Once again we were privileged to be asked to play for the NYC Marathon.
It’s the most fun event ever. We played a 4 1/2 hour set in the shivering cold, on the shady side of 1st ave and loved every minute.
The territorial complications of a Manhattan block kept us on our toes during set up. Some shop keepers wanted to sweep us away with the morning debris, that included humanities unfortunates. The unfortunates played us for money or cell phones while exposing their wild demons. The man, with nose dripping blood, who offered to kill us was called into check by Koji with a masterful “Back off man.”
NYCPD were great in helping us get through the road blocks and even parking! Whooaaaa!!!! They gave our Banned van a prime spot!
You gotta love them.
Homestyle Deli provided us with power and were really kind to us.
Once set up and tuned up, we played our butts off.
The runners did not disappoint. They came, wave after wave. You could see how excited they were, many their first time in Manhattan. If they wore names on their shirts, they were ours! We had a lot of fun playing for them and shouting out encouragement. The smile and wave or running to have their photos taken in front of us was pretty freaking fun.
We did get to see our friend Roger Morrison, formerly with our friends the “Squirrels from Hell” the band NYC couldnt kill. I was shocked to see my illustrator friend John Gurney.
Both looking amazingly strong at the 16 mile mark.
Louie, the Mystery Harmonica guy showed up and gave us a wicked solo, unexpected and perfect! Georgy held the mic for him and he just happened to be holding the right “A” key harmonica….. staged? I think not.

We had the addition of new Banned members this year.
Quinn Murphy strapped on the trusty Fender Jazz bass after recording here in “Off White Trash Studios” for the last couple years.
Daphna Elroy joined us from the far reaches of Jersey for super powered harmonies. Georgie Kronfeld also sang with us last minute adding sweet and bold co vocals and harmonies. The vocals never sounded better. All huge and shite!
Eric’s drums kicked butt this year with his triumphant return to the Banned.
We celebrated with Erics purchase of two large pizzas, eagerly consumed to the last strip of crust. All politely refusing the last piece, until it was agreed that we should never waste pizza.
I’m looking forward to recording with the whole team.
I missed old friends, who we have played this marathon with in the past, but welcomed new friends in the ever growing circle of Banned members. We are like a cooperative farm, all are welcome and the door is always open.
Quinn Murphy, playing bass with us, filmed some of the event. We will be posting that footage as soon as its edited.
Thanks to all the runners and all the volunteers who were as always…. perfect.