Making A List Checking It Twice.

Hello everybody and welcome to HAIR IN THE AIR, The Official Blog of 3D In Your Face.  We are getting closer.  Can you feel it.  The air is turning warmer, the birds are chirping, and even The Banditos returned for the summer.  Thank you for reading last weeks blog.  It's always great to hear and see those masked vigilantes.  You can count on much more as the summer progresses.  Down to brass tax.  This week we are to the final four shows left at The 21st Saloon before the end of our residency.  Only four more Friday's to go.  You don't have anymore excuses.  This Friday, May 1st we are teaming up with our good friend Bikers For Boobies.  They will be selling tickets for their upcoming motorcycle run in June and they will also be selling t-shirts that will more than likely be pink.  I truly can't say enough about this organization and all the help they do for those affected by breast cancer.  Come and show your support and get your face rocked off all in one wild evening.  Also if you are attending the event my radio station, 101.9 The Keg is putting on at The Ralston Arena, we are throwing the official after party.  What that means for you is free admission by presenting your ticket stub at the door.  Saturday we will be doing a very special private show in Omaha but you can still catch HAIR IN THE AIR Radio at 10pm on 101.9 The Keg.  Now for the goods.

As we close in on yet another summer tour season I can't help but start to feel excited.  This is my favorite time of the year and I think I write this same blog every May.  The new dates have been posted and it's shaping up to be one of the busiest summers we have ever seen.  If you know any of us personally, this is a good thing.  We live for these shows.  I love the club atmosphere and playing indoors is always safe, but when you move the party literally into the streets it takes on a completely new dimension.  Not to mention the band, my brothers and sister, are all together.  We ride together, we sleep together, we eat together, and we even shower together.  It becomes home.  I am reminded of all the people that we only get to see once or twice a year.  All those friends that make the special trip to catch a show.  I also look back at all the new friends we made on the road last year.  You people are our life blood.  You people are what keep us going.  The entire reason we have done this for so long is because we never get tired of seeing your faces.  This year my goal is to do one thing nice for a fan at every show.  Just a token of my gratitude for everything they give back to us.

Now for the checklist.  Luckily I have a bit of experience in this field and it's not like summer tours haven't been going on for 40 years.  Still I feel there is always something to learn.  Always Rule 1 - stay hydrated on tour.  Nothing will zap you faster than lack of water.  Rule 2 - Sunscreen.  Sunburns are not Rock N Roll no matter what.  Rule 3- Never leave your bus.  You don't want to be the guy that gets lost somewhere strange.  Rule 4 -(This is a new one) Consistency.  I have found through my own personal experience that the easiest way to keep the craziness down is to have a system and follow that system.  Rule 5- Don't wait to eat.  Much like the Snickers Commercial, eat something before you become an asshole.  Finally Rule 6- This is Rock N Roll be nice.  I have been saying this for years, set the ego aside this is supposed to be fun.  Those are the rules and I am sure there are some that I haven't mention.  Now for the most part if you can abide by these most shows will be stress free.  There is always the variable that you need to be aware of.  Roll with the punches.  Most importantly go out there and make some memories.  I like to think that I am a "Yes" man.  I crave the stories that you take back home to your friends and say "You wont believe this".  There it is ladies and gentleman.  If I can give you one piece of advise this summer it's LIVE FUCKING LOUD.

ALWAYS LOUD
FOREVER PROUD

Sam Spade

Like A Phoenix From The Ashes: The Banditos Return.

Oh somedays I look forward to blogging more than others.  This week I am beyond excited.  You wanted it, you asked for it, you needed it.  The return of our lovable heroe Mr. Harry J. Bandito.  Welcome one and all to HAIR IN THE AIR, The Official Blog of 3D In Your Face.  Getting back to business here.  This week we are headed back to launch the final run of dates at our home bar in Omaha, The 21st Saloon.  On Friday, April 24th we will officially be 5 shows away from the end of our residency.  Can you believe how the time flies?  Get there early and be ready for one hell of a show.  I have a feeling we will be coming at you hard.  Saturday we will be off for rehearsal and writing for the new record but don't miss my radio show also called Hair In The Air at 10 PM CST on 101.9 The Keg.  Let the madness begin.

