch the power and confidence behind this performance if you didn't catch it. Find it on youtube. It's a must. All-in-all The Grammys were entertaining, a little long for my least but right when I was getting bored Justin took stage, or Black Keys or Jack White almost perfectly timed. . The first half was just a snow ball effect of excitement and did a solid job picking up during the times that needed.

 

Onto talking more about the performances a little more in detail:

Grammys summed up in one word? Entertainment. While observing, I can't help but admire the production behind the live performances and what it takes for them to be a reality; the amount of persistence the production crews put into topping their own show every year is admirable. Maybe it's just from having my toes in the business and have seen what goes on back stage do I truly admire and respect the show in its entirety from behind the scenes and in the audiences seat

 

 

Starting off with what the Grammys are really about, the music! For this I would like to focus on the talent and give respect to the crews and minds behind the production and even the lineup, what a great mash-up of artists. (consisting of the following):

• -Travis Barker, Chuck D, LL Cool J, Tom Morello, and DJ Z-Trip
• -Dierks Bentley and Miranda Lambert
• -Kelly Clarkson
• -The Lumineers
• -Dr. John and the Preservation Hall Jazz Band with the Black Keys
• -Fun.
• -Elton John with Ed Sheeran, performing together live for the first time
• -Juanes
• -The Black Keys
• -Alicia Keys and Maroon 5
• -Bruno Mars, Rihanna, and Sting
• -Miguel and Wiz Khalifa
• -Mumford & Sons
• -Zac Brown, Elton John, T Bone Burnett, Brittany Howard, Mumford & Sons, and Mavis Staples, who all payed tribute the great Levon Helm of The Band (whom most of you will not know of, but please understand that they helped curve what music is today and you should all watch The Last Waltz).
• -Stanley Clarke, Chick Corea and Kenny Garrett in tribute to Dave Brubeck
• -Frank Ocean
• -Taylor Swift
• -Rihanna
• -Carrie Underwood
• -Justin Timberlake
• -Jack White

 

Going on, Who stole the show in terms of live performances? Well, it's subjective all acts had unlimited budgets top of the line production, great collaborations my personal favorites ranged from The Black Keys, Maroon 5 with one of my favorite singers, Alicia Keys), rank Ocean, Bruno Mars featuring Rihanna & STING, The Band tribute (easily the most important/ meaningful show of the night), Jack White and of course Justin Timberlake. 

 

With that I would narrow it down and say that the performance that stood out the most and one I will be talking about the most; although might not have been THE best was Justin Timberlake featuring Jay-Z 'suit and tie'. Why you ask? It has been too long since he was on a stage of that importance, It was a perfect plan for his comeback show to be at the Grammys and it was perfectly executed. The showmanship of Mr. Timberlake is remarkable as Beyonce said, he is a triple threat. His live band, was spot on, his stage presences was perfectly executed and of course Jay-Z jumping on stage rapping over "What's Goin On" beat was the cherry on top. That performance was exactly what was needed and more. It's safe to say everyone is excited for this album coming out this year, I have a feeling "Suite & Tie" will be far from the best track on that album and that is clearly saying enough in itself.

 

 

Who Won? Who do I think should have won their awards? (please note these are not all of the awards just some I took a big interest in)

 

Best Rock Album

El Camino – The Black Keys

I love this album, I love this band, first of it's kind in this wave of indie-blues-rock they have brought mainstream, but should they have won over Bruce Springsteen? over THE BOSS? Wrecking Ball is one hell of an album, I mean… Mr. Springsteen is the boss

Best Alternative Music Album

Making Mirrors – Gotye

Gotye, The most over played man on the radio. A great song writer, a great live performer (that whole band sounds so amazing live). To me it's barely a win next to yet another legend, Tom Waits.  You don't know who Tom Waits is? Wiki his name, he is a walking legend. Without him Our Jack Whites wouldn't be who their are as innovators.

Best Pop Solo Performance

"Set Fire to the Rain"  – Adele

Granted, Rihanna, Kelly, Perry, and Carly Rae Jepsen have names for themselves, but Adele is (in geek terms) over powered. She has the best voice in the Pop industry. There is no toss up, there is no "buts." Adele's voice is what the pop industry needs more than ever. I am so grateful that she is getting recognition she deserves.

Best R&B Performance

"Climax" – Usher

Agreed. Usher is in a class of his own, for awhile he was (single handedly) keeping R&B on top charts. He is a great show man. His dancing, his voice, his lyrical content are all very well composed during his sets.

 

Best Rap Album

Take Care – Drake

Solid album, maybe I am just over Drake? Maybe he got too big too fast? Maybe The Roots are just an amazing live band? Maybe Lupe Fiasco has amazing lyrics that have meaning and motivates me? Maybe I think Food & Liquor II: The Great American Rap Album. Pt. 1 by Lupe Fiasco should have won. Maybe.

