Confidential, Friday, February 27, 1998

How do you squeeze 14 days of bar-hopping into 1,000 words or less. I don't know but I'll give it a shot...

Saturday (1/24)

Met Ace Frehley at Coney Island High as he headed downstairs to the VIP lounge (walking pretty straight, I might add). As I was chatting with him, a young guitarist managed to make his way in to have Ace sign his guitar – a pretty impressive feat, given that Ace was sandwiched between two very efficient-looking body guards.

Coney was wall to wall with people this evening, waiting for a performance by Sebastian Bach (lead singer of Skid Row – the band, that is). Backed by drummer Jimmy Flemion (of the Frogs) and guitarist Richie Scarlett (of the Ace Frehley band), Bach and company ripped through several rock metal covers. The material included songs from Mountain's "Mississippi Queen" a Black Sabbath tune and, of course, a number from Kiss, dedicated to Mr. Frehley himself. The crowd went pretty wild. In fact, in my opinion, a few members of the audience could have used a sedative, but what the hell, let the good times roll.

Tuesday (1/27)

Attended the private opening of the new Max's Kansas City at West 52nd Street. As I walked through the door, so many flashbulbs went off, I thought Cindy Crawford was behind me, but alas, they were all flashing at little ol' me. Damn paparazzi. Haven't you guys learned your lesson yet. What's that? You want a profile shot. Sure. Right side or left...

Didi and Sebastian Bach

Lit a cigarette and walked up to the bar where ex-Foreigner guitarist, Mick Jones was surverying the scene. Also in attendance was original Max's manager Peter Crowley and owner Tommy Dee, who seemed thrilled that the night was going off so well.

While I listened to Joy Ryder's live R&B-flavored performance, I noticed a few flashbulbs popping again in my general direction. It was legendary rock photographer Mick Rock taking a few more candid shots. It blinded me for a few seconds, but at this point I found myself thinking, “Mick, you can have your way with me.” Nothing like a few flashbulbs to make a girl feel good.

Spoke with Lenny Kaye who reminisced old times while we strolled around the room observing portraits of legends at Max's Kansas City in its prime: Johnny Thunders, Blondie, Sid Vicious, Bruce Springsteen, et al. It made me wonder what ever happened to that autographed wall on the second floor of the old Max's; it would be worth a mint by now.

For some cool pics of this evening's event (including me, of course), pick up the paper, NY Waste. Tell them you want the issue with the Max's shots.

Wednesday (2/4)

Attended yet another opening night bash, this one was called Lust... for Life ( "New York's newest nocturnal emission," or so they say) held at the bar Life on Bleeker and Thompson Streets. Michael Schmidt, who organizes SqueezeBox on Fridays at Don Hill's, held the event in collaboration with several other notables such as Sean of Trailer Park Trash and local band, the Toilet Boys.

Misstress Formika

The evening's host was the gorgeous and incredibly talented Misstress Formika. Sporting a long, elegant Cher-like mane of hair, she informed everyone that she's recently building up her body. I saw the results. Whatever program she's on, let me tell you, it's working like a charm. Headlining for the evening was NYC-based band Bender who put on a great show of alternative industrial rock. Also featured was former frontman of Hanoi Rocks, Michael Monroe in his first U.S. appearance in four years.

In between sets, I headed up to the VIP lounge where I found myself in the midst of a variety of conversations. Most of them focused on the traditional fare: foot fetishes, toilet fetishes, spankings and whippings, etc. Somewhere along the line, I received an invitation to an Imperial Orgy (an arts group, not as much fun as it sounds).

When Michael Monroe hit the stage, however, I managed to break from these sordid dealings and head downstairs to enjoy his legendary punk sound. His vocals were in tip-top shape, as was his ass, I might add. Talk about working on one's body – Michael was looking just fine. Whatever program he's on, also appears to be working well.

Friday (2/6)

Last but not least – and I'll keep this one brief 'cause I'm getting tired – went to Coney Island on Friday, February 6th to catch the Damned. Guitarist Captain Sensible was in a jolly good mood, despite that fact that he was suffering a round of back problems.

With Sisters of Mercy's Patricia Morrison recruited as bassist, The Damned performed a techno-pop set to a crazed audience (seems to be a lot of this going around these days). Attempted to make my way to stage front, but despite the influence of my friend Cathy's cleavage-laden blouse, we couldn't combat the crowd. Imagine that. What's a girl have to do to get a little respect? Disrobe entirely? Don't answer that. Bye.