Suck and Blow (35 page)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

John Popper thanks:
My family, parents, siblings, cousins, uncles, nieces and nephews (especially Petra and Jeff), Trigger, Blues Traveler (Brendan, Chan, Tad, Ben, and Bobby), Duskray Troubadours, Brothers Keeper, John Popper Project featuring DJ Logic band, the Zygote band, Wasabi, the Dogs, and Dean Budnick.

Management: Lani Sarem, Seth Yudof and everyone at UD Factory, Charles Attal, Mat Whittington, Dave Geller, Meghan Allen, Scott McGhee, Doc McGhee, Susan Banks, Dave Frey, Debi Burdick, Pete Malkin, Adam Schneider, Dave Graham, Bill Graham, Tom Gruber, Dave Precheur, Scott Patterson, Lance Matthews, and Chris Davies.

Agents: Jeffrey Hasson, Keith Sarkisian, and Chip Hooper.

Elliot Groffman and Janine Small, Scott Padell, Sharon Kimball, and everyone at Padell Business management,

Stu Fine, Al Cafaro, Al Marks, Patrick Clifford, Tim Lipsky, Pablo Pascal, and every record label I've ever belonged to and the people who have worked with me at those labels.

Producers: Mark Needham, Sam Hollander, Craig Street, Jono Manson, Dave Bianco, Jay Bennett, Don Gehman, Terry Manning, Trina Shoemaker, Matt Wallace, Mike Barbiero, Steve Thompson, James Leroy Wilson, Rich Vink, Dave Swanson, Jim Gaines, and Justin Niebank

Teachers: Arne Lawrence, Chico Hamilton, Bernard Purdie, Anthony Biancosino, Marylou Huchet, Joan Katz, Linda Smith. Larry Manceer, Jeff Hooker, Mr. Sutherland, Mr. Deeks, Mrs. Lesson, Mrs. Miles, Dr. Kimberly, Father Coleman, and all other teachers who have helped me despite myself.

Oscar Arrandondo, Raul Flores, Marty Sheridan, Daryl David Pearsall, Jodie Platz, and any other security I've had the honor to work with over the years.

All bands I've had the pleasure of serving with on the various H.O.R.D.E. tours and the other package tours we've done.

Larry Bloch, Pete Shapiro, Adolph Dutell, Tom Hosier, Jason Rosen, and Daniel Kellison.

David Letterman, Howard Stern, Conan O'Brien, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Adam Carolla, Jay Leno, Dennis Miller, Jon Stewart, and every cast and crew of Saturday Night Live.

Greg Perloff, Nick Clainos, the Barsotti Brothers, Nigel and Kaaran James, every single member of every crew I've ever worked with from day one (even the shitty ones)—there are too many of you to name, and you and I both know what I've put you through, I couldn't ask for more.

Everyone in the Air Force Reserve, USO, and all branches of military who I had the honor of serving with in my various adventures overseas.

Literary agent Zach Schisgal, Ben Schafer, and everyone at Da Capo.

All friends, exes, and impactful characters—if you mattered to me, you mattered in this book and I want to thank you. And if the editors yanked you out of this book, you may still matter to me, so feel free to confer if you have questions.

And last but not least, all fans and audience members. I'm blown away by your interest, and you have all my love and faith.

Dean Budnick thanks:
First and foremost, Mr. John Popper. During our final session John explained that he was getting tired of hearing himself share anecdotes. I never did. Those calls from the road and at home were quality entertainment no matter how ragged the voice on the other end of the line might have sounded.

Jordan Popper, for her steady presence and welcome perspective, and Eloise Popper, the ruler of the roost.

While charting the story of John and Jordan's romance and marriage, I celebrated my own twentieth wedding anniversary, so I salute Leanne Barrett for her good taste and good humor.

My children maintained interest and tolerance throughout the process. I am ever amazed by Caroline, who squirms a bit at the title, and Quinn (be sure to download Penguin Zoom and the latest games from Eleet Studios).

My parents have always been supportive, as they were once again, even providing some cover guidance over Thanksgiving dinner.

Speaking of that cover, it was a scramble to land the perfect image, so I extend my gratitude to Amanda Peacock for delivering the photo John envisioned. Deepest appreciation to the effort put in by many photographers and interested parties, including Eric Brodsky, AJ Genovesi, Andrew Schuman, Stewart O'Shields, Patrick Stevens, Danny Clinch, Jay Blakesberg, Stuart Levine, Michael Weintrob, Dino Perrucci, John Patrick Gatta, Vernon Webb, Marc Millman, Andrew Blackstein, Erik Kabik, and Dave Precheur.

Thanks as well to everyone at Relix, from publisher and friend Peter Shapiro on through Mike Greenhaus, Rachel Seiden Baron, Rob Slater, Matt Inman, Sam D'Arcangelo, Brian Stollery, Brad Tucker, Chris Mocharla, Kristen DeTroia, Amy Jacques, Lilli Friedman, Olivia Millman, Colby Casoria, Angela Ribbler, Jonny Pepperman, Nikki Wiesenberg, Steve Grybowski, Wayan Zoey, Andy Turnbull, Deb Schuler, and the crew.

