7/17/09 - Hot Summer Nights in Jersey - Today we'll give Tony the "microphone" for the latest update...

Hey everyone, I know we've been off for a while, but hopefully the wait was worth it. It was for us. We always have a great time at Dingbatz - from the tremendous staff (Sue & Fred & DonnaMae), the PA (thanks Sarge!! Enjoy the hat too!!), the flowing beers and shots, and the ALWAYS insane and quite large Jersey rocker crowd. For a summer night it was a near capacity crowd and you guys stayed right to the very late end. Of course the cast of characters included: Dancin' Larry, Greg, Nancy, Dana aka Deeee-lite and her whole crew, Dave, Stacey, Tony - sorry to anyone else I may have forgotten. Extra special thanks go out to Dean from the whole band for all the tech help! Also gotta thank John Kosco for gracing the stage with us for a killer version of Would? Be sure to check out John's band Saint Caine!! I know we've got these long gaps between gigs, but rest assured we are very busy behind the scenes setting up new shows and working on a demo to get out to even more clubs in the future! The next show up is on September 12th, and although almost 2 months away, it is a quite noteworthy show! First of all it's Whiskey Bar's 10th Anniversary Party and they INISISTED that FACELIFT be a part of this special night. I guess it also didn't hurt that they were turning people away at the door the last time we played there!!! So be sure to get there early... oh, did I mention that it will be FREE admission!!! So make a whole night of it - Washington Street is a really happenin' area and there are a lot of really good restaurants within walking distance of the club to hit up for a great dinner. The weather should still be nice too! Then stroll over to finish up the night with some AIC @ Whiskey Bar!

There are some pics HERE from Dancin' Larry, maybe some more coming later. Also, be sure to check back frequently as more show dates are added and the website gets a makeover. Everyone have a safe and happy summer - see you all soon!!

6/20/09 - FACELIFT News Update - OK, I know it's a been a little crazy out there with dates changing and all, so here's the latest... FACELIFT is rescheduled for Dingbatz on Friday July 17th. Also, there will be a lot more show dates coming soon - we're nailing down dates in NYC, CT and some shows further away (or is it farther??) anyway, keep yours eyes peeled! The website will be getting a makeover very soon and we'll be selling some merch at the shows too! New hats coming in black and white starting at $13!! So although things have been a little quiet in FACELIFT-land, we'll be back out and about before you know it! In the meantime, get out there and tell your local establishments that you want to see FACELIFT - The Alice In Chains Experience near you soon!!

5/09/09 - FACELIFT @ Sullivan Hall w/Mike Starr - WOW! Anyone who made it to this special show was treated to Mike Starr performing Alice In Chains songs for the first time in over a decade!! So it's only fitting that Gian has the update about this show...

"First of all, we hope all the Mothers out there had a great Mothers Day!!

Well, I don’t know even know where to start about this night, except to say it was absolutely F***IN AMAZING!!!!! I been with these guys close to a year now and the shows only seem to get better, more intense and the fans crazier then ever! Sullivan Hall has to be one of the hottest venues we play (crowd & temperature wise) don’t know what is about NYC but the energy you guys put out always kicks us into high gear. Of course if you were there you know this night was a little extra special for the band probably a little more for me and all you AIC fans out there. One minute I’m minding my own business downstairs the next I’m discussing the bass lines to Down In A Hole & Dam River from the guy who actually laid down the tracks we all love to hear over and over, Mr. Mike Starr!. Before ya knew it, it was time to hit the stage and as usual the crowd was absolutely out of thier minds, you guys start screaming before we even hit the first note and don’t stop till way after the last, we even had a few body-surfers crossing over the top of the crowd. After doing what we to do best, come at you full force with a diverse selection of AIC tunes, I got to do something I never thought “WOULD” happen, I got to pass off my bass to Mike and watch the original pump out Man In The Box, Would and  Them Bones like only he could!

We’d like to thank Mike Starr for coming out and jamming a few tunes, Bryan and the rest of the staff at Sullivan Hall, Tommy, Amy, Dean, Patrick (The Rooster), Dean, Al, Tom, Lee, Drew, David, Craig, Dancin’ Larry, Greg, The Jager Twins for being there in spirit, etc..."

