In an effort to formalize our Quarantine Blues series a bit, we’ve devised a 5-question quiz to pose to the musicians & other media figures sharing in the Covid-19 stay-at-home orders sweepstakes. There will be new entries every coupla days.
Thomas O’Keefe: Tour Manager of weezer, former bass player of the N.C. punk band ANTiSEEN, author of Waiting To Derail: Ryan Adams & Whiskeytown and Watershed supporter, adviser and even 2nd guitar player once in a blue moon, including during a set opening for Cheap Trick.
1) How are you getting your live music fix? Any live streams or YouTube clips that stand out?
The old standards for sure. I guess my top 5 would be:
Van Halen – US Festival https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=igdZKgESbJU
Jason and the Scorchers on Conan (Best Late Night TV performance EVER)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBjTEy5PKhs&list=RDCBjTEy5PKhs&start_radio=1
Metallica playing “Whisky in the Jar” in Ireland, not a big Metallica fan but this video is really great. This is a new one for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MNdOCQYOL8
AC/DC at Riverplate. Say all you want about the Brian Johnson version of AC/DC, this crushes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=whQQpwwvSh4
Terrible pop 80’s hits (research purposes for guitar lessons). Yesterday, I learned how to play “Magic” by Pilot.
I also watch a LOT of Import Car videos – Mostly Doug Demuro’s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kBeNR58BH-Q
2) What else have you been watching, listening to and reading to pass the time?
Lots of Chess.com (I’m tokeefe777) Working on another book idea, taking an online class at Dartmouth. My job is kinda part-time so I always have time to do something else; I spent three years in the part-time working on my last book. I’m trying to figure out what the next big side project will be. We are also about to start a giant kitchen addition next week so my house will be a mess for six months.
3) How are you managing (or not) to stay creative / healthy?
Did a few podcasts, walking everyday – I’ve never seen so many people in Nashville out walking and riding bikes. If the Live Music business never comes back, I might open a bicycle repair shop. Also working on new songs for my band Judas Bullethead.
4) You have to pick just 3 records to listen to till this is over. What are they?
I would cheat and list live albums.
Ramones – Loco Live
KISS Alive
Cheap Trick – Budokan II
5) Food Time! Have you been cooking in or carrying out? Favorite recipes or restaurants you're supporting? What's in the liquor cabinet? Share your quarantine eating and drinking habits and changes!
Lately I have discovered Single Malt Scotch. I get it. Still also hooked on Casa Azul Tequila.
I would label eating part of the quarantine in two sections:
Part One was “It’s a Party, eat what ever you want…” That was a good idea for a while but now I’m backing off.
Part Two is called “Dude, you’re 56, you can’t eat like that at your age…”