I am thrilled that Zach Schisgal served as our agent on this book and that he sold it to Ben Schafer at Da Capo, where I had once hoped
Ticket Masters
would land. Lori Hobkirk, Josephine Moore, Lissa Warren, and Fred Francis have aided and abetted.

The process of looking back to the late 1980s, when I first saw John and Blues Traveler, sparked me to revisit that era of the Grateful Dead and led to my novel
Might as Well
(due out right around now). Thanks to Paul Lucas for connecting me with Tyson Cornell and Rare Bird Lit during the process of completing this book.

All of which brings me back around to John Popper, the man so nice I thanked him twice. Hail fellow well met (and in overalls, no less).

INDEX

A&M Records,
86–92
,
154–158
,
211–212
,
222

Abilene's,
43–44
,
49

abortion,
279–280

addictions,
141–142
,
144
,
203
,
217

Adolph,
67–68

ads, music in,
161

Afghanistan,
283
,
284

Ain't Mozart,
43

“Ain't That Life” (Popper),
35

Allen, Johnny,
43
,
44

“All in the Groove” (Blues Traveler),
91–92

“All I Wanna Do” (Crow),
131

Allman, Gregg,
89–91
,
101
,
102

Allman Brothers Band,
100–102
,
131

Alpert, Herb,
92

alpine slides,
112

Amber,
238

Amsterdam,
240–241

Anastasio, Trey,
93
,
94–97
,
124
,
128

“And So It Goes” (Popper),
36

angioplasty,
202
,
212

apocalypse,
251

appearance,
141–43
,
287

appetites,
205
,
216–217

Apple, Fiona,
228–229

Aquarium Rescue Unit,
123
,
125
,
127

arrests,
248–249

Attal, Charles,
260
,
262
,
265

audience.
See also
fans

     
captivating,
6–7
,
52

     
reading,
53–54

Austin, Texas,
219

authority,
13

Authority, The,
47

autobiographical songwriting,
168–169

Aykroyd, Dan,
18
,
149
,
194–195

Azaria, Hank,
50–51

B-52s,
82

back slappers,
170

bagpipes,
108–110

balloon,
136–137

Bank, Susan,
292–293

barbecue,
215

Barbiero, Michael,
155
,
156–157

Barenaked Ladies,
139
,
161

Barr, Roseanne,
191
,
194
,
231
,
279

Barron, Chris,
24–25
,
30–31
,
45
,
57
,
125
,
242–243
,
263

¡Bastardos!
(Blues Traveler),
222
,
256–257

Beauford, Carter,
200

Beavers, Aaron,
263

bebop,
41
,
52–53

Beck, Glenn,
273

bedpan,
114–115

beer ads,
133
,
161

Beggerman Thief,
19

Bela Fleck and the Flecktones,
124
,
127

Bell, John,
124

Bengal tiger,
222–223

Bennett, Jay,
257

Betts, Dickey,
100–101
,
131
,
245
,
246

Bianco, Dave,
258

Biancosino, Anthony,
12–14
,
28
,
37

Birch, Thora,
173

Black Cat Jam,
34
,
37

black cat New Year's Eve ritual,
164–166
,
198

Black Crowes,
133
,
229–230

Blaine, David,
228

Blair Witch Project,
138

Bleecker, Marcus,
259

Bloch, Larry,
68

Blow Up the Moon
(Blues Traveler),
264
,
266

Blue, Sugar,
2
,
20
,
23
,
197

Blues Band,
29–34
,
36–38

Blues Brothers,
7
,
18
,
149–150
,
195

Blues Brothers
2000,
194
,
195

Blues Traveler

     
adds new members,
218–219

     
beginnings of,
28–34
,
36–38

     
early years of,
42–43
,
44

     
evolution of,
73–74

     
gigs in New York,
65–69
,
71
,
72

     
identities of,
305–306

     
management of,
75–85

     
moves to New York,
48–54

     
New York apartments of,
54–58

     
operational changes in,
220–221

     
pools funds,
58–59

Blues Traveler
(Blues Traveler),
87–88
,
160

Bonfiglio, Robert,
21

Bon Jovi, Jon,
294

Bosnia,
283
,
285

Bridge
(Blues Traveler),
219
,
222
,
255–256

Broken Lizard,
181

Brooklyn Bowl,
303–304

Brothers Keeper,
300–301

Brown, James,
130

Brown, Tom,
7
,
149

Brown, Zac,
309

Bulls,
171–172
,
188–189

Burbridge, Oteil,
201
,
218

Burger King,
128
,
144

Buscaglia, Billy,
45

Buscaglia, Robert,
45

Bush, George W.,
180
,
294

“But Anyway” (Blues Traveler),
91
,
153
,
196

Butterfield, Paul,
18
,
34

BuzzFeed,
278–279

C3,
257
,
260
,
262–263
,
265

cabaret licenses,
