FIVE QUESTIONS WITH ADAM NEUMANN OF THE COMMANDOS
The Commandos close out The Party Lordz Showcase December 8th at Past Presents Future 2 (Corktown) in Hamilton.
The Commandos are one of those bands you have to see to believe. A lot of people do cover bands or tribute acts, but The Commandos bring an authenticity to all of the curated hits and b-sides of the 90's they perform. The Commandos have something that you don't see with most "cover bands"; commitment to the bit. When these guys take the stage, it's theirs and you're along for the ride. Catch them December 8th closing out The Party Lordz Showcase as part Of Past Presents Future 2 taking place at The Corktown Pub in Hamilton. - FB Editor
BIO:
The Commandos are a fun-loving 4-piece explosion of rock and roll covers straight out of Hamilton, Ontario (#hamont). Specializing in genres they grew up loving, The Commandos play 90s alternative and punk rock hits with authenticity and passion. Their on-stage energy engages audiences with sing-alongs, drink-alongs and wireless guitar shenanigans.
Equally at home on a festival stage, at a private party, or in a bar - The Commandos deliver memorable performances for any occasion.
WHICH MEMBER OF THE BAND ARE WE TALKING TO?
Adam Neumann aka Nudiemann/ Nudie
WHEN AND WHERE WAS YOUR BAND FORMED?
Our band was formed out of the ashes of ‘The Undercovers’ about 10 years ago at The Lazy Flamingo. Ricky Faz and Sid Lundy both moved away, so I had to find new people to rip covers with. Paul Fontes and Rob Weir were natural choices because I played with them in other projects at the time including ‘Weekend Riot Club’ (with Fontes) and Green Daydream (a tribute to Green Day with Rob). We picked up right where The Undercovers left off, but I became the only lead singer, and Rob had to fill in as much as he could on backing vocals.
Adam Neumann performs live with The Commandos
WHAT WAS THE FIRST CONCERT YOU WENT TO?
In the 90s in Hamilton there were a lot of concerts happening. My high school would host Sonic Unyon shows in the Cafeteria. We had bands like Tristan Psyonic, Sianspheric and Smoother playing there. We also had several rock bands from our high school. I also recall seeing Junkhouse while I was wasted out of my mind at the Tivoli Theatre, as well as Our Lady Peace at X Club and Rainbow Buttmonkeys at a place that I believe was called ‘Palladium.’ I can’t really remember what was first in that whole mess, but those were among my first formative concert experiences.
WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST “BIG SHOW”? OR YOUR FIRST SHOW EVER?
I played at my high school at lunch. I found a picture from it not too long ago - I was wearing an Operation Ivy t-shirt! Wish I still had that shirt. It wasn’t a ‘big show’ but it was a big deal to me at the time playing electric guitar in a full rock band in front of people. That rush of performing in front of people doesn’t get old.
WHAT WAS YOUR WORST SHOW OR FUNNIEST SHOW MEMORY?
This was from The Undercovers’ days. Sid and I both lost our dads within a week of each other in late January / early February 2012. Fast forward one month later on St. Patricks Day, Sid and I played an acoustic matinee at the flamingo and got completely wasted on Guinness and Jameson. We were booked to play The Honest Lawyer that night, and we made it there and setup, but we were so drunk we were playing the same songs over and over. Luckily Jonny Debt was there and took over from us. Hahahaha. Not sure if that fits into the worst or funniest category but maybe a bit of both… The memory was definitely blurry as Sid and I grieved the loss of our fathers. You don’t realize how much pain you were in at the time till you step back years later and look at that behaviour.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR BAND?
We are looking to book festival dates for this summer. Ribfests, small town fests - anything where it makes sense for a party cover band like us to play. We’re also toying with the idea of doing a Green Day tribute.
We decided to have our last show at The Lazy Flamingo recorded both with multi cam video and multi channel audio. I have to get around to finishing the mix and video edits, but friends and fans can expect a treat around Xmas or early in the new year.
LINKS:
SCHEDULE:
DON'T MISS THE COMMANDOS CLOSE OUT THE PARTY LORDZ SHOWCASE AT PAST PRESENTS FUTURE 2!
HOST: BRAD SUMAK
DOORS: 9:00PM
LAZY SLANG - 9:15PM - 9:45PM
KTB - 10:00PM - 10:45PM
LO-FI - 11:00PM - 11:45PM
THE COMMANDOS - 12:00AM - 1:00AM
DJ PARTY JESUS - BETWEEN SETS