Best Comedy Album

Blow Your Pants Off – Jimmy Fallon

Jimmy Fallon is great, don't get me wrong, I love his ideas and it makes me excited that he has the ability to have such great production, but for best album. I would like to imagine "Rize Of The Fenix" by Tenacious D. Jack & Kyle are both amazing frontmen, GREAT musicians, that album will get you in tears of laughter while hurting your neck from the head banging. 

 

Best Blues Album

Locked Down – Dr. John

What an amazing victory! He is one of my favorite song writers, of all time. So happy to see a true artist keep making great singles and albums since the early 1970s. 

 

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo – Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross

Noo! As much as I respect Trent Reznor, Hans Zimmer did a remarkable job with The Dark Knight Rises.  Great soundtrack. Check it out. Workout to it, shop to it, play video games to it, cook to it, walk around the store to it. It makes your life so much more exciting. Try it.

What did YOU think of the 2013 Grammys?

One of the first pictures ever taken of me with a bass guitar in hand, at one of my first ever band practices (happened to join a band the same month I picked up a bass)... it's clear to say, it has been a long road so far, with a lot more ground to cover.

So happy I grew out of the "graphic-bass strap" phase of my life early on. 

I know I'm late with announcing my resolutions, but it took me awhile to think of what I REALLY want to focus on.

What are you most looking forward to in 2013?

Joey: I can honestly say that I am most excited for whatever tours The Cab will be on. Seeing new parts of the world. Seeing what leaks out of my imagination and onto paper, thinking about designing some t-shirts, helping out more charities, etc. Try to expand my reading(s).

Any trends you hope will die next year? 

Joey: Super deep v-necks. They're getting a little crazy. Maybe those talon-like nails all these (Cute) girls are starting to rock? They're scary.

Do you have a New Years Resolution? 

Joey: Not too many, but I have thought of a few:
Paint more. Study more music theory. Work on my anxiety. Six pack.

Anything you'll miss about 2012? 

Joey: I will miss the tours I have been on, the people I met, places I/ we have seen and experienced. I hope to do it again when the time is right. 

I've got some exciting news for all the family members and fans of The Cab as well as the Buzznet community. Our band just created our own OFFICIAL Tumblr! 

We'll be posting updates regularly, but we don't want this to just be about us, we want it to be about YOU! We wanted a place for us and other Soldiers (aka Cab fans) to see all kinds of art (including tattoos, cover songs, choreography videos, etc) and anything inspired by our tunes, so submit  to the page and we'll feature a few every week. Follow along! It's gonna be a blast!

-With much respect, The Cab 

Hey guys, 

The other day I asked all of you lovely fans and friends to send me some questions to answer, I got so many and here are a few that I chose!

Who has had the biggest and most positive impact on your life? 

My family, which consists of my Dad, Mum, Luke, Sam, Paige and Dave, granted some of those people aren't blood related, but I have learned that someone doesn't need to have just a tad bit of the same DNA as you to be considered family. 

What is the most bizarre request you've ever received from a fan?

To draw their own face so they can get it tattooed, didn't make sense to me. Instead, I drew them a dog zombie, I don't think they got that tattooed.

When are you happiest?

To compare my personal levels of happiness just doesn't make sense for me and maybe I simply don't have the ability to do that. My life is not a journey to find where I am happiest at, my life is about making others happy and that is what makes me happy that is what I am best at. With that being said, I am VERY happy in the following scenarios: On stage, in the middle of a crowd meeting new people and in bed. Also, my local coffee shop, at the dinner table with my laptop set up playing games with my brothers, at band practicing rocking out and dancing in hotel rooms while dave laughs at me. Last but not least, when other band members (Marshall does this the most) points out his favorite moment of the show or gets excited over something we did on stage, talking to my dad about anything and everything, wrestling and losing to my brother, tTalking music with Justin Sinclair and the list can go on and on... 

What is your favorite place to go on tour and why?

My favorite place to go might be any place I have yet to be. I sure hope that makes sense, but it's so hard to pick, everywhere I go has something that I am attracted to. For example, Singapore has the best crowd I've ever seen. Manila has themost beautiful and caring people in the world. Japan has the most respectful people in the world. Australia has the most tan people in the world. East coast USA, you're all freaking insane and the most loyal of "fans" any artist/group/person can have on his or her side. West coast, you're not as good as the east coast, but I freaking love you no less. 

What would you like to be remembered by?

Someone who gave a darn, I guess.

What's something not many people would know about you?

I have anxiety issues that I am consistantly working on, chewing gum helps. 

What's number one on your bucket list?

To make a living playing music.

What is one thing you thought ( as a little kid ) that seems totally ridiculous now? 

I honestly thought that powering up (Dragon Ball Z style) would help me run faster during the PE races, probably a big reason why people laughed at me.

Can insanity bring on more creativity?