There are pictures HERE, and there may be some video coming... The next show up, as of right now, is Saturday, June 27th at Dingbatz with the always amazing Zodiac, as well as Gian & Tony doing double duty with No Klew, bringing the hard rock classics to Dingbatz! Be sure to get there early, No Klew will hit around 9PM!!!

4/17/09 - SOLD OUT (!!!) @ The Whiskey Bar! - This is a very special and RARE update from Jimmy, so let's listen in shall we...

Happy F***in Birthday Larry,  If you were lucky enough to get into the Whiskey Bar in Hoboken last nite and contributed to the Vibe , Thanks. ( Drink plenty of H2O today) We celebrated New York Rangers Dancin Larry's  Birthday and I dont know if its the change in the weather or just the awesome AIC fans but for me it was  one of the best shows we've had in a while.  I heard some people were on line for 45 minutes just to get in and that is some serious dedication, or , just an uncontrollable drinking problem. Hopefully you caught No Code do justice to Pearl Jam and have a few drinks with the birthday boy. I cant begin to thank all who came out so maybe Tony can .  I probably wont be reporting ever again cause this aint my thing plus I type as slow as Sh*t. Anyway as long as you keep showing up we will too. Later...

We have to PROFUSELY apologize to anyone who came out to Hoboken and couldn't get in. This has NEVER happened before in our history and we're very sorry if anyone didn't make it in. We do have to thank the lucky ones who did make it in... Dancin' Larry (of course!), Greg, Will Pang, Amy, Dar, Kay, Lauren, Melissa, Lee and I know I'm forgetting some people - SORRY!! There are pics HERE and some more may be coming. Next show up is Saturday, May 9th at Sullivan Hall in the city so nice, they named it twice - New York, New York. There are a lot of great places to shop and eat near the club, so come out early, have dinner and check out all the amazing tributes we'll be with that night - ExZakked (B.L.S.) and Appetite For Destruction (GnR).

4/10/09 - FACELIFT's Philly Road Trip!! - Hello, we'll cut right to the chase since Tony's handling this one...

Good Friday?? How about "Friggin' Amazing Friday!!" We haven't hit up the Pennsylvania area in quite a while, so we we're really sure what to expect. All we can say is THANK YOU for a great night Philly! Not only is Philadelphia the city of Brotherly Love, we were definitely feeling some Sisterly Love too!! We really enjoyed going on early and felt that we got the night kicked off properly! We got to hang out after the show and talk to all of the Philly peeps who came out. Everyone was really nice and friendly and definitely appreciated us making the trip down. After we got things going, the night continued with Badmotorfinger doing the Soundgarden show. About half way through the set I found myself amazed that Soundgarden had so many hits that covered such diverse styles and these guys were able to keep up! Shortly after (because 4/5ths of the band was the same) TEN came out (I like how they capitalize the name, like another band you might be familiar with...) They put on a very eclectic Pearl Jam show - covering all the hits of course and some real rarities. In case you didn't recognize it, The Trocodeo (and most memorably, the balcony above the stage) was where Pearl Jam filmed their Evenflow video - and for you slightly older folks, where Tesla recorded 5 Man Acoustical Jam. And we can totally see why - the stage is a perfect size and the acoustics in the place are off the hook!! We gotta thank Danielle for the amazing job on the PA and Tim on the monitors - you guys made us sound like a Million Dollars and really made the whole experience enjoyable. Of course we also have to thank Todd and the guys from TEN for asking us to join them for this show. You guys were super professional and hopefully we'll work together again soon! Thanks to the staff @ The Trocodero for their incredible hospitality, WYSP for the major promotions, Darcelle, Rose, Amy, Bill Bean, Bob and everyone else who made it out for this truly special night!! Happy Holidays everyone, see you soon. I'll see if I can get Jimmy to write up one of these soon...

While the guys recover from their "cheesesteak hangovers" (Which do you like? Pat's or Geno's???) check out some pics HERE, and there's LOTS more coming and maybe some video too! Next show up is Friday April 17th @ The Whiskey Bar in Hoboken with No Code doing the Pearl Jam show (If you missed the 10th, this is your chance!!) It's also a special night because we'll be celebrating our good friend Dancin Larry (from the NY Ranger games) 40th Birthday. So come on out to this really hoppin' part of Hoboken, have dinner, come out to the show, buy Larry a Birthday shot and enjoy some AIC!!

