The Gift of Inspiration: ’N’ Roll a Rockfantasy “If No One Is Barfing Or Bleeding, It’S Not Rock ’N’ Roll.” Wow
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Photos and story by Janna Lopez The Gift of Inspiration: ’n’ Roll a Rockfantasy “If no one is barfing or bleeding, it’s not rock ’n’ roll.” Wow. Maybe the perfect words, spoken by rock ’n’ roll musi- cian, Michael Gerbino (more on him later) to describe the magic of a particular time and place — when you’re 20. But what happens when you’re 40? Or 50? Or even older? Though your kids might be nearly full-grown, they might also still live at home, so maybe living the rock ’n’ roll fantasy isn’t the best idea. After all, you’re an adult now. You have a job, a stack of bills to pay, a life insurance policy, kids’ sports schedules to adhere to. But then the “becoming a rock star” dream you once had rears its head again, as powerful as ever. For many dads, and even some moms, thankfully, there’s an incredible once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to live November 28 to January 4 out the rock ’n’ roll dream, in real time, with real lights, a real stage, and a real rock star jamming beside you — all without the young- Closed December 10, 24 & 25 er-days aftermath of brawling, barf or blood. Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp, home-based in Las Vegas, is most cer- tainly a mature-version, dream-like oasis for those who love music, once performed or dream of performing, or want to gain invaluable music technique education in a very short time. Though there are modified versions of this rock camp model, including day-long and business-style retreats, the most well-known format is the intensive four-day camp. A better future for wildlife. DECEMBER 2014 | 21 This camp is about music . It’s about relationships between fathers and sons. This story is shared because we all ing, recording and then performing take the spotlight. David Fishof, the ny-musical-trades. He’s performed Mark Cook, a dad camper from have those goals, inspirations inside with globally known rock stars such camp’s founder, does an incredible over 4,500 live shows and recorded Portland, Oregon, guitar player with us that sometimes remain dormant. as Roger Daltrey (The Who), Slash job of selecting counselors who or jammed with Rob Halford (Judas several local music projects and an For a lot of (dare I say) middle-aged (Guns n’ Roses), Steven Tyler (Aero- are talented teachers and humble Priest), Vince Neil (Motley Crue) artist with creative aspirations, says, people, being connected to music smith) and Joe Walsh (The Eagles). people — although it’s apparent the and the Pointer Sisters, to name a “Mikey really made sure we each is at the top of that list. We reach Throughout the four days, over a selections are a perfect fit at least few. He’s even held the illustrious were clear on our parts, but he also mile-markers in life where clues dozen camp counselors who are in part because Fishof is that same honor of fulfilling the role of Bill wanted us not to forget to enjoy the about time’s marching orders could also rock stars, such as Vinny Apice straight-shooting, passion-instilling Wyman in the Rolling Stones tribute experience.” He adds, “I can’t believe CAMP COUNSELOR PETER KLETT WORKS WITH 11-YEAR range from needing reading glasses (Black Sabbath), Peter Klett (Candl- kind of guy himself. band Satisfaction, which had a three- how incredibly patient he was, and OLD SEASONED CAMPER BEN BLUESTEIN to scan restaurant menus, to the box) and Rudy Sarzo (Ozzy, Quiet As a result of Fishof’s past work, year, nearly-800-show schedule. how when we all jammed with loss of dear friends. Whether we gift Riot, White Snake) coach, guide, connections in the music business, For this particular camp, Gerbi- George Lynch and Brad Whitford someone with opportunities, or gift teach and encourage participants his multi-faceted wealth of industry no was the counselor of the band on stage, we could at least hold our them to ourselves, something like to write, play and perform. For a knowledge and his optimistic donned “Tattoo Zoo.” Band camp own. At the end of the four days, ev- Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp is an much-reduced fee, spouses, partners outlook on making people’s dreams group members came from England, erything came together for a pretty absolute dream come true. or parents of children who are come true, over 3,000 people have Texas, Oregon and Northern decent performance. What Mikey The majority of camp attendees are campers can attend over the course had a part of the rock ’n’ roll fantasy. California. The skill level within this taught us was invaluable.” of four days and during non-instruc- GUEST