Candy Man Origin
November 2017-March 2020; August 2020-November 2020
It was foretold that a man would come and be the savior of The Graysin Slade Band. The legend says he would be a smooth operator of the bass and sling thunder with a sweetness that will give you a toothache. In November of 2017 a man known as Dean stepped into the rehearsal room. Could it be the missing piece of the puzzle? We were soon going to find out.
A few weeks prior to Dean stepping in a new singer Mike had emerged. At the time both Dean and Mike didn't know all the songs and they were both spectators. Graysin finally had all the parts but were these new members going to be able to get up to speed? Graysin and Roy were realistically optimistic but had gone through so many flaky musicians that the smart outlook would be to not get your hopes up.
Soon Mike and Dean started to rehearse with the band and finally The Graysin Slade Band was firing on all cylinders. Were Mike and Dean the ones that the legends spoke of? We were about to find out because in high risk taking Graysin Slade fashion Graysin booked a charity show the last week of November 2017. It was the Emilio Ledezma fundraiser to raise money for his medical bills after a terrible heart attack. When Graysin presented the band with the opportunity Roy and Dean immediately said, yes, while Mike stuttered and said, "We aren't ready. We need to practice for a year before going on stage." Graysin laughed and said, "No one will stay in this band if we wait another year! I will just take over and sing until you are ready."
This was Graysin's moment. His destiny. The moment he would start his training to become a star. He should have taken over being the front man from the beginning, but he had no idea what power he had inside. He had never sang before so it is understandable how he didn't have the confidence to immediately part ways with Mike.
While the band was preparing for the show Mike came to practice and shared singing roles with Graysin. Halfway through the practice Mike said, "You are a good singer. You don't need me." He then grabbed his PA and walked out never to be seen again. Now, Graysin was the full time singer and he had a show to prepare for.
The show got rescheduled one week later and Roy couldn't make it due to work but Graysin was not going to let this gig fail. He had worked so hard for this moment and he was so close again to the stage. He hoped Dean had the guts to also go to the gig no matter what and play with a replacement drummer. Of course Dean didn't back down. Maybe he is the legendary bassist we were looking for?
On December 9, 2017 Graysin Slade got back on the stage at Deco Pizzaria. Danny Trejo and Craig Farmer filled in for most of the show, but there were a few songs they didn't know. The fill in performers walked off the stage and left Graysin and Dean. The two looked at each other and nodded ready to rock. That was the day Dean became a legend. Graysin Slade is more than a musician and his band is no exception. It is the embodiment of rock n' roll attitude and an extension of Graysin's fearlessness. If you are in The Graysin Slade Band you need to always want to rock and never back down no matter the odds. On this day Dean solidified his spot in Graysin Slade history.
Graysin had never sang in front of people and Dean didn't even know the songs completely and on top of that Dean was sick as a dog. Did they back down? No, they faced the crowd and put on a hell of a first performance.
...To be continued in "Paco Origin"
Graysin - Lead Guitar/Vocals
Dean - Bass
Danny - Vocals
Craig - Drums