3/28/09 - FACELIFT's triumphant return to Long Island @ Sundance! - Hey kids, the show rundown will be coming from Lou, so stay tuned...

First of all let me just say how much we missed playing Long Island, We'd like to thank Chopper Bill for bringing us back after 5 long years. It was everything we remembered and more. The crowd was great as always. There aren't too many Rock Clubs around anymore but Sundance definitely has that Jack Daniels, Leather Pants, F*ck Sh*t up, Rock N' Roll feel that we love from a club. We a were also glad to see so many AIC fans in the crowd, there's nothing like having most of the crowd sing the lyrics and shout out requests. We'd also like to thank the opening bands (I don't remember T if you could help me out here B*tch) for getting everybody worked up into a frenzy. Well hopefully it won't be another 5 years before we make it back to LI. See you all real soon.

Lou meant to thank Frank Cariola for the tremendous hospitality, Darcelle for bringing out some hard core LI drinkers (they RAN OUT of Jager!!), Amy, Kay, Patrick, Kathy, Stacey, Erica, the guys from Dead Rock Stars, Tom, Jennifer, Melissa, Tom, Mike, Elena, Gaby, Paul, Roland and all the Melville peeps!! There are some pics HERE, but we saw a whole lot of flashbulbs going off, so everyone get those pictures (and video??) sent to info@faceliftlive.com!!!

2/21/09 - FACELIFT back in Jersey @ Dingbatz! - This time the show rundown is coming from Suppa, so hang on...

Something about New Jersey really works for the band. Our fans are loyal and honestly, they are more our "friends" than our fans. Each member of the band has developed friendships with fans over the years. Quality friendships...so if your a bored loser, get in a band f*cker.lol

We always seem to have a great time jamming. The band in general is very strong and and precise onstage. As goofy as it gets, we still have fun doing this after all these years. I must say this band is not shabby by any means as we dont rehearse like most normal bands....we are not normal normal and thats the chemistry factor that i believe works for us. We just dont rehearse on a normal weekly,monthly schedule-- PERIOD!

Gian our bass player has been in the band for 6 months now, a dozen high profile gigs under his belt NYC Filmore Irving Plaza,CHANCE Theatre,ect ect.. and we have only rehearsed with him one time since his audition........tell me how many bands these days could pull that off, let alone make the attempt??

Jersey was always kind to us from day one! Dingbatz was always kind to us from day one. OK,to start the night off was a band called ZODIAC.These guys have done numerous shows with us over the years and are THE most happening,energetic original band that just has a knack for getting you into their music and energy. Grab their upcoming album, check out a show and be the judge for yourself. They are a great group of guys, great musicians, great song writers/entertainers!

We decided to add a few different songs into the set list, and they usually go over very well which they did at this show based on the crowd response. BROTHER,HATE TO FEEL,GODSMACK,WHAT THE HELL HAVE I, ANGRY CHAIR with Dancin larry of the NY RANGERS on vocals ect ect. ..........it felt good to get some fresh tunes back out there in our set list....some more rarities coming your way too.

Thanks to the following friends who made it out: Iris, Alison, Nancy, Brian, Dancin Larry, Pete, Claire, Will and Lauren. Special thanks to Dean Nemeth who was guitar tech/stage manager for this show...........stay tuned. (thanks to Charlie the sound guy,Sue, Freddy & the Dingbatz staff)

There are some pictures up from Dancin' Larry and others! The next show up is Saturday March 28th at the brand spanking new Sundance in Rocky Point, NY (somewhere between Hempstead and Port Jeff). This is Strong Island's newest rock room, so come out and show some support for the always great Long Island music scene!

2/2/09 - Cook's w/No Klew! - Today's show rundown is from Gian, in his first FACELIFT editorial appearance, so be kind folks...

