Unlike most other 'big name' bands who've played both London and Toronto - the Tones showed up in time to check out the opening band. Until I saw Peter Zaremba (vocals) and Keith Streng (guitar) wandering around the bar, I half believed that a typo had been made. The Tones grooved to the hot sounds of the Legend Killers, who were on top form (seeing as their musical idols were present) and then retired upstairs to their private quarters to perform their pre-show mystical rituals. The show began an hour later in usual Fleshtone style: From my much coveted spot at the front of the stage (I had the bruises to prove it), the jungle beat and primal rhythms slowly built in intensity as these Voodoo masters, who'd began playing before they left the dressing room, wound their way to the stage through a press of sweating, swaying bodies. When they finally reached their destination, the band broke into 'Hexbreaker', a somehow inappropriate choice, as their spell remained cast for the next 60 minutes. Non-stop action followed, with the Fleshtones delivering both the old and the new at break-neck speed. Peter, Keith and the other old timer: Bill Milhizer (drums) were joined by Ken Fox (ex Jason and the Scorchers ) and a two man horn section: Steve Greenfield on Sax and Joe Laposki on trumpet. While the players have changed (somewhat), the game has remained the same - Good ole rock and roll, with plenty of punch and a lot of fun. The only thing missing, according to a few people, was those wyld keyboards featured on some of the Fleshtones' earlier work. But, for me, the strong horn section, used sparingly, but with impact, more than made up for the lack of keyboards.

Growling, jumping and posing on stage and off, the Tones whipped the crowd into a frenzy. Finishing off with 'I Got a Line On You', the Tones tried to parade their way back to the dressing room and beer. But, the crowd refused to yield way - It was hard to believe that this was a London (I'm sooo cool) crowd, screaming, yelling and stomping their feet. But, of course, the Tones really weren't ready to quit, they'd left their gear on stage, so they quickly returned to play a few more songs. On their next trip off the stage, they took their equipment but only made it as far as the back of the bar, where in response to crowd demand, they climbed on top of a couple of tables and played up-close for the more timid members of the audience who had been unable/unwilling to breach the dance floor. While the remote amps and the sound man's mic made most of the band audible, Bill's drum was drowned out. But, another Bill, Bill Wallace, London's (and the Legend Killers') drummer extraordinare climbed up on stage at the front of the bar and filled in.

Realizing that they were cornered, the Tones eventually regained the stage and with one last She-na-na-na-na left us begging for even more. The crowd, torn between despair and exhaustion eventually began to dissipate - secure in the knowledge that they had been witness to one of the great (nay, the greatest) live show to hit London in years.

Those willing to brave the bouncers slowly drifted upstairs to meet the men. Just as they never disappoint on stage, the Fleshtones never disappoint in person. Never too busy to sit, chat and down a few, the Tones always seem to be surrounded by at least a dozen people. The promised interview looked like it was gonna be chaos until one of the newer Tones, Steve Greenfield, came to our rescue, pulling us aside to answer any and all questions.

A one time ardent fan of the Fleshtones, Steve joined the band 2 years ago ('88). Tipped off that Gordon Spaeth was leaving the band, Steve showed up at a rehearsal, showed his stuff and was taken on. For all you longtime Tone fans, "Spaeth is fine. He just needed some time to straighten stuff out in his mind and is back living with his family."

When Steve came on board, bass duties were being handled by Fred Smith! (ex-Television) who resigned shortly thereafter. He was replaced by Andy Shernoff (yes - the ex- Dictator). This was "a wonderful period for the band, a great time. Shernoff is such a creative force and you just have to have respect for his past." Shernoff eventually left the Tones to work on Manitoba's Wild Kingdom and Ken Fox came into the picture. The second horn player, Joe has been with the band about as long as Greenfield.

The Tones are still playing 'for a living' and spend a majority of their time on the road. To keep the monotony at bay, the Tones try to visit any and all museums wherever they play - including London's infamous Guy Lombardo Museum. Most of 1990 was spent touring Europe (gee, I wonder if they've got good museums over there?) and America, as well as some time in Australia recording a new album. Unnamed at the time of this interview, the new album was produced by Hoodoo Gurumeister, Dave Faulkner. Described as a perfectionist who drew out the band's best performances ever, Faulkner has, according to Greenfield, helped put together "the greatest Fleshtone's album to date". Let's hope he ain't just whistlin' in the dark, cause I'm just about due for a pure injection of Fleshtonemania. The new album is supposed to be out sometime in 1991 on the Trafalgar Label in Australia. A European release is also in the works, but so far there are no plans for a North American release. So better start saving your pennies for the import store now.