We wanted to thank a few friends who made this possible-
Tazy Phyllipz (skaparade.com) OC Ska legend, DJ, MC, ska historian – for having the vision of a reunion show and making it happen.
Jon Halprin (glasshouse.us) Long time friend, owner of Vegas Records, and promoter at the glasshouse – for believing in us and allowing the show to the held at the Glasshouse.
Timmy Bivens- for being a pro on the drums and playing flawlessly! Not only did we make a new friend, we now know a drummer that can hang for any future MSh ideas…
To GOGO13, The Skank Agents, and Warsaw Poland Bros for rocking with us!
Munki and his crew for the video work! (can’t wait to see it)
and lastly,
to all of our friends and family who drove out, flew in from all over to be with us that night. So much love and support from you all- HUGE THANKS!!
sincerely-
Brian Gilmore & MSh
Here is a great review we received from Highwire Daze. Thanks to JD and Ken for rocking this music magazine for 20 years!
My Superhero, The Glasshouse, September 17, 2011
(Review and Photos by Kenneth Morton)
The Ska Parade has always presented the most exciting events in the genre, including being host to some interesting reunion shows. A long time project of Tazy Phyllips, who exudes a refreshingly genuine passion for the genre, The Ska Parade has been going on for some 20 years now. Tazy definitely made for a wonderful master of ceremonies for the evening, introducing all of the bands and giving the audience interesting back-stories in the process.
There were many notable ska bands who have called Orange County their home. Thanks to Tazy, one such entity, My Superhero, was doing a their first show since 2003! My Superhero were around nearly a decade, performing two tours of duty at the famed Vans Warped Tour. The band also went on endless road trips supporting famous bands such as Reel Big Fish, The Aquabats, and Fenix TX.
Although My Superhero never employed a horn section, this ska band was definitely noted for the rambunctious accordion playing of Mike Berault. Tazy would contact Mike first about doing a My Superhero reunion show, and then was instructed to contact the others within the membership. Amazingly, all were willing to do the reunion show, except for drummer Chris Clawson, who was unavailable to participate. Tim Bivens was recruited via a recommendation by another former My Superhero member. Already knowing the songs since Tim was a long time fan who went to My Superhero shows when he was all of 12; the reunion lineup was now complete. Two months of rehearsals commenced, and My Superhero performed to a near packed house at The Glasshouse in Pomona on a Saturday night.
The memories of good times and groovin’ tunes kicked in right away when My Superhero launched into their first song One More Day from their classic Solid State 14 release. In addition to their own original favorites, there were a few terrific covers within the set as well. Big City by Operation Ivy was given a grand heroic treatment, and Groovy Kind Of Love by Phil Collins was a crowd favorite as well.
The band was clearly not fond of their Station One release, and performed a single track from the album – Best Days sounded absolutely terrific though, and should have been a big hit for the band.
An amusing part of the show arrived when the song Coley and Steve was introduced from the debut SKAboard Music release – where Mike Berault advised the crowd to never write a song about a relationship with an ex – as you are doomed to sing and relive it over and over again if people like it. And it definitely was a crowd favorite at the Glasshouse!
Another standout was towards the end of the set, when My Superhero performed the super infectious rendition of the Camper Van Beethoven song Take The Skinheads Bowling. A recorded version of this song is featured on The Ska Parade: Running Naked Thru The Cornfield compilation.
So many memories were brought back to ultra vivid life, and My Superhero was as tight and entertaining as ever. Grocers Pride, Going Somewhere, Leaving Soon, Long Gone – the memorable tunes just kept on coming at you!
Brian Gilmore is a charismatic front man, and his voice and guitar playing are an energetic and lively as ever. Mike Berault remains a rambunctious character to this day, also performing smooth lead vocals as well as the famous accordion solos and keyboards interludes. The harmonies the two vocals leads supplied were dazzling and inspired. Huey Huynh on guitar and Dan Park bass delivered their parts with flair and conviction while newest member of the My Superhero club Tim Bivens fit right in with his wonderfully dynamic playing.
Will there be any addition My Superhero performances? Only time will tell, but judging by the crowd in attendance who cheered and danced to each and every song, the band should definitely consider their options. A truly magical night in Pomona!
Special thanks to Tazy Phyllips of The Ska Parade for arranging the reunion! My Superhero has truly been missed and remains one of the top bands in the 3rd wave of OC ska!
To read the My Superhero highwire daze interview click here
my superhero 