51–52

Cafaro, Al,
157
,
158
,
276

Caitlin,
239

California,
253

Canada, Popper smuggles handgun into,
246–247

cannon,
250–251

cap pistol,
248–249

car accidents,
118–119

“Cara Let the Moon” (Blues Traveler),
263–264

Carolina,
235

“Carolina Blues” (Blues Traveler),
222
,
235

Carolla, Adam,
176

Carvey, Dana,
151

CBGB's,
66

Celebrity Deathmatch,
227–228

cello,
7

cerebral palsy, Popper sings to children with,
138

Challenger
disaster,
35

chaperone, on USO Tour,
285–286

cheerleaders,
238
,
284
,
287–288

Chicago Bulls,
171–172
,
188–189

children,
299

“Christmas” (Popper and Anastasio),
97–99

chromatic harmonicas,
182

cigarettes,
214–215

Claire,
235

Clapton, Eric,
291

Clifford, Patrick,
221

Clifford Ball,
124

Clinton, Bill,
289
,
291
,
292
,
293–294

Clinton, Chelsea,
138

Clinton, Hillary,
291
,
294–295

clothing,
142–144

cocaine,
75
,
205

cockroaches,
56–57

comedy,
7

commercials

     
jingles,
58

     
music in,
161

communal system,
58–59

“Conquer Me” (Blues Traveler),
155

corporate gigs,
271–272

Costello, Elvis,
175

Cotton, James,
24–25

crack,
54–56
,
73

Crobar,
172

Crosby, Jason,
219

Crossroads,
194

Crow, Sheryl,
131
,
132
,
290

crowds.
See also
fans

     
captivating,
6–7
,
52

     
reading,
53–54

Cruise, Tom,
57–58

Daltrey, Roger,
175

Danko, Rick,
90

Dan Lynch,
49–50

Danza, Tony,
153

Dave Matthews Band,
134–135

Dear Liza,
300–301

death,
207–208
,
212

debt,
265

dedication, ferocious,
104

“Defense and Desire” (Blues Traveler),
155

Delana,
237–238
,
294

Dell'Abate, Gary,
224–225

Delsener/Slater,
130

Democratic conventions,
272–273

Dempsey, Patrick,
294

detention,
16

diabetes,
117–118

diatonics,
182

Dicey, Bill,
22–23

dignity,
114–117

Dillon, Matt,
50

Dirty Heads,
265–266

“Divided Sky” (Phish),
96–97

DJ Logic,
258–259
,
261

Dobkin, Dave,
155

donuts,
145

Drakoulias, George,
87

drugs,
54–56
,
75
,
87–88
,
205–206
,
247–248

dueling culture of harmonica players,
22–26

Dugger, Jerry,
43
,
69

Dummies,
41
,
42

Duskray Troubadours,
258–263

Dylan, Bob,
26–27
,
60

Eldridge, Roy,
288

Ellman, Ben,
23–24

Escovedo, Alejandro,
263

Establishment, The,
28–29

“Fallible” (Blues Traveler),
225–226

fame,
159–160
,
172–178

fans.
See also
audience

     
appreciation for,
310–12

     
connecting with,
168–171

     
interacting with,
277

fast food,
144–146

fatalistic thinking,
207–208
,
212

fatherhood,
299
,
315–320

Felicia,
31
,
36
,
119
,
135
,
234–235
,
236–237

Fender,
182

ferocious dedication,
104

Fields, Kim,
187

fighting against indignity,
116–117

Fillmore,
123

film appearances,
194–197

Fine, Stu,
262

Fisher,
282

Fishman, Jon,
95
,
123–124

flight attendants,
142

Foo Fighters,
309–310

Ford, Marc,
230

Forman, Miloš,
148

four
(Blues Traveler),
119
,
155–158
,
189

four-leaf clover,
104

Fourth of July,
311

Fox, Michael J.,
175–176

Freed, Will,
306

Frey, Dave,
85
,
128–129
,
134
,
303

Frogwings,
201–202

fugues,
94–95

fun.,
306

funds, pooling,
58–59

Gaines, Jim,
88–89

Garcia, Jerry,
84–85
,
305

Garnett, Sandy,
105

gastric bypass surgery,
212–216

gay marriage,
296

Gehman, Don,
256

Geller, Dave,
260
,
262

Gilligan's Island,
109

Gina,
65–66
,
117
,
152
,
299–300

“Gina” (Blues Traveler),
66

girlfriends,
232–239

“Girl Inside My Head” (Blues Traveler),
222–223

Gobel, Mr.,
6

Goldberg,
319

gold records,
46

Goodman, John,
193
,
194

Gordon, Mike,
95
,
124

Gore, Al,
292

Graham, Bill,
21–22
,
68
,
76–84
,
124
,
304

Graham, Dave,
76
,
79–81
,
83–85
,
164
,
165–166
,
198

Grammy Awards,
190–191

Grant,
120–121
,
246

grappling hook,
62

Grateful Dead,
69–71
,
84–85

Gray, Macy,
218

Green Bay, Wisconsin,
288

Green Berets,
282