A publicity photo, circa the mid-1980s, shows Bill Noteman and the Rockets as they looked when performing. Rockets in reunion performance tonight Clearlake Observer Saturday, May 22, 2004 CLEARLAKE Bill Noteman and the Rockets, well-known locally during the 1980s, are performing together in a reunion concert, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. tonight at Wisedas in Clearlake. Led by vocalist and guitarist Bill "Blue Willie" Noteman, the Rockets' original members include "Mojo" Larry Platz on guitar, David "Fingers" Falco on bass and David "Rockin' 88s" Neft on keyboard. Original drummer Rob All died about 10 years ago, so the group is being joined by "Jammin"' Jeff Hassberg on drums. "Bill named all of us quite a long time ago," said Platz, describing the band-members' colorful nicknames. "It was something that happened up on stage when he was introducing the band." Local residents may remember seeing the Rockets between 1982 and 1985, playing gigs around Lake, Sonoma and Mendocino counties. "We played all over," Platz recollected. "We did the Lake County Fair every year we were together. We did a lot of the wineries, plus all the clubs. "It was a long time ago," he added. "A lot of the clubs aren't around anymore." Platz describes the band's sound as "rocked-up" blues. "We have a lot of original compositions, but a lot are modern blues standards. We play the Ford Brothers, Muddy Waters, the basic blues guys. B.B. King, Freddy King. We kind of rock 'em up a bit." Three of the band's members Platz, Falco and Neft morphed into Blue Haze, which played together between 1992 and 1998. "But we've all kept in touch," Platz added. "We have always been good friends." All of the musicians continued to play, with various other performers. The idea of doing a reunion tour was kicked around for several years, and recently Platz decided to actually organize an event. "Everyone else plays in other bands, so I had to find a time when everyone was off," Platz said. "Then, I had to find a club with those dates open." To date, two performances have been lined up. The first happens tonight. The second takes place two weeks from now, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Saturday, June 5 at Lakeport Lanes in Lakeport. Platz said response has been positive to early concert publicity, mainly fliers and e-mail. "Either it will be packed, or nobody will show up," Platz added. There is no cover charge to attend either performance. Or, as Platz prefers to say, "We're taking care of the cover charge." Asked about other upcoming gigs, Platz said nothing has been scheduled, a sentiment echoed by Neft. "We're kinda playing it by ear,"
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Bill Noteman is the leader and one of the four original band members who will be playing at both ends of the lake in the next few weeks. This photo was taken in the mid-1980s. After 20 years, Noteman and the Rockets plan two reunion concerts David Stoneberg - Record-Bee staff LAKEPORT "It was 20 years ago today that Sgt. Pepper told the band to play." Famous lyrics from "The Beatles." Those words could be used to describe a Lake County group that's getting together again, after nearly 20 years. Bill Noteman and The Rockets, a noteworthy local blues band performed in the mid-1980s all over Lake, Mendocino and Sonoma counties. Larry "Mojo" Platz, one of its original members, has put together two reunion concerts one on Saturday, May 22 at Brooklynz Lounge (the old Wiseda's Resort) in Clearlake and the second on Saturday, June 5 at the Lakeside Lanes in Lakeport. Both performances are scheduled to begin at 9:30 p.m., both are free. Platz says, "They're not paying us much, so we thought we'd take care of the cover charge. It will either be packed or no one will show up." The latter is not likely to happen. If the band can recapture some of its old magic, even if for just a night or two, it will be something special something you don't want to miss. The band is made up of the four original players: Bill "Blue Willie" Noteman (lead singer, guitar, harmonica); "Mojo"Larry Platz (lead guitar); Dave "Rockin' 88s" Neft (keyboards) and David "Fingers" Falco (bass guitar). The fifth, a new guy, is Jeff Hassberg, who will be on drums. Platz is the driving spirit behind the reunion gigs and he says if they go well, then maybe they'll play a few more. "We all kept in touch through the years," Platz said. "After playing with the Noteman band, I played with Blue Haze and the Fargo Brothers. We always wanted to do it (get together as a band again), but finding time was always a hassle." The band members, though, kept playing, but with other people. Platz has played in many bands throughout the years, and in the past year he's played in four bands: Fargo Brothers, Blues Farm, Jim Williams and the Hip Replacements. He also kept his day job building custom winery doors to put food on the table. Noteman, too, has kept busy. Most recently, he has played with Richie Barron, out of Sacramento, but a couple of weeks ago Noteman called it quits. When Platz called, Noteman was ready for a challenge. How about a reunion? Noteman said, "Well, here we go. It's been a lot of fun and we're trying to remember our old songs." The band has been rehearsing once a week, and Noteman says the band will be ready for Saturday's gig. "The energy's there," he said. "We'll probably do half a set of old songs and half with new ones. We're all a little grayer and a little fatter, but we'll still kick it in the pants." In the old days, in one of the band's memorable concerts, Bill Noteman and the Rockets went to the Hopland Brewery and took a whole contingent of Lake Countians to Mendocino County. From Middletown those attending included Helen and Shaw Whitney, Hank and Karen Lescher, and my wife and I. The Brewery was packed and everyone had a good time, listening to the blues laid down by that band. In Middletown, this reporter spotted Shaw Whitney in his truck and Whitney said he was excited about the prospect of the Noteman concert. He said he and Helen would be going at least to one of the two concerts. Platz said he's sent out e-mail invitations to dozens of people. "Everyone should come to the Rockets concert," Noteman said. "We're going to have some fun." |
Here's what the fans are saying! "What a great show at the Last Day Saloon Aug 29, We were returning from vacation in the Northwest and drove thru from Eureka in time for dinner and the show. We were tired until Bill and the Rockets took the stage and shared their energy with us! Fantastic! We were all "Having a good time on purpose". Thanks guys!!!" "You guys really kick out the sound and Bills' harp is second to none!
"It was great seeing you all up in Eureka. I have been playing your new release at KMUD with great responce. You are hotter than ever! It is a great CD. I hope you are doin well and hope to be able to hear you guys again really soon! Love to you, Kim" "WOW !!! The acoustic set was awesome !! And the rest of the gig was better than
ever. You guys MORE than rock. Thanks a whole bunch." "Bill you are a very talented,versatel guy.We enjoy your "Bill, Mojo, & Falco: "Brothers & Sisters, here they is, the last of the Mohicans, the real deal, jump blues at it finest. Bill & Mojo Larry what a team they are. Unbrideled enthusiasm, contagious healing vibes. Bill is still selling ice to the Eskimos on a daily basis, it is not an option to not perk up when you are near Bill, the "lets just do it" guy. Mojo the web master, guitar guru, gear monger, all around nice guy. I have been blessed to know you guys. If I can ever sit in with you guys, I can then die a happy man. Your humble apprentice, Loo " "Holy Crap!! I have never heard such tight and fast dancehall Blues before! You
guys got me up out of my chair onto the floor, and that ain't an easy feat.
Interested in a sponsor??" "Hey, Guys~~Just stoppin' by to say Hi! In addition, Thanks for all the "GR8" music, you provided to our "17th Annual Blues by the River Festival!" You Rocked & Rolled the River! Love n' Peace, Helen" |
