The Last Call Story

They say all good things must come to an end, sometimes without warning or sometimes well before it’s time. If you’re lucky, before it’s all over you get that one Last Call, hence the name. 

There was no last call for three quarters of this current band. A little over 10 years ago there was no last call for a local hard rock band, The Whisky Rebellion. The band's run ended with no fanfare, no parade, no farewell tour. The band ended because their beloved brother Garret Sinagra died of depression. The desire and drive to continue in any form was too painful to even think of continuing. For 4 years, the band would reunite for one night to pay tribute to the man and his music, and to raise as much money as possible to help in the fight against suicide. In 2020, these benefit shows were halted due to the pandemic. With that break, the members decided to just to pack up their instruments and leave them in storage in hopes that maybe one day they would find the love they had lost. 

Those dreams you have in your youth of becoming a rockstar, sell millions of records, play sold out arenas and stadiums, touring around the world, all ceased to matter. Too much time and pain stopped these boys from chasing the dream. Time, maturity, and wisdom is a funny thing. At some point in life chasing a dream seems silly but chasing a passion…that’s another story.

Over the last decade, the topic of playing music again was kicked around quite a bit. Guitarist John Burns is a stubborn fellow though, and despite opportunities to get back on the stage, consistently declined invitations to do so. Not simply because because of Garret’s death, but because life had found joy in life with his family without the hassle that accompanies many non-established musicians. As fate would have it though, his good friend Lou Hetzer had stayed in touch over the years and they had many talks about the music itself rather than the business. Finally, for the first time, John could see that it wasn’t about the silliness of it all anymore. It was time to pick up a guitar because he wanted to. From the 1st week back in the practice room, the game was on. 

The universe has a funny way of providing. Just as John was starting to regain his love for the instrument, Zac Nestor was suddenly back on the free agent market as a Guitarist as well. A simple phone call sealed that deal. Jason Barr was also easily convinced, and weeks later the boys met in a basement to see if there was anything still worth chasing. One jam session let them know there was plenty of gas in that tank. 

They were missing one big piece of the puzzle that came in the form of a small chance suggestion, their bass player. Tryouts were spotty. Some good, some bad, none a great fit. Enter Ernie. “Ernie” as he is belovingly nicknamed was bassist, Aaron Gillie. They jammed a few songs and things seemed good, but there’s more to just being able to hit the notes and hold down the low end.

After a second jam session, going through their song list they asked Ernie if he could sing anything. He offered up Alice in Chains. Bold move for a guy 10 years their junior and a true make or break cover for singers.  Barely to the chorus, the three members looked at each other with smiles on their faces and a feeling that is like capturing lightning in a bottle. Welcome to the party pal!  Not only would the band sound incredible, but Ernie’s energy and youth would push aside the final hurdle of a group long since rotting on their proverbial couches.

So why LAST CALL? Because so many acts don’t get one. Because at some point the dream runs out, the night runs out, and the drinks run out…but not before one last round! What do these guys play? Well, that’s a long list. Guitar Driven Rock music from the 60’s onward is the short answer. Name 5 rock bands and you'll probably hit on something in the setlist. Oh, and we don’t plan on letting that Whisky Rebellion music die either, so we will take a few shots of that as well. This is going to be fun, and if we are going out…we are going out loud!

See you all soon!