This was an event. For two months, the tributes poured in about the closing of this now-legendary venue in Hoboken. And finally, the night that it would all end arrived with the farewell show to be The Individuals, The Bongos and “a”. For those who don’t know, “a” was the first band to play at Maxwell’s when it opened as a music venue in 1978. The members of “a” are Glenn Morrow, Richard Barone, Frank Giannini and Rob Norris. After “a” split up, Glenn Morrow went on to form The Individuals and start Bar None Records; the other three members became The Bongos.
I didn’t see The Individuals’ set, as separate tickets were the policy for the night. I also didn’t have a ticket for The Bongos/”a” – but I was fortunate by being guest listed. In any case, festivities began with a block party on 11th Street, next to Maxwell’s. Media outlets came; several d.j.’s spun and it was an exciting atmosphere, considering the occasion.
The Bongos and “a” sets were set for 9 p.m. After the crowd for The Individuals filed out, it was time to make my way to the front. “a” came on to cheers from an emotional crowd; it was a set filled with stories – as Glenn Morrow put it, “It’s 1978 and we live next door…” The music of “a” was taut, herky-jerky with clever chord changes and interesting subject matter; songs about unemployment, factory work, girls who get away, etc. – it was very of its time and I loved it. “The Electricians”, “The Breadwinners” and “Double Date” were amongst my personal favorites, although the highlight of the set had to be “Death Of A Surf Guitarist” – a rock opera in three movements… I am of the hope that the unreleased recordings of “a” will be released.
Nonetheless, it was a loud ovation when The Bongos came out and Richard Barone introduced them in that familiar way: “Hi, we’re The Bongos from Hoboken, New Jersey” and launched into a powerhouse version of “In The Congo”. From there, it was right into “The Bulrushes”. A sweet version of “Tiger Nights” was next and then “Glow In The Dark”, the first single the band released in 1980, where they were joined by Dennis Kelley, who played on the original single. Another highlight from Drums Along The Hudson was “Zebra Club”; one of the rave-up moments of the band’s set is and was “Totem Pole” (from 1985’s Beat Hotel). Nick Celeste, the incredible singer and guitarist from Richard Barone’s Cool Blue Halo project, came on stage to join in for a gentle rendition of “Sweet Blue Cage”. “Beat Hotel” was next to bring the energy back up
Richard Barone then made the announcement that the next song, “My Wildest Dreams”, which came from the unreleased Phantom Train album would, ironically, be released the next day, followed by the album itself in October on the newly-resurrected Jem Records. This brought another round of cheers from the audience as the band offered both the new song and the soon-to-be-released “Roman Circus”. A well-appreciated taster for what is to come.
“Three Wise Men” motored right past with its usual energy and drive into a groove-along of T. Rex’s “Mambo Sun”, a staple of The Bongos’ sets from the beginning. The last song in the main set was the beloved “Numbers With Wings”, which had an emotion and passion no one could overlook. The encore came quickly – out with an upbeat version of “Space Jungle” into the crowd-pleasing chanter, “Barbarella” and a white-hot version of “Sunshine Superman”. That signaled the moment for guests: first came Glenn Mercer from The Feelies and Ira Kaplan from Yo La Tengo for a version of The Velvets’ “Rock And Roll”. Maxwell’s original owner Steve Fallon and current owner Todd Abrahamson were next called to the stage for not only deserved ovations/applause/thanks, but to join in on the old stomper, “Kicks”.
The final song of the night – the final song to ever be played at Maxwell’s was (fittingly) a Big Star song – “Thank You, Friends”. It couldn’t be any other. For this farewell, the last people to be on the stage would be the four members of The Bongos, Glenn Mercer, Ira Kaplan and Georgia Hubley of Yo La Tengo, Nick Celeste, once again, and well, me. Rob Ross, ex-guitarist/singer of The Punch Line. As those last notes rang out, there was nothing more than thunderous applause and from my perspective, blurred vision as my eyes filled with tears. A lot of hugs on that stage as we left; for me a night I will never forget. Not in my wildest dreams.
