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Entered on: July 30, 2007 12:00 AM by Jackzilla

Brian Vander Ark (lead singer of The Verve Pipe) hung out at the Zilla pad Saturday night.

PHOTO 273 - 85 Comments
From: Jackzilla Entered on: July 30, 2007 7:44 PM
He played out on our back deck with just a guitar for over an hour and it was super sweet!  Here's a clip: http://youtube.com/watch?v=B01HNVuJO0Q
From: Ross Entered on: July 30, 2007 9:11 PM
Sweet, Zilla!  How'd you finagle this showing?
From: Jackzilla Entered on: July 30, 2007 10:10 PM
He's been my wife's favorite singer for years -- Angie's seen him with the Verve Pipe and solo countless times.  In fact, years ago when they were in New York mixing their RCA debut album (which became Villains, with "Freshmen" re-recorded for it, which became a hit), Angie was out there to see Letterman, got in touch with them and actually got invited to the studio. Anyways, I've been thinking of surprising Ang by somehow getting him out to the house (he lives in GR, afterall).  Well, lo and behold a couple weeks ago, Ang gets an e-mail that he sent out to his fans saying he's doing Backyard BBQ shows to raise money to record his next album.  Basically doing 2 shows a day for a month or so at people's houses.   After some e-mailing back and forth, we struck a deal and he came out Saturday night. We had about 20-25 people over (friends and family including Johnnybells & Jeurge, Natron, Radmobile, NickNick and Crockett).  Brian was super cool and funny, met everyone, played for over an hour, and chatted and signed CDs afterwards.  We listed a dozen songs for the setlist and he played all of them and ended the night with some covers of songs people requested.  It really was a perfect night and everyone had smiles on their faces. I highly recommend his solo CDs by the way (Resurrection and Angel, Put Your Face On).  He's got a great voice and is a great songwriter.  Brian's got Bill Szymczyk to produce his next record (he produced all the 70's Eagles albums like Hotel California).
From: The Bone Entered on: July 30, 2007 10:54 PM
That is super sweet. Although he looks very pedo in that pic.
From: Jackzilla Entered on: July 30, 2007 11:57 PM
He's a tall one!  I'm not used to NOT being the tallest in the room.
From: Radmobile Entered on: July 31, 2007 7:36 AM
Yeah, I was a bit surprised to see someone Jack had to look up to talk to. It was a lot of fun. He seemed like a nice guy.
From: NickNick Entered on: August 7, 2007 12:57 PM
Jackzilla said: He's been my wife's favorite singer for years -- Angie's seen him with the Verve Pipe and solo countless times.  In fact, years ago when they were in New York mixing their RCA debut album (which became Villains, with "Freshmen" re-recorded for it, which became a hit), Angie was out there to see Letterman, got in touch with them and actually got invited to the studio. Anyways, I've been thinking of surprising Ang by somehow getting him out to the house (he lives in GR, afterall).  Well, lo and behold a couple weeks ago, Ang gets an e-mail that he sent out to his fans saying he's doing Backyard BBQ shows to raise money to record his next album.  Basically doing 2 shows a day for a month or so at people's houses.   After some e-mailing back and forth, we struck a deal and he came out Saturday night. We had about 20-25 people over (friends and family including Johnnybells & Jeurge, Natron, Radmobile, NickNick and Crockett).  Brian was super cool and funny, met everyone, played for over an hour, and chatted and signed CDs afterwards.  We listed a dozen songs for the setlist and he played all of them and ended the night with some covers of songs people requested.  It really was a perfect night and everyone had smiles on their faces. I highly recommend his solo CDs by the way (Resurrection and Angel, Put Your Face On).  He's got a great voice and is a great songwriter.  Brian's got Bill Szymczyk to produce his next record (he produced all the 70's Eagles albums like Hotel California). It truly was a great night for it.  Not too hot.  Not too humid.  He was awesome.  Great personality to go with that talent.  Thanks again Jack for the invite on that.  I've already listened to his CD's a half dozen times already.  I even took a time machine back to Villains.  I almost forgot how good that CD was.