It may have been cold outside in Naugatuck on Saturday night. But inside Cook’s the heat was on! This was my first gig @ Cook’s (also the first time I ever opened up for myself) and I’m sure that everyone else will agree that we could not have asked for a better crowd, the amount of energy they put out could have kept us playing all night! It was definitely worth the drive. No Klew opened up the night pumping out some great metal classics to get the crowd going including a guest vocal appearance from Jimmy singing about his favorite “Dirty Deeds”.  Then after some minor equipment and “Hat” changes we took to the stage ready to rock out and pumped out the ultimate renditions of The Greatest Hits and of course some B sides for the devoted Alice In Chains fans out there. Did I mention how great the crowd was? I also heard the $2 beers all night were a big hit too! Have to send Props out to Ben & Freddie (of 3 Ming Circus PA Services) for doing such an awesome job on the sound for both bands.  We’d also like to give a shout out to everyone who made the trip to see us- The Jager Twins Darcelle & Kay, Julia, The Birthday Boy Teddy, Patrick, Betty, Amy, Cynthia, Marko, Wade, Dean, Randy, the entire staff at Cook's and whoever else I may have missed.  Be sure to check out the media section of our site for pictures and videos of the night thanks to Amy, Darcelle, Mike, Betty and ???? Looking forward to seeing you all at the next show- Gian

The next show up is Saturday, February 21st @ Dingbatz. 'Batz is your typical Jersey rock room - great stage, great crowd and cold beers! Opening the night will be Zodiac, if you seen us at Dingbatz before, you've seen these kids and they totally rock! Definitely worth getting there early for.

1/4/09 - Happy New Year!! - With the start of the new year, the "NEWS" entries may be made by different members of the band. This will provide some differing viewpoints and perspective, as well as some interesting opinions. So here's the first entry for 2009, made by - who else, Tony...

What a CRAZY way to start the New Year. First of all, we we're totally chompin' at the bit to get out and play, having been off for a month and half, we were all ready to get out there and tear up the place - ANY place! Sorry to everyone who was going to the Dexter's show, but better safe than sorry. You all are WAY too important to us to take any chances. Keep an eye out, I'm just days away from nailing down a rescheduled date there. Now onto the business at hand... a KILLER night in New York City. I always get a charge when I'm driving into Manhattan for these shows. Seeing the skyline makes me realize that me and the rest of the guys really have to be in top form. We know there are a lot of places to hang out in NYC, and we are blessed to have so many fans make the trek out to see us! Of course Sullivan Hall is simply one of the best clubs in New York - think about it... you have the best bands, reasonably priced (for NYC) ice cold drinks in a part of the city you could spend days in and never fully discover. Starting off the night was Black Bloody Black doing a really eerie Sabbath show - they had the vibe and the sound down and the early crowd was totally digging it. Any Rage fan or newbie will appreciate the energy and bravado that Battle Of LA brings. These guys keep chugging away and have become a premier tribute act that got the growing crowd worked up into a frenzy,. and brought the room temperature up into the "sauna" range. Then we got to go up and rock out - sprinkling the comprehensive, yet TOTALLY improvised, setlist that featured "Greatest Hits" along with some deeper cuts for the uber fans. We always have fun in NYC and the crowd is always so energetic and responsive! After our harried set, Schism took to the stage with all the audio/visual acoutriments needed to completely finish blowing your collective minds. We always have a good time with the Battle and Schism guys and look forward to MANY more shows together. Of course we had SO many friends make it out - Dancin' Larry, Greg, Steve, Will, Pete, The Jager Twins - Darcelle and Kay (I thought you wanted me to drink that WHOLE cup full!!), Patrick, Lorraine, our Slippery brotha Tommy, Christine, Bonnie - and anyone else I may have forgotten... Check out the PICTURES section under MEDIA for some photographic proof of how killer this show was - Thanks Amy, Larry, Willy, Darcelle & ??? We also have to thank Bryan and the entire PA staff and crew at Sullivan Hall, you guys are top notch and always make our life so easy. Happy New Year everyone, can't wait to get out and rock you all in 2009. PEACE! TT

The next show up is January 31st at Cook's in Naugatuck CT. Cook's is at 203 Church St. (behind the Firehouse) in downtown Naugatuck. The club is literally in the middle of CT and real easy to get to from 84, 95 and 8. There's always a great crowd, the coldest beers in CT and a very reasonable cover. Opening will be Gian and Tony's covers band No Klew, so be sure to get there early for a dose of some metal!

Click HERE for the 2008 News Archive