Now for the moment I know all of you have been waiting for.  We left our hero Harry J. Bandito in Sept. 25th, 2013.  If you are just catching up there is a lot to this story but we can save that for another time.  Perviously Harry and his brothers joined forces to vanquish evil and fight for the good of all mankind  Many moons have passed and the evil has been saught out and exiled to the farthest corners of the earth.  Harry and and his brothers have retired as crime fighters but have not yet hung up the sombrero.  Harry went back to school and became a meteorologist but not one of those guys you see on TV.  He mostly just observes the weather for his own personally enjoyment, the celebration of mother nature.  Never learning to drive a car, Harry's life mission has been to run from town to town chasing the most beautiful and unique weather mother nature has to offer.

A true sportsman and weather junky Harry still keeps his true identity a secret.  Only the parents and grandparents remember his heroic feets of yesteryear.  They tell there kids stories of The Bandito Brothers and their stand against the evils of the world.  They tell stories of passionate fighting against corruption and greed.  Now just legends in the minds of school children, Harry and his brothers step back into this word.  A world that is seemingly brighter, more alive because of their bravery.   For they know that the evil is still out there and can never be fully erased from the face of the earth.  As long as there is still something to believe in and something to hold onto Harry and his brothers will still be out there keeping the wolves at bay.

The next time you see a crack of thunder or a mysterious storm cloud take a look outside your windows you may see Harry running past keeping the spirit alive.

ALWAYS LOUD
FOREVER PROUD

Sam Spade

Even Guys Like Me Have Bad Days

Hello everybody and welcome back to HAIR IN THE AIR, The Official Blog of 3D In Your Face and the name of my radio show Saturday nights at 10 PM CST on 101.9 The Keg.  I want to again thank all of you that read my blog last week.  I received so many great comments from people all the place.  It was truly my honor to represent you.  This week we are heating things up a bit and by heating up I mean it's time to break out the fire cannons.  As usual we will be back at The 21st Saloon on Friday, April 17th with The Omaha Rollergirls.  The Rollergirls will be selling pre-sale tickets for their bout on April 25th and they will also be taking your slightly used shoe donations.  I'm not sure they want my shoes but please help support these amazing women from right here in our backyard.  Saturday, April 18th we get a little taste of the summer tour early this year.  3D In Your Face will be making our debut at Bourbon Jacks in Hastings, NE as part of the Hastings Bike Show.  Saddle up easy riders.  Rumor has it that the pyro cannons will be making their first summer appearance for this show (this will be Dax's first show with the fire hehe).  Two huge shows coming up and lots more on the way.  We can't wait to see you guys and get loud.  It's really all we look forward to all week.

After the phenomenal success of the last two blogs I posted I wanted to kind of change gears a little bit and use this as my own little outlet.  For some reason today (April 14th) I had an absolutely terrible day.  I was in a bad mood all day and it really was hard for me to shake the feeling and come out of my shell.  Most days I am positive and outgoing.  I pride myself on being able to blow off the negative and really walk around with a smile on my face.  If somebody asks "How was your day?", I try to always respond "Great!".  Today none of those things happened.  It was just one thing after another and I couldn't catch a break.  I was feeling sorry for myself and miserable but I still had to get out there and be a valued member of society.  I strapped on the leather jacket and threw on some makeup and brushed my teeth before I left the house.  Low-and-behold I got recognized three times while I was out.  Not that this alone is a big deal but I had to put on a smile and play nice even though I was going through an emotional melt down.  I always welcome these encounters and they even helped me kind of overcome my slump.