From: John Entered on: February 1, 2008 9:23 PM
I wasn't online back when Zilla posted this and I just wanted to say that it was indeed the perfect night. Everyone had a great time and Brian was funny and friendly, good times.
From: Jackzilla Entered on: February 2, 2008 1:51 AM
We just got Brian's new cd in the mail today.  On the back of the cd booklet on the Thank You list is Angie & I!  Very cool!  I haven't listened to it yet, but we're looking forward to it. Here's a link for buying the cd if you're interested.
From: John Entered on: February 2, 2008 8:21 AM
That's pretty sweet Zilla. Maybe you could have Brian come out every summer if he's available.
From: Jackzilla Entered on: February 2, 2008 9:55 AM
We're thinking about it!
From: BigFatty Entered on: February 2, 2008 12:26 PM
What would that say about his career if one of his summer concert dates is Zilla's Deck in Lowell?  I hope for his sake his career takes off enough to avoid that.  No offense, Zillz.  It would be more impressive if he bacame wildly popular again so you could go on VH1 and do the 'I knew him when...' shows.
From: NickNick Entered on: February 4, 2008 8:31 AM
From what I gathered from Zilla's party, Brian would actually prefer playing the back yards.  He seemed to really enjoy the intimate setting and came across as a genuinely nice guy.  I don't think he really wants to become wildly popular again.  He's had his taste and seems content with the family life in Lansing.
From: Jackzilla Entered on: February 4, 2008 8:50 AM
Actually, I believe Brian lives in G.R. these days. 'Tis true what you say though, NickNick, Brian has done the major record label/MTV thing, survived it, and seems happier doing his own thing.  Ain't nothing wrong with that.
From: Jackzilla Entered on: June 23, 2008 12:52 PM
We had BVA back out yesterday at the Zilla pad!  He played on our newly expanded deck (we coined it the Brian Vander Ark Pavillion for the day): part of his Lawn Chairs and Living Rooms Tour '08.  Lots of Jackassarians in attendance including Bells & Jeurge, the Swerbs, Radmobile & Annburgler, NickNick and MeganMegan (?) and Crockett! And, although people doubted I would I go through with it, I had Brian playing ROCK BAND with us!  We did "Dead Or Alive" (Bon Jovi) with Brian on vocals and it was SWEET!  Look for a YouTube link soon!
From: Ross Entered on: June 23, 2008 1:23 PM
Awesome!  Can't wait for the vid!
From: Jackzilla Entered on: June 23, 2008 1:54 PM
My brother's fiance put this up already:  Brian playing the first song of the night "Love So Deep" (from the new album).  Toward the end of the song he says something about how I should have my Guitar Hero guitar so I could add a solo...
From: John Entered on: June 23, 2008 2:19 PM
Pretty sweet, it was fun for all. Swerb is going to have to get on here and tell his Brian story that Brian brought up during his performance.
From: Swerb Entered on: June 23, 2008 4:29 PM
There's not much story to tell. Brian and I both belonged to the same gym- er, workout facility - and we had a conversation in the locker room. As dudes in locker rooms often are, Brian was in ze buff. I had a towel on. We had a few minutes of conversation in which I successfully maintained eye contact without even an accidental glance at Brian's bits. Slightly awkward, but we were in a locker room, so who cares? There was no crank-gawking involved. But it does make for a funny story because, as Brian put it, "Neither of us acknowledged the elephant in the room - so to speak."
From: John Entered on: June 24, 2008 10:35 AM
It was just funny when Brian took a break in the middle of his performance to tell this story.
