The Amazing Spiderman

Spiderman. Need I say more? He’s one of the most iconic superheroes out there. A favorite because he is both super and smart but he’s not invisible. Now, I don’t think it needs mentioning, but the idea of a character like this, who swings from webs, propelled from his hands, around Manhattan, is not something one would expect to see in say…a theater. Not a movie theater, but Broadway. Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark is a hit on the stage, bringing in millions of dollars a year. Why all this build up about the show? Well, good question. Let me explain. Kristen Martin, understudy for Mary Jane Watson and various characters, contacted MAG about shoes for her boyfriend, Matthew James Thomas, one of the actors playing Spiderman.

MAG, of course, agreed and even had them on a rush order since Kristen needed them by Christmas. To thank him, Kirsten arranged for MAG and one guest to actually go to the show and a backstage tour. She gave the shoes to Thomas shortly before Christmas and contacted MAG after that about tickets. Box seats with a great view. MAG took his youngest daughter and they both loved the show. The way they did the stunts and flying around it was like nothing they’d ever seen. Not an easy feat to bring a superhero to the stage with full web-slinging action, but they manage to pull it off night after night. Nearly every show is sold out and still selling out and I’ve heard nothing but good things.

Once the show was over it was time for the backstage tour. All the behind the curtain stuff: the sets, the pit, the props, costumes and certain special effects. They also got to see the orchestra room, a giant room where a full orchestra plays live music for the show. After the tour Kristen brought them to see Thomas in his dressing room. He was really tired from doing the performance and all his own stunts, but he graciously showed them the costume and even let MAG and his daughter try on the mask. Needless to say, that would be an amazing moment for any Spiderman fan. To actually try on the mask, which I was told was not just some cheap piece of fabric.

After that they took a few pictures, went outside for the autograph signing and that was it. It was a pretty cool night with lots of good company and once in a lifetime experiences. Once again, more to come soon so keep an eye out for updates.

Quick note: We just got a picture of Ricky Warrick lead singer for Thin Lizzy with his chucks while on European tour. Pretty cool.

Collection of Concert Stories

With life carrying on as it does there has not been much of an opportunity to update. So this will be a short compilation of stories as the title suggests to fill in all I’ve missed. There has been a lot going on and I have been slacking. Much excitement to come, or so I have been told, but that’s all I get to say on that. Spoilers.

First in line is a pair commissioned for the lead singer of Alien Ant Farm, Dryden Mitchell. MAG handed Mitchell the pair at their show at the Gramercy Theater in New York City. The famous NYC theater that has been around since 1937 as a theater hall, then to movies, a revival for the classics of Hollywood, and even temporarily as an Off-Broadway play house. Now it’s the stage for live concert venues and shows. Alien Ant Farm put on a great show and was just as great to meet in person.

Around October, MAG was contacted by a good friend, Debbie Martin. Martin, being a former customer turned friend, is a HUGE rock and roll enthusiast and is good friends or acquainted with names like Johnny Winter, Bob Dylan, and Dave Mustaine of Megadeth. And, no less, the Ramones. Yeah. That’s what I thought, too. I may not have been that generation, but I don’t know anyone who can’t name at least three of Ramones' songs. I was the kid in high school with a Ramones t-shirt and head phones in their ears. So, it was pretty exciting when I heard that Punk Your Chucks was going to be painting a pair for Marky Ramone and his new band, Blitzkrieg. Martin arranged the meeting and for MAG to paint a pair of Pro Keds for the legend. He also got to see the band at the Gramercy Theater, and I’m sure they were “forming in a straight line” for that one. Apologies, had to put at least one reference in there. Seriously, “the kids were losing their minds” about it. Okay. Now I’m done.

Finally, is an amazing opportunity found by none other than MAG’s close friend and sensei of all things that rock and roll, Chad Szeliga. Once again we return to the Gramercy Theater for a show with Scott Ian, formerly of Anthrax, and now guitarist for The Damned Things. The show included Hourcast, with Chad filling in as drummer and played an excellent show. Fair to Midland also opened and I was told they were really impressive, just amazing. MAG was

given the opportunity to meet with a lot of them, like Darroh Sudderth, lead singer for Fair to Midland. With a bit of persistence, they were also able to get a quick “hey” to Scott Ian. MAG brought a pair of Horror chucks for Chad and also did a pair for lead singer of Hourcast, Patrick McBride. I was told it was an unbelievable performance and that I really should have been there. At the show, a few Breaking Benjamin fans showed up and were rewarded by almost an hour of talking and signing from Chad. From all the stories I hear, I wish every celebrity could be half as obliging and humble.

If that wasn’t enough star gazing for one night, outside the theater Aaron Neville of the Neville Brothers happened to be strolling by. MAG was able to say “hi” and get a few pictures. Only in New York, am I right? I’m lucky if people even know what state my city is in.

So, I’m all caught up…or not even close, but that’s okay. There are a couple more stories I still need to update and then I’ll be posting them as well. Exciting stuff and I can’t wait to share. Look forward to more soon. Seriously, I’m actually going to update this time.

MAG Paints Sneakers for Toby Rand of Juke Kartel

Remember that show called Rockstar Supernova? It was Tommy Lee, Gilby Clarke (Guns & Roses) and Jason Newsted (Metallica).

Well if you did watch the show you no doubt remember Toby Rand. He didn't win, but left a lasting impression on everyone.

Toby has a new band called Juke Kartel and MAG was so excited to paint a custom pair of sneakers for him.

Check out the photos...MAG personally handed the sneakers to Toby in California last month. And MAG says Toby is one of the best performers he's ever seen on stage. So if you ever have a chance to see them, be sure to check them out. Right now they are on tour with none other than Slash!