| The following is an interview between our top entertainment reporter, Brenda Starr, and the former owners of The Last Hurrah, Peter and Mike Mott and Susan Mott Hamilton. Former band members and employees kept crashing the interview like it was a party or something, so it turned into a pretty Motley crew (no pun intended…). BS: Hey Guys, long time no see… like 20 years… you look different.
All: So do you! BS: Before we start, tell me the age order between the 3 of you.
Peter: Mike’s the oldest, Sue’s the youngest, and that leaves me in the middle. BS: I want to hear about what’s been going on in your lives since I saw you last and also about The Last Hurrah Reunion from your perspectives, but I can’t wait to spring my first surprise guest on you.
Sue: Now who could that be? BS: He played in several bands at TLH, and for the record, I just gave you a hint as to who it is.
Mike: The “I can’t wait” hint? Sounds like one of Nu Shooz’ hit songs to me!
Peter: Sounds like an ad for adult depends to me…just kidding!
Sue: Since I just saw Mark sneaking around in the hall, I say it’s Mark Bosnian. BS: Hey, speak of the Devil, here comes the guy who played in the Burnside Bombers, Nu Shooz, and Salmon Dave at The Last Hurrah. Get in here Mark… good to see you… you look different.
Mark: Thanks. So do you. Hi Guys. BS: What are you up to these days?
Mark: Well, I’m playing in 2-3 different bands, teaching music, recording and also doing a little composing. BS: What bands are you playing in?
Mark: One is Voodoo BBQ… sounds kind of like Steely Dan if they’d been from New Orleans. BS: How’s Tracy?
Mark: Tracy’s great. We’re about to celebrate our 26th wedding anniversary next month, which makes me think of the fact that Tracy and I had various dates at TLH, it was the first place she ever heard me sing, and it was also where we had our wedding reception. BS: You’re kidding! Were you the entertainment?
Mark: The Burnside Bombers did reunite for the reception and I played a few songs with them, but a couple of my friends sat in for me and I was able to get around and schmooze with everyone. BS: I wasn’t invited.
Mark: The invitation’s in the mail. BS: Since you were in 3 different bands that played at TLH, it makes sense that you were the band member in all of Portland to play the most gigs there, is that right?
Mark: Yes, but I actually played in 5 or 6 bands at TLH, 2 of which, The Bombers and Nu Shooz, played there a lot, so that’s probably why I have the honor of being the musician who played there the most. BS: So you’re playing at the reunion in which band?
Mark: I’m playing with The Burnside Bombers and probably Salmon Dave… I’m waiting to see if the whole band has confirmed. Nu Shooz is now The Nu Shooz Orchestra and they have a whole different line up, so I’m not playing with them. BS: Tell me from your perspective, what does this reunion mean to all of the different band members who are getting together to play for the event?
Mark: Well, for me, it means celebrating the club that had more impact on my career than any other. Not only did TLH encourage us to play original music, it required us to. This was a huge shift in the local music scene. Previous to TLH, everyone played cover songs and just copied what other bands did. TLH provided an atmosphere to be creative – to make art. This, to me, is the whole reason I play music. I truly don’t think I would be writing songs today with the same enjoyment and success if it were not for the opportunities TLH gave me. It was a college for those of us in bands. BS: In hindsight, what do you have to say about that era in time when there were so many happening bands playing in Portland and where did TLH fit into it all?
Mark: I believe TLH was the most instrumental club in the Portland music scene. It fostered original music in local bands and exposed music patrons and musicians to original music from other areas, such as Seattle and Eugene. We got to see what other cities were producing and our music scene fed off of this input. BS: Some of the bands who are playing at the reunion haven’t been together for a long time. How hard is it for bands that haven’t played together for so long to get ready for a gig like this?
Mark: Salmon Dave did rehearse and we hadn’t played together for 15 years, and for us, it was like we had never stopped playing together. But the Burnside Bombers haven’t played together for 27 years. I’m not too worried though because 4 of the 5 guys have continued to play all of these years, so I’m hoping it’s like riding a bike. I can’t speak for the other bands, although I know Wheatfield got together and had a reunion last year, so I’m thinking they’re going to sound great. The Burnside Bombers have a lot of rust that we’re going to have to throw off. BS: Are the bands pumped about it?
Mark: Yes. Very. Everybody I’ve talked to is really looking forward to it. BS: Thanks for stopping in Mark and giving us the bands’ perspective, but it sounds like you need to go practice with the Bombers so you can live up to our expectations… no pressure….see you on the 14th.
Mark: Bye guys. See you soon! BS: Wow! He’s as cute as ever! Oh… sorry, back to you guys. Mike weren’t you involved in some way with the first album Nu Shooz cut?
Mike: I was the executive producer for the local cut of that album before they were signed to a national level. BS: What’s that mean?
Mike: I gave them money. BS: Nice guy. By the way, it’s time for a coffee break and I forgot my purse…
Sue: Mike, loan me a dime?
Pete: I hate to say this Mike, but I seem to have a hole in my pocket… More of the interview with the Motts, band members and former employees of The Last Hurrah coming up…. |
