And a loser I will be…
I’m sure you native New Yorkers are well aware of a local phenomenon known as
‘The Loser’s Lounge’ has a sort of Rocky Horror buzz about it, in that the audience of loyal fans of the production enter into the spirit by dressing up for the part, and those smart enough to get reservations know to show up early to ensure a good seat as a line usually starts forming at least an hour before the doors open. The shows tend to be quite long (from about 9 until midnight) and, with such a prolific back-catalogue as David’s to choose from, the cast should have no problem filling at least the normal running time for this unique performance of Bowie tunes.
The Loser’s Lounge is organised by session keyboardist Joe McGinty, whose credits include the Psychedelic Furs, Jewel, Space Hog, Ronnie Spector, and the Ramones. For each show, there is a “house band”, the Kustard Kings, and a cavalcade of guest singers. Though the emphasis is on fun and entertainment, the band (sometimes enhanced by strings, horns, and back-up singers), works hard to faithfully recreate the classic arrangements of the original songs.
At any given tribute night, you’ll hear well-known hits, overlooked gems, and long-lost rarities. The singers are a revolving cast of regulars that include up-and-coming performers from the east village music scene. The show has attracted its fair share of celebrity guest performers too including: Debbie Harry, Andy Richter, Cyndi Lauper, J. Mascis, Fountains of Wayne, They Might Be Giants, Bob Mould, Jules Shear, Fred Schneider, Billy Strych, Ronnie Spector and Space Hog.
‘The Loser’s Lounge’ is at the Westbeth Theater Center on September 27, 28, 29 and October 4, 5, 6. Go