From: BigFatty Entered on: June 24, 2008 11:46 AM
So.... what made this moment so memorable to both of you so many years later?  I've had a few conversations with people in locker rooms too.  But, I cannot tell you the faintest detail much less remember who it was with.  Ok... if it was with someone famous, then that gives you permission to remember, Swerb.  But.... why did Brian remember you?  Where you Smooth-Swerb the bigtime critic when it happened? I think both of your are leaving out key details.
From: Bunky Entered on: June 24, 2008 2:21 PM
Jack, did you inspect his wallet for any suspicious photographs?
From: Swerb Entered on: June 24, 2008 7:49 PM
BigFatty said: So.... what made this moment so memorable to both of you so many years later? I've had a few conversations with people in locker rooms too. But, I cannot tell you the faintest detail much less remember who it was with. Ok... if it was with someone famous, then that gives you permission to remember, Swerb. But.... why did Brian remember you? Where you Smooth-Swerb the bigtime critic when it happened? I think both of your are leaving out key details. Jesus frackin' christ. Basic deductive reasoning: Brian Vander Ark is/has been a big name in music in G.R. for a long time. Swerb wrote about music for the newspaper for many years. Therefore, Swerb has written many articles about Brian Vander Ark. Prior to the gig at the Reedy compound, it had been a few years since Swerb spoke to BVA. Their last conversation occured in the locker room, hence, why it was brought up. Sheesh! It's not that interesting of a story!
From: BigFatty Entered on: June 24, 2008 11:58 PM
Or so you would like us to think!  Remember, Fatty is the master of deduction, and not just at tax time.  Let us key in on your location, ''er, workout facility".  Here your house of cards comes tumbling down.  What kind of place would be referred to as a workout facility?   A place to work things out?  A counseling center?  Perhaps, but that does not explain the locker room.  A gay massage parlour?  Hmmmmm.... now we are getting somewhere.  It appears that you and BVA were working out your gay frustrations and enjoying the afterglow together with a shower and clean-up.  BVA was trying to out both of you at Zilla’s, but seems Swerb is still not ready to come out of the closet. Fatty (AKA, Fattlock) has done it again.  I think Fox News is calling me to be one of their investigative reporters.
From: Ross Entered on: June 25, 2008 7:17 AM
Fattlock!  Hahahahhaaha! How does Fattlock stack up against Shemplock Holmes, though?
From: John Entered on: June 25, 2008 7:38 AM
Fattlock and Shemplock Holmes, I love it! Together they would be unstoppable.
From: The Bone Entered on: June 25, 2008 9:41 AM
BigFatty said: So.... what made this moment so memorable to both of you so many years later? I've had a few conversations with people in locker rooms too. But, I cannot tell you the faintest detail much less remember who it was with. At least Swerb didn't wax poetically for three quarters of his post on big sasquatchian cranks in his gym
From: BigFatty Entered on: June 25, 2008 11:39 AM
If you have never been surrounded by big sasquatchian cranks in the gym, then you cannot criticise the effects of such event. Note to Fatty:  If Bone ever comes to Budapest, DON'T take him to the local gyms.  Bone's modus operandi is, when threatened, head towards threat and punch in the nose.  He'll be punching dudes in the crank the whole time.  This may cancel your membership.
From: Bunky Entered on: June 25, 2008 11:50 AM
Do you have a camera phone Fatty?
From: BigFatty Entered on: June 25, 2008 12:28 PM
Whats that??  All our numbers are like KL-2473 and you have to click the receiver a few times until Susie comes on.  She then connects your call.  A camera AND a phone????  That is just crazy.  Why would someone want one of those?  Next you will ask it it has a radio, calendar, and games too.  Phones are for talkin. Unless you are Bells.  Then phones are for getting into trouble. :) I think I know what you are asking, Bunkz.  Sorry, I'd send you a photo of mini-Fatz but you can't see the sapling through the forest.  You know what I am saying???  The eggs are covered by the nest.  Can't see the negro because of the puff....   Nuff said!