I realized that no matter what every time I, or anyone else in our band, steps outside into the public eye that we are being watched.  There will always be somebody that recognizes us, here in lies the truth that if you want people to take you seriously you better make it look damn professional.  Say what you will but I rarely ever leave my house without proudly making a statement to the world that I am in a kick ass rock n roll band.  This may seem ridiculous but I feel as if I am not just representing myself and my band but I am representing our music and all of our hard work.  Most of all  I feel like I am representing you, our fans in front of the world.  So when I get recognized in public I make it a point to say "Thank you" and "Nice to meet you".  You never know who will turn around and check out our Facebook page right then and there.  I have seen it happen.  On the other hand if you are a dick and act like a jerk, the word spreads like wild fire.  Would you rather hang with Ronnie James Dio or Axl Rose?  Exactly what I thought.  Being recognized today helped me realize that things weren't as bad as I thought.  Maybe I was just crabby.  Maybe my car was just stressing me out.  Maybe it was all of it piled up together.  Just realize that even guys like me have bad days and today it took everything I had to stay positive and walk outside with a smile on my face.  Now the day is over and I've realized tomorrow we all get a fresh start.  I'm finally just sitting here with my cat and maybe he is the best therapy after all.

ALWAYS LOUD
FOREVER PROUD

SAM SPADE

The Closest Thing To Heaven Pt. 2

Hello everybody welcome once again to HAIR IN THE AIR, The Official Blog of 3D In Your Face.  Last weeks blog was the most viewed blog I have ever written.  Thank you very much to each and everyone of you for reading and sharing my writings.  As long as you keep asking for it I will keep delivering.  Also last week on Friday the three members of the band that stayed behind did our first all-acoustic performance.  I have to say this was one of the most fulfilling shows I have ever done.  We broke it down to simply two or three acoustic guitars and the songs.  It was our trial by fire to see if the tunes would stand up without all the lights, lasers, and smoke.  Thank you again to everyone that was in attendance.  Expect more of this all-acoustic thing.  As much as I enjoyed it I think we should probably put it out there for the world to see.  Now for the good stuff.  This Friday, April 10th we are back with the full production, the full stage show, the full Rock N Roll party at The 21st Saloon.   New songs and set lists from here on out.  Only 9 shows left in this highly successful residency so lets make them county.  This week we are celebrating Sniper's birthday.  Sniper is not only my best friend but one of the best musicians I have ever met.  He constantly pushes me to practice longer, play harder, and never give up.  Happy birthday to my musical partner in crime.  Without you who knows where I'd be.  OK OK.  So sappy, I know.  Saturday, April 11th we will be making a special guest appearance at The Iowa Make-A-Wish Gala.  Just look for the big hair.  Another great weekend is in the works.  Get on board.

For this weeks blog I want to tell you about my Monday.  Usually Monday for me consists of getting up around 1:30 PM, updating social media, and running.  This week I was invited by my elementary music teacher Mrs. Patchen to be the special guest of honor at her school's pep rally.  The 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at Manchester Elementary School were preparing for a week long test and the teachers wanted to treat them before a grueling week of fill-in-the-bubble.  The theme for the pep rally was 'Rock The Test'.  I of course accepted her invitation not really knowing what to expect.  The week before Mrs. Patchen showed up at our show at The 21st Saloon and video tapped the band screaming "Rock The Test".  As Monday approached I was pretty nervous but looking forward to helping out the person that helped me get my start in music.  Monday morning I walked up to the school building right on time.  I had my rolling suitcase of Rock N Roll clothes and I had on my leather jacket.  It really had to be quite a sight to see as I struggled to open the front door to Manchester Elementary.  Oh that's right schools are locked up tight these days.  I was buzzed in and they showed me to my dressing room (faculty bathroom).  I've gotten dressed in way worse.  The teachers were so nice and accommodating except for one lady who just plainly said "You look scary".  Hey teachers leave those kids alone.  HAHA.  After I got dressed in the same room as the school mascot Mrs. Patchen took me to my holding room which was a classroom filled with little chairs and tables.  Very surreal.  I pulled up a chair and started to doodle KISS on the whiteboards.  Before I knew it, it was time to lead the troops into battle.  My mom and step dad even showed up to support me.  This was the big moment to show off my little rockstars to the school.

