Now that I have had some time to think about the Tower Of Power 40th anniversary performance I thought I would list some thoughts and observations.

**I wish a couple of friends were still with us to see the show. First of all Bruce Steinberg, we all know Bruce had a long association with the band and his presence was surely missed. Secondly, Ray Berzins a loyal TOP fan, who would not have missed this event. Both of these men were great friends and I personally miss them.

**It was amazing to see how well organized this event was from a performance level. The changes in personnel moved effortlessly. To think that 30 plus songs were performed, in about a three and one half hour time frame, with all the personnel changes, wow what a feat.

**A special tribute to Bill Graham, very nicely done.

**Emilio Castillo in a Tux, classy.

**Doc’s voice on Funk the Dumb Stuff, don’t hear that very often

**Herman Matthews running around with a camera, as much a fan taking it all in, as a performer.

**The fan participation was something to witness, everyone was involved, there was no need for the band to get the crowd moving they were ready.

**The power that comes from any instrument Mic Gillette plays. A few people mentioned to me that up close you could not only hear, but feel his playing.

**The sound and lighting was spot on.

I wish more of my internet friends who I have met over the years could have attended this event, you know who you are. I wish you could have been beside me, although I know a number of you caught the event via live streaming. Thanks Monster Cable for that one.

Lastly, I would like to say to the band and everyone else involved with this event. To the average viewer like me, the event came off flawlessly. I know that this was no small task, and a logistics nightmare I am sure, but you could not detect it. Well done Tower of Power.

Raoul

The following slide show has been made available to us by Frank Anzalone. These pictures are not to be used without the consent of Frank. If you would like to have personal copies produced contact Frank at http://www.info@mckyfoto.com/

Photo’s taken October 18th, 2008 at the Fillmore. Rehearsal and Pre-show shots.

To view larger photos please click onto photo below:

TOP 40th Fillmore Rehearsal and Pre-Show

10.Always check your restraining orders before knocking on a door.

9. Keep a firm grasp of your candy bag, folks will open the door snatch the bag, slam the door then, deny you where there.

8. A “Trick” means something completely different to some people.

7. If you hear a shotgun rack, hit the ground. Let them cap guy dressed like Star Wars behind you.

6. Do not take a BBQ rib if it’s wrapped in a napkin.

5. Don’t ask folks what they are dressed as, some people look really scary and don’t wear costumes.

4. Newport cigarettes can be considered a treat.

3. Dressing like a cop is never funny.

2. No matter what they tell you, they are supposed to give YOU the treat.

1. Do not let anyone pack your goodie bag, or hold someones bag during a shakedown.

Dedicated to the Memory of Bruce Steinberg.

10 A directors cut of how the Supercuts mullet has influenced TOP guitar players over the years.

9. A Professor of English from Cal Berkeley trying to explain the verb “Boogalate”.

8. Why Rogaine is the new Cocaine.

7. An emotional expose on Doc’s hat blocker and suspenders engineering staff.

6. A sixteen hour marathon of interviewing former band members and musicians who thought they were in the band.

5. Post traumatic couldn’t get backstage, humiliation syndrome.

4. Interview with the actual cat that had the hippest legs and the bad bugaloo, who is about 7 feet tall when he stands in front of you.

3. A sociologist talks about why the band has such a loyal and, used to be, cute fan base.

2. A photo essay on bands who are now in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame but shouldn’t be because, TOP is clearly better.

1. A one on one with Victor Conte the first bass player in history to understand physics.