From: Bunky Entered on: June 25, 2008 2:33 PM
Bells would have got the photo and sent it my way! I know a good waxer Fats, so next time you are over here I will hook you up! We'll get rid of the puff and you can just role full Negro! KL-2473 would be a sweet number! It's my initials, followed by the date of my birth and the year I was born! I have noticed though, everything here does lead back to the crank!
From: The Bone Entered on: June 25, 2008 7:10 PM
What's your number Bunky? I'll send you a proper crank photo. And a no shirter to boot!
From: Bunky Entered on: June 25, 2008 7:28 PM
Ooh... The Bone with his shirt off! You are going to make Fatty jealous with the crank photo! Bells and Melissa have my cell number...
From: Swerb Entered on: June 25, 2008 8:01 PM
BigFatty said:   It appears that you and BVA were working out your gay frustrations and enjoying the afterglow together with a shower and clean-up. Please don't include me in your f'ed-up fantasies, Fattlock. Can't you punch the clown in private, like the rest of us? Have some shame!
From: Bunky Entered on: June 25, 2008 8:04 PM
Do you tickle the feet when punching the clown Fatty?
From: John Entered on: June 26, 2008 9:22 AM
Bunky said: Ooh... The Bone with his shirt off! You are going to make Fatty jealous with the crank photo! Bells and Melissa have my cell number... I can give the Bone your number, but that's up to you. Who knows what delights you might receive if I do.
From: Bunky Entered on: June 27, 2008 12:24 AM
I have seen no delights Bells... I was hoping for a shirtless Tom Welling brand photo. I suppose I could photoshop me a sweet Bone pic....
From: Jackzilla Entered on: July 23, 2008 11:38 PM
From: NickNick Entered on: July 24, 2008 8:02 AM
The video doesn't show it very well.  But Zilla's basement can hold 10 thousand people in it. This was an awesome night, by the way.
From: Jackzilla Entered on: July 24, 2008 10:10 AM
It was a bit crazy.  I pulled Brian, Jeurge and Ang down stairs quickly: "Come on!  We'll disappear for 5 minutes and no one will miss us!"  At the end the song, I get up and see the ZAGNUT full of bodies.  It was a sweet night.
From: The Bone Entered on: July 24, 2008 10:59 AM
WHo's the chick behind Zilla?
From: Jackzilla Entered on: July 24, 2008 11:05 AM
Oh no... That would be my niece Olivia (aka "lilgurl" who woops us all in Halo).
From: Bunky Entered on: July 24, 2008 11:13 AM
HA HA HA HA! Isn't she 18 soon Zilla?
From: Jackzilla Entered on: July 24, 2008 12:15 PM
She's 18 now. Shutup!
From: Bunky Entered on: July 24, 2008 12:43 PM
Did you hear that Bone? HA HA HA! I will be sure and give her some good first date advice!
From: NickNick Entered on: July 24, 2008 1:33 PM
Hey now. Lilgirl's nice. She's a bit annoying when she's kicking your ass in Halo, but she's nice. Now, I'm not sure if she plays Uno on the 360 or not, but Bone can always send her an invite.
From: Bunky Entered on: July 24, 2008 1:59 PM
What are you implying about The Bone?
From: The Bone Entered on: July 24, 2008 11:45 PM
lilgurl is cute however I can't disrespect someone that young by discussing the ways in which I'd get business on. Let's just say if Jack gave me written permission and she was diggin me, we'd be swinging from the rafters.
From: NickNick Entered on: July 25, 2008 10:09 AM
I think the Bone will agree with me.  Nothing needs to be IMPLIED about him.  It's pretty much laid out there. Speaking of the Bone.  How's the arm?  Any news?
From: The Bone Entered on: July 25, 2008 10:39 AM
The arm still has some lingering swelling and soreness but it's reached the point where I could use it to fend off attacks from wherewolves if I had to.