PERFORMER STU HAMM men between the ages of 30 and 60, That’s 3,000 people with completely particular group varied from some Gerbino adds, “I totally enjoy con- tional hours, as “groupies.” although there were several women different lives, individual goals and musical band experience to a lot of necting with my counselor peers as participants at the session I attended, Several weeks before you arrive, unique roads leading to their time prior band experience, which meant well as the campers. We as counsel- and even older kids. People from Fantasy Camp staff work behind the and place onstage, jamming next to getting all the players to stylistically ors are here to help the campers. It’s all walks of life participate in rock scenes to coordinate with campers. a childhood hero. coalesce and be ready to perform as our job to give the campers the best camp, to celebrate life (there was You’re assigned a band based on skill When asked why he started the a band — a major task. Yet Gerbino rock star moments we can. They are one camper who’d been diagnosed level, and each band is provided a camp and continues to do this over was both patient and persistent. the total focus. Being a counselor ROCK ROYALTY – JANE’S ADDICTION DRUMMER STEPHEN and beaten cancer, another who counselor and three or four songs 15 years later, Fishof says, “There’s Strum by strum, note by note, drum here has been one of the most grati- PERKINS; FANTASY CAMP FOUNDER, DAVID FISHOF, had served in Iraq); learn new beat by drum beat, he went over the MR. AND MRS. JERRY GREENBERG to learn. Once at fantasy camp nothing that makes me happier than fying things I’ve ever done.” skills (most were talented “closet” headquarters, you are immersed in assigned repertoire of Aerosmith’s the happiest camper. It’s great that Seven-time camp counselor Vinny musicians); reinspire the creative fire all-day practices and training sessions “Same Old Song and Dance” and they can meet and mingle with child- Appice, legendary drummer for inside (they’d reached an emotional with your assigned band, led by a Dokken’s “Just Got Lucky,” until the hood heroes, but make no mistake, Black Sabbath and Dio, agrees. “I like juncture and rather than run off to rock star counselor. It all culminates band could swiftly play the set. I want our campers to learn. I want the challenge and love the teaching Europe, they chose this); or even to in two separate live performances at them to gain insight, technical skills Part of the excitement at our part of it. There’s something cool bond with children and encourage the House of Blues in Las Vegas. and knowledge they might not ever particular Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy about assessing someone’s skill level, their kids’ musical interest. There have access to. I want campers to What happens — the mutual Camp session was that guitarists watching them play music — and were four or five dads attending with have the full experience of getting a creativity, support and inspiration Brad Whitford from Aerosmith and sometimes, your music — then their sons and daughters (ages 11 to band put together, writing, rehears- — between the campers, counselors George Lynch, famed Dokken guitar figuring out how all the pieces of the 16). These multi-generation campers ing, recording and performing on and staff over the course of four player, came to jam with the camp- band will fit together.” share a love for music, or regularly stage. We can give people inspiration intense, non-stop, action-packed ers and perform songs with them on jam together as a family in their to go on and pursue their dreams Appice adds, “I’m a technical guy. I days is magical. Being able to interact the third day of camp. Also making respective hometowns. in music. The most important thing guest appearances were bassist Stu take apart cars and computers just one-on-one with people you once DOKKEN'S GEORGE LYNCH WITH CAMPER MARK COOK OF TATTOO ZOO is that the campers know that they so I have to put them back togeth- Mark, a guitar player and investment had posters of in your childhood Hamm, guitarist Warren Demartini are the total center of our attention. er. Here in this setting, I can help advisor from Denver, attended the room is amazing. (Ratt) and drummer Stephen Perkins camp with his two sons, Max, 15 They are the rock stars when they (Jane’s Addiction). There was major everyone come together to make (bass), and Luke, 16 (drums). Mark Rock ’n’ Roll Fantasy Camp is com- are here.” incentive for the campers to get it music. Plus, for a lot of these guys, I can give them advice about the says, “Luckily, we have similar music pletely designed for, and focused on, Part of a camper’s feeling of being tight.