As The School of Rock ripped into a great version of "We Will Rock You" by Queen I lead the students down the red carpet to a full on paparazzi barrage.  Of course I left my sunglasses on.  The kids took their seats and I high fived as many of those cute little angels as I could.  We danced, we sang, we jumped, and then they gave me the microphone.  Well usually when this happens I believe that my job is to make as much noise as humanly possible.  "Manchester Elementary.  Are you still with me?  On three I want you to scream as loud as you possibly can". 1,2,3.  I think the astronauts on the space station probably got some sort of sonic disturbance from the noise level coming out of the gymnasium.  We ended the pep rally with a few pictures and an autograph session.  I was smiling from ear to ear.  I think I was more excited for the test than the kids were.  I just kept thinking "I have the greatest job in the world."  Through music and Rock N Roll I got the chance to inspire a group of amazing children.  I take it back.  Last week I said the closest thing to heaven was to have an entire room of people screaming back at you.  This week I say the closest thing to heaven is having a little kid just say "You Rock Spade."

ALWAYS  LOUD
FOREVER PROUD

Sam Spade

God's Speed Dax And Don't Forget The Sunscreen.

Hello everybody and welcome to HAIR IN THE AIR, The Official Blog of 3D In Your Face.  Thank you everybody for reading last weeks blog.  We made it through one of the wildest shows of our career and now I am here to tell you about it.  That will be coming up later.  This week we have something very special in store for you.  Just to clear up any confusion we WILL NOT be playing a Rock N Roll show this week.  Our good buddy and brother in arms Dax is taking a well deserved vacation and due to commitments to his family he will not be making it back to Nebraska for the weekend.  We wish him safe travels and God speed.  Don't forget the sunscreen.  You are still pretty white there buddy.  Focusing on the positive we will be throwing a FREE party this Friday, April 3rd at The 21st Saloon.  The remaining 3 members along with Sweet D and Matthew Miller will be in attendance.  We will have a short introduction around 9:15 before we kick off the night with some great food, drinks, and dancing.  You will get the chance to see us before like you never have, up close and personal.  Ask the questions, talk the talk, but most of all come and celebrate with us.

On a side not today Sniper and I will be doing a very special call-in interview with The Jim Santora Rockcast.  If you were with us for the last year or two then you will know that we took on Jim Santora has been an outspoken fan of Rock N Roll.  Week in and week out he has produced and delivered one hell of a Internet radio show.  Today will be his last show.  Jim has played almost every track off our "Midnight Devils" record and has treated us and our fans with the utmost loyalty and respect.  3D In Your Face joined the Triple Threat Challenge as underdogs and lasted for ten weeks and took home the championship.  I never imaged we would win such and awesome award but the 3D In Your Face Army is strong.  Thanks for everything Jim and good luck in the future.  Most of all thanks for keeping Rock N Roll alive.  Sniper and I will be on at 9PM CST sharp for a five minute interview and then he will play our song for the final time.  Tune in at www.shmusicmedia.com and help send Jim off with a bang.

This week I kind of wanted to fill you in a little bit about the Wayne Rugby Show.  If you were there you know.  This will be preaching to the choir.  If you weren't there then this will all be news for you.  I know that we told everyone that this was going to be some big shit-fest and it was.  We played to a packed house of 1800 kids from all over the USA.  Blah blah blah.  You have heard this.  What really makes this show stand out to me and my fellow band mates is pure and simply the volume of the crowd.  There are certain things that happen in your career as a musician that you hold on to forever and I can honestly tell you that this show had one of those moments.  I'm talking one of those moments when the crowd is screaming back at you louder than Sniper's amp.  It makes everything else you are dealing with in your life go away for a brief second.  For that brief second standing on stage in Wayne, USA I felt like I was on top of the world.  It was better than and drug or drink.  I was higher than I had ever been and I walked over to Sniper and I said "This is as close to heaven as we are going to get."  Those are the moments that we as musicians strive for.  To be apart of this massive sweaty heaving sea of people and to feel the energy coursing through the building you would have given up red meat.

This is what we train for day in and day out.  We practice like we play.  In moments like this we rely on what we have rehearsed time in and time out.  It's that moment when you are so tired you don't think you can take another step but you know that you have to keep going.  Everything you rehearsed in that basement becomes your entire world.  It seems silly but this is exactly how football teams prepare their players for the 4th quarter.  We stood up there on that stage as conquering heroes and baby I won't lie to you, it felt really good.  Nothing and nobody will ever take that night from us.

ALWAYS LOUD
FOREVER PROUD

Sam Spade