From: RobotSpider Entered on: July 25, 2008 10:50 AM
The Bone said: lilgurl is cute however I can't disrespect someone that young by discussing the ways in which I'd get business on. Let's just say if Jack gave me written permission and she was diggin me, we'd be swinging from the rafters. In fairness, you should probably get the rafters' permission as well.
From: Monkey T Entered on: July 25, 2008 9:22 PM
Jackzilla said: It was a bit crazy.  I pulled Brian, Jeurge and Ang down stairs quickly: "Come on!  We'll disappear for 5 minutes and no one will miss us!"  At the end the song, I get up and see the ZAGNUT full of bodies.  It was a sweet night. All I have to say is that was some mighty sweet drummin' Zilla
From: Jackzilla Entered on: July 25, 2008 9:23 PM
Monkey T said: All I have to say is that was some mighty sweet drummin' Zilla I'm a monster behind the kit, T.
From: Bunky Entered on: July 26, 2008 12:07 PM
Monkey needs an avatar. Maybe not one with the flesh eating disease that Robot acquired though...
From: Ross Entered on: July 27, 2008 11:30 AM
Done.
From: The Bone Entered on: July 27, 2008 12:58 PM
Oh good. Now we have the white Kil Jong Il on board.
From: Jackzilla Entered on: July 27, 2008 2:06 PM
Careful, Bone.  Monkey will F you up.
From: Bunky Entered on: July 27, 2008 2:18 PM
That really doesn't look like Monkey.. It's a good thing Bone is not going to Vegas. He would most likely get F'd in the A Zilla!
From: The Bone Entered on: July 27, 2008 10:22 PM
without goatee and with goatee
From: Bunky Entered on: July 27, 2008 10:54 PM
I sense a chicken sandwich beatdown heading Bone's way.
From: Jackzilla Entered on: July 27, 2008 11:31 PM
HA HA HA!!!
From: Radmobile Entered on: July 28, 2008 7:19 AM
The Bone said: Oh good. Now we have the white Kil Jong Il on board. I'm so ronery....
From: RobotSpider Entered on: July 28, 2008 7:32 AM
I've taken the liberty of updating my avatard to reflect the missing portion of my skull:
From: NickNick Entered on: July 28, 2008 7:51 AM
That's cool. Now make one with Zilla's mouth full-o-Prince Penis.
From: Ross Entered on: July 28, 2008 8:24 AM
Why you bust my barrs Arec Bardwin?
From: The Bone Entered on: July 28, 2008 11:00 AM
RobotSpider said: I've taken the liberty of updating my avatard to reflect the missing portion of my skull:     You should seriously consider working for Industrial Light and Magic with those skills.
From: Monkey T Entered on: July 29, 2008 10:39 PM
What the hell........ Where did you get that picture? There is going to be a chicken sandwich beat down.
From: Bunky Entered on: July 30, 2008 12:48 AM
Robot can barbie that bitch up for you if you are nice!
From: RobotSpider Entered on: July 30, 2008 7:40 AM
Bunky said: Robot can barbie that bitch up for you if you are nice! I like the far-off, looking into the distance pose.  I wanted to find a super-hero standing akimbo, but seeing as I'm at work, this is the best I could do.  Hope you like!
From: Jackzilla Entered on: July 30, 2008 7:46 AM
HA HA HA!!! That's kinda herny, Monkey...
From: RobotSpider Entered on: July 30, 2008 8:44 AM
Revised based on promises/threats made via XBOX Live:
From: Bunky Entered on: July 30, 2008 9:25 AM
I just pee'd myself!
From: Bunky Entered on: July 30, 2008 9:29 AM
Will WonderMan? be making an appearance at Free Comic Book Day 2009?
From: RobotSpider Entered on: July 30, 2008 10:24 AM
I am going to call her Jose WonderSkippy.
