Ultimate Jam Night 117 – A Tribute To David Z at The Whisky

Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray and Ultimate Jam Night host Paulie Z

Ultimate Jam Night 117 – A Tribute To David Z, The Whisky, August 1, 2017

On this very special presentation of Ultimate Jam Night, the 117^th edition would be celebrating the life and times of David Zablidowsky – better known to the world at large as David Z.  A member of the almighty Adrenaline Mob as well as a participant within the prestigious Transiberian Orchestra empire, David Z inspired the world with his dynamic musical prowess and vibrantly magnetic personality.  A tragic accident on the road would end a life filled with a sense of adventure – and this episode of Ultimate Jam Night would be a tribute to a man whose extraordinary life has affected so many.  With a packed to the rafters Whisky and many people waiting outside just to be part of this celebration, a community came together for music and memories and the night would go down as one the very best and most powerful Ultimate Jam Nights in memory.  While there have been tributes to noted musicians such as David Bowie, Prince and Chris Cornell, this one had a tremendous impact because within the Ultimate Jam Night community, David Z was highly regarded as family.  And how extraordinarily moving it was to see his brother Paulie Z taking on master of ceremonies, along with all-star participants all across the board sharing their memories of David Z.

Jesse Hughes from Eagles Of Death Metal and Marq Torien of the Bulletboys

A passionate spoken tribute from Sebastian Bach was one of the most poignant moments of the event.  Musical guests such as Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Bruce Kulick of KISS, Dee Snider of Twisted Sister, Rikki Rockett of Poison, Marq Torien of the Bulletboys, Jesse Hughes from Eagles Of Death Metal, Richie Kotzen and Billy Sheehan of The Winery Dogs, and so many more made this an inspirational event to remember.  This would be in addition to the always outstanding Ultimate Jam Night house band, featuring Mitch Perry of MSG and The Sweet on guitar, Walter Ino of Survivor on keyboards, Sean McNaab on Lynch Mob on bass, and Joe Travers of Duran Duran on drums.  Ultimate Jam Night founder Chuck Wright was also present as well as his Quiet Riot bandmate Frankie Banali.

The pairing of Dee Snider, Jesse Blaze Snider and Jesse’s son performing Twisted Sister songs was absolutely sublime, especially their wondrously unexpected rendition of We’re Not Gonna Take It.  The Winery Dogs would leave a staggering impression followed by the grand debut of the new super group Sons Of Apollo featuring lead vocals by Jeff Scott Soto!  And there was not a dry eye in the house when Marq Torien and Jesse Hughes teamed up for a stunning rendition of With A Little Help From My Friends.  It was clearly obvious that David Z had a ton of friends in the house, and his massive talents and infectious personality will be missed.  “If there’s a heaven, we know David is in it. Please join me in helping me say goodbye and good luck on his new journey…” was the sendoff as a gloriously epic performance of Knocking On Heaven’s Door concluded the show, featuring a full choir headed by Kevin Parker Robinson.  The legacy of David Z will continue to spread light and inspire many for the rock and roll years to come!

David Zablidowsky, was an active in developing young people through music. To continue his legacy, the David Z Scholarship Fund has been created for the music school at Brooklyn College. Contributions can be made at the event or via the following secure web address:  http://davidzfund.com/

Ultimate Jam Night continues on every Tuesday at the world famous Whisky A Go Go.

(Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Jack Lue)

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