We are not.
During the reunion in 2005 it was good to play with these guys again - though we had changed a lot in a decade. We made a great record - still we didn’t have a Bruce Kaphan or a Tom Mallon to keep the music focused and cohesive (I’m certainly not the one to do that when my own songs are involved.) We toured a bit, played one show in 2006 (at a Gap store) then I wanted to work more with Vudi and we put together a band in Los Angeles.
Fans want to see a band frozen in that time when the music meant something to them. A particular record, or a particular show that really knocked them out at the time. I do it too. I knew during the reunion AMC would not be the same group we were in 1991 - and that was tough. You want to give fans what they want (or at least I do) and its a bitch when things aren't the same. You just keep going - you just move on.
During the reunion in 2005 it was good to play with these guys again - though we had changed a lot in a decade. We made a great record - still we didn’t have a Bruce Kaphan or a Tom Mallon to keep the music focused and cohesive (I’m certainly not the one to do that when my own songs are involved.) We toured a bit, played one show in 2006 (at a Gap store) then I wanted to work more with Vudi and we put together a band in Los Angeles.
Fans want to see a band frozen in that time when the music meant something to them. A particular record, or a particular show that really knocked them out at the time. I do it too. I knew during the reunion AMC would not be the same group we were in 1991 - and that was tough. You want to give fans what they want (or at least I do) and its a bitch when things aren't the same. You just keep going - you just move on.
Whats in a name? Well I came up with AMC in the eighties and used it for 2 completely different bands before I decided that Vudi and Danny and Sluggo were finally it. We changed drummers and bass players quite a bit - and after a lot of work had some success. It was surprising - Especially for us. We were a dysfunctional democracy and a moody lot (yes even me). We never had that "triumph of the will" impulse that so many successful artists have. When we broke up it was about money and ego and an inability to agree on anything. I look back and regret that maybe I wasn't the leader I should have been - though if I had tried to lead the band it would have broken up much much sooner.
The name is a brand and people remember AMC in a certain way - but only Vudi and I are left. We never wanted to use the name. When we split from Tim and Danny I think we were going to call it: The MacArthur Park Music Club but no one would give us money to make a record or tour unless it was AMC. Actually it's still that way - and I would have an easier time if I continued using it for all my projects (never say never) but - for now - no. If Vudi still wants to do AMC I would be on board but part of what makes him great is a disinclination to repeat himself.
About the crooner act I do with Marc Capelle: honestly its the best I can do at this point. I want to have live shows that are at least emotive representations of the songs. The wall of sound (e.g. AMC) is fun but touring is expensive and I don't sell out stadiums (yet).
