Birmingham Six

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One more day. One more set. One lifetime. I could not conclude this countdown without acknowledging and thanking our families. Our wives or significant others, our children, parents, siblings, cousins, aunts and uncles. The people who understood that we weren’t making that family event. The people who understand that there’s a few weeks out of the year where we might not be around so much and when we are, we’re likely exhausted mentally and physically (and possibly a little moody). The people who on many occasions were the only people sitting at the bar. Without the support, understanding and patience we received from our collective loved ones over the years, none, and I mean it, none of this would have been possible. They have been the people in the background that truly made this all happen.

To the people who have come to see us over the years and will join us today, I never saw you as “fans” as you’ve all been friends. Don’t think of this as goodbye. Think of it as Catch You Later!

“When we all grow old and there’s nothing left to say
I want you to know that I loved you all my days.
When we close our eyes on this lifetime
I’ll see you on the other side.” - Brian Fallon

In less than 24 hours, it'll all be in the books for the band. And just like it's unfair that every mom has to fill their own stocking at Christmas, Paul shouldn't have to write his own countdown bio. So, I just want to talk a bit about the man. Paul is a founder, the face, creative force, nervous system and heartbeat of Birmingham Six. When I first met Paul, his first words were, "Barry said you play bass, you want to do that for us?" While it took me a few months to decide, Paul was pretty relentless. Good thing he was. It's been a pleasure sharing the stage with him for the last 20 years. Over that time, no matter what ups or downs were going on outside the band, Paul always brought the energy and talent to entertain and keep the show going. That's on top of also writing the music and lyrics to every original song the band has ever played and recorded. Without Paul there would be no Birmingham Six, hands down. So for all of the fun, the music, and the drunken middle of the night conversations (particularly those in a dirty Wildwood motel room), we want to shout out a big Thank You, and 'Love you,man" to Paul Wiese. Looking forward to more good times! -J

We’re down to 2 days (today and tomorrow) and B6 will call it a career. Twenty years wouldn’t have even started if it weren’t for Brian Let me take you back to a Wednesday night when I was running an all ages show at a venue in NE Philly and I turn around and see this dude setting up drums on the stage for the ska band I booked that night. I thought to myself (or maybe even said aloud) “hey look. The equipment manager from my high school football team is a roadie for the ska band I booked.” Little did I realize that he was the drummer, since I had no idea he played drums. And not only that, but he played in the pocket, super tight and it rocked. Fast forward a few years later and we ran into each other at Brittingham’s. I started the conversation that night and here we are, 20 years, 3 albums, 500 shows and too many laughs to count later. Still standing (barely) still rocking, still in the pocket and ready to take on whatever comes next. The time has flown by because anyone who’s ever played with Brian knows that he speeds everything up. And in the best ways.

In 3 days, we’ll play our last show and it only makes sense to talk about the third person to join the band, Barry. Some of the best things can be found on Craigslist. Just ask Barry That’s where he found the ad I placed looking for members to start a new Irish Rock band. He responded and drove all the way from Perkasie to Emmet’s Place to talk to me about the opportunity. About a week later, Barry, Brian and I got together and Birmingham Six was officially formed. There’s been many configurations for different shows based on everyone’s availability, but we have always sounded our best when we’re all there and a big reason is because of the depth that Barry’s playing adds to the sound. He’s also been a source of humor, an amazing wing man and always ready to put me in my place with a wicked right hook. I’m super excited to share the stage one more time with Barry on Saturday.

Four days until we play our last show. Today I need to mention the much older but significantly better looking of the Breslin Brothers, James. James joined the band about a year after we started playing shows and made an immediate impact. A guitar player by trade, not only has he plucked the strings for the band, he’s also been the “band parent” of sorts. He literally turned the car around and took us home after a show in Pittsburgh. We may or may not have been yelling three different sets of directions at him at the same time. James took care of a great deal of the graphic designs for the band. He’s been my go l-to for ideas. Any idea I’ve had regarding the band I run by James. If he’s on board, the rest of the band doesn’t question it. The back bone of the band, the man who kept it all together as we were falling apart on many occasions over the years and the driving force of band from the time he joined until present day. It’s been a pleasure sharing the stage and the studio with James over the years and I’m super excited about what the future holds.