Comments on: Friday Flashback: ‘The Puppet Song’ by The Four Seasons!

By: Ted Hammond

Ted Hammond — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 23:11:40 +0000

Brian, there’s an excellent website called ARSA that has many charts from all over the USA, showing what was played on many stations from that era.

I cannot find a listing for “Whatever You Say” or “Sleeping Man”.

The following chart appeared just yesterday showing “Hickory” was being played on WPOP Hartford, CT, one of the first, if not THE first to play “Sherry” in 1962. Here is the link.

http://las-solanas.com/arsa/charts_view.php?svid=23168

The first chart to ever show the Four Seasons (so far)was WNHC New Haven, CT, who played “Bermuda” in early 1962.

By: Brian

Brian — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 20:36:44 +0000

Hi Ray Thanks for your comments.
As you were at the Club Fiesta in Stockton-on-Tees in 1971; Can you confirm the reviews I read at the time in N.M.E (New Musical Express)etc that the FV&4S concerts went down a storm in the Northern Clubs in both the 1971 & 1972 UK tours ?
I remember leaving (at the end !) of the 1971 London concert and hearing a number of audience comments along the lines of “They sound just like on their records” Quite an achievement given the harmonies and falsetto involved !
The other feature of the 1971 tour was the subsequent UK recording of “Whatever you say c/w Sleeping Man”
Am I one of the few owners of this 45rpm rarity ? Not that many copies were pressed let alone sold. Once again minimal, if any, airplay in the UK (Don’t know about the USA ?)

By: Ray

Ray — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 12:33:23 +0000

Brian…If I’m not mistaken Bob Grim only appeared as part of the Four Season’s line-up during that 71 British tour.

I remember Frankie introducing him as a new member which Bob actually took issue with on stage. (Club Fiesta-Stockton-on-Tees)

I don’t think that Bob returned to the US after that tour and stayed in the UK for a while pursuing other musical interests.

He is, of course, immortalized in those “Top Of The Pops” video appearances during that same year.

Bob had nothing but praise for Frankie and Bob Gaudio during that time period. He filled a crucial role in keeping the stage band together for that tour as I believe that Tommy DeVito had just exited the group.

I think that Jersey Boys refers to it somewhat in the play dialog.

Ray

By: Ted Hammond

Ted Hammond — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 21:54:24 +0000

To be concise and convenient, here are the links to the Joe Long Interview Parts.

http://jerseyboysblog.com/jbb-exclusive-interview-with-joe-long-part-one/2065

http://jerseyboysblog.com/jbb-exclusive-interview-with-joe-long-part-two/2076

http://jerseyboysblog.com/jbb-exclusive-interview-with-joe-long-part-three/2094

By: David Cace

David Cace — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 20:33:38 +0000

Is there anyone more universally liked than Joe Long? Within a few months of joining the group in 1966 (one or two shows in December ’65) he stepped up to become the MC of the shows as you say.

I saw Bob Grimm perform in the 4 Seasons band/orchestra, but never as a singing performing member. By all accounts I have heard and read he was an outstanding guitar player. What Mr. Grimm lacked, as did all of the excellent subsequent lead guitar players was Tommy DeVito’s wit and stage presence. And Joe Long was a perfect companion to Tommy on stage. What is not discussed in the above concert/show comments is the stage songs and skits…and impromptu humor… that were an integral part of any 4 Seasons concert during that period.

If you haven’t already read it Brian, The Jesrey Boys Blog has an excellent (3 part I believe) interview of Joe Long which is available from the archives…late 2007/early 2008…go to the search feature. Joe talks about many things including the concerts and his interaction wiht Tommy on stage. Also check out the Genuine Imitation Life Gazette for an interview of Joe…and a special event held in Joe’s honor a few years ago.