From: JayB Entered on: July 30, 2008 12:12 PM
Oh WonderSkippy, you'll be in my dreams tonight... but maybe with a paperbag over your face... maybe
From: Bunky Entered on: July 30, 2008 12:24 PM
I am sure WonderSkippy will be making an appearance on LIVE this weekend after finals... I am so sad I will miss it! Jack, the West Coast is taking over!
From: RobotSpider Entered on: July 30, 2008 12:26 PM
Bunky said:   Jack, the West Coast is taking over! Not really.  It's just that the East Coast is letting the West Coast think their taking over.
From: NickNick Entered on: July 30, 2008 12:55 PM
I don't know. Can we even call ourselves east coast. I mean, technically, we're more west coast in terms of our location in Michigan. Sorry. This was the only way I could think of contributing to this post. This, or posting a picture and Bunky's already called me out on that one.
From: Bunky Entered on: July 30, 2008 1:25 PM
Spider, you are an evil genius and frighten me at times. I am also in awe of your powers. Let me rephrase my statement: Jack, RobotSpider is taking over! Please, just don't make WonderSkippy a Stepford He/She. I don't think I could take that. I have uncontrollable laughter today! Damn you Spider! I have a big dinner program tonight and I am going to be cracking up thinking of WonderSkippy!
From: RobotSpider Entered on: July 30, 2008 1:37 PM
NickNick said: I don't know. Can we even call ourselves east coast. I mean, technically, we're more west coast in terms of our location in Michigan. Sorry. This was the only way I could think of contributing to this post. This, or posting a picture and Bunky's already called me out on that one. Fair point.  Since all things are relative, we're east coast.  Now, if we had someone in the group who was TRULY east coast, we'd likely be no-coast or the dreaded 'mid-westerners'.  Nothing conjurs images of overalls and tuna-casseroles like the word 'midwest'.  At least for me.  Remember, as far as countries across the Pacific are concerned, California is the east coast.  Whoa.  I think I just blew my own mind!  Or just confused my own mind into thinking it was blown... whoa, I did it again....
From: Monkey T Entered on: July 30, 2008 2:14 PM
You damn east coast bastards....... I see that JB is now on JA so I am going to get you a picture of him and maybe the Monky attack will subside (although with you fuckers I seriously doubt it). That picture does portray what might happen in Vegas although you should also include Edge in my dream bubble. Wonder twin powers activate. You are all east coast to us, and since the West Coast is so much better than the east coast in all aspects, especially gaming, this is the only revenge you can get on us. Fuckers.......
From: Monkey T Entered on: July 30, 2008 2:22 PM
Although I do have to say that was pretty damn funny
From: Bunky Entered on: July 30, 2008 2:50 PM
Ah, a supple wonder twin for both Edge and Jack to nurse.
From: Monkey T Entered on: July 30, 2008 3:39 PM
RobotSpider said: NickNick said: I don't know. Can we even call ourselves east coast. I mean, technically, we're more west coast in terms of our location in Michigan. Sorry. This was the only way I could think of contributing to this post. This, or posting a picture and Bunky's already called me out on that one. Fair point.  Since all things are relative, we're east coast.  Now, if we had someone in the group who was TRULY east coast, we'd likely be no-coast or the dreaded 'mid-westerners'.  Nothing conjurs images of overalls and tuna-casseroles like the word 'midwest'.  At least for me.  Remember, as far as countries across the Pacific are concerned, California is the east coast.  Whoa.  I think I just blew my own mind!  Or just confused my own mind into thinking it was blown... whoa, I did it again.... Now robot your mind has probably been blown for quite some time now. The relationship of West and east coast is strictly limited to this great country of ours the US of frickin A. You guys are close enough to the Atlantic to be grouped in with the east coast while we are true West Coast peps. One thing you easterners do have is the ability to make monkeys herny. Hehe. Bunky, you know there is enough of the wonder twins to go around and they are supple. CSBD
From: NickNick Entered on: July 30, 2008 3:49 PM
My psychologist is going to have a field day with this shit.