By the definition of the word Insanity I am sure it can. Creativity finds a way to speak; in any and every circumstance.

What's the song that always makes you happy when you hear it?

"I wanna make it wit chu" -Queens of the Stone Age.

What would you do if you weren't playing in a band?

I would be dedicating more time into art, or so I like to think, but who knows. Music has shaped me into who I am, being part of a musical group has done it even more so (touring the world, meeting so many people, etc). I can't really imagine what I would be doing if not this, I am beyond grateful. 

Do you have any nicknames?

oh goodness… Beanie, JoJo, Thunder (obviously), JB, J, Thunder-pants, Thunder-thighs, Thunder-tits, etc etc 

What was the last book you read?

Warcraft Day Of The Dragon

Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?

Depends on the scene, I am not hungry for fame or to have people know my name. Never had that urge, I simply enjoy nothing more than grooving on the bass. Have it be on stage, behind stage, under the stage, wherever. I just love playing my instrument. 

Do you have any strange phobias?

Spiders! I don't think that it's strange, but it's a very strong phobia. 

Who is your favorite manager of all time?

Rhetorical question. Chris Knight, hands down. 

What are 3 disadvantages of living in a tour bus?

1. less showers.
2. it smells after shows.
3. go back to number one.

Who would you like to see in concert?

Queens Of The Stone Age, Iron Maiden, RHCP, BoyzIIMen, Earth Wind & Fire, Converge, Jamiroquai, Rival Sons, Freesol, etc. 

Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid?

A police officer, Power Ranger, Super Hero (Batman was a big one), A hockey player, Bassist for Iron Maiden. 

What do you feel in the moment you go onstage and see all the fans so excited and happy? 

That is a very specific feeling that actually changes every time I go on stage, sometimes the feeling is better than other times, but it is all very much based off of the same emotion and that must be happiness. I am very happy on stage and ready to play my heart out, every time. No excuses. 

Do you still watch cartoons?

When I watch TV, yes. Adventure Time & Regular Show are two of my favorites! 

Do you ever dance even if there's no music playing?

…I think everyone can already guess the answer to this one ;)

If you had to move to another country, where would you move?

Korea, I love K-Pop and I love Starcraft II or Manila, I love Sea-Mantis. 

Which superheros do you like?

To list just a few off of the top o' my head: Green Lantern (Kyle and Sinestro), Batman, Super Man, Spider Man (Peter Parker), Agent Venom, Red Hood, Captain America, Iron Man, Spawn, Night Wing, Night Crawler, Wolverine, Ice Man, Cable, Human Torch, Hulk, Robin, Cyborg, Wonder Woman and basically all members of the JLA, etc etc

What is your favorite way to relax and escape stress? 

Play music & draw! 

What has been the hardest thing to overcome on your road to being a musician?

Realizing that the road does not end has been the hardest. 

Do you name your instruments? 

Oh yes! My current road dogs are Samantha, Helga & Jennifer.

What's your walkie talkie code name? 

Gray Fox (Metal Gear Solid Reference)

What would you ask from Santa this coming Christmas?(not taking into consideration if you have been naughty or nice

I kinda sorta need a new main bass(four string Fender PBass) and an amp (Aguilar?)… hahaha

I know you've answered this before but I forget, why Joey THUNDER not Joey Brobeck?

It's a nickname that stuck, I do go by both, haha!

Ninja Turtles or Power Rangers?

Generation one Power Rangers, if not first generation than gimme that turtle!

If you were ice cream, what flavor would you be?

Coffee!

First instrument you ever played? 

Alto Saxophone, sixth- eighth grade.

Second/first chair.

How do you feel about wearing socks to sleep?

The more clothing= the more prepared= the more ready you are for a surprise zombie attack.

What is your favorite song off of Whisper War and Symphony Soldier?

"I'm a Wonder" & "Intoxicated"

Happy Thanksgiving eve pre-week! A certain time of year to reflect what is really important to one's-self and be grateful for everything he/she has in their life (of doesn't) my top five would have to be the following...

1. Family (including the girlfriend, friends & "fans." They will never understand how much they mean to me). 

2. The band and everyone in it. It's been fun growing up with the dudes and being part of The Cab family.

3. My Dad's health and ability to live.

4. So grateful that we all have the ability to impact so many lives through our music and how we are as people.Happy I can do something in this life time to positively effect others.

5. I am grateful that we (the band) are all safely back in the States with (or close to) our families and with that I am grateful that we will be on the road so soon.

Less than one week till The Cab's Endlessly video is released! If you haven't heard the song feel free to check out the album "Symphony Soldier" by The Cab and prepare for a very heart-felt video!

MTV is going to be leaking a series of photos until the release on 11/15 starting today. So if you can guess what the plot is, feel free to let me know! To save you some time here is the first teased picture! Read more about this HERE!

Any guesses on what this is!?